Our lives involve a history and current reality of brilliance and struggle. The complexities are many, but connection guides our celebration of blackness and also our strategy for change. Our beautiful existence intersects with state violence and erasures amongst systems of racism and economic injustice.
Black, Appalachian, Young & Rising
So what does it mean to live here, be young, and be Black? Our gathering and consequent network will analyze this question and push this analysis into collective action. We will be creating a dignified and autonomous space for Black youth to:
1) define Black Appalachian joy and identity for ourselves
What encompasses our joy and who we are?
2) begin a restorative process for Black leadership in regional youth networks such as Stay Together Appalachian Youth (STAY)
What does it take for us to thrive?
and
3) celebrate the many shades and melodies of our existence
We out here,yall!
So how can you contribute to Black Appalachian futures?
Donate to support the Black Appalachian Young & Rising work!