Grandma’s Hands: Honoring the Legacy of West Virginia’s Grandmothers

West Virginia’s grandmothers have left an indelible mark on history, shaping their families, communities, and culture with strength and love. From Bill Withers’ Grandma’s Hands, inspired by his grandmother in Slab Fork, WV, to The Six Triple Eight, now streaming on Netflix, these stories celebrate the resilience and contributions of Black Appalachian women.

The Six Triple Eight highlights the incredible story of Mildred V. Leonard of Eckman, WV, one of the first Black female captains in the U.S. Army. Leonard’s legacy is a testament to the enduring strength of Black grandmothers from West Virginia and their role in overcoming adversity to inspire future generations.

Celebrate these stories with BBG’s feature on West Virginia’s grannies and their remarkable impact.
➡️ Read more on BBG here.

Fun Fact: Bill Withers’ Grandma’s Hands has been reimagined as a children’s book, continuing the celebration of Appalachian grandmothers. Visit grandmashandsbook.com to learn more. If you love BBG’s work, support us today!\