Welcome…

Welcome to the shared website of Malcolm J. Wilson and Humans of Central Appalachia. It’s a dual site because it’s hard to decipher the precise juncture where Malcolm J. Wilson ends, and Humans of Central Appalachia begins.

By day, the seasoned photographer, web designer, marketer and educator helps the region’s premier businesses expand their marketing reach through well-developed marketing and advertising campaigns. After-hours and on weekends, he dons his camera holster and recorder and sets out for points unknown to gather the honest and compelling stories that are helping to shatter the generations-old stereotypes of Appalachians and our culture.

Is he some kind of super hero? Well, the explanation is a little more down to earth than that. Suffice to say, Malcolm J. Wilson is a passionate Appalachian who has made it his life’s work to capture the volumes that can be written in a smile, and the images that can be painted from the palette of a tall tale.

The Covid pandemic has created a most unusual new normal for us because of my wife Amy’s job as the principle medical provider at a long term care facility…

Masks… Quarantined in Appalachia:

An artistic collaboration with singer, songwriter and storyteller, Mr. Ron Short.
Photographs by Malcolm J. Wilson.
Supplemental photography by Amy Asher Wilson.

My wife Amy Asher Wilson, nurse practitioner, is the principle medical provider for a long term care facility (LTCF) in Eastern Kentucky. She, along with countless others are going to work each and every day to make sure our local, LTCF doesn't become part of other, devastating long-term healthcare facility statistics around our state and across our country. Sacrifices must be made for the benefit of all.

Amy works on the front lines, protecting the health and safety of our elderly and disabled in Eastern Kentucky. At the end of March as statistics began to flood in about how dangerous and deadly Covid-19 is for the very people Amy cares for, we brainstormed plans to make the safety of her patients our first priority.

Our first, and most difficult decision was to live apart which is a very small sacrifice when the health and wellbeing of so many others are in jeopardy. After some discussion as to what would be best, Amy moved her belongings into the guest room on one side of the house which is usually reserved for our grandchildren when they visit. I live in the opposite side of the house with separate front and back entrances. We are now into the twenty first week of our doing it together while staying apart lifestyle.

Our story pales in comparison to the tens of thousands across our country and around the globe. So many have sacrificed so much more than most of us hope we ever have to. Our only hope is that not only we continue to protect those that Amy protects but to also provide a bit of inspiration others.

We hope that this will end sooner than later but realize it will be some time before we can gather, hug and feel like the world is normal again. Until that time Amy and I will continue to do what we can to protect your mothers, fathers, uncles and aunts, grandparents and friends with all the love and devotion we can muster.

Amy, and I want to thank Ron Short for lyrics, music and performance of this amazing song, “Masks,” inspired by these photographs. We also want to thank Lisa Davis on the keyboard and Aaron Davis, recording and mix. We also want to thank Brandon Goins for supplemental audio editing. In addition to all these fine folks we also want to extend gratitude to our critiquing committee, our neighbors, Bub and Mary G Adams who are also featured in this work, along with Cliff and Paula Latta and Adam Williamson who probably watched more renditions of this project than they care to count.

Stay safe!

Humans of Central Appalachia

When the Humans of Central Appalachia Facebook Page was launched in June 2015, it began as an Appalachian documentary project of photographer, Malcolm J. Wilson. Now, with over 30K followers, based on percentages, Humans of Central Appalachia is the fastest growing "Humans of" page on Facebook garnering well over 300 new likes weekly. This popularity has redefined Humans of Central Appalachia as an important repository for preserving the dignity and significance of the Appalachian culture. Here, you will be able to learn all about the Humans of Central Appalachia project, read the stories, see the photos and be privy to things you won’t find on Facebook, like the unpublished original color images of our favorite featured “Humans,” hear them tell their stories in forthcoming unreleased audio tracks, and learn ways you can help us continue the Humans of Central Appalachia story.

Malcolm J. Wilson

Located in Blackey, Kentucky, Malcolm J. Wilson helps small companies in the central and southern highland regions of Appalachia grow. Specializing in photography, web design, advertising, marketing, graphic design, public relations, business consulting, social media, corporate event planning and implementation, and creative training, Wilson provides all services in-house, with an emphasis on collaboration and relationship building.  Representing some of the region’s most innovative and socially-conscious businesses, Wilson’s unique perspective and business philosophy are a winning combination for businesses who are looking for something different in their marketing endeavors because, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve already got.”

A life-long learner and a natural educator, Wilson also leads a series of popular training workshop and retreats throughout the region, including digital photography, marketing and media relations

If it’s time to do something different or tell your story, call or email today!