Voice Feature #6 Archives < Appalachian Voices

A Conversation with Archbishop Marcia Dinkins

By Molly Moore | May 16, 2024 |

A woman in a pink top and pearls smiles past the camera.

Archbishop Marcia Dinkins, founder of the Black Appalachian Coalition, talks about creating the space for voices that have often been unheard to be heard.

How Max Patch Bald is Finally Healing

By Contributing Writers | December 13, 2023 |

A couple sits atop the grassy summit of Max Patch, taking in the views under a beautiful blue sky dotted with white cumulous clouds.

After overuse forced the closure of Max Patch Bald, efforts by the U.S. Forestry Service and trail groups to restore the area show dramatic progress.

Greenbrier River Watchdogs Alarmed as Mountain Valley Pipeline Drills

By Dan Radmacher | September 15, 2023 |

Heavy equipment and vehicles are seen in a fenced off area of disturbed land next to a river.

Local residents and water protectors are concerned about pollution and safety risks as boring for the Mountain Valley Pipeline begins beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier River.

Special Sections Along the Appalachian Trail

By AV's Intern Team | August 3, 2023 |

A waterfall cascades over rocks down a forested hillside.

We asked folks which sections of the Appalachian Trail are their favorites, and here’s what we found!

Black Lung Resurgence Drives Push to Protect Coal Miners Against Silica Dust

By Molly Moore | March 16, 2023 |

Silica dust is behind a dramatic increase in the number of miners becoming ill with the most severe form of black lung disease.

How a Pipeline Battle Led an Advocate for Formerly Incarcerated People Into Solar Workforce Development

By Dan Radmacher | August 24, 2022 |

Richard Walker of Bridging the Gap in Virginia is working to make sure vulnerable communities are not left behind in the green energy transformation.

The Tennessee Valley Faces Crossroads Between Methane Gas or Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

By Dan Radmacher | August 16, 2022 |

Under TVA's plan, smokestacks at the Cumberland Fossil Plant would continue to spew pollution into the air. Photo by Angie Mummaw

The Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan to transition away from coal has generated significant push-back from environmental and community groups because of its reliance on methane gas instead of renewable energy.

The Beast of Bristol: The Landfill Haunting Residents of the Twin Cities

By Contributing Writers | March 25, 2022 |

two people in front of a large guitar statue hold signs about the landfill problems

Terrible, persistent smells from the Bristol landfill have put a damper on quality of life for residents of the Twin Cities. Officials acknowledge the problem, but there’s no clear path forward.