The Eastern Kentucky Social Club

Black in Appalachia details the history of the establishment of coal camps & towns in the Eastern Kentucky coal fields & the in migration of African American laborers to the Mountain. With interviews from current & former residents of the region & scholars Philip J, Obermiller, Tom Wagner & Karida Brown, we follow the stories of these Black families through day-to-day life, out migration & the founding of the Eastern Kentucky Social Club. Founded in 1969, the EKSC is perhaps one of the longest standing African American organizations dedicated to solely social purposes.
See: www.blackinapp...

[@sparker7768]

I'll say it again and again: God bless the Black teachers who were greatly responsible for our success in this country 🙏🏾💕

[@Red22762]

A great big amen!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MattWhalen87]

As a man from eastern Kentucky I have been lucky to be around some of the GREATEST African Americans God has ever created. Their culture has been something that I value and appreciate.

[@crissdelucas4782]

Me too brother! Me too..

[@TheOnlyLadyBella]

♥️

[@mamiewj9753]

Thank you for saying that, we/I need to hear this....🙏

[@kasheem1747]

Dane Calloway channel check it out

[@ejack9205]

Totally agree. GO COLONELS!

[@Anne-yi5sb]

These fellow AMERICANS, who choose to be called ‘AFRICAN AMERICANS,’ & rightly so, are the SALT OF THE EARTH. Hard-working, God fearing, Educated, dedicated to their families, wonderful human beings, that more than helped build America!

[@Sunnahiman]

Blessings to everyone, I am a 66yr African American woman who love learning about my people from the south. My mother was born in 1917 my dad 1918 born in the Newark. I always loved meeting people from the south as a child to hear about the lifestyle of African Americans in the south. This is a documentary I truly appreciate and will educate my friends , family and most of all the children. This history is a blessing to learn about. My daughter has her degree in history and is a Newark teacher I know she has no knowledge of this. Thank you for honesty and truth about the black men and women workers and the desent whites that helped them. God created us all. Love to humanity.

[@dbkyhere9229]

Amen!♥️

[@jimcrain2647]

Certain things about the South wernt tought in school. I learned a ton about the real South when I was a kid on our relatives farm in Louisiana. In my mind Kentucky isn't quite in the south but close. Congrats on your great organization.

[@letsbefruitful5457]

Amen , truly appreciate seeing this as a 36 year old African American woman, and this truly inspired me to stand for God by walking in his favor! God bless ❤️

[@YouTubeBlueButterflies]

I love African American history also. This is really interesting because I had a great uncle who was from Alabama who left the family for coal mining. My grandmother never talked about her brother. I've done ancestry DNA and have family of course all over and many that are first, second and third generation blood kin but don't know how because many families were dissolved for several reasons including adoption. I would love to research this further to see if my great uncle lived and worked in the mines of Kentucky. And if I have family there. This is a goal and passion of mine. 🙏

[@MrSantified]

I'm from Western Kentucky!! Both of my grandaddys!! Worked the coal mines!! And now my oldest daughter works the Mines in Kentucky!!..She's a bolt setter to hold the ceiling!! Proud of her!!!

[@williammckinney567]

Bless you and your family...

[@elaineburnett5230]

Wow...you should be proud ..I hope she stays safe.

[@childrenslivesmatter3073]

Good for her!! 👏👏👏

[@joziequervoyo]

I'm proud of her too!

[@stephenrussell8831]

I was born in Bowling Green but raised in Louisville and also have family members who have worked the mines. I'm proud of your daughter too. Thats a very necessary job for our society and a very risky one. She's one of the brave ones.

[@JasonRyanWilson]

I live in Bell. They had an all black high school back in the 50s in Middlesboro. Every summer the descendants of Lincoln high always comes back to Middlesboro for a reunion.I go every year, and always have a ball. Drinkin, smokin, cookouts, and a lot of dancing! My favorite part? It's listening too the elders talk about their struggles and how they persevered. If the youth only knew their struggles!

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Are you part BLACK yourself?

[@rashidrourk2954]

.

[@JasonRyanWilson]

@@kaleahcollins4567 no. Part Cherokee and Irish. But my father was a cop back in the 70s and his partner was black and my godfather. When I was a baby. My father passed at 34 from a heart attack. They're isn't gonna be a high school reunion due to covid.

[@nancymcgee4776]

The majority of todays youth, can not even begin to comprehend what a struggle is. It's sad.

[@earlenehandley5579]

I'd love information on this reunion

[@williammatthews7252]

FROM MAYFIELD KENTUCKY. SHOUT OUT TO THE BLACK PPL IN APPALACHIANS

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@dehartfamily3091]

Shoutin back, from East Tennessee.

