Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin uses her voice as a Co-host for the Black in Appalachia Podcast and as lecturer at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she earned her PhD in sociology. Her research explores the link between race, place, and Black practices in defining, contesting, and re-imagining of place. Through this work she builds bridges between academia and local communities. In response to finding feelings of displacement and loss of space for Black communities in her research, Dr. El-Amin founded “The Bottom” in East Knoxville as a hub to build community, celebrate culture, and engage in the creativity of black people. Through sharing resources, like the Bookshop at the Bottom, and ongoing projects, like “Sew it, Sell it,” Dr. El-Amin has made a space to welcome people and amplify black voices.