NEWSActivism in Action
#ThisIsAppalachia: Hope for 2023
The board members and staff of the Appalachian Community Fund were invited to share their hopes for Appalachia in 2023, from their personal or regional views.
“Tennessee voters get chance to — yes — ban slavery.”
Ending slavery is an unfinished task in Tennessee and nine other states.
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has an exception to the ban on slavery: a loophole for allowing slavery for punishment of crime. Tennessee votes this fall to amend the Tennessee constitution to end slavery.
#ThisIsAppalachia: Kentucky Teacher of the Year 2022
Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr., was named the Kentucky Teacher of the Year. He was honored at the White House this spring. But despite the recognition, he may not return to the classroom next fall. Carver teaches high school and college-level French and English at Montgomery County High School in Mt, Sterling, Kentucky in the Appalachian foothills. As a "proud gay man", he sounds a message of concern.
#ThisIsAppalachia/ Florence Reece: Which Side Are You On?
The May 2022 issue of #ThisIsAppalachia celebrates Appalachia's working people and their families. We do so by remembering Florence Reece who inspired so many with lyrics put to paper at difficult moments of union organizing. Her song, Which Side Are You On? remains an anthem today for labor and other movements from Appalachia and throughout the world.
Support ACF's LGBTQ Fund
In line with hopefulness, we share some thoughts about ACF's LGBTQ Fund.
LGBTQ folks in Central Appalachia are organizing for equality and equity in their own hometowns.
Being affirmed as a whole person is a special gift of the impressive number of Appalachian LGBTQ movement organizations, often small, and volunteer. You can support their efforts.
#ThisIsAppalachia: American Chestnut
In the living memory of many Appalachian residents, the American Chestnut tree was almost an iconic part of life. It provided food, wood for homes, shelter for animals, and cool shade. And today, the American Chestnut is functionally extinct. Don Davis has followed the story of the American Chestnut through the mountains of Appalachia and even abroad to parts of Europe and Asia. He shares here the efforts to bring back this important tree.
