Tiara Brown is a community development coordinator and independent journalist who lives in Charleston, West Virginia.

“To me, embodying Black joy means being comfortable with my own identity and existence in any space or circumstance,” Tiara said. “I believe I have input that may be valuable to someone who can relate to my life experiences or is open to gaining a new perspective.”

Tiara is a native of Oak Hill, West Virginia. In her life and work, she strives to push back against false narratives about Black West Virginians that are perpetuated by people both inside and outside the state.

“Initiatives like this one, along with events led by Black community members, encourage me in my belief that there is a space for everyone who exists in this state,” Tiara said.