Black By God The West Virginian

04/11/2024

From 100 Days in Appalachia:

In 2017, when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared the electoral system “critical infrastructure,” state and local election officials around the country were forced to take cybersecurity much more seriously. And it wasn’t long before physical threats and misinformation also became a greater concern.

In North Carolina, state board of elections director Karen Brinson Bell said the DHS’s designation “didn’t take anything off her plate.” Instead, the responsibilities of election officials like her only grew, especially in battleground states like North Carolina.

In the lead up to this year’s election, Brinson Bell said “everything is a concern” when it comes to election security. Like her counterparts across the region, she’s especially focused on cybersecurity, preventing physical threats and battling misinformation around the elections process, while communicating to voters that the electoral system in North Carolina is actually safe and secure.

“We had to become much more adept at telling our story, being accessible to the public, helping them understand what is really a complex, methodical, multilayer process in all that we do,” Brinson Bell said. “And it’s not soundbite friendly.”

Other states in the region like Pennsylvania, which was at the center of the 2020 election denial campaign and is considered a “must-win” for both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in this year’s presidential race, are also confronting the same concerns as North Carolina.

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania launched a task force focused on election threats like misinformation related to the adoption of new voting systems and no-excuse mail-in voting.

“In recent years, we’ve seen bad-faith actors attempt to exploit these changes by spreading lies and baseless conspiracy theories, and attempting to delegitimize our safe, secure and accurate elections,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt in a February news release. “This task force has been working together to develop and coordinate plans to combat this dangerous misinformation and continue providing all eligible voters with accurate, trusted election information.”
..

Read the full article here: https://blackbygod.org/articles/civics/in-appalachias-battleground-states-election-officials-worry-about-cyber-security-physical-threats-and-misinformation/.

This article was originally published by 100 Days in Appalachia, a nonprofit, collaborative newsroom telling the complex stories of the region that deserve to be heard. Sign up for their weekly newsletter here. Written By: Jacob Biba In 2017, when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared t...

03/11/2024

From our friends at ACLU of West Virginia – 'A Prosecutor Makes Bias Their Official Policy' by Kyle Vass:

In August, Persecuting Attorney Debra Rusnak, rolled out a plan she claimed would “stand up for victims of violent crimes,” but would, in reality, completely overhaul the way the criminal justice system handles people accused of certain crimes in Kanawha County – asking for the maximum amount of bond money, refusing to accept referrals to treatment programs, and outright disallowing plea bargains for misdemeanors.

The process for how prosecutors like Rusnak arrive at life-altering decisions about people’s criminal cases happens behind closed doors, not in the public arena. So, when a prosecutor tells us how they will approach hundreds of cases, we must pay attention.

When a court holds a bond reduction hearing, it is often the first time for a prosecutor and a defense attorney to present the information necessary for an individualized bond decision. Under this new scheme, Rusnak’s office would abandon its role in this process. Instead, they would advocate for a general rule against release, no matter the person – i.e., the opposite of the constitutional and legal standards.

Rusnak’s scheme goes further for people with substance use disorders. As the prosecutor for the largest county in the state most severely impacted by the opioid crisis, Rusnak’s attempt to undermine treatment options as a condition of bond (and, instead, send people to America’s deadliest jail system) is beyond disturbing. It will lead to a needless increase in suffering and death for West Virginians.

The only people who stand to profit from this move are the owners of companies in the for-profit bond system. It certainly isn’t the people of Kanawha County who will all pay the financial burden of her new policy. Over the last five years, Kanawha County paid the state $17.4 million to incarcerate people charged in criminal cases according to a report by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

Nearly a century ago, the Supreme Court of the United States wrote that the prosecutor’s interest “is not that it shall win a case, but that justice shall be done.” A policy that shifts suffering and unprecedented financial costs so that politicians and bond companies can grow their profits is a miscarriage of justice.
..

A full version of this ACLU WV article was reposted on BBG's website:

Written By: Kyle Vass, ACLU WV In August, Kanawha County Persecuting Attorney Debra Rusnak, rolled out a plan she claimed would “stand up for victims of violent crimes,” but would, in reality, completely overhaul the way the criminal justice system handles people accused of certain crimes in Kan...

03/11/2024

Snippets from "Reconnecting to Appalachian Roots: A Lifeline for Black Communities Facing Climate Change" by BBG Founder Crystal Good.

The left image is a scenic landscape with rolling hills, lush forests, and a small, resilient Black farming community. The image shows people engaging in sustainable practices, such as gardening, herbal medicine, and farming, surrounded by traditional wooden houses. Some are gathering crops, others are tending to livestock, and a few are working together to restore the land. The landscape is vibrant, with clear skies and healthy greenery, symbolizing the reconnection to nature and heritage. In the background, solar panels and water conservation systems subtly hint at modern climate-resilient solutions.
..

