Reconnecting to Appalachian Roots: A Lifeline for Black Communities Facing Climate Change

By Crystal Good 

As the world grapples with escalating climate crises, the urgency of relocating to safer, more resilient regions has never been greater. African American communities, often situated in urban heat islands or near hazardous industrial zones, are disproportionately affected by these changes. The places they call home may soon become uninhabitable due to increasing threats such as extreme heat, severe storms, and flooding.

Amid this looming disaster, an unexpected opportunity arises—one that involves reconnecting with the Appalachian region. This land, once a passageway during the Black Great Migration, is now poised to become a climate refuge for those seeking safety and a renewed connection to their roots.

The Black Great Migration and a Return to Appalachia

The Great Migration, also known as the Great Northward Migration or the Black Migration, saw six million African Americans leave the rural South for urban areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and West between 1910 and 1970. Driven by poor economic conditions, racial segregation, and violence, these migrants established culturally influential communities in some of the largest cities in the United States. Despite the hardships, this migration was an act of agency that fundamentally changed the course of American history—a “declaration of independence” through collective action. Now, a reverse trend has emerged, with many African Americans returning to the South in what has been termed the “New Great Migration.”

This reversal began as a trickle in the 1970s, gained momentum in the 1990s, and has since transformed into a significant movement. Younger, college-educated Black Americans, particularly from northern and western states, have been instrumental in driving this migration. They are contributing to the growth of the “New South,” especially in states like Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina, and in metropolitan regions such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston. This return to the South has given Black Americans a renewed and often dominant presence in many parts of the region.

West Virginia, though somewhat of an outlier in the upper South, has a rich Black history all the same. During the height of coal mining, many African Americans moved to West Virginia’s coal fields after the Civil War, fleeing racial segregation and violence in the Southern states. However, by 1980, the number of African American coal miners had plummeted from 22,000 in the 1930s to less than 1,500. This decline is part of a broader trend of outmigration, with the African American population in the state decreasing from a peak of 117,700 in 1940 to just 3% today. 

Rebuilding Lives and Communities in Appalachia

The potential influx of climate migrants into Central Appalachia could spark an economic revival, but thoughtful planning and significant investment are necessary. The region, scarred by centuries of coal mining, requires substantial remediation efforts to restore its landscapes and support new communities. Mined land can be reclaimed and repurposed, not only for residential development but also for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy projects.

According to Elizabeth Hirschman’s research in her climate report, Climate Change Migration and the Economic Rebirth of Central Appalachia, the Appalachian region, from western North Carolina through West Virginia and Pennsylvania, is projected to remain one of the most habitable areas in the U.S. by 2050. This offers natural protection against the extreme weather events that are becoming more common elsewhere and positions Appalachia as a potential climate refuge.

Imani Perry, in her work South to America, encourages us to reconsider our understanding of the South, including Appalachia, as sites of both historical significance and future potential. Perry’s exploration of the South as a region of complex histories, shaped by exploitation and cultural richness, offers a new perspective on places like West Virginia—not just as stereotyped, marginalized areas, but as spaces of possibility and reinvention. Her insights remind us that returning to these roots in Appalachia could provide African American communities with both physical safety and a renewed sense of identity.

A shining example of this potential is the work being done by Black farmers like Jason Tartt in West Virginia. Tartt, who grew up in McDowell County, has returned to his roots to rebuild a viable agricultural economy in the region. His efforts include piloting fruit orchards and honey production on reclaimed land, offering both economic opportunities and a sustainable future for the community. Tartt’s vision extends beyond his own farm; he is committed to attracting other Black farmers to see West Virginia as a place where they can build a life and a legacy.

The Cultural Connection: Returning to Roots

For many African American families, the idea of moving to Appalachia may seem daunting, yet it also holds a deep cultural resonance. The migration back to Appalachia is not just about survival; it’s about reconnecting with a land that has shaped the cultural and historical identity of Black Americans. This return offers a unique opportunity to rebuild not just homes, but also community ties and cultural heritage.

This movement can be seen as a process of “finding your roots,” much like the work of West Virginian Henry Louis Gates Jr., who has made it his life’s mission to uncover and celebrate the rich and diverse ancestry of African Americans. By returning to Appalachia, families can rediscover and strengthen their connection to the land and its history.

The Path Forward

The vision of Appalachia as a climate refuge for African American communities is both timely and necessary. It requires bold leadership, substantial investment, and a commitment to environmental justice. Local governments, community organizations, and federal agencies must work together to ensure that the region’s development is inclusive and equitable, addressing the needs of both current residents and newcomers.

Embracing the challenge of climate migration and viewing it as an opportunity to reconnect with and revitalize Appalachian communities can offer African American families not just safety, but a path to prosperity and renewal. In this way, returning to the roots of their ancestors might not only save lives but also help forge a more resilient and just future for all.