BLAC Re-Membering Podcast

BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubliee Series: Hood Huggers Rebuilding Black Affrilachian Communities with DeWayne Barton

June 11, 2024 Black Appalachian Coalition Season 1 Episode 40
BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubliee Series: Hood Huggers Rebuilding Black Affrilachian Communities with DeWayne Barton
BLAC Re-Membering Podcast
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BLAC Re-Membering Podcast
BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubliee Series: Hood Huggers Rebuilding Black Affrilachian Communities with DeWayne Barton
Jun 11, 2024 Season 1 Episode 40
Black Appalachian Coalition

Welcome to our BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubilee Series!

Today's episode features Narrative Organizing Fellow NitaJade and DeWayne Barton, Founder and CEO of Hood Huggers International based in Asheville, NC. Tune in as they:

  • Explore the transformative impact of Hood Huggers International's work in revitalizing Asheville communities through sustainable initiatives.
  • Discover the power of social enterprise in rebuilding and empowering communities for long-term sustainability and growth.
  • Embrace the significance of Juneteenth celebrations as a catalyst for education and empowerment within communities.
  • Engage with actionable insights on involving youth in driving environmental sustainability efforts for a brighter future.


DeWayne Barton, the visionary founder and CEO of Hood Huggers International, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the realm of community revitalization. His unwavering dedication to empowering Black Affrilachian communities through innovative initiatives is truly inspiring. Barton's pivotal role in establishing the Blue Note Junction Project, a transformative health and business incubator, demonstrates his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and wellness among BIPOC individuals. With a profound understanding of the intersection between art, environment, and social enterprise, Barton continues to spearhead impactful efforts aimed at sustainable community development. His profound impact and unwavering dedication make him an instrumental figure in the ongoing journey to rebuild and uplift marginalized communities in Appalachia.

To learn more about Hood Huggers International and their work visit www.hoodhuggers.com.

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

Welcome to our BLAC Juneteenth Black Jubilee Series!

Today's episode features Narrative Organizing Fellow NitaJade and DeWayne Barton, Founder and CEO of Hood Huggers International based in Asheville, NC. Tune in as they:

  • Explore the transformative impact of Hood Huggers International's work in revitalizing Asheville communities through sustainable initiatives.
  • Discover the power of social enterprise in rebuilding and empowering communities for long-term sustainability and growth.
  • Embrace the significance of Juneteenth celebrations as a catalyst for education and empowerment within communities.
  • Engage with actionable insights on involving youth in driving environmental sustainability efforts for a brighter future.


DeWayne Barton, the visionary founder and CEO of Hood Huggers International, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the realm of community revitalization. His unwavering dedication to empowering Black Affrilachian communities through innovative initiatives is truly inspiring. Barton's pivotal role in establishing the Blue Note Junction Project, a transformative health and business incubator, demonstrates his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and wellness among BIPOC individuals. With a profound understanding of the intersection between art, environment, and social enterprise, Barton continues to spearhead impactful efforts aimed at sustainable community development. His profound impact and unwavering dedication make him an instrumental figure in the ongoing journey to rebuild and uplift marginalized communities in Appalachia.

To learn more about Hood Huggers International and their work visit www.hoodhuggers.com.

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.