Pandemic Dads: Entering Fatherhood During Coronavirus

On this West Virginia Morning, we’re still celebrating Father’s Day. We hear from some new dads who became fathers during the coronavirus pandemic. Also, we meet Tina Russell, the first Black woman in West Virginia’s history to win a democratic primary in Mercer County.

The results were in a week ago. Tina Russell is the first Black woman in West Virginia history to win a democratic primary in Mercer County. Russell is a U.S. Army veteran, substitute teacher and long-time social worker who says she’s passionate about topics dealing with addiction, foster care and workforce. Russell is running for one of three seats in District 27 for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Emily Allen sat down with her over the phone last week.

In the latest episode of Inside Appalachia, we hear from several dads, including some talking about how their roles as fathers have been different, as a result of staying at home more during the pandemic. One of those who recorded their story is new father, Joe Buckland, who lives in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Before the pandemic, Joe worked in the restaurant industry, but was furloughed. We also hear from Chuck Kleine, who works as a video producer here at West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

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