Episode 18, Ken and Daryl, August 2022

This episode features Jonesborough Area Ministerial Association Food Pantry volunteers, Rick Newell, and Rufus Houston. This conversation took place on January 12, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and a friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on January 19, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

Rick Newell grew up in Western New York and moved to Washington D.C. after high school. He worked with a Virginia based sound company on band road tours and managed maintenance of a 12-story apartment building. Rick moved back to Western New York and bought the family heating and air conditioning business. He met and later married his wife, Karen 36 years ago. Eventually Rick sold the business and went to work for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate as a construction supervisor. Rick retired in 2015 and relocated to Jonesborough where he became involved with the JAMA Food Pantry around 2019. Rick currently holds the title of assistant treasurer and is involved with the ordering and organizing of pantry food supplies. 

Rufus B. Houston III is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee but has lived in Jonesborough for over 27 years. Rufus presently serves on the JAMA Food Pantry board, Washington County Library Board of Trustees (Chairman), and Friends of the Washington County Jonesborough Library (President). Rufus retired from the Air Force after over 21 years of service. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in public administration. Rufus has been an ordained minister for over 42 years. Rufus was the Volunteer of the Year for Jonesborough and volunteer of the year for the Jonesborough Library. He loves going to the Jonesborough repertory Theater, Storytelling Center for teller in residence, and is an avid walker. 

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

The McKinney Center announces the release of the latest Conversations That Matter on the McKinney Center’s YouTube channel and as a podcast, CTM the Podcast. This episode features Anne G’Fellers Mason, director at the Heritage Alliance and actress and singer, Ubunibi-Afia Short. This conversation took place on November 16, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on November 24, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

Anne G’Fellers-Mason is the Executive Director of the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. She’s worked at the Alliance since 2008. She has a BA in History/Theatre from Mars Hill University, an MA in History from ETSU, and a MFA in Playwriting from Hollins University. She combines her degrees to write history-based plays for the Alliance, including “A Spot on the Hill” that takes place every fall in the Old Jonesborough Cemetery and “Nancy” that tells the story of an enslaved woman who was enslaved by Elihu Embree while he was writing his abolitionist newspaper The Emancipator. Anne is also a published author through Mountain Gap Books. Her titles include The Summer Between, Haints and Hollers: New Ghost Tales from Appalachia, and Shelved: Appalachian Resilience Amid COVID-19.

Ubunibi-Afia Short, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is an actor and singer in the Tri-Cities area.  She has a lifelong love for performance, which began with singing gospel at school & her family church, studying classical voice and performing various styles of song.  Afia also has studied photography and has been featured in three galleries, one in Racine, WI, Kingsport, TN and the other in Johnson City, TN.  Her deepest loves are for family, friends, performing, living Love and commitment to the humanities.

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

This episode features Sexual Assault Advocate, Amani Brice, and Program Manager for the Office of Professional Development at ETSU, Ruth Taylor Read. Amani and Ruth tell us more about Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This conversation took place on October 12 and was moderated by a friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler and Community Program Specialist, Skye McFarland. 

As a December 2019 graduate of East Tennessee State University, Amani Brice is proud to have earned two degrees in early childhood development and child psychology. Shortly after graduation, she began working at Frontier Health-Safe House as a sexual assault advocate. Amani’s passion for victim services runs deep, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to be able to support and assist victims during one of the most vulnerable points in their lives. Working as a sexual assault advocate has allowed her to utilize her knowledge and skills to help individuals in need. It has also taught her the importance of empathy, compassion, and active listening when working with victims. Overall, her journey from graduation to becoming a sexual assault advocate has been one of growth and fulfillment. Amani is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

As Program Manager for the Office of Professional Development at East Tennessee State University, Ruth Taylor Read works with community members to implement training programs utilizing the gifts and talents of those community members. As a small business owner, she enjoys creating a safe space for everyone at Cranberries Café. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies, an M.S. in Human Services, and an M.Div. She is currently writing her dissertation to complete her D.Min with a focus on family and Congregational Care. Ruth has experience in social services, nonprofit leadership, program design, and grassroots activism. She has been a dedicated community volunteer serving as a member of the Johnson City Sexual Assault Task Force, and as Co-Founder of Women Matter Northeast Tennessee a 501©4 organization that focused on issues that affected the daily lives of women in East Tennessee. She currently serves on the board of directors for Frontier Health SAFE House. Ruth currently coordinates the Upper East Tennessee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit at ETSU with the mission statement of that conference is “…to train and educate our campus and community in the prevention, response, advocacy, and treatment for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.” She is the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of the world’s most amazing granddaughters.

