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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
Archiving Black Appalachian History: Challenging the Status Quo
On this episode of the "Blac Re-Membering" podcast, guest Alona Norwood, a researcher and archivist from Berea College, shares her inspiring journey into archives and research. She discovered her passion during a peace and social justice class, where she explored the history of her small town in Elizabethan, Tennessee, igniting her fervor for the field. Alona's dedication led her to conduct independent historical research on a historically black school in her hometown, unveiling the significance of her community's contributions and the need to celebrate their overlooked achievements. Her insights into the transformative power of personal connections to history and the impact of community support make this episode essential listening. Alona's emphasis on radical empathy in archives and the significance of engaging with marginalized voices offers valuable perspectives. Her focus on the importance of representation, community-driven archiving, and the validation of marginalized experiences provides a compelling narrative that resonates with the broader theme of preserving and amplifying diverse voices. This episode offers a unique and insightful perspective on the power of historical research and archiving in shaping personal identity and fostering community pride.
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.