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Aaron Banther
Aaron Banther
Founder, President
Aaron Banther grew up in Berea, KY, in the Farristown Community, and is a 1996 graduate of Berea Community High School. A year after graduating, he joined the United States Navy, retiring after 22 years as an Aviation Fuels Chief. During his active duty, Aaron engaged deeply in learning about Black history while deployed, even that of his own heritage, despite growing up in the Farristown Community.
Aaron earned his Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University and currently works as a Government Contracting Specialist at the Bluegrass Army Depot.
Aaron hopes that more individuals of all ethnic backgrounds gain exposure to their community and other historic Black settlements, fostering connections and bridging gaps among people from diverse backgrounds. His hobbies include fishing, hiking, barbecuing, and entertaining friends. Spending time in the garden and learning agriculture is his passion. Aaron is also an avid fan of Kentucky Basketball and Football and watches the team faithfully.
Aaron has been married to his wife, Jamie, for 17 years. Together, they have three children: Keenan, Elijah, and Jayla.
Jamie Banther
Jamie Banther
C0-Founder, Vice President
Jamie Banther is a native of Berea, KY, and holds a BA in Communications from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). She served as Government Employee as a Navy Gold Star Coordinator, working with active duty military and their families. In her role, Jamie provided case management for families who lost their loved ones while serving on active duty.
It was during this time, being away from home, having her own family, and being exposed to so many different cultures, that Jamie realized the importance of bridging racial gaps and creating inclusivity. Founding Our Land of Promise and seeing the difference that can be made is not only important for the community but also a personal mission for Jamie.
Jamie and her husband, Aaron, have been married for 17 years and have three children: Keenan, Elijah, and Jayla. She loves spending time outdoors with her family, gardening, watching her kids play sports and engage in activities, as well as crafting and reading.
Abby Houston
Abby Houston
Secretary
L. Abby Houston is the Digital Initiatives Librarian at Hutchins Library of Berea College and co-creator of the bell hooks digital archive. She holds a Master of Library & Information Science and a Master of Arts in Art History from Syracuse University. Her research and teaching engage with digital humanities, information and media literacy, and trauma-informed care in academic libraries, special collections, and archives. She is committed to fostering inclusive dialogue and creating community across lines of difference through digital archives and educational initiatives.
Myiah Clemons
Myiah Clemons
Treasurer
Myiah serves an Academic Interventionist at Berea College, holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Morehead State University. She brings valuable financial expertise and a deep commitment to preserving communities.
Her impactful work with the DuBois Community Center in Mt. Sterling, KY showcases a deep commitment to preserving community legacies—perfectly aligning with the spirit and purpose of our mission. Her skills and dedication stand out as invaluable strengths in advancing this important work
Haley McCoy
Haley McCoy
Haley McCoy serves as Chief Business Development Officer at Thoroughbred Engineering. Prior to this position, she served various statewide roles in economic development including President and CEO of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) and Executive Director of Economic Development for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in Versailles.
She was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers as a founding executive committee member of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR, Inc.) and has served on numerous other non-profit boards including the Christian Appalachian Project and the Kentucky Historical Society.
Haley is a graduate of Union College in Barbourville, KY where she is a member of the board of trustees. She received a Master of Arts from Lexington Theological Seminary and an Executive MBA from the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky joint Executive MBA program. Haley resides in Richmond, KY with her husband, Brian, and their two young daughters.
Cheryl Farris
Cheryl Farris
Cheryl F. Farris is a retired paralegal who received a BS from Eastern Kentucky University and a degree in Paralegal Legal Studies from Sullivan University. Originally from Farristown, KY, Cheryl now resides in Cincinnati, OH.
Cheryl is the great-great-granddaughter of Charlie Farris, one of the founders of Farristown, KY. Her great-grandfather, Joseph Farris, was one of Charlie Farris' sons. Cheryl is the proud granddaughter of Moss and Mary Rice Farris, with Moss being the son of Joseph and Mary Jenkins Farris. Cheryl's mother, Jerry, was Moss and Mary's eldest daughter and married Richard Farris, the son of Timothy Farris. Timothy was the son of Lewis and Jenny Farris, the second set of Farris' in Farristown. Cheryl has two sisters, Richetta and Michele, uniting the two branches of the Farris family.
For Cheryl, Farristown is more than just a place; it is home and family. She is deeply connected to its history and everyone associated with it. Her desire to keep Farristown's rich history alive drives her to serve on the board of Our Land of Promise. By doing so, she aims to honor and preserve the legacy of her ancestors and the community they built.
Felicia W. Mack
Felicia W. Mack
Felicia Mack is an Associate Professor of General Studies at Berea College. Her research and publications encompass a wide range of topics, including African American participation, engagement, and success in post-secondary online learning; policing people of color; and historical African American churches and notable Black figures in American history. Through her work, she aims to shed light on the contributions and experiences of African Americans in various contexts, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of their rich heritage.
Felicia Mack is an Associate Professor of General Studies at Berea College. Her research and publications encompass a wide range of topics, including African American participation, engagement, and success in post-secondary online learning; policing people of color; and historical African American churches and notable Black figures in American history. Through her work, she aims to shed light on the contributions and experiences of African Americans in various contexts, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of their rich heritage.
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