Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 11.09 Social Sciences
Presentation #1 Title
The 50th Anniversary of the War on Poverty: What Worked?
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the historic War on Poverty. The impact this federal legislation had on central Appalachia was immense. In particular, the organizing efforts of several local groups and volunteers dramatically shaped the lasting effects we see today. In this session, we will explore some of the more successful initiatives brought on or created by War on Poverty. We will look closely at Appalshop, Head Start, and citizens law centers.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Ada Smith is from Whitesburg, KY. She graduated from Hampshire College and has been rooted at home ever since. Ada is currently the Institutional Development Director for Appalshop, a multidisciplinary arts and education center in the heart of the coalfields. She is also a founding member of The STAY Project- a youth-run, multi-issue central Appalachian regional network.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Since 1969 when he was a high school student, Herb Smith has played an active role in Appalshop. Smith continues to make films in the area where he was raised. His films explore cultural, social and economic issues of the Appalachian region. His films and videotapes have been shown throughout the country in venues from community centers and union halls to the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. International screenings of his work include Paris, Berlin, Rome, Calcutta, Bombay and Chengdu.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Originally from Massachusetts, Jill Hatch was active in Head Start initiatives throughout eastern Kentucky. She continues to provide professional development for teachers and is active in grant writing for several local development programs.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
John M. Rosenberg was the Director of Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc. (AppalReD), since it first received funding from the Office of Economic Opportunity in 1970. He held the directors position for over twenty-eight years before retiring.
The 50th Anniversary of the War on Poverty: What Worked?
Harris Hall 234
2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the historic War on Poverty. The impact this federal legislation had on central Appalachia was immense. In particular, the organizing efforts of several local groups and volunteers dramatically shaped the lasting effects we see today. In this session, we will explore some of the more successful initiatives brought on or created by War on Poverty. We will look closely at Appalshop, Head Start, and citizens law centers.
