Urban Appalachian Community Coalition Marks 50 Years of Advocacy in Cincinnati
The Urban Appalachian Community Coalition celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting its advocacy for Appalachian migrants in Cincinnati.
Urban Appalachian Community Coalition, Cincinnati, Appalachian Culture, Advocacy, Community
Cincinnati: The Urban Appalachian Community Coalition is celebrating a big milestone this year—50 years of helping folks from Appalachia who moved to the city. Can you believe it? Back in the day, nearly 50,000 people made the journey from the hills to the bustling streets of Cincinnati, and it was a whole new world for them.
When they arrived, they found themselves in a city that was packed with people and not at all like the quiet, rolling hills they were used to. Neighborhoods like East End and Over-the-Rhine became home for many of these newcomers, and some even settled across the river in Newport and Covington.
One of those early arrivals was Michael Maloney, who came from Eastern Kentucky. He was looking for better job opportunities, but things didn’t turn out quite as he had hoped. So, he and a few others decided to start the Urban Appalachian Council to help others like him find their way in this new city.
Even though they came from different neighborhoods, they all shared a common bond— their Appalachian roots. That connection is still strong today, with new generations of Appalachian families continuing to thrive in Cincinnati.
Maloney emphasizes the importance of celebrating their culture. The coalition, now known as the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition, is all about preserving that rich history and making sure it’s celebrated for years to come.
Lower Price Hill, where the coalition is based, has seen a lot of changes over the years. It’s a small area, but it’s packed with stories and memories from the 1940s and 50s when many Appalachians first moved there. The coalition has been a vital part of this community since the 1960s, working hard to ensure that the voices of Appalachian people are heard.
These days, the coalition is also focused on preserving the stories of the elders who remember life in the hills. Omope Carter Daboiku, known as Mama O, is one of those elders. She’s a storyteller who shares her unique experiences and works with the coalition to keep Appalachian culture alive.
Today, the coalition is launching a project called “Kith and Kin: Appalachians and the Making of Cincinnati.” It’s all about gathering stories from people of Appalachian descent in the area, ensuring that their history and experiences are not forgotten.
As the city changes, the coalition is committed to helping newer generations of Appalachians stay connected to their roots. They’re organizing arts programs and workshops to encourage young people to engage with their cultural heritage.
In a world that’s constantly changing, the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition is all about keeping that vibrant culture alive and sharing it with everyone in Cincinnati. It’s a beautiful tapestry of stories, traditions, and connections that they’re determined to showcase.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Urban Appalachian Coalition of Cincinnati celebrates 50th anniversary