EHRP-Grist comic on Kentucky disaster relief distributed as educational tool
In March, Grist published a comic with The Bitter Southerner and the Economic Hardship Reporting Project (EHRP) about Kentucky landslide victims and their struggles to receive disaster relief. Written by Austyn Gaffney and illustrated by Martha Park, the story detailed the struggle of one family, the Bakers, to repair their damaged home. Now, thanks to funding from EHRP, the comic will be distributed in print to Kentuckians.
Appalachians for Appalachia, a nonprofit based in Hazard, Kentucky – a focal point in the story – will be the main distributor. The organization plans to give out more than 500 copies at their summer events. In addition, the Appalachian Citizens Law Center will use the print comic as an educational tool by offering it to residents who were impacted by landslides and are seeking legal aid. Park will also share copies as a speaker at the Kentucky Geological Survey’s annual seminar later this month, when she will deliver a presentation about using comics to tell the stories of geohazards and natural disasters. The story has already been broadcast through interviews on regional outlets like Kentucky’s Eastern Standard and West Virginia’s Inside Appalachia.
Read the full story in Grist.
