Marie Cirillo

On the archive project’s first iteration: a documentary film

Process and Progress in Community Driven Archives, Stories / By

Jack Beckford notes that prior to any official connection with the Southern Historical Collection, Margaret Ecker and Lark Hayes had decided to make a documentary film about the Coalition story–an initiative born from energy at the 2012 Landon House reunion (among other previous gatherings). Margaret further describes this early iteration of memory restoration and preservation, …

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On mutual aid, solidarity, and different interactions of power

Philosophies/Evolving Concepts, Power and Politics in Health Care, Stories / By

John Gaventa describes the concepts of mutual aid and solidarity as exemplified by different interactions of power. He explains that action against injustice is built from the coalition of power within ourselves and power with each other. Together, these fuel the power to challenge oppressive systems, those with power over. He references Marie Cirillo with …

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Findings of the 1971 land ownership study and subsequent legal action

Power and Politics in Health Care, Stories / By

John Gaventa elaborates on initial findings from the 1971 land ownership study and what transpired in response. With documented evidence of inequitable corporate control over land and natural resources (due in large part to unfair property taxation practices and the absence of proper mineral rights assessment), local citizens sought legal action. These included (but were …

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

Memorable Characters, Stories / By

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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Key issues tackled by ETRC

Stories / By

John Williams and Neil McBride share a list of the East Tennessee Research Corporation’s range of legal issues addressed between 1974 and 1977, including but not limited to: coal industry regulation, industrial development, environmental litigation, barriers to independently-run rural health clinics, and black lung.   Full footage of the 2017 ETRC panel featuring John Williams, …

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Reflections on the SHC’s sense of fashion

Cultural Encounters, Memorable Characters, Stories / By

Kate Bradley and Marie Cirillo share some laughs thinking back to the effort Student Health Coalition (SHC) participants put toward demonstrating modesty and respect so as to cultivate relationships with community members. But sporting bowl cuts, long skirts, and duct-taped shoes humorously conveyed their perception by the community as “welfare kids”.

Bill Dow as a community organizer in Appalachia

Memorable Characters, Philosophies/Evolving Concepts, Stories / By

Maureen O’Connell and Charles “Boomer” Winfrey reflect on Bill Dow‘s character and personal philosophy about community organizing. They describe him as an other-oriented person driven by creative, actionable service and mutually respectful relationships best illustrated by his perception of and interaction with the locals as his heroes. Recorded on May 20, 2013.   Full footage …

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Maureen O’Connell’s introduction to SOCM and the SHC

Origin Stories, Stories / By

Maureen traces the development of her involvement with Save Our Cumberland Mountains (SOCM) and the Student Health Coalition (SHC), beginning with her 1969 introduction to Marie Cirillo and research presence in Clairfield, Tenn. Recorded on May 20th, 2013.   Full footage of interview with Maureen O’Connell and Charles “Boomer” Winfrey.