A Brief Word Following the Federal Funding Pause and Reversal |
While the Executive Order pausing certain federal grant programs was rescinded, the disruption has continued to have significant effects on AFN members and their partners. AFN leadership responded quickly by sending this letter with resources, but as the situation continues to evolve, we are staying abreast of updates as they occur, and preparing and planning actively about how we can support our members in weathering uncertainties, residual or otherwise.
Additionally, we will continue to be in touch with national partners, and encourage any members who have questions to contact us directly. We are also including below a living resource page from United Philanthropy Forum on the recent EOs, suggested actions, and advocacy happening across the sector. Click the button to dive in: |
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The impacts of the EOs will continue to radiate out. In this moment, we can share this list of USDA programming confirmed to be safe from cuts as of 2/12/2025. As we track the implications of the Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we remain committed to the work of equity across our region. |
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AFN Gathering Registration Open |
Early Bird Extended through Tuesday, February 18th |
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Helene Response and Community Resilience Calls Moving to First Fridays Monthly |
In the meantime, join our Forum listserv (where you can continue the conversation, give updates, and share resources in between calls. To join the Helene Response Forum, click the button below. |
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What's Good In Appalachia? |
Black History is American (and Appalachian) History |
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Appalachia, a region that has long been the subject of stereotyping, has for just as long been mischaracterized as a place that is homogenously white. Anyone who lives and works here, however, knows that to be false. What's more, there is a long history of Black activism in our hollers and hills, going back further than even the cross-racial solidarity shown during the WV Mine Wars and culminating at the Battle of Blair Mountain, which would go on to have resounding impacts on union organizing and labor laws across the country. Even well known folk figures in the American canon, such as the illustrious John Henry, tells the story of a Black Appalachian. The banjo, synonymous with both the region and the high lonesome sound of arguably our most well-known cultural output, Bluegrass music, is derived directly from the African Akonting gourd instrument, brought to the burgeoning United States by enslaved Africans.
There are many Black Appalachian organizations and leaders who continue to tell these stories, changing the narrative to include a more robust, truthful history of place. During this Black History Month, while we see federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiates peeled back and gutted, we encourage our members to engage with outlets and organizations such as Black in Appalachia, Black By God: The West Virginian (BBG), and the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC). We encourage you to learn more about figures beyond the well known and lauded bell hooks and Nikki Giovanni, and also celebrate changemakers such as artist and writer doris davenport, organizer Mary Rice Harris, and poet Effie Waller Smith. We encourage deep dives into events such as the Sanctified Hill Disaster of 1972, and the subsequent community organizing that led to lasting changes, and learning about the origins of distinctly Black Appalachian celebrations such as 8th of August, and the abolitionist origins of beloved institutions like Berea College and the Emancipator in Jonesborough, TN, the first newspaper of its kind in the country.
This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, but as Appalachians, this is an integral part of our story. And, as Appalachians, we get to tell it. |
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Do you have news or opportunities for collaboration you want to see highlighted in the next newsletter? Let us know! |
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