For many African American families, the idea of moving to Appalachia may seem daunting, yet it also holds a deep cultural resonance. The migration back to Appalachia is not just about survival; it’s about reconnecting with a land that has shaped the cultural and historical identity of Black Americans. This return offers a unique opportunity to rebuild not just homes, but also community ties and cultural heritage.

This movement can be seen as a process of “finding your roots,” much like the work of West Virginian Henry Louis Gates Jr., who has made it his life’s mission to uncover and celebrate the rich and diverse ancestry of African Americans. By returning to Appalachia, families can rediscover and strengthen their connection to the land and its history.
..

Read more here: https://blackbygod.org/articles/agriculture/reconnecting-to-appalachian-roots-a-lifeline-for-black-communities-facing-climate-change/

03/11/2024

Article from the Charleston Gazette-Mail:

Kerry-Ann Wilkinson came to the United States from Jamaica 19 years ago with big dreams. "I came here when I was 24 years old with $20 and my suitcase," Wilkinson said. After attending the University of Charleston in West Virginia on a scholarship, Wilkinson followed her dreams and established a hai...

22/10/2024

Today! residents can engage in an important discussion about the upcoming election. Join The WV Black Voter Impact Initiative to hear about important issues voters are thinking about in the . Today, Oct. 22, 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Charleston.

03/09/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/U91H9pTr353UPevb/?mibextid=WC7FNe

03/09/2024

As gears up for another season of legislative action in 2025, the importance of (BPD) is more evident than ever. Scheduled for March 10th, 2025, BPD is not just a one-day event—it’s a movement designed to tackle the policy issues that affect Black communities across the state. This year, we’re preparing with a lineup of educational webinars, community engagement initiatives, and strategic partnerships aimed at driving meaningful change.

Black Policy Day is launching its educational webinar series with a special session on September 3rd at 7:00 PM. This kickoff event features Florence French Fagan (pictured below), a senior regional organizer for Bread for the World, who will discuss the Farm Bill’s impact on Black communities in West Virginia. Florence will provide insights into how this critical piece of legislation can be reshaped to prioritize nutrition, equity, and sustainability.

In addition to addressing the Farm Bill, Florence will delve into the challenges faced by SNAP recipients and explore how programs like the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program can make a tangible difference. This webinar promises to be both informative and inspiring, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in shaping policies that matter to our communities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Florence and learn how we can collectively influence the policies that impact us. Register here: https://bit.ly/bbg_webinar.

Learn more about BPD and upcoming webinars on BBG's website: https://blackbygod.org/articles/agriculture/black-policy-day-webinar-kickoff-cultivating-change-an-educational-dive-into-the-farm-bill-with-florence-french-fagan-from-bread-for-the-world/.

01/09/2024

The West Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (WV NAACP) recently filed suit in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County to remedy West Virginia agencies’ failure to collect data as required by West Virginia law to improve the justice system for children and youth in the state. West Virginia’s juvenile confinement rate and the inequities along racial lines are far above the national average. The suit is West Virginia State Conference of the NAACP v. West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, West Virginia Department of Human Services, & West Virginia Department of Education. NAACP - West Virginia is represented by Democracy Forward and Mountain State Justice.

Every year in West Virginia, approximately 4,000 juveniles appear before a judge for alleged offenses, such as missing too many days of school or running away from a foster home. Many youth become entangled in West Virginia’s juvenile justice system for years. Just a decade ago, West Virginia children were confined at the highest rate in the nation: 330 of every 100,000 children – well above the national average of 152. In response to this crisis, then-Governor Earl Ray Tomblin convened a task force to reform the state’s juvenile justice system. That task force made a series of recommendations, some of which were incorporated into SB393, a popular bipartisan bill that prioritized community-based services and diversion programs as an alternative to incarceration. SB393 requires state agencies to collect data about juvenile justice outcomes in West Virginia to help policymakers ensure reforms are data-driven and based on evidence.

West Virginia state agencies, however, have not been collecting the juvenile justice data, making it harder to know if the state’s efforts to address its crisis of incarcerated youth are working as intended. The lawsuit filed would compel state agencies to establish procedures to collect the data as required by law.

“West Virginia’s legislature adopted, along bipartisan lines, a clear requirement that state agencies collect essential data to understand whether the crisis of incarcerated youth and racial inequities in the state has abated. Our suit filed on behalf of WV NAACP will ensure this critical measure is implemented,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward.

Read more of this article here: https://blackbygod.org/articles/civics/wv-naacp-files-suit-to-require-west-virginia-agencies-to-collect-crucial-data-on-juvenile-justice-outcomes/. To learn more about Democracy forward, visit: https://democracyforward.org/.

