V. Where Coal Once Burned

Hundreds of unidentified coal mines burrow beneath the surface of Perry County, Ohio, and its surrounding communities, forming a skeleton of the region’s once-thriving economy. These towns, known as The Little Cities of Black Diamonds, once thrived; reliant on coal, miners, and the economic flow this industry supplied. However, since coal’s peak in Ohio during the 19th century, industrialization, technological advances, and shifting energy priorities have pushed the industry into decline, weakening the demand for coal. 

IV. Ohio’s Forgotten Mining History

Abandoned small towns throughout the Southeastern Appalachian region of Ohio share roots deep within the mining industry. These towns are commonly called “Little Cities of Black Diamonds,” honoring their historical ties to coal, industrialization, and once flourishing economies. 

 Perry County, Ohio, is among these Little Cities of Black Diamonds. Once an industrial hub consisting of multiple coal boomtowns, Perry County and its residents have faced economic declines since the mid-1900s.

II. The Warren County Protests and the Birth of the Modern Environmental Justice Movement

One of the most infamous catalysts for the modern environmental justice movement is the Warren County PCB Protests that unfolded in Afton, North Carolina throughout the mid-1980s. These protests defined contemporary modes of environmental justice, highlighting intersections of race and economic status to every human’s right to safe and habitable land.

I. Poisoned Land: Love Canal and the Origins of Superfund Sites

Located in Niagara Falls, New York, the Love Canal site encompasses 16 acres that were once home to working-class families; however, its rooting on poisoned land serves as a reminder of the violent consequences of improper disposal of hazardous waste. 

In 1984, William T. Love purchased the land now labeled as Love Canal, with plans to build a canal connecting Niagara Falls to Lake Ontario to harness hydroelectric power.

Nature Heals I: The Romantics Got It Right

Over the past several months, we have all become very familiar with sharp winds, gray skies, and rainy days here at Ohio Wesleyan. Starved of the sun and stuck indoors, we live our lives under harsh, white fluorescent lights. 

These conditions have a significant impact on many people’s health. Research shows that the winter season increases stress and anxiety and decreases energy and motivation.

The Power of Interactive Narratives: A.J. Fulco and Mole Maiden

We all know the authors of our favorite novels, but do you know the writers of your favorite video games? Though not often acknowledged as a form of literary narrative like creative writing, filmmaking, playwriting and journalism, gameplay is still a form of storytelling. If done well, through thoughtfully-crafted game mechanics, fully fleshed characters and an engaging plot, a game can be just as immersive as a book, film or play of the same type.

The Youth’s Companion

Do you remember the childhood thrill of opening the mailbox to find the latest issue of your favorite magazine? Can you recall the anticipation you felt while quickly leafing through its glossy pages, impatiently scanning the stories, games, and craft ideas? Popular children’s magazines such as National Geographic Kids, Sports Illustrated Kids, American Girl Doll, or Highlights for Children often come to many of our minds when we recall our childhoods.

Robots, Gadgets and Books, Oh My!

Local libraries offer our communities a range of services. Parents can bring their children to storytime. Teenagers can take part in book clubs and enjoy quiet study rooms. And there are staff who can help with anything from getting a library card to assistance with technology and even taxes. But did you know you can help with events the libraries put on?