Danielle Walker named next ACLU of West Virginia Leader

Danielle Walker is leaving her seat in the West Virginia Legislature and also her position as vice chair of the state Democratic Party to become the new executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia starting April 17.

Read the AP story by Leah Willingham

The Norman Jordan African American Arts & Heritage Academy Returns for 2023 Summer Youth Program at West Virginia State University

The annual summer arts program offers teenagers concentrated study in their chosen artistic discipline. The program provides classes in music, theater, dance, visual arts, creative writing (including hip-hop and basic songwriting), and arts technology. Workshops are supplemented with historical and cultural knowledge associated with the students’ chosen art form.

Applications are open. Visit: https://normanjordanaaaha.com/

Read the story by Crystal Good

Celebrating 100 Years of Literary Passion

The Book Lovers Club of Charleston, W. Va. is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of promoting literary works and intellectual discussions. Founded in 1923 by Mrs. Sarah Meriwether Nutter, the club was established to provide a platform for intellectual discourse, primarily focused on the role of books. Today, the club’s membership includes scholars, educators, and women of letters who share a common passion for literature.

Read the BBG story

Three Southern West Virginians Receive American Idol Golden Tickets

It’s official – Kamron Lawson (Raleigh County), from left, Caden Glover (Monroe County), and Andre Williams (Greenbrier County) are all going to Hollywood for the next round of American Idol Season 21. Kamron’s episode aired a few weeks ago and saw him receive a golden ticket, securing his spot in the next round of the competition in Hollywood.

Caden and Andre competed as well and both posted pictures with their golden ticket.

Read the Mountain Messenger story

Charleston Children’s Author Channels Passion Into Publishing

Readers of Renée Ecckles-Hardy’s children’s books not only lose themselves frequently in her stories — many find themselves (or someone very much like them) within the pages, too.

Ecckles-Hardy self-published her first children’s books, “I AM Beautifully Brown!” and “I AM Boldly Brown!” in 2020. Both books are positive affirmation journals for girls and boys of color. Since then, she has published five other books and three journals, aimed at all children but particularly those of color.

Read the Gazette-Mail story by Clint Thomas

How West Virginians on Medicaid Can Keep Health Insurance

DHHR has started checking Medicaid eligibility again. Throughout April and the coming months, many West Virginians who have the insurance will be sent forms to the physical address DHHR has for them. If they do not respond to that letter quickly, they will likely lose their health insurance.

Follow these steps to make sure DHHR can get in contact with you.

Read the story on Mountain State Spotlight

Dear BBG Reader,

We are thrilled to announce that Leeshia Lee has joined Black By God (BBG) as the new co-editor for our Juneteenth/Pride issue! With her strong commitment to uplifting Black voices and extensive experience in community journalism, we are confident that Leeshia will bring a fresh perspective to our publication.

To learn more about Leeshia and her vision for BBG, please check out this link https://rb.gy/v5tenl

As we prepare to distribute BBG across Juneteenth festivals, targeted mailings, and Black-owned businesses in West Virginia, we need your help. 

1. Advertise with BBG: We offer various ad sizes and placements in our print edition.

By advertising with BBG, you will reach a diverse audience and support our mission. Ad specs and rates are attached to this email. 

2. Donate: Your contribution will help us cover printing and distribution costs. 

3. Volunteer to distribute: We are looking for volunteers to distribute our publication at Juneteenth festivals and other events.

4. Share our call for submission graphics () and please tag us. 

If you are interested in donating, volunteering, or advertising, please email us at info@blackbygod.org or reply here.

Thank you for your time and dedication to our mission. Together, we can make this Juneteenth and Pride month a meaningful celebration of Black history and culture.

Best regards,

~ Crystal Good