BLAC
Re-Membering
Podcast

Meet Stephanie Hickling Beckman

Stephanie Hickling Beckman, a respected figure in Asheville's theater community, holds a diverse range of roles as an actress, stage manager, and director. As the co-director of Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective, she plays a pivotal role in promoting diverse voices and representation in theater. Her dedication to showcasing original works by black and queer playwrights and her commitment to providing equitable opportunities for underrepresented artists have solidified her position as an influential advocate for inclusivity and representation in the performing arts. With a keen focus on bridging cultural gaps through theater, Stephanie's work is a testament to her unwavering dedication to increasing visibility and recognition for black voices in the industry.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the strategies for promoting and amplifying black narratives on stage for greater cultural impact.
• Discover the innovative initiatives driving change and empowerment within the performing arts community.
• Learn the significance of diverse representation and its influence on shaping inclusive and authentic storytelling in theater.
• Uncover the essential steps for providing equitable opportunities and support for underrepresented playwrights in the industry.
• Unveil the transformative potential of theater in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding and empathy.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Meet NitaJade

Nita Jade, a distinguished poet and narrative organizer, offers a poignant account of their upbringing in North Carolina and the profound impact of cultural influences on their personal journey. From experiencing homelessness in Hendersonville to finding solace in poetry, Nita's narrative reflects a deep resilience and unwavering commitment to community connections. Their unique perspective sheds light on the complexities of navigating racial dynamics in various environments, emphasizing the significance of mental wellness and community support in overcoming adversity. Nita's compelling story serves as a testament to the strength found in embracing one's cultural heritage while striving for healing and resilience.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the transformative power of community support in overcoming homelessness.
• Explore the profound influence of cultural background on personal development.
• Navigate the complexities of racial dynamics across different environments.
• Find strength and healing in the art of poetry.
• Uncover the critical link between clean air and water and community health.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Meet Alona Norwood

Alona Norwood (she/hers) is originally from the small town of Elizabethton in Northeast Tennessee. She attended Berea College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Social Justice. Upon graduation in 2020 she went on to work as a Community Archivist for the nonprofit Black in Appalachia: Education, Research and Support. The mission of BIA is to dispel inaccuracies and stereotypes about the history of Appalachia by uplifting the narratives of Black people in and around the region. They do this by collecting personal artifacts, school records, oral histories and podcast episodes through collaboration with community members, churches, historical/cultural repositories and academic institutions. Alona obtained her Masters of Information Science with a concentration in Archives and Records Management from UNC Chapel Hill in 2024. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the invaluable contributions of Black women librarians in Appalachia, uncovering untold stories and perspectives in the region's history.
• Discover the profound impact of community archiving on Black history, revealing hidden narratives and empowering marginalized voices.
• Uncover the pivotal role of HBCUs in shaping successful careers in librarianship, offering unique perspectives and opportunities for aspiring professionals.
• Embrace radical empathy in archival practices, fostering inclusivity and understanding in preserving diverse cultural heritage.
• Engage with the enriching experiences of the Black in Appalachia community, gaining insight into their history, culture, and resilience.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

My special guest is Ashley Smith

Ashley C. Smith is widely recognized as the co-founder and COO of Black Soil Kentucky, a prominent figure in advocating for sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of Black agricultural practitioners. Holding a Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology from the University of Kentucky, Smith has demonstrated remarkable leadership in various agricultural organizations, including the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Agribusiness and Industry Council. Her efforts have been instrumental in fostering community-based agricultural education programs and promoting alternative economies within Black communities. Smith's initiatives have significantly contributed to reconnecting Black Kentuckians to their agricultural heritage and legacy, making her a pivotal force in the realm of sustainable and community-focused agriculture. Her profound dedication and influential role have solidified her position as a key figure in advancing the interests and welfare of Black farmers, chefs, and makers.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Discover the groundbreaking Black Soil Kentucky initiative and its impact on sustainable agriculture in Black communities. 

· Explore the transformative potential of alternative economies within Black communities and their role in fostering economic empowerment. 

· Uncover the profound influence of agriculture on Black heritage and its significance in preserving cultural identity. 

· Learn effective strategies to support and uplift Black farmers, contributing to a more equitable agricultural landscape. 

· Engage with community-based agricultural education programs that empower and educate individuals on sustainable farming practices. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Meet John Cain

John is the Program Director for Kentucky Kids Eat, the statewide child hunger relief program of Feeding Kentucky. As the KKE Program Director, he manages No Kid Hungry Kentucky, a partnership campaign between Share Our Strength and Feeding Kentucky to end child hunger in the state. Aligned with Feeding Kentucky's mission to create a hunger-free Commonwealth, John's work focuses on connecting kids to healthy foods 365 days a year using KKE's signature 4P's to Hunger Free Approach: publicize the problem of child food insecurity and hunger among KY kids; promote evidence-based strategies that reduce child food insecurity including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, the Community Eligibility Provision, SNAP, and the USDA Summer Nutrition Programs from Kids, partner with the private-public section to put those strategies into practice, and push for federal and state policies that reduce child food insecurity.  

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the vital strategies for ending child hunger in Kentucky. 
• Discover the impactful ways summer meal programs improve child food security. 
• Uncover the crucial role of federal nutrition programs in reducing food insecurity. 
• Learn about effective strategies for expanding access to school breakfast. 
• Understand the importance of community support in fighting child hunger. 

