Historian William H. Turner, professor emeritus at Berea College’s Appalachian Center, is set to discuss his latest book. Titled “The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns,” Turner will speak at the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center on the Hamilton Campus of Miami University at 7 p.m. March 20.
The book delves into the narratives of Black Appalachia, drawing from Turner’s upbringing in eastern Kentucky. It won the 2021 Weatherford Award for Nonfiction and the 2023 Kentucky Historical Society Governor’s Award. The event, co-sponsored by Appalachian Studies and Miami Regionals Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is open to the public and free of charge. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP.