Little Cities, Big Ideas: Ohio University Appalachian Teaching Project In the Little Cities of Black Diamonds

In our poster we will present a service learning project supported through the Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) and Ohio University’s Sociology of Appalachia class. The purpose of the project was allow students from the university to collaborate with the community of Shawnee, Ohio. Shawnee is one village in the Little Cities Of Black Diamonds micro region which includes historic coal mining communities in southeast Ohio. Students attended Shawnee’s Little Cities Of Black Diamonds (LCBD) day and presented short TED talks based on individual research about the theme of the event: “Sports in the Little Cities: The Great Uniter, Divider, and Equalizer. We investigated the historic and current role of sports and recreation in benefiting the region’s economy and its influence on social factors. Students met with the LCBD council and representatives of Southeast Ohio History Center where we learned about the Little Cities communities in order to strengthen community ties. By participating in LCBD day, we gained insight into the Appalachian Ohio region and cultivated a more positive image of the local community. Through presenting images and information about our project, we will share the value of applying our skills and energy in community collaboration and experiences beyond the classroom