Having long been in this region, Black Appalachians remain mostly invisible, while the dominant narratives of Appalachia depict an overwhelming, white cultural homogeneity. The Black in Appalachia Podcast challenges these misconceptions by highlighting how Black families have shaped and have been shaped by the region. Through historical and contemporary stories of people, places and experiences, hosts Enkeshi El-Amin and Angela Dennis interrogate what it means to be Black in Appalachia, creating space where under-told stories can be heard and Black identity can be reclaimed.
Having long been in this region, Black Appalachians remain mostly invisible, while the dominant narratives of Appalachia depict an overwhelming, white cultural homogeneity. The Black in Appalachia Podcast challenges these misconceptions by highlighting how Black families have shaped and have been shaped by the region. Through historical and contemporary stories of people, places and experiences, hosts Enkeshi El-Amin and Angela Dennis interrogate what it means to be Black in Appalachia, creating space where under-told stories can be heard and Black identity can be reclaimed.
On this episode of the podcast Enkeshi and Pumpkin talk about Black people’s relationship with swimming and pools in America. We discuss the stats, dispel the myths, explore the racist histories and share the stories from Black experiences in Appalachia. Guests on this episode include swim advocate Beverly McCloud Iseghohi, University of Montana Professor, Dr. Jeff Wiltse, Black Appalachian author Malaika Adero and Knoxville based cultural worker Aishia Brown.