Freedom With Chains: A History of McDowell County, West Virginia

Marcus Wilkes, a lifelong resident of Southern West Virginia, was born and raised in Beckley, West Virginia. He first came to McDowell County in 1991 as a WVU Extension Educator and moved to the county permanently in 1999. The son of a coal miner and a McDowell County native, he grew up in a segregated community and witnessed the transition to integration in 1967. Wilkes earned degrees in Public Service Administration, Education and additional graduate studies, and has dedicated over 40 years to nonprofit and community service. His career includes work as an educator, advocate for individuals with disabilities, HUD-certifies\d housing counselor, and VISTA volunteer, He also served two terms as the first African American Mayor of Northfork, West Virginia, and continues to represent his community through leadership roles across the state. He is married to Vanessa White Wilkes.