For Michael and Carrie Black of Forrest Drive in Hurricane, family and community are more than just values — they’re a way of life. After two decades in the Hurricane area and six years in the Moss Creek neighborhood, the Blacks have built a home where faith, connection, and adventure go hand-in-hand.

Their family continues to grow in both size and joy. Their daughter Micayla and her husband Isaac Fry, both homeschool graduates and Marshall University alumni, are now homeowners in Hurricane themselves. They’ve blessed Michael and Carrie with two energetic grandsons: Lowell, age 2, and Cyril, age 1, who fill their days with laughter and adventure.

Their son, Mason, 20, graduated from Hurricane High School and Calvary Baptist Academy in 2023. He’s now a sophomore at Liberty University studying Financial Planning, following a path much like his father’s. Calin, their youngest daughter, is a 2024 homeschool graduate and will be heading to Liberty University in Fall 2025.

Professionally, Michael serves as a Financial Planner and Regional Director with Money Concepts. He also owns Black & Company Employee Benefit Advisors, a business that helps companies develop benefit solutions to attract and retain top employees. Michael grew up in Franklin, PA. His career began after earning a degree in Finance and Accounting from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, followed by an MBA from Ashland University. Since moving to Charleston in 1999, Michael has been dedicated to both his career and community.

Carrie, a Charleston native and George Washington High School graduate, double-majored in Elementary Education and Vocal Performance Music at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.  She taught in the public school system before becoming a stay-at-home mom, later transitioning into part-time teaching and ministry roles. Over the years, she founded Ignite Athletics, an organization dedicated to serving the homeschool community, which she led for over a decade.

“We’ve always believed that being invested in our community starts with being present in the lives of our children and neighbors,” Carrie shared with Stroll Hurricane. “From teaching homeschool co-ops to leading church small groups, it’s about relationships.”

Michael and Carrie’s story began during their college years in Ohio at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Though Michael was a senior and Carrie a freshman when they first crossed paths, their connection didn’t spark until after Michael graduated and took a job with the college.

 When Carrie auditioned for a traveling music team that Michael had once been a part of, he happened to be one of the interviewers. A few weeks later, Michael asked Carrie out for their first date — a motorcycle ride to Friendly’s for ice cream. Six months later, they were engaged, and six months after that, they were married. This August, they’ll celebrate 29 years of marriage.

Adventure is in the Black family’s DNA. Michael has been passionate about motorcycles since he was five years old and currently owns seven bikes, ranging from Harley-Davidson to dual-sport and off-road models. Whether it’s tearing through the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, running at Meeks Mountain, or cycling with the local Cutters group, he finds joy in staying active outdoors.

“Most people see me in a suit and tie and assume I’m all business,” Michael said with a grin. “What they don’t know is my favorite way to relax is playing in the dirt—on a motorcycle, bicycle, or running trails at Meeks Mountain.”

Carrie’s favorite pastimes are a little quieter but equally fulfilling. She enjoys reading, sewing, playing piano, crafting, studying the Bible, and spending quality time with her grandchildren. A good mystery show or novel, paired with the peace of their back porch, is her ideal way to unwind.

As a family, they cherish traditions that bring everyone together. Taco Tuesdays are a weekly staple, and they often gather for meals at the Bridge Café in Hurricane, where they can be found most Thursdays and Sundays. When the holidays arrive, the Blacks go all out with matching Christmas pajamas, watching Elf, and crafting creative gingerbread houses out of graham crackers, hot glue, candy, and plenty of icing.

“We’re a family that loves to laugh and be creative,” Carrie said. “Our gingerbread houses might not be Pinterest-perfect, but they’re full of character — and candy!”

Faith is the foundation of the Black family’s life. Over the years, they’ve been deeply involved in their local church, serving on worship teams, leading small groups, and participating in community projects. Their commitment to service also extends to broader community involvement. Michael currently serves as a Hurricane Councilman and is on the board of Pioneer Appalachia Federal Credit Union. His leadership experience includes past roles with the Tri-County YMCA, Putnam Volleyball Club, Special Olympics, and Calvary Baptist Academy, as well as coaching volleyball and basketball.

“Community involvement has never been about titles for us,” Michael explained. “It’s about using our gifts to make Hurricane a place where families can thrive.”

Carrie added, “Raising a family here has been such a blessing. The people, the parks, the sense of safety and community — it’s exactly what we hoped for when we moved from Charleston 20 years ago.”

When asked what they love most about their neighborhood, their answer was immediate. “Our neighbors are hands-down the best part,” Michael said. “You can pick your house, but you can’t pick your neighbors. We’ve been blessed with a wonderful community.”

With a growing family, a thriving business, and deep roots in their church and neighborhood, the Blacks exemplify what it means to build a life centered on faith, family, and community in Hurricane.