[@bettiefullum1138]

I grew up in floyd County ky, proud to be a kentuckian

[@murieljames4022]

Proud to be Black, we are people rich in heritage and culture! Thank you for sharing! Watching from Maryland 🇺🇸!

[@phillipbetts7405]

✊🏽🤎

[@ibnsabeel9466]

This is a truly masterful and beautiful piece historical journalism. Black history is American 🇺🇸 history in every imaginable way possible. I’m not from Eastern Kentucky or any other part of Appalachia for that matter, but I’m still touched deeply by this story. It makes me very proud to be Black and American. Thank you content creator.

[@alfonsom8286]

Great comment, we are truly an amazing, resilient people.

[@livewithnick]

@@alfonsom8286 You mean Americans?

[@msvoyeur]

Well Said 👏👏👏

[@TexMexGenX]

Hear hear, well said.

[@jessicat.5245]

Born and raised in Lexington, KY and still here. I made it a point to interview my aunt, who is 95 years old, about my family's history here in Kentucky. I wished I'd talked to so many more of my elders while they were here. Some much black history/my history that I will never find in a book. Thank you for posting this documentary. It's a gem.

[@auntroachkiller6086]

Jessica T Yes My mother and grandmother used to tell stories of family history. I wished they could have told me more. My grandmother was a walking book.

[@tundrawomansays5067]

I miss Lexington. Hell, I miss Kentucky! Be so proud of your heritage.

[@swordofhorus93666]

Kentucky is the best! I'm moving back asap. Family there old family history there. I've been living in NYC for the last 10 years for work. I've grown to hate it here. Ready to go back to kentucky.new York is for the birds.

[@shimadahazley6676]

I was born in Harlan, Ky in 1979. Raised in Lynch, Ky for some years. We still have family living in Lynch, Ky to this day. I seen some family in this great documentary. My people 💗

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@najemmohammed5568]

@@lindamaemullins5151 by. Cu

[@andrewmunlin2115]

My grandmother is from Harlan county

[@ashsmith1364]

this is a great documentary. i’m glad it was on my timeline

[@bethbartlett5692]

I am a Lynch. My Mother's maiden name. Our G-Grandfather X 6 founded Lynchburg, VA. My Mother's Father's Family lived in Louisville, KY. They often moved to a larger city for School/College and for Career Opportunities. My Great-Grandfather owned the Grocery Store in the area they lived and his daughter, my Great Aunt was gorgeous. She was a model at the turn if the Century and was friend's with Henry Ford's son. She dined with them often. There's a great deal of History in the Eastern, KY and Virginia areas. As a teenager I attended Majorette Camp in Lebanon Junction, KY (1974) and met a girl from Evarts, KY. We became immediate friends and kept in touch for years through letters. After College I lost connect with her. I've attempted to find her through FB, but no success yet. Tommie Klutts and she supposedly married and moved to the closest larger city. Great connections to the area. Hope y I find my friend one day. Thought you might appreciate this share. Best Wellbeing ...

[@abdusluqman5367]

Wow, this so interesting. I never heard of this part of African-American history.

[@GreedomWorldwide]

*Foundational Black American History

[@kenyonmcclain560]

Me either I'm a free thinker just looked up Kentucky

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

True history and not just regurgitation vomit.

[@fromherworkshop689]

Me either, but I sure am HONORED to know it now!!💪🏿

[@suzettecombs6668]

I am proud to be the daughter of a hazard Kentucky coal miner. Dad and mom had 9 children all educated , I am very proud of the combs family hard working kind but firm.

[@alfonsom8286]

I too am proud of your family 💪🏿

[@cienergi]

Hey cousin! My grandmother is Edythe (Combs) Fox❤️ I was looking for Harzard on this documentary.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@ashleymorgan9874]

Are you related to any combs from beattyville?

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Coal Miner's Daughter is one of my Fav movies😁

[@chaznonya4]

My grandfather was a farmer in Pike county @ 1906 - 1960 before he left his farm to my aunt and moved north to Ohio. He told me many stories about running moonshine and told us why half our land he gave to several black families who had been burned out or were threatened. We grew up like family with their families.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@blacswanb1273]

You have an AMAZING story. Based off your story that is integration at it's finest. I hope y'all still own the land.

