Appalachian Awareness Day takes place at RU

The rich culture of the local region was on display during Appalachian Awareness Day at Radford University.

The Feb. 13 celebration featured presentations, musical performances and storytelling, all in the Hurlburt Student Center auditorium.

Attendees were immersed in the culture and history of the Appalachian region, with presentations about aspects of Appalachian life, such as coal mining and local legends.

Storytellers Anndrena Belcher and "Old Jonah" (Jerry Vencill) regaled the crowd with tales of the mountains and the people who have called them home. Vocal duo Little Sparrow brought versions of those tales to life through song.

With a local perspective, RU's own David Horton, assistant to the Dean of the College of Science and Technology, educated attendees on the history of RU and its relationship to the community.

Appalachian Awareness Day was sponsored by the Appalachian Events Committee, a student-led organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating and educating RU students, faculty and staff about the landscapes, heritage and cultures of the Appalachian Region.

Feb 18, 2015