Struggle of Coon Branch Mountain

Mimi Pickering. 1972. 16 mm Film. 

In their efforts to better their children’s education, the residents of this small West Virginia community found themselves face to face with an unfeeling, bureaucratic political structure. Struggle of Coon Branch Mountain documents their fight for a better road and decent schools, an effort that includes organizing the community, setting up their own school, and finally a march on the governor’s office. The film ends with a partial victory and determination to continue the struggle, and will be of interest to community organizers, as well as students of education, public policy, and rural issues.

“One of the finest examples of community school inclusion I have seen. This film helps to bury the false notion that undereducated mountain parents care very little about their children’s education.”— Appalachian State University

“Provides an excellent base for discussion of problems in extending equal educational opportunities to all. Viewers will cheer the efforts of the residents of Coon Branch Mountain.”— University of Pittsburgh

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