[@lorisanchez6083]

Love and care knows no prejudice. Good folks are good folks. I grew up in VA and the family that lived on a garden stretch and in a farm house down from my grandma's house were a Black family. I always thought they were my grandparents as well. I loved them as my own as they did me. I mourned for them when they passed as my blood. I'm so glad to see a positive documentary where we truly are 1 people.❤

[@elaineburnett5230]

Please everyone write your story...it's history, your history, American history...thank you.

[@aarondigby9859]

EXTENDED FAMILIES WERE COMMON , EVERYBODY HAD SENSE OF COMMUNITY.

[@leticial3388]

Historical documents like this should be shown in schools all across the country for Black History Month.. I remember the first time I saw roots in my predominately white school and I was probably 9 or 10 and It was traumatic. When I got married and had children I decided that I would educate them on Black history my way and not leave it up to the schools. Thanks for sharing the documentary it’s a true piece of history.

[@tropicalco2339]

Public school is a government indoctrination camp. They're there to design a good herd. Parents everywhere need to understand this and teach their children how the real world works and how government ran by large companies pit us against each other so they can control us instead of us controlling them like free people would.

[@charlesvickers4804]

The school system is wrecking our kids. I was born and raised not far from there and remember well when roots came out. I was in an all white school there had been black students in years before but not then. When roots came out I was the only student with fuzzy hair that stood up., so I became their substitute to reenact scenes from the movie. Hung from a tree and beat with river cains ,I became their koonta from then on out. I left and dread when I have to return, even now in my mid 50s. I have bumped in to one of those people since , he looked at me with a tear in his eye and told me ,if I had only understood what I was doing back then. He walked away and wouldn't talk any more. The only black lady in the community was old enough all her children were grown and had left home. The paper bundles were dropped for my routs were dropped in front of her house. Every morning ,no mater the weather, she came out in a shower type cap and a robe that I think had been made of old towels. Every morning she brought me a cup of coffee and a fresh biscuit with bacon and jelly. I never let her pay for her paper. I always have and always will love her as a friend.

[@loriemills8337]

Wow, it's hard to believe a teacher would show that movie to children. I'm white and from SE kentucky. That movie traumatized me also. My mom was watching it, I guess thinking I was so small I would just play and not pay any attention to it. When I climbed in her lap in tears asking her why they was hurting people, she told me that it was a longtime ago and the people hurting others was very mean and it didn't happen anymore and she turned it off. I refuse to ever watch that movie and my kids never watched it. Omg, if a teacher had showed that to one of mine in class 😳 I don't know o w what I might have done. I was always raised around black people, school, church and family friends that I love very much. I really enjoyed this documentary. It made me proud to be from SE Kentucky. ❤ 💙 💜

[@sandrahbradley1511]

That's what you have to do educate them yourself there not getting it in school.

[@rdred8693]

It shouldn't be shown during Black History month. It should be shown anytime. It's American history, and fascinating.

[@nomadicadventurer5145]

My father graduated Fleming Neon 1959. People left their doors open and unlocked. You hunted for your own food. And people grew Gardens.

[@malirabbit6228]

Your story is great! My husband and I have land but my job keeps us locked in the city! One day I hope to leave the city and go raise chickens!

[@Meeko759]

I grow up in Payne Gap, went to grade school at Fleming Neon 1st through 6th grade. in the 7th grade I transferred to Jenkins School system graduated from high school in 1971. I still live in Jenkins with my wife.

[@MrFmccarty]

@@malirabbit6228 it would be nice I dream of it but.

[@Msboochie2]

Watching this documentary, is so eerily reminiscent of the challenges my elders would face as immigrants from the West Indies, decades later. It’s sad that foundational Black people, who were here before this country ever existed, and fought in every war the US was ever in, yet they were treated like they weren’t even citizens. Their values of making education as a priority. The parents leaving first to make a way for their families, is a huge part of our story, packing barrels of items to send back to their families.

[@Firekeeper61]

My mothers maiden name is Fleming she is with Jesus nowadays we buried her earlier this passed year. My God just keep on blessing you and your family and neighbors Ole Mountain man fire keeper!

[@joshuagayouauthor8401]

My profound gratitude to all the folks who have come together to keep these stories alive.

[@maryfluker8268]

This document of American history has the truth about the reality of America 🇺🇸 and its people there is so much good 👍 👌 👏 in all of these stories. Black ⚫ people have always thrived in most situations, God bless them 🙏 and God bless America 🇺🇸.

[@kenyawilson2668]

This documentary is a treasure....

[@ccth22]

Very fascinating!

[@RooftopKY]

KZbin is a funny thing. This video showed up in my recommended videos. I'm from Kentucky, so anything about the history of Kentucky I'm going to watch. I didn't know any of this. Thank you for sharing it. History should never be forgotten.

