Stories

Democracy/Civic Engagement

  • Out of the Ashes of the Coal Economy, a Bright Future?

    The last couple of years have brought substantial new economic challenges to Appalachian Kentucky. Already saddled with being one of the poorest regions in the country, mountain communities are being hit hard by steep layoffs in the coal industry. Since 2011, eastern Kentucky has lost more than 5,700 good-paying coal mining jobs. That’s a loss of 42% of the area’s coal workforce.

    This...

  • Strategies for Communicating an Inclusive South

    In 2006, local and statewide immigration organizations and activists from across the Southeast gathered with foundations and national partners in Atlanta, GA for the first ever Southeast Immigrant Right’s Conference. Towards the end of the conference, participants decided to create a network to continue communication, collaboration, and regional strategizing. A steering committee was charged...

  • Sweet Home Alabama Para Todos

    We've just reached the end of this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month , a time when Americans recognize the contributions of Hispanics and Latina/os in the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Here in Alabama, however, I cannot help but feel a shadow over this national celebration as September 29 th began the second year of Alabama’s infamous anti-immigration law HB 56...