Join us on today's BLAC Re-Membering podcast to hear firsthand on the potential effects of cutting Medicaid for experts and providers.

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.

On this episode in our BLAC Alternative Economies series, guest Ashley C. Smith, the co-founder and COO of Black Soil Kentucky, shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of black farmers. Ashley's journey into agriculture was fueled by a vision to address the obstacles faced by black farmers, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between farmers and consumers with compassion and empathy. She highlights the mission of Black Soil Kentucky to empower black farmers and create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural community. The conversation delves into the initiatives and events organized by Black Soil Kentucky, such as the weekly farm share program, the Sprout Mobile pharmacy market, and the Heal Over a Meal program, all aimed at community-supported agriculture and farmer wellness. Ashley's deep understanding of the agricultural industry and her commitment to supporting black farmers make this episode essential for anyone interested in alternative economies and the resilience of black agricultural practitioners. Her valuable insights shed light on the challenges and successes within the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and solution-focused approaches.

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.

On this episode of the "Blac Re-Membering" podcast, guest John Cain, the Kentucky Kids Eat program director for Feeding Kentucky, shares his experiences growing up in rural Appalachia and his work in addressing child hunger. John's personal background and professional role provide an insightful perspective on the impact of poverty and federal aid programs on the Appalachian community. His emphasis on the prevalence of child food insecurity in Kentucky, the significance of federal nutrition programs, and the strategies for expanding access to school breakfast programs makes this episode essential for community advocates and educators working with children in Appalachia. Additionally, John's advocacy for equitable access to affordable and healthy food in rural areas, especially during the summer months, offers valuable insights for combating child hunger. The episode's focus on addressing food insecurity and promoting equity in access to essential resources makes it a compelling resource for those dedicated to improving the well-being of children in Appalachia.

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.

In this episode of the Black Appalachian Coalition's podcast, Black Re-Membering, Tiffany Bellfield, the founder of The Floating Lotus, provides a comprehensive exploration of the critical role of doulas and holistic care for black mothers. Drawing from her personal journey, Tiffany's firsthand experiences of inadequate resources during her pregnancy and motherhood underscore her deep understanding of the challenges faced by women, particularly those in marginalized communities. Her emphasis on culturally competent care and hands-on training for doulas underscores the significance of her insights.

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.

On this episode of the Black Re-Membering podcast, Nina Morgan shares her journey into environmental advocacy, highlighting her experiences with Global Awareness and Action (GAS) and the Greater Birmingham alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP). Nina's personal background and upbringing, coupled with her role as a climate and environmental justice organizer, underscore her expertise in addressing environmental challenges, particularly indoor air pollution. The conversation delved into the impact of environmental injustice on marginalized communities, emphasizing the interconnected nature of environmental issues and the significance of grassroots organizing. Nina's insights on actionable steps for getting involved in environmental advocacy, including volunteering and raising awareness, provide a compelling call to action for listeners. Her emphasis on the importance of individual engagement and the diverse opportunities for volunteerism offers valuable insights for anyone interested in environmental activism. This episode serves as a model for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the environmental sector and highlights the critical need for ongoing efforts to address environmental injustices.

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.

Join us in our BLAC Alternatives Series with our first special guest Lacy Watson. Lacy Watson's initiation into the realm of financial literacy and community currencies stemmed from his early exposure to financial intricacies in the black community. His first job instilled in him the significance of saving and forward-thinking financial planning. As he advanced in his education, the pivotal role of financial literacy in shaping one's economic journey became increasingly apparent. His insights into community currencies and the historical impact of institutions like the Freedmen's Bank reflect a keen awareness of the economic hurdles encountered by minority communities. These experiences have propelled Lacy into a dedicated advocacy role, striving to augment financial empowerment and community engagement.

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.

On today's episode the Black Appalachian Coalition's podcast, Black Re-Membering, Ka'Sondra Brown shares her experiences and insights on the profound impact of community, mentorship, and intentional relationships on personal growth and parenting. As a foster parent and advocate, Ka'Sondra's upbringing in a small town, where the sense of community and the ethic of looking out for one another shaped her, offers a unique perspective on the importance of community support in upbringing. Her emphasis on advocating for marginalized voices, addressing uncomfortable conversations about race and culture, and fostering an environment of love and equality for all children, whether biological or foster, underscores the valuable insights she brings to the conversation. Ka'Sondra's commitment to creating a nurturing environment for all children and her dedication to advocating for important social and mental health issues within the community make this episode a compelling listen for foster parents seeking community support and understanding in upbringing marginalized children.

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.

Join us as we kick off our BLAC Alternatives Podcast series on The BLAC Re-Membering podcast. In this series we will explore the concept of Alternative Economies in Appalachia including trading services and resources within the community and emphasizing the value of prioritizing people and the environment over profit. This series will share how close-knit communities support and share resources from within. This series is essential for anyone interested in discovering and implementing alternative economic practices in their own lives.

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.