Novel Shares Story Of Historical Black Kingdom In Western North Carolina

Following the American Civil War, a group of freed people fled violence and bought land in Western North Carolina. In the summer of 1873, these people formed a Black communal society they named “The Kingdom of the Happy Land.” A new novel tells a story set in the kingdom, both in the past and in the present day. It’s titled, “Happy Land.” Host Mason Adams spoke with its author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

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Government WVPB Staff, Mar. 28, 2025

Proposed SNAP Work Requirements And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, the possible impacts of a proposed bill that would expand work requirements for SNAP food benefits, and our Song of the Week from The Headhunters.

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Arts & Culture Jim Lange, Apr. 28, 2022

Jess Baldwin: With All of Her Wildness

WV native Jess Baldwin's new EP Anima explores themes of finding her own original inner voice after years of self-repression.

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WVPB News Roxy Todd, Oct. 11, 2018

'Music Brought All Kinds of People Together' - Jazz Musician Bob Thompson on StoryCorps

StoryCorps recently visited Charleston, West Virginia to help over 100 people record their stories. One of the conversations recorded was between Mountain…

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WVPB News Liz McCormick, Jun. 21, 2018

Historic Mansion Comes to Life Through Wine & Jazz

Happy Retreat is a historic mansion in Charles Town that was once the home of Charles Washington – founder of Charles Town and brother to the nation’s…

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Radio Aug. 21, 2017

August 21, 1915: Jazz Singer Ann Baker Born

Jazz singer Ann Baker was born on August 21, 1915. She got her start performing in Pittsburgh jazz clubs and made her Broadway debut with Louis…

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Radio Matt Jackfert, Jul. 20, 2017

Composer David Amram to Perform on Mountain Stage

"Keep on pickin'"-- That's one of the many mantras of legendary composer, conductor, and performer David Amram. He used that mantra when sending out his…

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