Tom Bethell, who died on April 10, 2025, was a friend of Appalachia and the coalfields for more than 60 years.

Name an important issue and Tom was there: the War on Poverty, reform of the United Mine Workers, coal mine safety, black lung, strip mining. (Read more about his legacy here.) Tom’s writing and advocacy saved lives and changed this region.  

ACLC is carrying on Tom’s work.  

A group of former reporters at Whitesburg’s Mountain Eagle  newspaper (yes, Tom worked at the Eagle) has set up a matching fund for ACLC in Tom’s honor. 

Help ACLC continue Tom Bethell’s important work.