As part of the Phyllis Wilson Moore Online Author Series, the Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center will host an online event featuring author Cicero Fain, a third generation black Huntingtonian and recipient of the Carter G. Woodson Fellowship from Marshall University. On Wednesday, September 16, at 7p.m., Dr. Fain will be talking about his work, reading several passages from his book “Black Huntington: An Appalachian Story”, and taking questions from the online audience. After being published, his book, “Black Huntington: An Appalachian Story”, was a finalist for the Weatherford Award in May 2019 by the University of Illinois Press. This online event will be free and open to the public and will be held via WebEx. The link to join this event is https://www.fairmontstate.edu/AuthorSeriesFain. The meeting number is 129 960 9580, and the password is Fain. 

“Black Huntington: An Appalachian Story” describes Huntington’s booming economy and relatively tolerant racial climate in the 1930’s which attracted African Americans from across Appalachia and the South. Prosperity gave these migrants political clout and spurred the formation of communities that defined black Huntington. Using interviews and archival materials, Dr. Fain details the rise and consolidation of the black working class. He also reveals how African Americans developed a host of strategies – strong kin and social networks, institutional development, property ownership, and legal challenges – to defend their gains in the face of the white status quo.

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is located in a historic barn on the campus at Fairmont State University. The Folklife Center is devoted to identifying, preserving, and maintaining the traditions, culture, and heritage of the region. Currently, the Folklife Center is closed to the public, but for information about upcoming online events, please email wvfolklife@fairmontstate.edu, or call 304-367-4403.