Who We Are
Our Founder
“When we bring our stories together, we have collective power.”
– Archbishop Marcia Dinkins, PhD
Justice-Centered Thought Leader
Bishop Marcia Dinkins, Founder and Executive Director of The Black Appalachian Coalition, is a pioneer in addressing the social, political, and racial inequities that persist in Appalachian communities.
For decades, she has championed the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians, ensuring they are no longer invisiblized. Her work embodies the principle of justice, serving as a rallying cry for transformative action and policy change.
BLAC’s initiatives are rooted in a deep understanding of systemic racism and economic disparity. Bishop’s leadership has empowered marginalized communities to access resources and rewrite their narratives. BLAC’s vision for justice extends beyond advocacy; it is about building hope, amplifying voices, and sustaining a movement centered on equity.
Who We Are
Legacy & Leadership
BLAC’s leadership reflects Marcia’s identity as a Black woman, clergy member, and mother. Her legacy is one of resilience, advocacy, and faith-driven action.
Founder &
Executive Director of BLAC
Spearheaded systemic change as the Founder and Executive Director of BLAC across 28 states and three countries.
Visionary of the 
’Free 
Bresha Campaign’
Orchestrated a groundbreaking movement that reshaped the global narrative around youth justice.
Architect of Collaborative Networks
Established powerful alliances across Appalachia to amplify marginalized voices and foster collective impact.
Faith-Driven Advocacy
Leader
Combined spirituality with activism to break the secular and sacred divide in an effort to mobilize communities toward transformative change.
Resilient Visionary
Marcia’s vision for The Black Appalachian Coalition transcends traditional advocacy. At its core, BLAC is a vehicle for storytelling, amplifying the power of personal and collective narratives to drive systemic change. By centering the experiences of Black Appalachians, BLAC creates a trauma-informed movement that fosters understanding, empathy, and action.
Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, Bishop has positioned BLAC as a beacon of hope in challenging times. The organization equips communities with tools and resources to confront systemic barriers, while fostering spaces for healing and growth. This transformative vision redefines what it means to advocate for justice in the 21st century.
Journey of Transformation
BLAC’s journey has been one of relentless dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and driving transformative change across communities. Here’s a timeline that highlights impactful organizational milestones under Bishop Marcia’s leadership in advancing climate justice, elevating community leadership, and enacting policy reform.
Laying the Foundation For Change
2021
Launched The Black Appalachian Coalition to address the social, political and racial issues across the Appalachian region.
Building Collective Power
2021
Advocated for the equitable distribution of federal resources, securing $2M for invisablized communities throughout Appalachia.
Deepening Connections
2022
Strengthened a regional network of Black leaders, organizations, and advocates who are committed to justice, equity, and adaptability in Appalachia.
Expanding Reach
2023
Hosted a storytelling summit attended by 300+ Appalachian community leaders.
Shaping the Future
2024
Developed, trained, and facilitated workshops across the country on trauma-Informed approaches to social change and healing-centered engagement.
