Raymond Thompson

In the early days of the Great Depression, the search for steady work drove hundreds of migrant laborers - many of whom were African American - from all over Appalachia to a rural area near Fayetteville, West Virginia. Union Carbide Corporation had begun construction on a three-mile tunnel to divert the New River, and many hands were needed. Toiling for five years in confined spaces with poor ventilation, no means of dust control, and limited use of personal breathing protection, the workers were repeatedly exposed to pure silica dust. Many developed silicosis, an incurable and debilitating lung disease that is estimated to have caused the deaths of nearly 800 workers, two-thirds of whom were Black. Soon after, the U. S. House of Representatives Committee on Labor classified silicosis as an occupational hazard. Despite the disaster's impact, information about its severity was largely suppressed; a decision that ensured the event faded quickly from public memory. Aside from a small plaque at Hawks Nest State Park, which inaccurately admits to only 109 victims, there is little to mark the site of the worst industrial accident to date in the United States. In Appalachian Ghost: A Photographic Reimagining of the Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster, author Raymond Thompson Jr. explores the possibilities of that tragedy by reviving the faces and spaces of Hawks Nest. Using primary source materials to re-create the workers' experiences in photographs, Thompson recontextualizes archival images to present a counter-archive that positions the Black experience at Hawks Nest within the larger story of the American labor landscape. His photographs and poetry give voice to the silenced, resisting revisionist narratives that often ignore the sacrifices of African Americans and erase their instrumental role in the development of America's infrastructure.

His Light at the end of Every Tunnel Revealed was inspired by the Lord after a profound repentance experience where the Lord woke up the author every night for 30 days beginning on March 1, 2022. During that time, God opened his eyes of understanding to specific events and people's names long forgotten throughout his 75 years of life. These events or anecdotes revealed the breadth and depth of Jesus love, mercy and grace towards him and will, as well, to anyone struggling with drugs and unmentionable sins who sincerely wants freedom and a relationship with God. Wow What a life Raymond Thompson reveals the realities of every man's war between life and death, good and bad, virtue and vice. His progression of thought in this book is priceless and a must read for anyone interested in realistically coping with life's disappointments and mistakes. Raymond's application of the Gospel is a revelation. I highly recommend this book - Ted Haggard, St. James Church, Colorado Springs, CO. The story of Ray Thompson's life has some very dark sides. He shares his testimony of the Living God who alone can shine light into such stories. My prayer is no matter where you are on the journey of life, that you find this same God, who also wants to shine light into your story. - Bob Mendelsohn, Jews for Jesus Australia National Director I'm truly inspired by this work. Ray Thompson brilliantly portrayed his journey and how the Lord delivered him from darkness to light. God's mercy and grace was demonstrated in his life through this powerful message. May the Lord continue to bless the author and all those who read this book.- Sean Theodore, Pastor of Abundant Grace Church in Derry, NHThere are high roads and there are low roads.... Sometimes there are no roads and only a small narrow path. On that narrow path is where Ray takes us step by step through the journey to the eternal road. Lace up your boots and start walking.... You'll never forget the view.- Paul Clark, Christian Musician since 1971

His Light at the End of Every Tunnel Revealed was inspired by the Lord after a profound repentance experience where the Lord woke up the author every night for 30 days beginning on March 1, 2022. During that time, God opened his eyes of understanding to specific events and people's names long forgotten throughout his 75 years of life. These events or anecdotes revealed the breadth and depth of Jesus love, mercy and grace towards him and will, as well, to anyone struggling with drugs and unmentionable sins who sincerely wants freedom and a relationship with God.