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Same but with Alabama roots.

[@earlenehandley5579]

Me either and I'm from a little small town in Kentucky I appreciate this black history

[@melissageiger71]

My mother's family was from Hazard ky...her father died of black lung... however he did get out of the mines at some point and had the first taxi cab company in Hazard...he died before I was born..and though he did get out, he still died of black lung..my Mom got out of that area when she was pretty young..met and married my father in Savannah GA and we were raised just over the state line in coastal South Carolina...of course there's much much more to the story but this just a summation..but I never tire of hearing about kentucky ❤️

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@melindagrady5238]

@Melissa Geiger, I'm 30 minutes over the bridge in SC. Family in Savannah.

[@sandraatkins2539]

❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@gregd4633]

Born and raised in Savannah Georgia, I was raised by my grandma who lived in West Savannah and I also lived with my dad who lived in East Savannah “State Streets” neighborhood. My wife is from Beaufort raised around St Helena Island after her dad retired from the Army

[@frankmaxfield7025]

I'm proud to say that both of my grandparents on my mothers side are from middlesboro Kentucky which is right there in Bell county. They migrated to Cincinnati after my Pappaw got out of the army in 1956. Then they bought a piece of land about 35 miles east of Cincinnati in brown county and that's where I was raised and now I raise my family on that same piece of land in the same house that my grandparents bought in 1968.

[@timharper4246]

He chose a beautiful part of Ohio to live! I have friends and family who live in Shawnee state forest. We're in Cincinnati now but It's where I want to finishing raising my children

[@zoroluva]

OMG black people have been though sooo much yet still keep ticking. FBA is a very special group of people. ✊🏿

[@Monaedeezy]

Amen ❤

[@MrUnique27]

OMG, when I tell you, I've been up since 12:00AM watching this video and I've just finished at 2:51AM. I'm so happy for all the children of the original coal miners who made their way to LYNCH, you have a beautiful history and if you don't do something about it right now to preserve it, you will lose it. People, please understand that your life isn't just yours alone, as long as you know anyone else, your life is affecting someone else's, and you never know who's going to write about you and is documenting everything about you and leaving it behind in a book.

[@tucky2297]

I came from Eastern KY , Knox County. I'm 76 years old. I'm proud to say that some of my BEST friends are black!

[@tonyaperry4763]

I was born in Benham, Harlan Ky.(use to be called bloody Harlan)My Father worked in the coal mine. We moved from Harlan and I was Raised in western Ky. My Father then worked for Peabody Coal Co. Until his retirement. My father had severe black lung after 30yrs underground.

[@fromherworkshop689]

😞

[@spiderlegs50]

A Great Documentary of roots, family unit , values. We need so much more of this today.

[@nicktorr7888]

What industry could this be built around?

[@alantaylor9593]

Most people don't realize this but Madison County, Kentucky is within the Appalachian region and is called a transitional county so, I'm here representing all the black families of Madison County, Kentucky. My family is from Foxtown & Berea area starting as far back as the late 1700s. Census Tract 102, in Madison County, Kentucky, is designated as a distressed area in fiscal year 2021 because it has a median family income of $46,250 (62.5% of U.S. avg.), a poverty rate of 34.0% (241.6% of U.S. avg.), and mentioned earlier is located in a transitional county. It has a population of 3,991 (Census ACS, 2014-2018).

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@frankdehne1949]

Frank Dehne brother Fred Dehne. My wife Mindy Howard...Madison County KY

[@ashleymorgan9874]

I live in Madison but my mother is from beattyville

[@ejack9205]

Hey, my mother & her family have been in Berea for generations. My 96 year old aunt sent me a copy of the deed to the property on which they were raised. It was purchased from John Fee & his wife in 1890. Lots of rich history there. I wish I visited more often when I was younger.

[@groneass2006]

Any investment opportunities in thar area?

[@sheshe9924]

wow, awesome!!!! It was the "there were no white and black under the ground, there, it was only family" for me!!!

[@territ.5357]

Wow! I never knew their were black coal miners and let alone in the Appalachian Mountains. Thank you for this awesome documentary. I would really like to research one for black railroad workers that were not Porters. My great grandfather was a worker and built the house I now have.

[@liesdamnliesandstatsweird1934]

+ Terri T. My maternal grandfather was a black coal miner. I never met him because he died in s coal mining accident when my mother was only 6 years old.

[@suprsnips]

I remember that everyone was black, at quitting time.

