Part 2/8:
For decades, coal mining was the backbone of economic stability in Eastern Kentucky. Growing up, many locals watched their fathers come home exhausted but proud of their hard work to provide for their families. Coal was not just a job; it was a way of life. However, in recent years, the industry has drastically declined, with coal jobs in the region nearly evaporating over the past decade. Since 2012, the local economy has been hit hard, with a staggering 34% loss in the labor force.