In southeast Kentucky and southwest Virginia, neighboring communities in Harlan County, KY and Wise County, VA are finding safety in numbers.  Coal corporation, A & G would like to strip mine in both these communities, but in the process have instead brought people and neighborhoods together. Last Friday, a van full of Harlan County KFTC members, ranging in age from 8 to 65, drove over beautiful Black Mountain to join their friends, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards in Wise County, VA, for a march, rally, and celebration to Save Ison Rock Ridge! 

Companies, especially in the coal business, have a long history of dividing communities.  No one knows this more than retired miner and MSHA inspector, Stanley, and retired miner and union organizer, Carl, both pictured above.  This is why they've been working diligently for the past several years along side their neighbors and friends against companies like A & G.   Since hearing about the sister struggle with this same company in neighboring Virginia communities, the Harlan County chapter has joined Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards in organizing efforts.  From a water monitoring training last year, to now a rally for their mountains, Carl said it best:

"A & G would love for this state line to keep us apart.  But it can't and they [A & G] can't!"

Find out more about both these communities here and here.