AFFRILACHIA: UNHEARD VOICES OF APPALACHIA

Abstract

The Appalachian region is one that is often looked at through the lens of negative stereotypes. It is one that is considered uneducated, low class, and generally lacking in diversity. While statistically, there is data to back up the origins of these stereotypes, it is important to be aware of the changes that have come over time within the region. There are writers of color within the region, many who publish within the body of work considered Affrilachian literature and focused group of Affrilachian poets. The majority of this thesis’s research and literature analysis focuses on the background of living a life within Appalachia, teaching within Appalachia, and beginning to study and implement the use of poetry in a classroom to help create identity and change in terms of identity and cognizance of the Affrilachian individual.