BLAC Re-Membering Podcast

Big Doors, Little Hinges: Reparations in Asheville with Phyllis Utley

October 09, 2023 Black Appalachian Coalition Season 1 Episode 20
Big Doors, Little Hinges: Reparations in Asheville with Phyllis Utley
BLAC Re-Membering Podcast
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BLAC Re-Membering Podcast
Big Doors, Little Hinges: Reparations in Asheville with Phyllis Utley
Oct 09, 2023 Season 1 Episode 20
Black Appalachian Coalition

In this episode of the Blac Re-Membering podcast, Fellows explore the need for reparations and collective healing in addressing historical injustices. Our guest, Phyllis Utley, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of Black communities throughout history. Phyllis shares personal anecdotes and historical examples to underscore the transformative power of community support and shared experiences. The episode also delves into the city of Asheville's involvement in reparations, with a focus on the reparations commission and the ongoing work to address systemic racism and promote deep equity. Listeners are invited to sign a pledge and get involved in the process, as the conversation emphasizes the importance of collective action in achieving justice and healing. This episode provides valuable insights and practical steps for individuals interested in promoting racial justice and community healing.


In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Explore the importance of racial justice and community healing in Asheville, North Carolina, and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and its impact on the present.
  • Discover the significance of community support and shared experiences in fostering healing, unity, and resilience.
  • Embrace and honor the rich cultural diversity within your community, and learn how it enhances social cohesion and collective well-being.
  • Recognize and value the invaluable contributions of Black communities, and explore strategies to uplift and amplify their voices.
  • Gain insights into the need for reparations and collective healing as powerful tools in addressing historical injustices and promoting social justice.


Meet Phyllis Utley

Phyllis Utley is an exceptional individual whose tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the BIPOC community in Asheville, North Carolina. With a wealth of experience in community healing and racial justice work, Phyllis has played a pivotal role in co-leading trauma healing sessions and collaborating with organizations such as the Racial Justice Coalition, the Center for Participatory Change, and the African American Heritage Commission. Recognized as a 2020 SDEC award recipient, Phyllis's passion for promoting collective healing and addressing historical injustices shines through in her work. As an Afrolatian, she brings a unique perspective to the table, rooted in her ancestral connection to the indigenous people of Asheville.

Learn more about Phyllis and her work:

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Show Notes

In this episode of the Blac Re-Membering podcast, Fellows explore the need for reparations and collective healing in addressing historical injustices. Our guest, Phyllis Utley, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of Black communities throughout history. Phyllis shares personal anecdotes and historical examples to underscore the transformative power of community support and shared experiences. The episode also delves into the city of Asheville's involvement in reparations, with a focus on the reparations commission and the ongoing work to address systemic racism and promote deep equity. Listeners are invited to sign a pledge and get involved in the process, as the conversation emphasizes the importance of collective action in achieving justice and healing. This episode provides valuable insights and practical steps for individuals interested in promoting racial justice and community healing.


In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Explore the importance of racial justice and community healing in Asheville, North Carolina, and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and its impact on the present.
  • Discover the significance of community support and shared experiences in fostering healing, unity, and resilience.
  • Embrace and honor the rich cultural diversity within your community, and learn how it enhances social cohesion and collective well-being.
  • Recognize and value the invaluable contributions of Black communities, and explore strategies to uplift and amplify their voices.
  • Gain insights into the need for reparations and collective healing as powerful tools in addressing historical injustices and promoting social justice.


Meet Phyllis Utley

Phyllis Utley is an exceptional individual whose tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the BIPOC community in Asheville, North Carolina. With a wealth of experience in community healing and racial justice work, Phyllis has played a pivotal role in co-leading trauma healing sessions and collaborating with organizations such as the Racial Justice Coalition, the Center for Participatory Change, and the African American Heritage Commission. Recognized as a 2020 SDEC award recipient, Phyllis's passion for promoting collective healing and addressing historical injustices shines through in her work. As an Afrolatian, she brings a unique perspective to the table, rooted in her ancestral connection to the indigenous people of Asheville.

Learn more about Phyllis and her work:

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.