Monday, November 7 · 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Bond Hall at Swarthmore College
Ken Hechler '35
West Virginian activists Larry Gibson and Swarthmore alumnus Ken Hechler ’35 will speak about the devastating impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining, and the struggles of Appalachian communities to stop the practice.
Mr. Gibson is the founder of Keeper of the Mountains Foundation and an icon in the movement against mountaintop removal. He has bravely resisted intimidation from the coal industry and inspired thousands of people across the country to join the movement.
Mr. Hechler represented West Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 20 years, and also served as the West Virginia Secretary of State. Since 2004, he has also tirelessly campaigned to end mountaintop removal.
Larry Gibson
A photography exhibit by Mark Schmerling documenting the impacts of mountaintop removal will accompany the speakers.
This is the first of several events this year with activists who are fighting on the frontlines of fossil fuel extraction. Keep your eyes open for more!
Sponsored by Swarthmore Mountain Justice, Forum for Free Speech, the President’s Office, Political Science, Sociology/Anthropology, Peace and Conflict Studies, Biology, Environmental Studies, and the Alumni Relations office.