[@timcronin3365]

What a wonderful vignette of modern American history. The stoicism of these incredibly hard working black men and women, surviving the deep sadness and humiliation of systemic racism, and going on to build their own proud communities, with what appears to be an absence of bitterness. They are incredible role models, who prized family, community and, above all else, a decent education for their children. ‘Out of the fire comes gold too’. Tim Cronin. Dublin. Ireland.

[@candiced2138]

I love the part about how so many people attended the first annual reunion. Such a beautiful connected community. ❤

[@tammyleonard8250]

What an awesome story!! So nice to hear the stories of family, community, faith, fellowship, helping one another💚

[@melvinmck8158]

We need to keep that unity nation wide its our real strenght our only way out is unite in every way stop useing our money to kill our bro an sis gang banging and a whole lot of other shit

[@deneenjeffries2768]

We definitely used to do better

[@shawtatl]

What an amazing documentary Awesome interviews. What a smart, mighty, proud, and strong people. Spirits that will not die....

[@janicewashington4318]

AMEN 🙏🏾

[@goindown71]

Agreed! Very fascinating documentary. I never knew anything about the black miners or what they dealt with, how they overcame and thrived. "Strong people" is a very accurate statement! Makes me want to visit Lynch just to see this history.

[@shirleybowers7251]

What a wonderfully put-together treasure of this part of Eastern Kentucky history. My mom was born in Tomahawk, Kentucky. She was 2nd oldest of 15 children born to William Vale and Loucinda Mills Allen. Granddaddy was both a stone mason and a coal miner. Mom passed in 2017 at age 97. After seeing this presentation, I can honestly say I am jealous, in a good way, of the way these citizens of Eastern Kentucky have developed and kept alive such a precious sense of community born out of the heritage and experience of each individul and family. Unfortunately our family did not. I am, however, truly thankful and honored to be a blood-bought member of God's family community which makes me related spiritually to those I've just met here in this presentation and look forward to a heavenly reunion with them. I am in awe and greatly humbled. Thank you for sharing such heart-warming testimonies. God bless and prosper all in the various Social Clubs of Eastern Kentucky. 🙏❤✝️

[@mikematerne4579]

I'm from Roanoke Virginia, and while visiting The Booker T. Washington birthplace national monument, the ranger informed me that the adult male slaves were sent to the Kanawha Valley near present day Charleston WV to mine coal. I'm sure once freed, they recruited family to work in the mines.

[@janedoe1229]

I visited too visited Booker T. Washington site. I found it on my travel to Washington D.C. I never knew the park exited.

[@SJ-ni6iy]

I’m from a Coal Mining Town in WV. The middle school I attended was actually built as a segregated school for black students, the coal camp they lived in was called String Town. When the mines shutdown the black population moved away. My family also moved away to Chicago.

[@rhondamoffit6490]

I absolutely loved this!!!!!!!!

[@marnasquires155]

Oh my could listen all day

[@sylviaruth5008]

This documentary is awesome! 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾

[@donnamoore2030]

Thanks. This. Black History. If.We. Could get. Our children. To. Get. Off. X. Boxes. Listen to this Thanks l

[@dianaaiello588]

Me too !!

[@terrylucas630]

Just a group of wonderful people all the way around❤️ It’s not the struggle that makes the man, it’s how the man deals with the struggle. I hope this reaches you and those you love in great health and happiness🙏❤️😎

[@jamesrearick2672]

This was a great story and I wish all those involved health and happiness. This is proof that history must be studied and respected not ignored or forgotten!

[@aliceknows3375]

History, that everyone needs to see. Love this.

[@charlenewindham9259]

I salute the steel company for the educational value they put in there people Glad to know that racism was not visible everywhere I'm so proud of the company the name lynch don't mean bad every where thank God

[@larryboone6276]

Mountain/hill people backbone of America. This is very profound documentary. Thanks.

[@deedavis5552]

I am a descendent of Lynch. I attended the reunion in Detroit in 1977 with my grandmother, Sadie Mae (Chilton) Adams. She lived in Ohio and wrote to her childhood Lynch friends all her life. Every reunion she was able, she would hop a Greyhound and go. I was 14 when she exposed me to the Eastern Kentucky Social Club. Held at the Renaissance Center, I never forgot the experience.

[@paulettemontgomery1715]

Shalom all praises to the most high Yah . This is a wonderful way to keep friends and family together . Wonderful thank you for sharing.

[@curtiswhite5574]

Thank you, this video has has help me understand questions I have always had of " How did my family migrated from the cotton fields of Alabama and Mississippi to the coal mines of Kentucky and eventually residents of NY and Pa."

