Big Sean Honors His Appalachian Legacy

Source: Maya Dehlin Spach / Getty

From Coalfields to Hollywood: Big Sean Honors His Appalachian Legacy

Big Sean’s Grammy-nominated career has often been shaped by his experiences and values, many of which trace back to his grandmother, Mildred V. Leonard.

Born in Eckman, West Virginia, a once-thriving Black coal town, Leonard was a trailblazer in every sense of the word.

As one of the first Black female captains in the U.S. Army, she made significant contributions during World War II, notably as part of the Six Triple Eight, an all-Black, all-female postal battalion that defied racism and sexism to deliver mail to soldiers overseas.

Now, her remarkable story is brought to life on the big screen in the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, where Big Sean attended the Los Angeles premiere, proudly holding a framed photo of his grandmother.

“My grandmother was a force,” he reflected. “She fought through segregation, served her country, and raised a family with values that continue to guide me today.”

Source: Emilio Madrid / Getty

Leonard’s legacy joins a broader history of Black Appalachian grandmothers, like Sharon Satterfield and Lula Carter Galloway, whose wisdom and perseverance shaped their families and communities.

Sean’s deep connection to his Appalachian roots is mirrored by Myles T., a rising producer who also hails from West Virginia. Myles dedicated his instrumental album to his grandmother, who taught him the power of resilience.

Through the film, music, and personal stories, Big Sean and Myles T. honor their grandmothers’ enduring legacies. Their music and advocacy amplify the often-overlooked contributions of Black women from Appalachia, whose strength continues to inspire future generations.

RELATED: Tyler Perry Inks Massive New Multi-Year Deal With BET

#SixTripleEight #BigSean #AppalachianLegacy #BlackHistory #WestVirginia

Big Sean Honors His Appalachian Legacy was originally published on hot1009.com