After slavery was abolished, coal mining remained a steady source of employment for blacks in America.
Two of the 29 men who died at the Upper Big Branch mine at Montcoal in April were African-Americans.
An event on July 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Tamarack in Beckley will recognize the rich African-American history in Appalachian coal mining. The “Soul of Coal” event will help raise money for the Lynch Memorial Fund established to recognize William Roosevelt Lynch, one of the two black men killed in the mine disaster.
Lynch wore many hats, including that of a coal miner.
Over his career, the 59-year-old who went by Roosevelt, was a teacher, coached three sports and was about to welcome his fourth grandchild into the world. He also worked in the mines for more than 30 years.
When Lynch died, his brother, Melvin Lynch of Mount Hope, was also in the mine at the time.
Roosevelt Lynch was a longtime Oak Hill resident who coached basketball, football and track and taught on the high school and middle school levels.
“A lot of people around town called him coach,” Melvin Lynch said. “He would substitute teach, then coach and then work in the mines. He used to have that rigorous schedule.”
Oak Hill High basketball coach Fred Ferri said Roosevelt Lynch also competed in a summer basketball league in Beckley.
“He was in excellent condition,” Ferri said. “He played last summer. He’s out there running with kids. Roosevelt was a heck of an athlete.”
The Oak Hill High School-Collins High School Alumni Association established the Lynch Memorial Fund through the Beckley Area Foundation. The goal is to send a high school sophomore student athlete to a summer basketball camp each year.
The other black man killed in the UBB mine tragedy was Joel Price.
Price, 55, of Beckley, went by “Jody” and was the second youngest of 14 children to Elizabeth Price-West and the late Thornton E. Price Sr. Bishop Fred Simms of Heart of God Ministries officiated at Price’s funeral and said Price was known for his frequent family barbecues. Price and his wife, Dorean, have three sons.
“What he was most known for was his smile,” Simms said. “He was a very compassionate individual who was always willing to help anybody else. He was a family man who cared for his children.”
The “Soul of Coal” event will have everything from a soul food-style luncheon to poetry and music.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Thomas Jones will be one of the speakers at the event. Jones is the son of a coal miner.
Beyond athletic abilities, Roosevelt Lynch and Jones share a common heritage: both are part of the deep-rooted African-American history in Appalachian coal mines.
“The Soul of Coal” will begin at 2 p.m. on July 11 at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley. The event will include a soul food-style luncheon, poetry and music.
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, executive vice president of Mountain State University-Beckley campus and a daughter of an African-American coal miner will introduce Jones.
With a July feature article on Lynch and African-American coal miners, Jet and Ebony magazines will provide a special presentation. A special announcement is also anticipated from the National Mining Association and other community groups relating to education, health and safety of children.
“Soul of Coal” tickets are $20 per person and $15 for youth or seniors. Seats can be reserved by calling DBD Law at 1-304-342-0133. Payment by checks or donations to the fund are payable to the BAF-Lynch Memorial Fund.
Event information and online registration are available at www.tinyurl.com/soulofcoal. Event or individual youth attendance sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call Jeff James at 1-304-346-2230, ext. 101, for more information.
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