Black churches span the Mountain State, from Harpers Ferry to Charleston. But maintaining these sites is a matter of preserving both architecture and culture.
This week, we talk to the BBC’s Philip Reevell and reporter Katie Myers about a recent documentary that looks at Kentucky flood recovery through the eyes of local reporter Katie Myers.
She not only covered the disaster but was also part of the cleanup effort.
We also meet a family who survived the flood and found solace through faith and song.
And we meet Kentucky actress Caroline Clay. She stars in a new musical with Dukes of Hazzard actor John Schneider.
You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
Katie Myers is a reporter at WMMT/Appalshop in Whitesburg, Kentucky and has worked with the Folkways program. She covered the floods and flood recovery in eastern Kentucky last year and then worked with BBC reporter Philip Reevell to help guide him and his listeners through the region.
They talked with us about the experience.
Recovering From Disaster Through Faith
Folkways Reporter Nicole Musgrave also lives in the area affected by last year’s flooding and was part of a volunteer group helping with flood cleanup. During that work, she met James and Ruby Boggs, who lived in a flooded coal camp. A month later, Nicole caught up with the Boggs family and heard about the joy that comes from the soothing music of an old family guitar.
Keeping Track Of Important Documents For Aging Parents
Taking care of aging parents is more than just managing errands and doctors appointments. It’s also having all the necessary documents to handle complicated circumstances as they arise.
WVPB’s Eric Douglas has been exploring the many issues that come with caring for elders and spoke with West Virginia lawyer Franki Parsons about necessary documents in case of accident, illness or death.
Caroline Clay Talks About Her Big Break
Eastern Kentucky native Caroline Clay has been acting for several years, but may have just caught her first big break in the faith-based musical, “The Confession.”
Based on the book series by Beverly Lewis, the musical also stars John Scheider, best known as Bo Duke from “The Dukes of Hazzard” television show.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Ona, The Sycomores and Waylon Jennings.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. Zander Aloi also helped produce this episode.
You can send us an email at InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
On this West Virginia Morning, we dive into the preservation of historic Black churches across the Mountain State and the nation. Plus, in the latest installment of our series “Now What? A Series on Parenting,” we’ll hear about efforts to train new child care professionals.
The woman behind the popular TikTok account “Appalachian Forager” makes jam from wild pawpaws … and jewelry from coyote teeth. We also talk with the hosts of a new podcast that looks at coal dust exposure beyond the mines, affecting people far downstream from Appalachia. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
On this West Virginia Week, lawmakers returned to the capitol for interim committee meetings and a special session of the West Virginia Legislature. We’ll talk about some of the policy decisions lawmakers made.
On this West Virginia Morning, we learn about an incident at a state-run psychiatric facility, we meet a TikTok sensation who forages in Appalachia and we listen to our Mountain Stage Song of the Week.