Appalachia Talks Back

I am delighted that my work as an author is included in the 16th volume of Traditions: A Journal of West Virginia Folk Culture and Educational Awareness and published by The Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center. The article, "Old Fashioned Communism and Cultural Diversity in Appalachia," explores race, class and gender in the textile industry of North Carolina.

This edition of Traditions examines diversity in West Virginia and beyond, prompted by the Center's Diversity in Appalachia Lecture Series in 2018-2019, where I was invited as a guest lecturer to discuss the role of gender and race in the textile industry. The Folklife Center decided to bring a series of speakers on campus to complicate the conversation about that year's choice of Hillbilly Elegy as the "common read" for students.

Since my initial presentation our nation has weathered a deadly pandemic, ongoing protests against police brutality and systemic racism, a highly divisive presidential election, and an insurrection at the U.S. capital. Oh and Hillbilly Elegy was made into a movie. 

In these life changing times, I am thrilled to be a part of the conversation that complicates the role of Appalachian identity and encourages us to question assumptions and stereotypes of the past. 

If you would like a copy of this issue of Traditions please call the Folklife Center at 304-367-4403 or email wvfolklife@fairmontstate.edu  Suggested donation is $10 per copy