ALC Alumnus Featured in Film Project
Jonathan Blair, Alice Lloyd College alumnus and current Director of Foundation and Corporate Giving, continues to gain national recognition for his work in storytelling, photography, and community-based media.
Blair was recently featured in American Creed: Citizen Power, a PBS initiative that highlights young leaders across the country who are using storytelling and grassroots engagement to strengthen their communities. The project builds upon the original American Creed documentary and includes a series of short films, educational tools, and real-world stories designed to encourage dialogue about civic life and identity.
His journey with the project began in October 2022, when a film crew from Citizen Film visited Pippa Passes to document his work on campus and in the community. That fall shoot became the foundation for what has grown into a multi-year collaboration.
In January 2023, Blair participated in “Connecting Our Heartlands,” a nationally streamed event hosted by the Rural Assembly. He joined fellow youth contributors Sam Schimmel of Alaska and Jace Charger of South Dakota to share stories of culture, transition, and resilience. The conversation featured civic leaders, including Dr. David Kennedy of Stanford, Dr. Danielle Allen of Harvard, and Eric Liu of Citizen University.
Blair’s contributions stem from his photo essay, “Phantom of the Black Diamond,” a project that reflects on his family’s and the region’s long ties to the coal industry. Originally published by The Daily Yonder and later reprinted by In These Times, the piece pairs photographs with personal reflection to tell a story not just of economic change, but of work, dignity, and memory. “My grandfathers on both sides were coal miners,” Blair wrote. “Coal has put food on our table for generations.”
In summer 2023, his work was selected for exhibition at Photoville, an outdoor photography festival in New York City. He has also appeared on the Everywhere Radio podcast and was featured in the PBS LearningMedia gallery Coming Up in These Mountains, which is now being used by educators across the country to help students explore place, identity, and citizenship.
More recently, in May 2025, Citizen Film returned to Eastern Kentucky to film with Blair again, this time joined by Sam Schimmel. Together, they explored topics like youth leadership, education in rural settings, the challenges of declining resources, and the shared responsibility of telling honest, place-based stories. The visit reflected a growing effort to connect young leaders across different regions, each facing unique circumstances but grounded in common ideals.
In July 2025, Blair spoke to educators affiliated with the Appalachian Writing Project, a teacher-led program based at the University of Virginia’s Wise campus that focuses on literacy, writing, and community connection. The group plans to use PBS’s Citizen Power materials in their classrooms to help students engage with storytelling and civic themes in meaningful, local ways.
In September 2025, Blair and Sam Schimmel traveled to Stanford University in California for a conversation with Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State, and Dr. David Kennedy. The conversation continued a broader dialogue around youth, democracy, and the importance of regional voices in national discussions.
Whether through writing, photography, or quiet service, Blair’s work reflects the values at the heart of Alice Lloyd College, honoring Appalachian heritage, giving voice to rural communities, and preparing leaders who serve with both purpose and humility. As he continues his own journey in higher education, Blair remains committed to being a voice and advocate for rural students and a future leader in rural higher education.
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