Who are you?
K: My name is Kabrea James and I’m a visual artist and writer from Beckley, West Virginia. Nature, creative expression, spiritual enlightenment and human connection are my focuses in this life. I live freely and encourage others to do the same.
T: I am Tiara Brown, a 26-year-old from Oak Hill, West Virginia. I’m passionate about making positive change within my community, wherever possible, and leaving each space that I’m in better than it initially was. I graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor’s in broadcast journalism and have used transferable skills to take on work outside of the journalistic field. I’m passionate about showing Christ-like love to those around me and lending a helping hand when the opportunity arises. Having a servant’s heart opens the door to new and beautiful connections that I am beyond grateful to have.
How do you two know each other?
K: I met Tiara in 2022 while serving on the panel for a Black In The Newsroom event in Morgantown, West Virginia. We hit it off instantly after learning that we were Marshall sisters. I honestly wish we had connected sooner.
T: I met Kabrea during an event that I helped put together, surrounding the topic of Black experiences in the newsroom. I noticed her warm nature and struck up a conversation that created a beautiful friendship that I am grateful for.
What inspires you?
K: I’m inspired by vibrant color and life experiences. I’m also very moved by nature and its healing qualities. I feel like I have endless creative ideas and I’m always looking for new ways to translate my visions.
T: Inspiration for me lately has been projects led by individuals who have an end goal of giving back to underserved or marginalized groups. Being surrounded by a group of change-makers who have experience and a clear goal excites me, there’s no better feeling than pouring into something that will create some level of goodness in the world. I am particularly interested in Appalachian-focused projects, being as though that’s where my roots lie and high needs certainly exist for many throughout the region.
Describe your experience growing up as black girl in West Virginia.
K: It seems like I was always searching for a sense of place. Now that I’m older, I understand just how much not having that affected my overall sense of identity. I always wondered…. what is the Appalachian experience? And how do I connect to this experience when people are actively trying to erase the history and cultural impact of people who look like me?
I’m still coping with it but I now understand that I was living an AFFRILACHIAN experience. Now I’m a proud Black Appalachian. I’m just grateful to have been raised around loved ones who cherished blackness and our unique black experience.
T: Growing up as a Black girl in Southern West Virginia was isolating and truly not fun for the most part. Not only did I face a high level of racism but identity issues and systemic challenges as well. Being the only Black person in my elementary and middle school classes left little room for me to not feel like an outsider, especially when my peers grew to an age of understanding themselves. Being impoverished added a layer to the lack of accessibility that I had to tapping into spaces that had a higher Black presence.
I didn’t know multifest existed until my mid-20s and I had zero push by the adults around me to dive deeper into the rich Black history that surrounded me. Church opened the door for me to feel acceptance and a true sense of identity once I gained a full understanding of the Body of Christ and unity. I finally had a model of what a healthy support system looked like and a multicultural space.
What aspects of living in West Virginia do you enjoy?
K: I love the close-knit, cozy, community feel of life in these mountains. It also doesn’t hurt that we have easy-access to some of the most captivating nature scapes and hideaways. This means the world to me as an outdoors enthusiast.
T: I enjoy the accessibility to nature and the level of togetherness that I have found in many West Virginia communities. So many organizations are sewing into initiatives geared toward retaining or attracting local talent, which is special. There’s a lot of peace and beauty to be found here that I am glad I stuck around to discover. I’m also a big fan of the folk music scene that I have found lately.
What’s your favorite color?
K: I love love love the color pink but I also love love love the color green. I love all colors, really!
T: Big fan of the color purple!
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
K: Fun-loving. Free-spirited. Passionate.
What does your dream life look like?
K: In my dream life, I create and move about my days freely. I have emotionally fulfilling connections and laugh often. I spend endless time in nature. I am abundant and have the tools and resources to build the world I want to see.
T: My dream life looks like me residing on a hillside in an a-frame house with large windows and a beautiful view of some outrageously beautiful West Virginia scenic overlook. Every group that’s pushing for positive change is properly funded and local residents are just as important to their city officials as the tourists in their towns. Lastly, everyone would feel loved and accepted no matter what.
What advice do you have to young black girls growing up here?
K: Be yourself and never give up on your dreams. Starve the opposition and feed your heart’s desire. You are the artist and life is your canvas. You are more special than you’ll ever know.
T: Don’t let anyone in or outside of your community diminish our dreams or make you feel bad for following your heart rather than blending in with the environment around you. There is a lot to gain from this state and many people that would love to support your dreams, you just have to lean into your passions and build your connection up. And any injustice that you experience is real and worth acknowledging, never let anyone minimize your emotions.
What’s your favorite place to hang out in Southern West Virginia?
K: There is no place on earth like Sandstone Falls in the heart of the summer.
T: Fayette Station is my favorite place to spend time in, especially if it’s underpopulated. Or anywhere that I can sit beside the New River unbothered and soak in creation.
What do you admire most about each other?
K: Tiara’s resilience will be studied for centuries to come. Even though I’m privy to just a small portion of the adversity she’s faced, I’m in awe. She not only overcomes but she thrives. She’s an inspiration to me and so many other Affrilachian women just by being Tiara. Her authenticity reflects in her style, which I’m obsessed with. I’m blessed to know and love her. Just a beautiful person inside and out.
T: I admire how kind Kabrea is. She also has a beautiful smile and soft demeanor, making her a very easy person to communicate with. Her ability to create beautiful art and follow through with her projects is also inspiring. She is passionate about beautifying her community and uplifting the people there, which is something that I respect and admire. And her hair is always perfect. Truly a 10 out of 10 human.
Leuphorique 