Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Black Appalachian Studies - Three Pioneers Gather
Session Abstract or Summary
Ed Cabbell, Wilburn Hayden, and Bill Turner – natives of Appalachian WV, NC, and KY – have combined roles as academics, researchers, and community organizers since 1968. Cabbell’s master’s thesis at Appalachian State University launched Black Appalachian Studies; Hayden served as President of the Appalachian Studies Association and Turner, once Distinguished NEH Professor of Black and Appalachian Studies at Berea College received the Association’s Williams/Brown Service Award. They will reflect on race matters in Appalachia.
Presentation #1 Title
Affrilachia - A Sociology of Knowledge and Literature Analysis of a New Appalachian Voice
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
A sociology of knowledge analysis of the Frank X. Walker-developed word, Affrilachia” draws attention to the social production of literature, its social implications and the relationship between creative ideas and the social context within which it arises, and its effects upon symbolic codes and lived reality.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Bill Turner, a native of Harlan County, Ky. and son of a coal miner, served as Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Studies at Berea College (2007-2012), co-edited with Ed Cabbell, Blacks in Appalachia (1984). He was Research Associate to Roots author Alex Haley and is currently Research Scientist Leader in the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center at Prairie View A&M University where he coordinates studies related to social issues affecting limited resource communities in Texas.
Presentation #2 Title
Critical Race Theory & Personal Reflections on the Continuing Problem of Racism in Appalachia
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Within Appalachia and the nation as a whole, we have made significant progress to eliminating racism and racial inequality. Yet within the diversity of the New Appalachia, much of the progress has been at the macro, organizational and institutional levels. Progressive voices have not been so clear at the individual level. Racism and unequal treatment by the individual through prejudice, discrimination, privilege, power and economic resources (consciously or un-consciously) continues to be heard. The New Appalachia must include strategies to end racism and inequality at the personal level. Appalachian people committed to addressing racism and racial inequality must challenge racism on a personal level at home and work with family and friends. The presentation will offer personal Appalachian situations of racism and inequality as a voice for reminding us of the work we must do in the New Appalachia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
A leading expert on Black Appalachians, Hayden joined York University as the Director of the School of Social Work in 2007 after a long and distinguished career of university teaching, academic leadership and social work practice. His last post before coming to York was at the California University of Pennsylvania where he was professor and director of the Master of Social Work Program. His book, Appalachian Black People: Identity, Location and Racial Barriers was released in Spring 2015. Black Canadians is his current research focus.
Presentation #3 Title
What I have seen, heard, read and said about diversity and unity along the Misty Mountains
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Cabbell goes back to his 1982 Patricia Beaver-mentored master’s thesis “References and Resources on Black Appalachians: A Bibliography on Auxiliary Southern Highlands” to reflect on the last four decades during which time he has been one of the single most important pioneering forces in bringing to light the heretofore “invisible” black experience in Appalachia. Blacks in Appalachia -- co-edited with Bill Turner followed Ed’s master’s thesis project – and has been hailed as the groundbreaking work that launched Appalachian African American Studies.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
The first African American to earn a Master’s degree in Appalachian Studies, Edward J. Cabbell was born and raised in McDowell County in southern WV. Cabbell graduated from Concord College in Athens, WV where he became an active torchbearer drawing light to the black Appalachian presence and experience He founded and headed a number of organizations that approach the black Appalachian cause from various angles, to include the John Henry Memorial Festival and John Henry Museum in Princeton, WV. Cabbell -- also a musician and poet – has performed unaccompanied spirituals during the Celebration of Traditional Music at Berea College: songs he learned from his grandmother (1890-1991), a miner’s wife.
Affrilachia - A Sociology of Knowledge and Literature Analysis of a New Appalachian Voice
A sociology of knowledge analysis of the Frank X. Walker-developed word, Affrilachia” draws attention to the social production of literature, its social implications and the relationship between creative ideas and the social context within which it arises, and its effects upon symbolic codes and lived reality.
