100 Days in Appalachia, After Coal Panel — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

100 Days in Appalachia, After Coal Panel — DeepCutsArchive

Tom Hansell of Appalachian State University will discuss his documentary After Coal: Stories of Survival in Appalachia and Wales Hansell will be joined by panelists Caity Coyne of the Charleston Gazette-Mail and Nicholas Stump of the George R. Farmer Jr. Law Library at WVU. Ashton Marra of WVU’s Reed College of Media and 100 Days in Appalachia will moderate this conversation about how communities and cultures survive after coal. The discussion is sponsored by the WVU Humanities Center, the Appalachian Justice Initiative at WVU Law, Reed College of Media, and West Virginia University Press. WVU Law guest speaker Tom Hansell Hansell is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work has been broadcast on public television and screened at international film festivals. Hansell has more than two decades of experience working with coalfield residents to create collaborative media projects. He began his career at the Appalshop media arts center, and he currently teaches at Appalachian State University. Central Appalachia and south Wales were built to extract coal and faced with coal’s decline, both regions have experienced economic depression, labor unrest, and out-migration. After Coal focuses on coalfield residents who chose to remain in their communities and work to build a diverse and sustainable economy. The book tells the story of four decades of exchange between two mining communities on opposite sides of the Atlantic, and profiles individuals and organizations that are undertaking the critical work of regeneration. The stories in After Coal are told through interviews and photographs collected during the making of After Coal, a documentary film produced by the Center for Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University and directed by Hansell. Considering resonances between Appalachia and Wales in the realms of labor, environment, and movements for social justice, the book approaches the transition from coal as an opportunity for marginalized people around the world to work toward safer and more egalitarian futures.

About This Footage

This rare footage of R.E.M.'s appearance on the "100 Days in Appalachia, After Coal Panel" is a fascinating addition to the archives, offering a unique glimpse into the band's involvement with social and environmental issues beyond their music.

The panel discussion features Tom Hansell, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, discussing his work on "After Coal: Stories of Survival in Appalachia and Wales." The documentary explores the decline of coal industries in Central Appalachia and south Wales, and how local communities are working to build sustainable economies. R.E.M.'s participation in this conversation highlights their interest in social justice and environmental concerns.

R.E.M., known for their thought-provoking lyrics and activism, was an American rock band that formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. Their music often addressed themes of politics, identity, and the human condition. The band's involvement with various social causes, including anti-apartheid campaigns and environmental issues, has been well-documented.

The "100 Days in Appalachia" project, which sponsored this panel discussion, is a testament to the importance of storytelling and community engagement in addressing complex social and economic challenges. By sharing the stories of coalfield residents who are working towards regeneration, the documentary aims to raise awareness about the impact of coal's decline on local communities.

The footage itself is a rare treat for fans of R.E.M. and those interested in social justice issues. The discussion is moderated by Ashton Marra, a journalist with 100 Days in Appalachia, and features Caity Coyne, Nicholas Stump, and Tom Hansell as panelists. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of economic transition and community resilience.

The involvement of R.E.M. in this event underscores their commitment to using their platform for social commentary and activism. As a prominent rock band, they had the opportunity to reach a wide audience and bring attention to important issues. Their participation in this panel discussion demonstrates that even beyond their music, R.E.M. was engaged with the world around them.

The "100 Days in Appalachia, After Coal Panel" footage is a significant addition to the archives, offering a unique perspective on R.E.M.'s involvement with social and environmental issues. It provides valuable context for understanding the band's commitment to activism and their role as cultural commentators. This rare clip serves as a reminder of the importance of music and art in sparking conversations about complex social and economic challenges.

The panel discussion itself is a rich tapestry of perspectives, with each participant bringing their unique expertise and experiences to the conversation. Tom Hansell's work on "After Coal" provides a nuanced understanding of the decline of coal industries and the resilience of local communities. Caity Coyne and Nicholas Stump offer valuable insights into the economic and cultural implications of this transition.

The fact that R.E.M. was involved in this event highlights their commitment to using their platform for social commentary and activism. Their participation in this panel discussion demonstrates that even beyond their music, R.E.M. was engaged with the world around them. This rare footage serves as a reminder of the importance of music and art in sparking conversations about complex social and economic challenges.

The "100 Days in Appalachia, After Coal Panel" footage is a significant addition to the archives, offering a unique perspective on R.E.M.'s involvement with social and environmental issues. It provides valuable context for understanding the band's commitment to activism and their role as cultural commentators. This rare clip serves as a reminder of the importance of music and art in sparking conversations about complex social and economic challenges.

Curated from public records and music databases.