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How We Came To Be
From a West Virginia migration to a family reunion in Cleveland, Ohio.
African American Appalachian Legacy was founded in 2025 to advance the restoration and preservation of African American Appalachian history using historic sacred spaces, including private, public, and church-affiliated cemeteries, while connecting these sites to genealogy records, oral history and memorabilia.
1950s:
The West Virginia Migration
Beginning in the 1950s, six of eight siblings migrated from West Virginia to Cleveland, Ohio, raising 12 cousins together across deep family bonds.
2024:
The Cleveland Gathering
Nine cousins gathered for a 3-day celebration to share meals, touch cherished memorabilia, and learn genealogical roots under the guidance of family patriarchs.
2025:
The Call to Action
Encouraged to restore sacred spaces and share lost history, the African American Appalachian Legacy was formally created to preserve our history and honor education.
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