amplifying the voices of Appalachia through comics

Empowering Appalachia through Comics

The Appalachia Comics Project aims to revitalize Southern Appalachia by amplifying local voices and fostering community growth in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Radar estimated rainfall totals from September 24 through 28, 2024, during Hurricane Helene. The heaviest rainfall totals are depicted in darker shades of blue, lighter rainfall totals are in shades of green. Some areas across the Southern Appalachians, including portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia received more than 12 inches of rain during this period. NOAA Climate.gov graphic, adapted from data by NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.
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Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage like that seen here on September 28, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on September 26 with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. As of October 2, the death toll from Helene was more than 160 people across several states.

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(Image credit: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

Workers, community members, and business owners clean up debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Marshall, North Carolina, on September 30th, 2024.

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(Photo: Getty Images)

Residents and volunteers clean up after the French Broad River flooded downtown Marshall, N.C., Oct. 1.

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(Photo: Travis Long/Zuma Press)

Stories of Resilience

All too often, the story of Appalachia is told by voices far removed from the mountains we call home. But the Appalachia Comics Project is changing that. With the help of dozens of comics most beloved creators, we are helping Appalachians tell their own story. Pairing those that live, raise their families, and earn their livings in Appalachia — and for our first project, those that endured the Helene disaster — with professional writers and artists, we are bringing the stories of Appalachia to the world through the lived experiences of those that call Appalachia home.

If you would like to be considered to participate, please follow the link above to a short questionnaire and tell us about your story.

Empower Appalachia

Join us in rebuilding Appalachia. Connect with us for more information and support.