31/08/2024

Myles T. Satterfield is a producer on BIG SEAN's new album "Better Me Than You." Myles produced songs #5 "Who You Are (Superstar)" and #6 "Yes" on the album.

Myles grew up in West Virginia and is the son of BBG founder and publisher Crystal Good. Creation runs in the family, and Myles stays true to his Mountain State roots.

In a recent interview with BBG hip-hop reporter Neenee Incognita, Myles says: "When all of this was unfolding, I hoped it would come out, and the most exciting part is knowing that everyone back home is inspired and thinks it’s cool. The fact that people are happy for me and enjoying the song is the most rewarding part of all this. Thanks for the support, and stay tuned for more music."

You can read more about Myles' music journey on BBG's website: https://blackbygod.org/articles/community-and-culture/myles-t-how-growing-up-in-west-virginia-shaped-his-music-and-career/. "Better Me Than You" is available on multiple platforms: https://bigsean.lnk.to/bmty

27/08/2024

Cooling Centers in Charleston that will be open Wednesday, August 28th

27/08/2024

“Breaking the Chains of Poverty: My journey from struggle to skilled trades with West Virginia Women Work"

By Kiaira Payne

I am a 31-year-old Black neurodivergent West Virginia native from the North Central part of the state. It was a struggle for many years to find my role in society, having been raised in abject poverty in a small coal town. Despite my circumstances, I was afforded the privilege of attempting a college education, ignorant of the reality that I was essentially prolonging my “stay” in poverty by accumulating crippling student debt, as so many of us do. Surrounded by those none the wiser, I stuck to the plan, which I later found out was not a plan but patriarchy. I worked all the jobs labeled for “women like me”—fast food, CNA, home health, customer service, and more.

Almost two years ago, I became aware of a nonprofit called WV Women Work, Inc. (WVWW). For the first time in my life, I saw people like me working in jobs that I didn’t know were an option. Women in skilled trades? Black women in skilled trades? What are skilled trades? They get paid how much? These types of questions and possible realities flooded my mind.

My journey with West Virginia Women Work has not only transformed my life but has also ignited a passion within me to elevate our communities by promoting self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and empowerment. Meeting people where they are and supporting them to reach new heights has become my mission. This organization has given me the tools to break the chains of poverty and has shown me the power of skilled trades. I am now part of a movement that is changing lives, one woman at a time.

To apply: westvirginiawomenwork.org/sufwc-application. You can read this full article on BBG's website: https://blackbygod.org/articles/black-business-and-financial-literacy/breaking-the-chains-of-poverty/.

19/08/2024

New article from Joe Solomon, ‘OPINION: Ending Racial Disparities for Cannabis Charges in Charleston, WV.’ You can read more on BBG: https://blackbygod.org/articles/civics/opinion-ending-racial-disparities-for-cannabis-charges-in-charleston-wv/.

In 2023, saw a 4:1 ratio for its Black neighbors when it came to possession charges.

…

Charleston, West Virginia, is no exception to the country’s racial bias trends. A 2020 national ACLU report showed Black people are 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people (rounded up, this is about the same as Charleston’s 4:1 ratio).

This is because our city’s arrest bias is an extension of the national roots of the war on cannabis, which has been shot through with scare-tactics and racism since its inception. In the 1930s, the first chief of the newly minted Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Harry Anslinger, knew that in order to pass federal legislation criminalizing cannabis–he needed to maximize fear, and fear of your neighbors.

According to Anslinger, cannabis could turn “man into a wild beast” or send you “fly[ing] into a delirious rage”. Anslinger’s notes also included: “Colored students at the Univ. of Minn, partying with female students (white) smoking and getting their sympathy with stories of racial persecution. Result pregnancy.” Anslinger further noted this story supposedly from West Virginia: “Two Negros took a girl 14 years old and kept her for two days in a hut under influence of ma*****na. Upon recovery she was found to be suffering from syphilis.”

Anslinger was asked to resign by a US Senator for using the N word. He didn’t. In fact: Anslinger kept pushing. His often sexualized, racially charged fear campaign was critical to passing the 1937 Ma*****na Tax Act, which in practice criminalized cannabis nationwide.

We still live under Anslinger’s racist shadow today. But we certainly don’t have to.

15/08/2024

15/08/2024

12/08/2024

At Black By God, we love celebrating our favorite Black-owned businesses, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on Upland Soul Food, LLC, a restaurant in Beckley, West Virginia that’s quickly becoming a community favorite.
..

Read the full article "Upland Soul Food: Quickly Becoming a Community Favorite" by Jamar Dunn (The Wild and Wonderful Report ): https://blackbygod.org/articles/black-business-and-financial-literacy/upland-soul-food-quickly-becoming-a-community-favorite/.