On this episode of the Black Appalachian Coalition's podcast, guest Stephanie Hickling Beckman, a dedicated advocate for promoting black voices in theater, shares her inspiring journey with the Black Appalachian Coalition podcast. Her passion for representation and inclusivity shines through her work with Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective, where she creates opportunities for black and queer playwrights to showcase their original pieces. Stephanie's commitment to bridging cultural gaps through theater is evident in her efforts to support and uplift underrepresented artists. Her unwavering dedication to increasing visibility and recognition for black voices in theater is not only a professional endeavor but also a personal mission, driven by her desire to create a more inclusive and diverse industry for future generations. Stephanie's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the transformative impact of amplifying underrepresented voices in the performing arts.

Meet Stephanie Hickling Beckman

Stephanie Hickling Beckman, a respected figure in Asheville's theater community, holds a diverse range of roles as an actress, stage manager, and director. As the co-director of Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective, she plays a pivotal role in promoting diverse voices and representation in theater. Her dedication to showcasing original works by black and queer playwrights and her commitment to providing equitable opportunities for underrepresented artists have solidified her position as an influential advocate for inclusivity and representation in the performing arts. With a keen focus on bridging cultural gaps through theater, Stephanie's work is a testament to her unwavering dedication to increasing visibility and recognition for black voices in the industry.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the strategies for promoting and amplifying black narratives on stage for greater cultural impact.
• Discover the innovative initiatives driving change and empowerment within the performing arts community.
• Learn the significance of diverse representation and its influence on shaping inclusive and authentic storytelling in theater.
• Uncover the essential steps for providing equitable opportunities and support for underrepresented playwrights in the industry.
• Unveil the transformative potential of theater in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding and empathy.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

In this episode of Blac Re-Membering, the conversation with Nita Jade, a poet with a diverse background, delves into her personal experiences growing up in various living environments, including overcoming homelessness and the impact of cultural background on her personal development. Nita's journey from adversity to resilience provides valuable insights for individuals facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of community support, personal growth, and the significance of environmental factors on well-being. Her reflections on navigating racial dynamics and finding strength in poetry offer a unique perspective, making this episode a compelling listen for those seeking inspiration and understanding in the face of adversity. Nita's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and the impact of cultural heritage on personal development, making it a valuable resource for individuals navigating similar experiences and seeking to build mental wellness and resilience through community connections.

Meet NitaJade

Nita Jade, a distinguished poet and narrative organizer, offers a poignant account of their upbringing in North Carolina and the profound impact of cultural influences on their personal journey. From experiencing homelessness in Hendersonville to finding solace in poetry, Nita's narrative reflects a deep resilience and unwavering commitment to community connections. Their unique perspective sheds light on the complexities of navigating racial dynamics in various environments, emphasizing the significance of mental wellness and community support in overcoming adversity. Nita's compelling story serves as a testament to the strength found in embracing one's cultural heritage while striving for healing and resilience.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the transformative power of community support in overcoming homelessness.
• Explore the profound influence of cultural background on personal development.
• Navigate the complexities of racial dynamics across different environments.
• Find strength and healing in the art of poetry.
• Uncover the critical link between clean air and water and community health.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

On this episode of the "Blac Re-Membering" podcast, guest Alona Norwood, a researcher and archivist from Berea College, shares her inspiring journey into archives and research. She discovered her passion during a peace and social justice class, where she explored the history of her small town in Elizabethan, Tennessee, igniting her fervor for the field. Alona's dedication led her to conduct independent historical research on a historically black school in her hometown, unveiling the significance of her community's contributions and the need to celebrate their overlooked achievements. Her insights into the transformative power of personal connections to history and the impact of community support make this episode essential listening. Alona's emphasis on radical empathy in archives and the significance of engaging with marginalized voices offers valuable perspectives. Her focus on the importance of representation, community-driven archiving, and the validation of marginalized experiences provides a compelling narrative that resonates with the broader theme of preserving and amplifying diverse voices. This episode offers a unique and insightful perspective on the power of historical research and archiving in shaping personal identity and fostering community pride.

Meet Alona Norwood

Alona Norwood (she/hers) is originally from the small town of Elizabethton in Northeast Tennessee. She attended Berea College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Social Justice. Upon graduation in 2020 she went on to work as a Community Archivist for the nonprofit Black in Appalachia: Education, Research and Support. The mission of BIA is to dispel inaccuracies and stereotypes about the history of Appalachia by uplifting the narratives of Black people in and around the region. They do this by collecting personal artifacts, school records, oral histories and podcast episodes through collaboration with community members, churches, historical/cultural repositories and academic institutions. Alona obtained her Masters of Information Science with a concentration in Archives and Records Management from UNC Chapel Hill in 2024.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the invaluable contributions of Black women librarians in Appalachia, uncovering untold stories and perspectives in the region's history.
• Discover the profound impact of community archiving on Black history, revealing hidden narratives and empowering marginalized voices.
• Uncover the pivotal role of HBCUs in shaping successful careers in librarianship, offering unique perspectives and opportunities for aspiring professionals.
• Embrace radical empathy in archival practices, fostering inclusivity and understanding in preserving diverse cultural heritage.
• Engage with the enriching experiences of the Black in Appalachia community, gaining insight into their history, culture, and resilience.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.