Participation Type
Workshop
Session Title
Session 10.16 Race and Ethnicity
Presentation #1 Title
Color Me Appalachian: Teaching Diverse Students About Appalachia
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This workshop explores teaching diverse students, particularly African Americans from urban environments, to understand issues and appreciate Appalachian culture. An article written by one of the presenters, Dr. Althea Webb, “Color Me Appalachian,” which appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education, frames the workshop. In the article, Dr. Webb describes her own experience of coming to Appalachia as an African American. Despite her expectations, it was like “coming home.” The workshop draws on her experience and that of her co-presenter, Dr. Meta Mendel-Reyes, who came to Appalachia from the West Coast. During the workshop, participants will explore their own experience of cultural intersection, either as a newcomer or an Appalachian. Then, the presenters will share practical methods that they have used in teaching diverse groups at Berea College. The participants will then discuss several scenarios that could occur during teaching. Finally, the participants will decide on a method or methods that they could use in their home institution.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Meta Mendel-Reyes teaches Peace and Social Justice at Berea College, where her courses include Diversity and Social Justice. A former labor organizer, she has been an activist for racial justice all her life.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Born and raised in Western Kentucky, Althea is a professor of Education at Berea College, and a migrant to the Central Appalachian region. Althea has adopted Eastern Kentucky as her home and she is working for greater understanding of the beauty, strength, and diversity of Appalachian culture.
Color Me Appalachian: Teaching Diverse Students About Appalachia
Harris Hall 235
This workshop explores teaching diverse students, particularly African Americans from urban environments, to understand issues and appreciate Appalachian culture. An article written by one of the presenters, Dr. Althea Webb, “Color Me Appalachian,” which appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education, frames the workshop. In the article, Dr. Webb describes her own experience of coming to Appalachia as an African American. Despite her expectations, it was like “coming home.” The workshop draws on her experience and that of her co-presenter, Dr. Meta Mendel-Reyes, who came to Appalachia from the West Coast. During the workshop, participants will explore their own experience of cultural intersection, either as a newcomer or an Appalachian. Then, the presenters will share practical methods that they have used in teaching diverse groups at Berea College. The participants will then discuss several scenarios that could occur during teaching. Finally, the participants will decide on a method or methods that they could use in their home institution.
