A delegation from Sinclair, including 16 students, will tour the Appalachian region as part of an all-expenses-paid trip this spring break. Organized by Sinclair’s Appalachian Outreach Department, the excursion will focus on African American heritage sites in celebration of Black History Month.
Held annually, this year students will get a taste of the region’s African American past by exploring sites linked to the Underground Railroad and the American Civil War. As part of the tour, Sinclair will be partnering with several institutions to provide students with a holistic experience of Appalachian history and culture.
According to Nora Stanger, Appalachian Outreach Coordinator, Sinclair’s Appalachian Outreach Department has focused on promoting the culture, artistry, and beauty of the Appalachian region since its inception in the 1990s. The tour will combine Appalachian heritage and its often overlooked African American roots.
“This year we have an absolutely wonderful and diverse group of students, including some from abroad. We have people of Appalachian ancestry and those that have never been there before,” she said. “They are not only going to benefit by going on the trip but afterward will be organizing a presentation to share everything they learned about Appalachia. It will be a great opportunity for them to discover the diversity of Appalachia and the major contributions African Americans have made to the region’s history.”
The trip will begin with a visit to Ironton, Ohio on March 7. There they will visit the Lawrence County Museum and learn about the Underground Railroad in Southern Ohio. Additionally, the group from Sinclair is also scheduled to visit the Vesuvius Iron Furnace located in the Hanging Rock Iron Region of the state.
“Students will gain first-hand knowledge of Appalachian culture, interact with locals, and immerse themselves in the historic sites of the tri-state areas,” she said. “This is part of our efforts to foster a community that embraces diversity. We want students to fully absorb the beauty of Appalachia and its African American links.”
Historic stops during the three-day tour include major sites such as the Macedonia Missionary Church, the Wayne County Heritage Farm, and Museum as well as a tour along the picturesque Ohio River. Additionally, partnering institutions will also host the delegation from Sinclair, including Marshall University of West Virginia, Ohio University, and Shawnee State University
Ismael Mujahid
Reporter