Janice Bostic (@himomaw) is a writer, influencer, and homemaker based in the heart of Appalachia. She is a coal miner’s granddaughter and a straight talker with a lot to say. In a viral Substack video, Bostic called out her Appalachian neighbors for their unquestioning support of politics that literally killed their ancestors.
In this Kitchen Table Conversation, Janice and I explore the shared history and the shared struggle between poor white people and Black people in the U.S. From the mixing of enslaved Africans and indentured Irish and Ulster Scots people in the mountains of West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky to the sharing of cultures that took place when self-emancipated Africans ran north through the Blue Ridge Mountains to cross the Mason Dixon Line at Pennsylvania. They introduced the banjo to the region, laying the foundations for bluegrass music along the way.
But two moments in this conversation gave me chills:
The women of Esaw
The relationship between the opioid-industrial-complex, the exploitation of poor people, and the Epstein class.
Black and poor white people have a serious shared history and shared struggle. We have struggled against the same authoritarian and fascist powers, which have limited imagination, using similar tactics on both communities, but we have seldom had the opportunity to share notes. In this conversation, we share notes, and it is mind-blowing.
Listen. Then read the books Janice recommends. It is time to come together. We must.
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Upcoming Live Events
Several live events are coming up! If you’re in town, I’d love to connect in person there!
Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026. 10:00 am ET. Sermon. African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (Philadelphia, PA) Recommended early arrival.
Friday-Saturday, April 24-25, 2026. Keynote Speaker. WomanKind Conference. Speaking on “Four Words That Change Everything,” “Fortune: The Journey to Beloved Community,” “Matthew 25” St. James Episcopal Church (Richmond, VA)
Online Events
Wednesdays during Lent 2026. 6-7:30 pm ET. Weekly Speaker. “The Lenten Series: Resistance and Resilience in The Wilderness,” Click in and join me, The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw, The Rev. Daren Evans, the AECST Church Historian Arthur Sudler, and the St. Thomas church community. African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (Philadelphia, PA)
Feb 25. Week 1. “Moses and The Exodus”
Mar 4. Week 2. “Abram and Sarai”
Mar 11. Week 3. “Birth of Jesus and Flight to Egypt” (Zoom link to come)
Mar 18. Week 4. “Sermon on the Mount” (Zoom link to come)
Mar 25. Week 5. “The Cross” (Live In-Person at AECST)
40 Days | 40 Ways! (with Red Letter Christians)
In the early Church, followers of Jesus were simply called “The Way.” And in a moment like this, when so many people are being crushed by poverty, violence, racism, and displacement, we believe Love MUST become visible again.
This year, Red Letter Christians and Freedom Road are walking the Lenten road together with a shared series, “40 Days, 40 Ways,” because the Gospel is not just a way of believing. It’s a way of living.
Each day includes a short reflection and a handful of simple ways to practice Jesus-shaped justice — actions you can take right where you are. If you want to walk this road with us, you can sign up to receive the daily 40 Days, 40 Ways emails. And spread the word to your friends!
Thank you Rev. Dr. David Moore, Joe Cash, JJ, Eagle, Karma, and many others for tuning into my live video with Hi Momaw! Join me for my next live video in the app.
