Lessons from Battle of Blair Mountain

WV’s Battle of Blair Mountain happened 100 years ago, but what’s its significance for working people today? That’s the topic explored by historians, authors, artists, and activists who make the case that understanding what the miners and their families were fighting for will help us all understand the challenges that working people are facing today. […]

Black Lung Benefits Endangered

This month Making Connections News features an August 13th webinar, Black Lung: People, Power and Policy. At this virtual event, Gary Hairston, President of the National Black Lung Association, describes the way in which the disease is diminishing his life, while Debbie Wills, who helps miners at one of West Virginia’s Black Lung Clinics, details […]

Black Appalachian Coalition Launched

The June 18th launch of the Black Appalachian Coalition in partnership with the NAACP is the focus of this episode. The launch featured a discussion of black invisibility in the Appalachian region and an urgent call to include African Americans and their communities in regional redevelopment efforts being considered by President Biden and congress. Frank […]

Reclaim, Renew, Repurpose

Appalachian advocates see brighter future with energy policy, RECLAIM Act, AML Reauthorization, efforts to rebuild coalfields communities.