Sharyl Hope Begay

Ya’at’eeh, my name is Sharyl Begay. I am Bitter Water born for Near the Water. My maternal grandparents are Many Goats and my paternal grandparents are Giant People Red Running Into the Water. I am Diné (Navajo), and I originally am from Black Mesa, Arizona. I currently serve as the Administrative Assistant for the non-profit organization Black Mesa United-Dzilijiin Bee Ahota' Inc. I provide support for the group with meetings/discussions with the community, tribal/governmental entities, and other non-profit organizations regarding just transition for coal impacted communities. The community of Black Mesa has long been impacted by the effects of Peabody Western Coal Company’s mining. Throughout the years families have been forced to relocate and have endured the environmental effects of working/living in and near the mine. My family as well as many others who live on Black Mesa, have been taken advantage of and have yet to see the benefits promised to them such as running water, electricity, roads, jobs, and money. My goal, working with BMU, is to provide a voice to those impacted by coal mining on Black Mesa and demand justice for the trauma the community and land have endured as a result of the mining.