Resources:

• For more information on Summer EBT and Summer Meal programs, visit the Feeding Kentucky website and click on the Programs tab, then select Child Hunger Relief for eligibility screening and application links. 
• Access the USDA Hunger Hotline for live assistance from 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday Eastern time by calling the telephone number provided on the Feeding Kentucky website. 
• Utilize the USDA site Finder tool available on the Feeding Kentucky website to locate summer meal sites in your community. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

The episode offers a compelling perspective on the multifaceted role of doulas, the impact of cultural representation in doula care, and the essential need for holistic support and advocacy for black women in reproductive health. Tiffany's unwavering dedication to empowering and uplifting women through her work as a doula and herbalist, as well as her endeavors in fostering a supportive community, positions this episode as indispensable for individuals seeking to deliver culturally competent and holistic care to black mothers.

Meet Tiffany Bellfield

Tiffany was raised in rural Madison County, Kentucky. She grew up tobacco farming with her grandparents lived a homestead life and began community organizing in 2013 around education and food access. She is also a doula which we'll get into today, and her focus has always been family and children. She received her associates in sciences in 2015 and began working with Community Farm alliance in 2017. In 2014, Tiffany founded the Kentucky Black Farmers Association as their 1st executive director. She is a steward of her generational land and a conservationist, and she shares these roles with her daughter and her partners.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the unique challenges and triumphs of providing black doula services in Appalachia. 
• Understand the crucial role of cultural representation in doula care for black mothers and families. 
• Learn about specialized training and certification opportunities tailored for doulas of color. 
• Explore strategies for building a supportive and empowering community for black mothers during the childbirth experience. 
• Delve into the potential benefits of herbal remedies for postpartum care within the context of black maternal health. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Meet Nina Morgan

Nina Morgan is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she earned her B.A. in anthropology and sociology, mapped Birmingham’s urban tree canopy using GIS, and served as a decathlete in the 2017 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition. Her post-graduate work and interests span climate and environmental justice in Central Alabama, capacity building, youth organizing & sustainable agriculture. She currently works with the STAY Project, where she has the exciting opportunity to lead Black Appalachian Young & Rising (BAYR) alongside a brilliant team of folks who are committed to empowering black youth in Appalachia. In her free time Nina enjoys long drives on backroads with the music blasting, hiking with her dog and stewarding an off-grid homestead that she lovingly calls Humble Hill.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn effective environmental justice organizing strategies for community action. 
• Understand the impact of pollution on health and well-being. 
• Explore the pivotal role of community engagement in environmental advocacy. 
• Uncover the benefits of volunteering for environmental causes. 
• Discover effective approaches to addressing indoor air pollution challenges. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore innovative alternative economies that address specific community needs.
• Master financial literacy strategies tailored to underserved communities for sustainable empowerment.
• Uncover the profound impact of community currencies on local economies and social dynamics.
• Develop effective methods for building credit to achieve financial empowerment and stability.
• Understand the history and significance of Social Security numbers in shaping financial systems and policies.

Meet Lacy Watson

 Lacy Watson is a lifelong advocate for financial empowerment in underserved communities.  Based in Bluefield, West Virginia, he is a graduate student at Virginia Tech, researching the intersections of economic security, national security, and community development.  Mr. Watson has twice run for Congress in West Virginia’s 1st District and currently trades currency futures and crypto —bringing deep, real-world experience in risk management and market dynamics. As founder of a grassroots financial literacy initiative, his work revolves around the design and development of workshops on credit‐building, small-dollar lending, and cybersecurity for low-to-moderate-income audiences across Appalachia.  In collaboration with local CDFIs and community organizations, Lacy is developing innovative programs—such as “Green Loan” funds for home weatherization and micro-grants for entrepreneurs—that prioritize people over profits.  He holds a B.S. in Biology and an M.A. in Psychology, and his passion is equipping communities with the tools to thrive outside the constraints of traditional capitalism.

Connect with Lacy Watson

IG:  @votelacy

Twitter:  @votelacy

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Meet Ka'Sondra Brown

Ka'Sondra Brown, a resident of Stanford, Kentucky, brings a wealth of experiential knowledge to the discussion on fostering marginalized children. Raised in a close-knit community, Ka'Sondra's upbringing underscores the profound impact of childhood environment on adult outcomes. With a strong emphasis on the importance of community support in upbringing, her insights shed light on the challenges and rewards of foster parenting, the role of racial identity in foster care, and the significance of mental health awareness in minority communities. Ka'Sondra's advocacy for early health detection and screening for minorities further enriches her expertise, positioning her as a valuable voice in the discourse on fostering and upbringing.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how childhood environment shapes adulthood for foster children. 
• Explore the crucial role of community support in fostering marginalized children. 
• Uncover the challenges and rewards of being a foster parent in today's society. 
• Examine the impact of racial identity on the experiences of children in foster care. 
• Gain insight into mental health awareness within minority communities. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Meet Ashe Parker

Ashe Parker, a native of Harlan County, Kentucky, has resided in Lexington for 11 years, where she has been actively involved in creative work at Lex Studios. Her transition from the small mountain town to the city has provided her with firsthand insights into the differences in lifestyle and opportunities between the two environments. As a photographer, actress, model, and producer, Ashe's multifaceted career reflects her dedication to the arts and the thriving industry in Lexington. Drawing from her experiences, Ashe offers a practical perspective on the impact of surroundings on health and well-being, particularly the variations in air quality and lifestyle between small towns and cities. Her commitment to supporting young women's empowerment and self-esteem is evident through her active involvement in community initiatives and her personal journey, serving as a notable example for individuals seeking to navigate similar transitions and pursue career opportunities in urban settings.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover the secrets to seamlessly adapting from small town to city living and thriving in a new environment.
• Explore the contrasting experiences of small town and city life and unlock valuable insights to make the most of your urban experience.
• Uncover the abundant career prospects and artistic avenues in Lexington, empowering your creative aspirations and professional growth.
• Learn how your surroundings influence your well-being and gain strategies to optimize your health in any environment.
• Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to boost self-esteem, pursue personal growth, and seize career opportunities with confidence.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.