BLAC Re-Membering Podcast
Welcome to the Black Appalachian Coalitions podcast entitled Black Re-Membering, where we will bring to you the heavy and the hope across the Ohio River Valley.
This is a place where we will let our souls wander. A place where we will sit in the ancestral hymns of what continues to be embedded in our soul and keeps us moving. This is a place where we will remind ourselves that we are deeply rooted in the fabric of the Appalachian region and that the Black Voice has something to say.
We want to remember who we are, and where we've come from. We are remembering our Black past and we are rooted, and we are here to stay. Welcome to Black Re-Membering. Here is where we hope that you find your place, your space, and your voice.
BLAC Re-Membering Podcast
Power and the Emotional Labor of Community Organizing with Ocean Smith
Uncover the transformative power of community education and youth empowerment. Join us as we speak with Oceanna Smith, Youth Organizer at WV ACLU and her journey to overcoming academic obstacles and uplifting young voices.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Empower young voices through impactful community projects, fostering leadership and collaboration skills in today's youth.
- Discover the profound healing power of art, offering a transformative journey towards personal well-being and growth.
- Expand horizons beyond traditional schooling, embracing the vital role of community education in shaping well-rounded individuals.
- Navigate the complexities of identity within predominantly white institutions, fostering resilience and self-empowerment in diverse environments.
Meet our guest, Ocean Smith
Ocean Smith, a recent graduate with a master's degree in community and organizational leadership and research, brings a unique perspective to the discussion on community projects and youth empowerment. Her specialization in visual art within the community education program at West Liberty University has equipped her with the knowledge and passion for empowering communities beyond traditional school systems. Through her extensive research on the perception of power in schools, Ocean has demonstrated a deep understanding of the obstacles and opportunities in academic research and the importance of art in personal healing. Her personal experiences and academic achievements make her a valuable voice in the conversation on navigating identity in predominantly white institutions and building meaningful intergenerational dialogue.
Connect with Ocean
- Instagram: @o.oceania
- Website: ACLU West Virginia
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.