History Books and New Ace Lit!

Dr. William H. Turner introduces readers to the history of Black Appalachian coal towns, places that many outside the region may not have even realized existed. He describes daily life and the economic boom they experienced after WWII. They were also cultural centers with their own magazines and organizations. And of course, he also follows the region’s decline, which deeply affected these towns and was eventually their downfall. Turner strives to ensure that these places, the places he loves, are not forgotten.

Over the course of half a century, over 8,000 people were involuntarily sterilized across five different institutions in Virginia. This program was not a misguided program from well-meaning people. It was in support of white supremacy, and meant to control women, remove poor people from their land, and eliminate disabled people. The program ended in 1979, but its impact on communities around the state still haunts hundreds and hundreds of people. Catte doesn’t shy away from these harsh realities of America’s love of eugenics in its many forms. And, like the historian she is, she wants to remind Americans of our history so it won’t happen again.