[@justred5164]

The awesomeness of my people is off the charts!!!

[@sugarstreicher]

I was born and raised in Harlan, Ky. Everyone in my family worked in the coal mines, even my mimaw. What a great documentary.

[@Carla47156]

I’m from Perry county/Hazard in eastern KY. My dad worked in the mines. Oh I loved watching this documentary. I had no idea that there was ever that many black people in eastern Kentuck at any time. I never lived I. A coal camp because my dad got disabled in 1957 when I was five years old. What a wonderful group of people

[@evelynparham]

This is an excellent documentary. I learned so much that I didn't know.

[@krisrose219]

Fascinating history. I could never go in a mine let alone work in one! Brave men and women. I guess you do what you have to do for your family

[@fetengineer9151]

My family & ancestry arrived to Madison County, Kentucky in 1790. We are tri-racial people from Port Tobacco, Charles County, Mayland. Today my family on average is 60% African and 40% European with Native American. My father's side is from Jackson, Ross and Gallia County in Southern Ohio which is also in the Appalachia region.

[@riverbilly64]

I find your post interesting. My Black ancestors are also from Maryland and I’m also from Southeastern Ohio.

[@fetengineer9151]

@@riverbilly64 my family on my father's side (the Taylor's) is from Jackson, Ross & Gallia Counties in Ohio... my father was born in Hamilton County. We now live in Clark County, Ohio. We also have ties to Darke County, Ohio. What about you?

[@harolddenton6031]

Lots of melungeon tri racial folks have been living in cumberland,ky and on over into blackwater,va community and over into sneedville,tn in Hancocke county,County,. They came out of the eastern parts of virginia and North carolina by the mid to late 1770's.

[@robertcherry7190]

You've mentioned some of my favorite places on earth.

[@NOLAZACK]

Outstanding. Keep our stories alive and relevant. Im not from that region but I applaud yall.

[@thedubbman4453]

The type of documtary that makes you laugh, smile and cry, much love Lynch, KY!!!

[@archbishopcorrinesheemaame2574]

I Love our Black History

[@speakerofsilentmajority8005]

Interesting to see how everyone has their own unique life experiences. With the current polarization pushed upon us regarding racial division, this reminded me of the morals and values that we hold dear as a human race. Learning from history with some of it being amazing and some of it being downright deplorable, it still teaches us to this day!

[@elaineburnett5230]

This is excellent to see the story of Black miners..

[@eduardosanchez4524]

This is so entertaining. I love my people

[@pulsereading]

This is a really exciting and important part of African-American history. Thank you for uploading an excellent piece of American history.

[@jeromewhite7570]

I really enjoyed this program. The history of Eastern Kentucky from the African American perspective was AWESOME. I lived in Pikeville, Kentucky for approximately five years and I am a good friend of Pastor Peake of Fleming, KY. While living in Pikeville, I was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church. I love Eastern, Kentucky and the loving spirit of people there. Thanks for such a great documentary.

[@bettiefullum1138]

Rev peake preached my husbands funeral in tram ky

[@archbishopcorrinesheemaame2574]

I hope all of our youth research our Black History

[@MegaTubescreamer]

excellent and stark reminders of my own mining community upbringing, and its social prejudices and struggles, bless every single soul here,

[@cienergi]

My family is from Hazard, Kentucky❤️

[@tanfel4]

I went to Eastern Kentucky University and my roommates were from Hazard, Ky. One of girls were names Jodi Combs.

[@alenacombs3658]

My family is also from Hazard Kentucky

[@jenniferj6580]

History is what I love, first person history to boot. Thank you for this video, it is beautiful.

[@anicialugo8997]

This is True BLACK HISTORY that I didn't know about 😎😃👑❤️

[@user-zn5ui8rh5g]

Always knew blacks need opportunity and not handouts! Love my black community.

[@heathertea2704]

Learn something NEW every day. Thank you guys.

[@xanlysphynx8839]

Black people have built so much of this country not to count the many that have fought in the military for this country WE MUST BE RESPECTED

[@suprsnips]

I served with a lot of black men in the Marines. Honorable, brave men, all of them.

[@heguardsmyheartandsoul2953]

I enjoyed this video so much. I've got to watch again. We need to formulate ways, by any means necessary, to collaborate with one another. We are ALL we have. I BEG my people to go back to "the old way." ❤

[@clairejohnson2332]

I just watched the wonderful video about the Black Coal Miners. This is fantastically important information about our history in America.

