King Coal: A Deep Dive into my Appalachian Legacy

By Zeah Loren Edmonds

Ever watched a film that just grabs you by the heart and takes you on a journey? That’s exactly what Elaine McMillion Sheldon’s “King Coal” does. It’s like stepping into a lush, green time capsule in the heart of Appalachia, where the story of coal isn’t just about rocks but about the soul of West Virginia.

Picture this: the southern area of “West By God Virginia”, where coal isn’t just a mineral, but a character in its own right. The film spins tales of a merciless King ruling over a land rich in resources but struggling with its identity.

Zeah on RIGHT beside her sister, Zuri.

Coal, the black gold of the 20th century, was Appalachia’s bread and butter. I was struck by a stat I read, “In 2021, West Virginia produced 14% of U.S. coal” – that’s huge, right? But despite all this, the local folks, the true heart of these coal towns, see very little of this wealth.

And here’s where “King Coal” gets personal for me. My granddaddy, William O’ Dell Edmonds, a.k.a. Granddaddy George, was a coal miner. He swapped his chef’s hat and gardener’s gloves for a miner’s helmet. But like many others, he paid the price with his health, falling victim to Black Lung disease at just 37.

The film touches on the hardships of these miners but misses delving into the racial aspect. Being a Black coal miner like Granddaddy George came with its own set of challenges. It’s a part of our history that’s often overshadowed but so important to remember.

“King Coal” is visually stunning and poetic. There’s this one scene where a tattoo artist inks a miner’s story onto skin – it’s powerful stuff. It captures the danger, the blasts, the rockfalls – the everyday risks these miners faced.

But it’s not just about the miners. The documentary highlights the environmental toll of coal mining too. Yet, it doesn’t dive deep enough into the scars left on our beautiful West Virginia landscapes by things like blast mining.

What truly shines through in “King Coal” is the pride of the West Virginian community. It’s a celebration of resilience and legacy. I grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, and I can tell you, the sense of community here is something else. This film captures that spirit – the festivals, the parades, the deep-rooted connections.

The documentary wraps up with a scene that’s a mix of mourning and celebration – like a phoenix rising from the ashes. It’s a tribute to those who’ve given their lives to the mines, leaving a legacy that’s woven into the very fabric of our communities.

So, “King Coal” isn’t just a film about coal. It’s a story about people, about struggles, and most importantly, about leaving a mark that outlasts even the toughest of rocks.

Read the companion article by Zeahs’ sister Zuri: Experiencing King Coal At Denver Film Festival