Our lives involve a history and current reality of brilliance and struggle. The complexities are many, but connection guides our celebration of blackness and also our strategy for change. Our beautiful existence intersects with state violence and erasures amongst systems of racism and economic injustice.
Black, Appalachian, Young & Rising
So what does it mean to live here, be young, and be Black? Our gathering and consequent network will analyze this question and push this analysis into collective action. We will be creating a dignified and autonomous space for Black youth to:
1) define Black Appalachian joy and identity for ourselves
What encompasses our joy and who we are?
2) begin a restorative process for Black leadership in regional youth networks such as Stay Together Appalachian Youth (STAY)
What does it take for us to thrive?
and
3) celebrate the many shades and melodies of our existence
We out here,yall!
Our gathering will be occurring in November and will be coordinated by Black youth who are living in Central Appalachia and ready to build for what we want for our present and futures.
So how can you contribute to Black Appalachian futures?
Donate! We need funding for 7 advisory committee members’ labor to meet and shape this gathering and future actions, 3 coordinators to hold down logistics and communications, and travel support for 20 Appalachian youth to be together and build!
*This gathering is the work of Black Appalachian Youth for Black Appalachian Youth and not a program of the STAY Project - So why is it on STAY's website and what is the STAY Project's role in this gathering? Click Here to find out*
If you have questions, please contact Mekyah Davis at mekyahdavis.stayproject@gmail.com