West Virginia Starts with WE: The BBG 24-Hour Podcast-a-thon

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May 2–3 | Noon to Noon
Hosted by Crystal Good and the Black By God Team

West Virginia starts with WE.

Black By God: The West Virginian has lost critical federal funding that impacts our capacity to tell Agriculture stories but local and regional partners are investing in BBG like never before!

BBG is building on that growth. We’re raising $100,000—together.

Our partners in the Appalachia Funders Network have made a two-year, $100,000 investment in Black By God to expand our coverage through the Rural News Fund..

Now, after losing significant federal funding, we’re turning to you, ourcommunity, to join us and our regional supporters in growing this work.e’re doing it live with a 24-hour podcast-a-thon fundraiser from a houseboat, powered by Charleston Riverfront Watersports.

This fundraiser is a kickoff with a goal of $100,000 to match our Rural News Fund commitment to grow in these coverage areas:

Black-led journalism in West Virginia — reporting on politics, culture, agriculture, and community
The Folk Reporters Program — citizen journalists covering public meetings and local issues
Agriculture reporting — connecting community, land, and food systems
Community storytelling projects — podcasts, live events, and documentary work

YOU CAN DONATE NOW, OR JOIN US LIVE WITH A PLEDGE ON-AIR

For 24 hours, we’ll be in conversation with the people who make this work matter—creators, organizers, storytellers, and community voices from across West Virginia.

Featuring:

Woody Woods
Traci Phillips (Politics & Community)
Jayli Phillips (Teen talk)
Leeshia Lee (Dear West Virginia Love Letter Contest)
Nyshyne (WV Pride)
Justin Phillips (Sports)
Mavery Davis (Black Business)
Chamear Davis (Agriculture)
Aaliyah Jones
Myles T (Music)
Faster Way with Coach Heather K (Wellness)
Bunmi Kushimo
Tiara Brown & Sonya Harioston ( Devotional)
Katonya Hart ( Community)

…and more voices joining throughout the day and night.

Win Woody Fest Tickets — Every Hour for 24 Hours

The 24-hour podcastathon will give away Woody Fest tickets every single hour during the livestream to one donor each hour.

Woody Fest ‘26 is a one-day hip-hop and culture festival taking place Saturday, August 1 at Shawnee Sports Complex in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It brings together major national and regional artists, including DaBaby, Waka Flocka Flame, Ying Yang Twins, DJ Lauryn Trill, Neenee Incognita, Stephen Thomas, White Mic, Duck City, Pantry Band, Prince Phae, Big TC, and DJ Charlie Blac.

Hosted by BBG Culture Editor Leeshia Lee. (https://www.wsaz.com)

Sponsorship + Support Opportunities

We’re inviting local businesses and partners to sponsor this 24-hour broadcast.