This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
Rising Above Appalachian Stereotypes for a Higher Education
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While it’s no longer politically correct to use racist, or gender-related remarks that stereotype groups of people, what about negative West Virginian or Appalachian stereotypes?
Appalachians are commonly stereotyped as white, lazy, tobacco smoking, overall-wearing, poor farmers with poor dental hygiene, no indoor plumbing, and no shoes.
So how does that influence the pursuit of an education? Well it depends on the individual Appalachian mindset. The conversation about the connection and possible impact continues with this second report.
Appalachian Stereotypes and the Impact on Student Success
Director of Retention at Concord University is Sarah Beasley. It’s her job to basically keep students enrolled and graduated at the university.
Beasley recently hosted a forum called, Appalachian Stereotypes and the Impact on Student Success.
Beasley’s interest grew out her dissertation research in Mingo County. She looked at college access and the success of rural first generation students. Beasley asked college bound or current college students to share any positive or negative stereotypes they know, about West Virginia or Appalachia.
PART TWO:
Meet two West Virginians that were treated ‘different’ while in college. Find out how they reacted.
PART ONE:
0924Stereotypes1WEB.mp3
Listen to hear two West Virginians describe how they were spoken to because of their Appalachian background.
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This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
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On this West Virginia Morning, not much has been known about Appalachia’s contributions to the Underground Railroad, but a Marshall University historian is documenting that history.
