Crystal Good on Meeting Neema Avashia: A Conversation Long Overdue

I was so excited to finally sit down and talk with Neema Avashia, the brilliant mind behind Another Appalachia Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place

We grew up just miles apart, yet it wasn’t until adulthood that our paths finally crossed. Neema’s writing has long resonated with me—her deep understanding of identity, belonging, and the complexities of Appalachia.

In her piece for Salvation South, she explores my journey from poet to publisher, chronicling my fight to center Black voices in a media landscape that often overlooks them. Through Black By God, I’m not just telling stories—I’m making sure they thrive, ensuring that Black Appalachian narratives aren’t erased but celebrated.

It was an honor to share this conversation with Neema, and I hope you’ll read more about our exchange in Salvation South.

– Crystal Good