[@og6340]

I have always been fascinated with the state of Kentucky . I think the first time I heard the grass turned blue at the moonlight made me want to see Kentucky. I’m a trucker and I love driving through Kentucky it’s a nice state very rich in culture and history . Louisville is the big city hustle and bustle but Lexington is a collage town and paducka is a River town so the state is also rich in resources . I also Like West Virginia due to the rural ness it has .

[@ericmayssr.6054]

Outstanding

[@papawnanasaveslovesnlife9530]

Between Louisville and Lexington lies the capital, which the river runs through it. Nothing much more but distillery n farm land, valleys and lots of good fishing 🎣, but we've been blessed to live here n raised 9 kids on the river behind the distillery ! Been married for 28 years n together for almost 32. We had 2 biological n took in 7 !.. now we have 7 grandbabies n 1 comin in January , Blue moon n Bluegrass and music 🎶 are highlights, n 1 God has kept us all together and Blessed always. It is a Scenic route to take, drive it thru the back roads, n even more pleasant than the highway 🛣️ my friend !

[@daveburton9289]

@@ericmayssr.6054 Pppppppp

[@ckh937610]

McDowell County WV also had a long time Black population that once made up 25% of that county’s population. Steve Harvey was born there.

[@JasonRyanWilson]

We a Commonwealth my brother.

[@MrEhu3]

This a wonderful story, and at the end it showed that the people are very organized.

[@isaachill6455]

Shout out to the Hill family. Descendents of Black, Gates, Pennsylvanian Coal Miners...

[@isaachill6455]

Gates Hill's are Cleveland Hill's

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@teresagorden5984]

As a Canadian I found this story very interesting and that the bond you all share is so strong. It speaks ti your strength as people and as groups who worked struggled while and after the mines were running. I admire your continued strength in reaching out to your fellow citizens to stay abreast if your friendships and family traditions. I hope your intent to include your future generations will prive as successful as your generations. All the best to you all.

[@jessieratcliff168]

It would still be like that here in Kentucky I believe. All of us living together and taking care of each other. I would love to go back and be there.

[@archbishopcorrinesheemaame2574]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with our Black Families World wide... Love is the True Strength and Power to continue on and tell our stories ♥❤💛💙.

[@sonitawong7993]

This is a really wonderful documentary, I really enjoyed watching the history and cultural heritage of African Americans in this area of the south... I really would like to visit...

[@ronmcneal1569]

Thanks for this wonderful documentary which is so full of love and wisdom. Bravo!!

[@teddywilliamson3547]

Great heart warming documentary. Thank you.

[@terrymah1143]

Thank you for recording and preserving the history of these people! My generation, boomers, refer to this generation as the Greatest Generation,a well deserved title indeed.The depth of spirit and character of these people is truly humbling, watching this video makes me want to be a better person! Thank you and God bless!

[@Rockhammer1]

What a wonderful club. These clubs are important to the keeps bonds strong amongst a people of a shared heritage. It reminds them of where they come from. So important and it makes the individual a part of some thing much larger than them selves. Wonderful club indeed. I pray it continues to the next generation.

[@LOUISVILLECARDINALS]

Louisville ky born and raised. I'm so glad I bumped into this video I myself have family all over kentucky missouri texas maryland florida louisiana georgia so this hit home for me ♥️👍🏾

[@jackiejeffries1957]

I really enjoyed this history even if I’m not from there it was fantastic I’m passing this on to family members thank you for a well put together history lesson

[@tiaswt.4493]

Thank you for this

[@d.c.griffin1286]

This was awesome....I think that the people in those areas should unite and create a special holiday/ festival/ season for it because you all have something in common.... and then spread that same energy to us all!!! It'll be like a healing, rejuvenation process that mental stimulate.

[@gibsuprooted2734]

What a Great documentary that I neva heard of. 🙏🏿🕊🙏🏿

[@ct2634]

Thank you for sharing your world. This was a great documentary. I love our people, we never quit or give up despite our racial challenges. God gave us all and the people of Kentucky mighty resilience!

[@prisonpreacher961]

This was a fantastic documentary! 5 Stars! Bravo!

[@warrennottingham4520]

I really injoyed this program. I grew up in Harlan county.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@erikmorgan8800]

I think it's extremely fascinating hearing the well deserved respect of the history of the people from Eastern Kentucky. I'm a white middle aged man from Minnesota, and I'd hear similar stories from my step father who was brought up in a very small town in North Dakota. They also had a one room schoolhouse, which somehow taught grades 1-12.. He told me a story on how if he had acted disorderly in class, the teacher would bring him to the hallway, and the Principal would come and rough him up, right there in the hall of the school. The cultures might've been separated at that time by skin color, which is totally barbaric I must add, but the same kinds of principalities were enforced in at least the small town schools at that time. I'm not sure about big city schools, if they had the same kind of rules and consequences for their behaviors back then. Thank you kindly for piecing together this treasured documentary.

