What We Do
Policy & Advocacy
“The Black Appalachian Coalition has opened up opportunities to link our rich regional legacy with public policy and address the heavy ‘kitchen table issues’ while revealing the persistent hope that resides in our communities.”
– Marie Cochran (Toccoa, GA)
Black Women For Change
Black Women for Change (BWC) a multi-issue sister organization of BLAC. BWC is led by Black women that connects the voices of black women, women of color, clergy, and faith leaders to build power and win campaigns on issues of healthcare, maternal health, racial and economic justice, violence against women, harm reduction, and trauma within our community.
BLAC Policy Platform
Historically, Black people have been missing from the policymaking table. Too often, participatory policymaking does not include us. That is why we have developed a policy platform that addresses systemic inequalities, empowers Black voices, and fosters inclusive prosperity for all.
Our platform includes: Cultural Preservation, Environmental Justice & Sustainable Development, Equitable Healthcare Access & Community Wellness, Economic Empowerment & Equitable Development, and Healing Justice & Trauma-Informed Practices.
BLAC Storytelling & Policy Summit
A gathering of hearts, histories, and hope across Appalachia and beyond.
For three days, voices from across Appalachia gathered with honesty, courage, and love for our communities. This comprehensive report captures the powerful testimonies, shared struggles, and collective vision that emerged from our historic summit.
Inside This Report:
- Community voices addressing environmental racism and coal/steel mill pollution
- Solutions for healthcare access, housing security, and food justice
- Leadership development strategies and healing-centered approaches
- Pathways from harm to healing in Appalachian communities
- A roadmap for building thriving, community-led networks
