Author

Aliyah Smith

Aliyah is a public health scholar and community advocate advancing health equity through research, education, and systems change. She is the founder of Project MANNA, a regional
initiative connecting Black mothers with Black farmers to promote food access, nutrition, and maternal health equity in Appalachia. Her work focuses on supporting Black farmers’ mental
health and advancing maternal health equity for Black women. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at East Tennessee State University.

Aliyah's Latest Articles

WV Senate passes bill to put the state in charge of beekeeping rules

By Aliyah Smith

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Folk Reporters

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February 25, 2026

Some lawmakers expressed concern that SB 927 would unfairly take away local control.

WV lawmakers advance bill to let doctors involuntarily commit someone without contacting the courts

By Aliyah Smith

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Folk Reporters

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February 20, 2026

Black people are significantly more likely to be committed to psychiatric hospitals against their will.

WV lawmakers consider bill to include maternity leave in public school & university leave banks

By Aliyah Smith

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Folk Reporters

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February 12, 2026

WV Senate committee advances bill to reduce fees for small farms

By Aliyah Smith

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Folk Reporters

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February 2, 2026

Under SB 226, farmers could sell up to 30 tons of animal feed annually, without paying inspection fees or getting a Commercial Feed Distributor permit — as long as the feed is produced exclusively on-site.