[@JP-fe4ke]

Wow , this is amazing real history , real community and real friendships for life. ☺☺☺

[@busyrand]

This helps me understand my father and his side of the family more. I'm amazed at what he was able to accomplish. It took me a while to get the courage to watch the story of how my people had to live through such a difficult period of time in the US. Last month I just learned that my father's dad stayed with them, and succumbed to black lung. My father never mentioned his father. I know the racial tension he described was a big deal and inspired him to leave.

[@heatherfulmore3412]

I imagine that it must have been difficult. That place was hard for black folks to live in.

[@larryjones5655]

A truly epic tribute to a people, and their culture/heritage. It would be an absolute tragedy if their story is allowed to be forgotten, or loss. It really moved me, and to my knowledge, I have no connection to anyone from that region...may you continue to strive. Be Blessed and thanks for such a beautiful story.

[@tiffanynoe5068]

I was born & raised in Hazard, KY. This was very interesting to watch. Appreciative of the information provided.

[@warrenfinch8034]

Black Rose by The Product G&B

[@malcolmbruce9753]

What a wonderful documentary!. Well done.

[@taharamuhammad3771]

I love listening and seeing them speak of their experiences Especially the lady who said her hair went" puff" .... so rich !

[@unknownwelder6815]

Just visited lynch mine with my kids from upstate S.C. Me and the kids loved it! The kids loved the 4 bears we seen too. It shocks me these beautiful areas of our country have kinda been forgotten. I visit Kentucky several times a year and always enjoy the state.

[@willf.5608]

Great documentary. I learned a lot from the video about the genesis of the migration of folks to eastern Kentucky and the motivation behind it. Also the migration map that was briefly shown was right on point. It correctly showed the path of the mass migration of my family, who were slaves and then sharecroppers/cotton pickers in South Carolina, up the now I-95 corridor to DC, Philadelphia and New York which happened in the 1920s through the 1940s. Thanks so much for your excellent work and I will pass it on.

[@Javier-rl1of]

Born and raised in Murray Kentucky. I hope we can one day help these people with their health and hope that we will progress to widespread fuel sources that won't be so dangerous to the workers that work for them.

[@tonydialsr7190]

Just perfect. I loved this presentation, it reminded me of my family and the reunions of years gone by. This what makes us a strong people family. Neighbors our people loving each other in a GODLY WAY. No strife ,among us. Thank you for this!

[@danielmorgan4899]

It’s pretty amazing how a company would build a town around a mill or logging camp with a store community hall providing you a job a house now I know you owed your soul to the company store but they could do all that and still turn a profit I knew kids who grew up in places like this it might not have been real great but the company provided just about everything you needed and you had a sense of community

[@michaelr.williams8176]

Company’s where loyal to the community s so it Would persuade to keep out union s When companies Pay low wage Witch they did at that time They made billions of dollers but unions came along and economical development inporovrd and people didn’t have to rely on. Companies. Set life style as a young boy I remember going to the doctor and the union card payed 100 percent of the bill but when we need groceries we had to get script money from the coal company if we got 5. Dollers the coal company would take 10 dollers out of my fathers wage later on. Other stores come in. It made life easier But make no mistake about at that time coal companies did pervide It just got better with unions

[@deborahnorris4613]

From what my grandmother told me about living that life, they didn't turn a profit. The Company kept one poor to keep them there. My grandparents had to move to larger cities and change careers in order to rise above.

[@ikreer9777]

The store cheated them, and miners started out in debt, as they got their equipment from the store, which was deducted from their first paycheck. Company housing sounds nice, until you're evicted two weeks after your husband was killed in an accident. Or was pronounced disabled after one. Lots of boys quit school to go down, because their father could no longer work and the family needed a working miner to keep their house. Companies ran the schools which mostly taught the basics so the boys could be good miners and 5je girls good housewives. Churches were also company owned, and any pastor speaking up about the abuses quickly found himself looking for a new pulpit.

[@cynthiacarr3294]

TYFS! Awesome History of Our People Strong and Powerful🙏🏾🤴🏾👸🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😁❤❤❤💯 So Blessed Praise God for Our Perseverance Thank You Father God!