Mode of Program Participation
Community Organizing and Educational Programming
Participation Type
Committee Sponsored Session
Session Title
Building Transformative Communities and Collective People Power
Session Abstract or Summary
The Appalachian Studies Association conference is instrumental in gathering folks across race, class, sector, and interests. As the region gathers to uplift the hard work and achievements of those working towards a just economic transition, we must also discuss and dissect who’s most impacted and in what ways. This session will breakdown race, class, and privilege and dive deep into how systemic forms of oppression are manifested in our daily lives. We will discuss, strategize, and build collective analysis around the importance of acknowledging race and class privilege in an economic transition movement with lower and working class people at the forefront. Join us as we reimagine the future for Appalachia while fighting for equity, justice, and thriving communities.
Presentation #1 Title
Building Transformative Communities and Collective People Power
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The Appalachian Studies Association conference is instrumental in gathering folks across race, class, sector, and interests. As the region gathers to uplift the hard work and achievements of those working towards a just economic transition, we must also discuss and dissect who’s most impacted and in what ways. This session will breakdown race, class, and privilege and dive deep into how systemic forms of oppression are manifested in our daily lives. We will discuss, strategize, and build collective analysis around the importance of acknowledging race and class privilege in an economic transition movement with lower and working class people at the forefront. Join us as we reimagine the future for Appalachia while fighting for equity, justice, and thriving communities.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Kierra Sims is a Black Appalachian working to build thriving communities and collective people power throughout the South. She has worked on the Education Team at Highlander since May 2014 focusing on Seeds of Fire intergenerational organizing program and the Appalachian Transition Fellowship.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Samir joined Highlander’s Education Team in August 2015 and supports the Southern Grassroots Economies Project, economics and governance work, and Appalachian Transition Fellowship. Samir strongly believes in moving power and resources into communities that need them most and works hard to create just systems to support distribution of those resources.
Building Transformative Communities and Collective People Power
The Appalachian Studies Association conference is instrumental in gathering folks across race, class, sector, and interests. As the region gathers to uplift the hard work and achievements of those working towards a just economic transition, we must also discuss and dissect who’s most impacted and in what ways. This session will breakdown race, class, and privilege and dive deep into how systemic forms of oppression are manifested in our daily lives. We will discuss, strategize, and build collective analysis around the importance of acknowledging race and class privilege in an economic transition movement with lower and working class people at the forefront. Join us as we reimagine the future for Appalachia while fighting for equity, justice, and thriving communities.
