Intersections of Faith and Freedom Episode 2: "Harmonies of Faith"

Intersections of Faith and Freedom Episode 2: “Harmonies of Faith”

Join us as we explore the diverse tapestry of black church culture in rural Appalachia and uncover the interconnected themes of faith, tradition, and freedom that shape the Black Appalachian Church experience.

In this episode, our featured guest is Dr. Kathy Bullock, a retired Professor of Black Music Studies at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. We’ll also hear from Mr. Ron Short, who will offer his perspective on the role of freedom songs, like "We Shall Overcome," which began as a church song—an anthem of both faith and the fight for freedom. 

This podcast is created by Joshua Outsey, Community Archive Coordinator & Audio Content Developer at Appalshop. Joshua is an actor, a dedicated community organizer, and hip hop recording artist and performer.  He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and attended high school at Berea Community High School in Berea, KY.  At the age of 19, he relocated to Knoxville, TN, where he began organizing for social change. Joshua is a co-founder of “Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development” (SEEED) in Knoxville , TN. For over a decade, he has worked as an advocate for racial equality and economic and environmental justice in and around urban and rural Appalachia. In 2014, he served as a fellow in the Appalachian Transition Fellowship at the Highlander Center for Education and Research.  He continues to promote diversity and inclusion through his artistic performance and creative writing. When he is not writing music or poetry, Joshua enjoys being outdoors. Currently, he lives in Big Stone Gap, VA with his wife, Terran Young, and their daughter, Eden.