“25 miners were killed, and 4 remain missing, in a Raleigh County WV coal mine.”

April 5th, 2010 – Background information
April 6th, 2010 – Press briefing from officials
April 6th, 2010 – Update from the WV Governor

The Appalachian Voices’ family – our staff, our friends, and our respective communities – hold the families of Raleigh County in our thoughts and prayers today. The sudden loss of these courageous men is unspeakable, and we encourage any and all efforts to see that no similar tragedy ever befalls our region again.

There ought be a monument to America’s coal miners in every town and city in the United States. As Jeff Goodell says, coal helped the US win two world wars and build the strongest national economy the world has ever seen. But, Appalachia can no longer be a national sacrifice zone. Our miners, our mountains, and our communities are non-negotiable.

We stand ready to join coalfield communities and Appalachian elected officials in encouraging safe, sustainable ways to grow our communities in Appalachia.