We the People’s Forum: Rednecks: A Coal Worker & His Actor Brother Speak Up

Where everyday Americans get time at the podium.

Two brothers grew up in West Virginia.

Kevin McCoy stayed. He now works in the coal industry and leans conservative.

Brandon McCoy graduated from Marshall University and eventually moved to Portland, Oregon. He now works in the arts and leans further to the left than his brother.

But both view themselves as rednecks and love their home–and both have heard and felt the stereotypes about West Virginian’s like them.

In this We the People’s Forum, the McCoy brothers address whether prejudice against hillbillies like them is still acceptable, and their ideas for how America can become less classist and more tolerant.

We the People’s Forum is a Braver Angels event, a place where everyday Americans get time at the podium.

Here’s how it works:

First half: the McCoy brothers talk about their experiences and ideas.

Second half: it’s Discussion time! Anyone with direct experience on the issue is encouraged to talk about their experience, and anyone may ask a question.

This event is open to the general public.

About the Speakers

Brandon McCoy is a professional actor, director, playwright, and stand-up comedian. Born and raised in Huntington, WV, he has written one musical and seven full length plays, including WEST BY GOD, a semi-biographical play about America’s urban-rural divide.

Kevin McCoy has worked for over two decades in the coal industry, and is currently employed as an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor for DRA operations. He is an avid outdoorsman, and lives in Rachel, West Virginia.

We the People: that’s you and the rest of us! We especially want to hear from people who have direct experience of the issue at hand.

About Braver Angels and We the People’s Forum

Braver Angels is a citizen’s organization that brings Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. We the People’s Forum is a Braver Angels event where everyday Americans get time at the podium. We hear from people who are often spoken of, but rarely spoken with, on the most important issues of the day. Learn more at www.braverangels.org/wpp