The roots of African Americans have grown as deep into West Virginian society as the seams of coal are in these precious mountains that we all love so well. The contributions that people of color have made to the culture of West Virginia are unarguable, substantial and eternal. Black men and women have walked out of and through these mountains onto the pages of history carrying with them ideas that have not only impacted Appalachia but also all of humanity. Individuals such as Carter G. Woodson, Booker T. Washington and Elizabeth Drewry would be members of that fraternity. Unfortunately, West Virginia has not always been as kind to them. Read