Youth Voices Rising: A Place to Belong in West Virginia

By Amarie McKinney and Malachi Johnson | Black By God Youth Voices Rising

This story is part of Youth Voices Rising, a Black By God narrative-change project supported by The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and produced in partnership with the Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy at West Virginia State University.

What makes a place feel like home? For Amarie McKinney and Malachi Johnson, the answers include family, kindness and the freedom to be yourself.

During Black By God’s Youth Voices Rising journalism workshop, the two students took turns interviewing each other about their communities, their interests and what helps young people feel connected. McKinney attends Dunbar Middle School. Johnson is a Capital High School student from Charleston’s East End.

When McKinney asked Johnson to describe the community he calls home, he offered a feeling that might surprise people who know it only through negative stories.

“Where I live is very peaceful, and it feels amazing,” Johnson said.

He wishes people understood that his community is more than the fighting they may hear about. Asked where he feels he belongs, he pointed to West Virginia.

What Would help young people feel more connected to their communirty?
“To stop violence.”

– Malachi Johnson

“West Virginia, because people are nice and people are treated equally,” he said, describing his own sense of belonging.

That affection for home also came with a hope for change. When McKinney asked what would help young people feel more connected to their community, Johnson answered: “To stop violence.”

When it was Johnson’s turn to ask the questions, McKinney described a community she finds nice and fun. She said she is most proud of her family and the people around her.

Family also shapes the stories she wants to tell. Asked what interesting story she would share in an interview, McKinney pointed to the trips she takes with her family.

Johnson’s profile of McKinney captured some of her everyday interests, too. She enjoys playing Roblox and spending time outdoors. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, and she listens to R&B.

Asked about helping young people stay connected to their community, McKinney emphasized being yourself. Her answer brought the conversation back to belonging and the ability to feel comfortable as you are.

Through their exchange, the students practiced asking questions, listening and deciding which details would help readers get to know another person. McKinney said the workshop helped her become a better interviewer.

Their conversation offers two young people’s perspectives on West Virginia: Johnson’s experience of peace and kindness, alongside his wish for less violence, and McKinney’s pride in the family and people who surround her. By taking turns telling and listening, both helped shape the story of the place they call home.