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Mountaintop Removal Protest Draws Hundreds to State Capitol
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by Sally Wilts | 2005

July 30th protest draws hundreds to state capitol to hear stories of abused lives and destroyed communities, plus great music and street theatre

The Mountaintop Removal Protest held on July 30th at the Capitol was an emotional mix of comedy, pathos, and inspired music. Hundreds of people came to show their serious dedication to working to stop the injustice of the destruction of our mountains.

We heard heart-rending stories of people whose lives have been directly affected by MTR, including Larry Gibson. Interspersed were songs performed by passionate musicians, many written just for this movement. Street theatre was performed by Mountain Justice Summer participants who had choreographed spoofs of cheerleading squads with cheers directed at powerful coal barons.

Vivian Stockman stole the show with her impersonation of King Coal and stayed in character throughout the protest, swaggering about as she offered greenbacks to buy influence and power.

I found myself wiping away tears often, and many others were doing the same. Organizers of the event include: Coal River Mountain Watch, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Friends of the Mountains, Mountain Justice Summer, Appalachian Voices, WV Highlands Conservancy, WV Chapter of the Sierra Club, Citizens’ Coal Council, and others I have neglected to list. Bill Price, Environmental Justice Coordinator for the Sierra Club, acted as MC.

If you would like to learn more and lend your support to this movement, visit www.mountainjusticesummer.org or www.ohvec.org.

Larry Gibson’s home on Kayford Mountain has been vandalized again and he is seeking donations to help replace his solar panel and lighting system. The Mountain Justice Summer website has information on how to donate.