Living with Coal in Eastern Kentucky

Series produced by Appalachian Media Institute

Series image

Eastern Kentucky youth tell three personal stories about why people become miners and what it's like to live in a coal community.

In Letcher County, KY coal mining is the best job there is for many people. It's a part of our history, good and bad. The industry affects so much more than just the job market, it shapes who we are. With all the risks, to both people and communities, associated with coal mining you might wonder why anyone would go into the mines. We talked with our friends and family members to find out why they became miners and how mining has changed their lives. -Machlyn, Autumn and Josh


3 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Piece image
Even though Danny ?Hoot? Campbell has developed ?rock lung? from working in the mines he still recommends the profession to the next generation. In...

Bought by WGXC, WEKU, WBEZ, YouthCast, and WKMS


  • Added: Jan 09, 2006
  • Length: 05:38
  • Purchases: 5
Piece image
Josh Fleming grew up in a family of miners. In this piece he talks with his father about what being a coal miner has meant to his family and why h...

Bought by WGXC, WEKU, The Nature Podcast, WBEZ, WXLV-FM and more


  • Added: Jan 09, 2006
  • Length: 02:56
  • Purchases: 6
Piece image
When faced with the prospect of working for minimum wage many mountain youth in eastern Kentucky choose to work in the mines rather than try to scr...

Bought by WGXC, WEKU, WXLV-FM, WXLV-FM, and WKMS


  • Added: Jan 09, 2006
  • Length: 03:11
  • Purchases: 5