Ceremony to recognize coal miners of segregation

Sorry I missed this when it was published a few weeks ago.

The Charleston Gazette
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Ceremony to recognize coal miners of segregation
By Shawnee Moran, Intern reporter

...From sunup to sundown, those who work in Appalachian mines have faced obstacles and hardships. Black coal miners faced discrimination on a daily basis by the institution and fellow miners while trying to make a living.

Today, black coal miners will be recognized at the Charleston Marriott as part of the seventh West Virginia All Black High School Sports and Academic Hall of Fame Ceremonies. This event is sponsored by the Dunbar School Dr. A.J. Major Historical Education Museum Inc., and takes place over the course of three days...

...She said nearly 50 African-American coal miners will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, next to people like actor Lou Myers, former NBA player Earl Lloyd and singer and “America’s Got Talent” winner Landau Murphy Jr.

During the recognition ceremony, a speaker will give a two-minute presentation of each coal miner to tell the story of what it was like working in the mines and their everyday experiences. By recording their stories they will help preserve that history, something Jackson-Gillison said has “largely been uncharted.”

- See more at: http://www.charlestondailymail.com/article/20140821/DM01/140829778#sthash.MKyAk4EY.dpuf