United Shades of America Season 7 Episode 2 Black Appalachia

In season 7 episode 2 of United Shades of America, host W. Kamau Bell explores the often-overlooked Black community in Appalachia. Through interviews with locals and historians, Bell delves into the rich history of Black people in the region and the challenges they face today.

The episode begins with Bell meeting with Dr. William Turner, a professor of Appalachian and African American Studies at Berea College in Kentucky. Turner explains that Black people have been in Appalachia since the region was first settled, but their stories have often gone untold.

Bell then travels to Lynch, Kentucky, a once-thriving coal town that was founded by a coal company in the 1910s. At its peak, Lynch had a population of around 10,000 people, including a large Black community, which was unusual for the time. Bell speaks with several residents, including retired coal miner William Leece, who recalls the difficult working conditions in the mines and the discrimination he faced as a Black miner.

Next, Bell visits the nearby town of Benham, which was also founded by a coal company. He meets with Dorothy Gilliam, a retired journalist who was the first Black female reporter at The Washington Post. Gilliam grew up in Benham and recalls the community's strong sense of unity and support.

Bell also speaks with local activist Lorraine Saylor, who is working to preserve the history of Black Appalachia through her organization, the Black in Appalachia Project. Saylor takes Bell to several historic sites in the area, including the Mary Helen Gallery, which was a hub for Black artists and musicians in Lynch during the 1940s and 1950s.

Throughout the episode, Bell confronts the stereotypes and misconceptions that many people hold about Appalachia and its Black community. He meets with historian Ronald Eller, who explains that the popular image of Appalachia as a homogeneous, white region is largely a myth. Eller notes that Black people have been an integral part of the region's history, contributing to its culture and economy.

Bell also speaks with Reverend Albert Love, who has been a pastor in the region for over 40 years. Love discusses the challenges facing the Black community in Appalachia, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and systemic racism. He notes that while things have improved since he first came to the region, there is still a long way to go.

Overall, United Shades of America's Black Appalachia episode provides a nuanced look at a community that is often overlooked and misunderstood. Through its mix of personal stories, historical context, and exploration of current issues, the episode sheds light on the rich and complex history of Black people in Appalachia and the challenges they face today.