The Danger of a Single Story: Affrilachian Experiences in West Virginia Policy, Economy, and Resilience

This research project sought to understand the various issues facing Black communities in West Virginia and the efforts being made by Affrilachian (African Americans in Appalachia) people and communities to address the issues that they face and to build spaces and initiatives that support Affrilachian communities to survive and thrive. The contributions of Black West Virginians to the region have often gone ignored in mainstream histories and continue to be ignored by mainstream media. However, this project seeks highlight the significant organizing that is being done by Affrilachians, illustrating that although Black people only make up 3.8% of West Virginia’s population, the stories of Black communities in West Virginia stories need to be told.