East TN

Context behind and origin of the 1971 land ownership study

John Gaventa delineates the context and probing question behind his earliest research into land ownership in Appalachia, as proposed in collaboration with Bill Dow: why are some of the wealthiest, natural resource-rich counties in East Tennessee also the poorest (in terms of overall living conditions and with regard to funding for public services, such as …

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Participatory action research in practice: who owns Appalachia?

John Gaventa recaps and differentiates between two related studies concerning land ownership in Appalachia. The first was conducted during the summer of 1971 across several East Tennessee counties. It affected Gaventa’s pursuits over the next 50 years, including publication of his book Power and Powerlessness: Quiescence and Rebellion in an Appalachian Valley, and facilitated further …

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On the Coalition’s installation of hope, strength, and inspiration to keep going

Margaret Ecker frames healthcare as a tool the SHC elected to use toward community empowerment, concluding, along with Rosie Hammond, that while the Coalition may not have made many structural changes to healthcare in the region, their community organizing efforts instilled hope, strength, and inspiration to keep moving forward. Follow this link for full-footage of …

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Did we make a difference? Margaret Ecker and Rosie Hammond reflect.

Margaret Ecker and Rosie Hammond grapple with the question: did we (the SHC) make a difference? Margaret shares how, in reflection of Art Van Zee’s insight to ongoing addiction throughout southwest Virginia and the Appalachian region, there are new challenges to address, different than those tackled by the SHC in the 60s and 70s. From …

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On the resourcefulness, work ethic, and generosity of people and communities in the mountains

Margaret Ecker describes what impressed her most about people and communities in the mountains, highlighting Byrd Duncan’s role in establishing and maintaining the Briceville Clinic. She also mentions J.W. Bradley and Marie Cirillo. Rosie Hammond reflects on other characteristics, such as their being so genuine and generous. Follow this link for full-footage of Margaret Ecker’s …

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Did you ever feel afraid? Rosie Hammond shares.

Rosie Hammond responds to Margaret Ecker’s inquiry about whether she ever felt afraid during her time in the mountains. She describes an experience while staying with Vada Evans in White Oak, Tenn. Follow this link for full-footage of Margaret Ecker’s and Rosie Hammond’s reflections about their SHC experience in East Tennessee. Recorded Summer 2022.

Margaret Ecker’s perspective on local home-stays and her experience among the Melungeon Community

Margaret Ecker shares her perspective on the Coalition’s unique opportunity for students to stay with local families, and the power doing so had on the relationship-building element crucial to effective community organizing. As an example, she reminisces her experience among the isolated Melungeon community near Sneedville, Tenn. during the summer of 1970. Follow this link …

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On the joy and impact of living with local families in East Tennessee

Rosie Hammond shares the highlight of her SHC experience: living with and getting to know local families. She names several from her time in Briceville, White Oak, Petros, Stoney Fork, and Rose Creek, Tenn., including (but not limited to) the Phillips family, the Burns Family, Vada Evans, and J.W. and Kate Bradley. She also comments …

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