Our Storytelling Trek Blog #6

NABS Talking: On The Road with Ilene and Queen

Documenting Black Appalachian Storyteller Fellows

By: Ilene Evans

Editor: Karen "Queen Nur" Abdul-Malik

Hasan Davis, South Arts Recipient “Hope and History” Program at the Rebel Rebel Studio and Lounge in Berea, KY

Hasan Davis

Saturday was sunny and bright. It was an easy drive to the lush green tree-filled historic Berea campus. The program is being held at the Rebel Rebel Studio, a storefront cafe, easy to find right in downtown Berea. Hasan’s son Malcolm, drove into the parking lot right behind us. This was our first time meeting Malcolm. He was gracious and offered to help us unload the gear. Hasan had a great crew who brought in enough food to feed a small army, and it smelled delicious.

As we mingled with invited guests including our own 2025 Black Appalachian Storyteller Fellow, Reverend Baskin, we learned that family has been an integral part of Hasan and Malcom's Appalachian artistry and they set the standards pretty high.

Rev. Andrew Baskin and Ilene

Malcolm Davis

“Hope and History” would bring father and son together to tell the story of two little known black men in Kentucky history: Monk Estill and York. Hearing Kentucky history from the late 1700’s to early 1800’s through Black Appalachian Storytellers illuminates American History in a new light revealing deep truths, forgotten accomplishments, buried folklife, and erased heroism. We settled in to hear Hasan and Malcolm relive the historical journeys of York and Estill - ultimately - to freedom and independence.

And what a journey it was - for us - the rapt and spellbound witnesses. Tears were shed. The audience was deeply moved. The compelling stories expressed the quality of the hereos' character, mastery of the wilderness, manhood, and navigation of racism. We were gifted a deeper understanding of how our ancestors listened to the natural world, evoked a long-term vision and embodied a sense of fidelity and justice neglected by others.

The program was an invitation to the practice of lifelong learning. It was a lesson in how one generation can be a guide for the next generation to find their voice and purpose in storytelling. Father and son worked in tandem to explain their process, research relationship and vision for future collaborations and to answer questions posed by the audience.

Curiosity raised questions about the men they portrayed as well as their father son relationship. The responses of the community of teachers, librarians, environmentalists, students, professors and family demonstrated how connected they felt to both the subject matter and the Black Appalachian storytellers. Just as it was in experiencing the sensational storytelling, senses were elevated once again and everyone dug in to another feast. The conversations continued around a shared meal,  a delicious spread of chili and rice, cornbread and beans, with and without meat. Hasan had mastered all the cooking, except for the cornbread, a family tradition prepared by his wife, Dreama Gentry - a star in her own right, recognized as one of the nation's leading voices on rural education, economic mobility, and place-based partnerships.

A short film from the Eastern Kentucky Leadership Federation made in recognition of the Caroline Sunday Award was presented in recognition of Hasan's work in community leadership over the years. Folks sat back to watch Hasan in action with youth and elders through his juvenile justice initiatives and his workshops. That short film gathered images of the wide impact Hasan and his storytelling have made.  Then they did the same for his wife, Dreama also received a different award for her work as well. What a great afternoon of celebration for their ongoing work. They power couple have yet to slow down.

After all the celebration, we packed up the gear and headed over to continue our interview with Hasan at his home in Paint Lick. We found ourselves in what seemed like a typical suburban neighborhood, until we saw the back of the house. The drop was over 60 feet of dense forest.

Hasan told us about the rocky - but fully determined - road to complete college and then on to law school. More tears were shed as he expressed the name he deemed for his mother, Alice Lovelace - The Vital Hope Dealer. The culture bearer's service and impact on the youth has been tremendous. His book, “Written Off” tells much of the story of his journey and leaves readers with hope. That hope is not an empty wish-based feeling, it is a spiritual striving against all odds that stand against you and still knowing it is worth the struggle. As he continues to mentor, work with state policy makers, deliver his story around the nation to inspire and uplift, this contemporary hero saves lives every day.

My take away from our visit with Hasan Davis:

Mission: Passing on the love and passion for truth and justice.

Message: A door may close, but that does not mean you cannot re-open it.

Motto: I am a hope dealer. Where there is a will there is a way.