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them.

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

This episode features Director of the Slocumb Galleries at ETSU, Karlota Contreras-Koterbary and Director of Development, Clemmer College of Education and Human Development/University Programs, Karen Sullivan. Karlota and Karen have co-curated the “Black Bodies Making Form” exhibition series. This conversation took place on September 14, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and Community Program Specialist, Skye McFarland. This recorded event will be released on August 18, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

An award-winning sculptor with extensive background in curatorial practice and art management, Karlota I. Contreras-Koterbay is both gallery director and curator for the Slocumb Galleries at ETSU and its satellite venue in Downtown Johnson City, Tipton Gallery. She has organized numerous exhibits both nationally and abroad, juried regional exhibitions and has lectured in the Philippines, Japan and the United States. Contreras-Koterbay graduated with honors from the University of the Philippines with a B.A. in anthropology and an M.A. in art history. She is a member of the American Association of Museums, International Council of Museums, Southeastern College Art Conference,  and International Association of Aesthetics. Grant recipient of the Tennessee Arts Commission APS and ABC grants as well as the Andy Warhol Legacy grant. Contreras-Koterbay received the ETSU Distinguished Staff Award in 2013 and the Jan Phillips Mentoring Award in 2015. On July 2016, she was appointed as founding Board Director and VP for Curatorial Programming for the establishment of the American Museum of Philippine Art (AMPA) in California.

Karen is originally from Wichita, Kansas. Her baccalaureate degree is in Broadcast Communications from Southern Illinois University, with a minor in Minority Studies. As a former military spouse, she has lived in many places throughout the continental United States, from New York to California. Her working career began in broadcasting, as a reporter and announcer for a local television affiliate in Wichita, continued as a Production Assistant for the pilot and first season of “20/20,” and as a D.J. in Louisiana. Moving to Johnson City in 1991, her roles at ETSU have included those of Program Advisor for Multicultural Affairs; Financial Aid Counselor; and Assistant Director of Adult, Commuter, and Transfer Student Services. She has served on many university committees, has served as President of the ETSU Staff Senate. Karen is responsible for the research of donor prospects, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

The McKinney Center announces the release of the latest Conversations That Matter on the McKinney Center’s YouTube channel and as a podcast, CTM the Podcast. This episode features cast members from the McKinney Center and UMOJA’s production of Crowns, Cathy Walker, and Ralph Martin. This conversation took place on August 10, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on August 18, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

Crowns is a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of Black history and identity. Crowns is seen through the eyes of a young Black woman who has come down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functioning. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to churchgoing to funerals to baptisms, and the tradition of hats is traced back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and current fashion. Some rap but predominantly gospel music and dance underscore and support the narratives. The conclusion finds the standoffish young woman, whose cultural identity as a young Black Brooklyn woman has been so at odds with the more traditional and older Southern blacks, embracing hats and their cultural significance as a part of her own fiercely independent identity.

Cathy Walker plays the role of Wanda in Crowns. Cathy is a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She is the Sunday School Superintendent, Mass Choir President, Sunday School Teacher, Gracie Norris Missionary member, amateur photographer for the church Facebook page, member of several community organizations, and retired Speech-Language Pathologist for local schools in the tri-cities area and Bristol VA, as well as assisted living facilities in W TN and the local area with 35+ years. Cathy loves God, her family, her friends, and flowers! 

Ralph Martin plays the role of “Man” in Crowns. Ralph is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He lives in Johnson City with his wife, Jeralyn. He is a member of Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City. In his spare time, Ralph enjoys doing graphic design work. 

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

The McKinney Center announces the release of the latest Conversations That Matter on the McKinney Center’s YouTube channel and as a podcast, CTM the Podcast. This episode features our very own moderators, Michelle Treece and Brittany Butler. This conversation took place on July 14, and was moderated by Community Program Specialist, Skye McFarland. This recorded event will be released on July 21, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

Michelle Treece is a retired high school biology teacher from Johnson City, TN. She is currently a member of the McKinney Center Advisory Council and it's DEI subcommittee; Langston Education Arts Development advisory council; the Children's Advocacy Center for the 1st District of Tennessee advisory board; a member of the NAACP Washington County TN Branch and a former member of the Johnson City School Board. Although she dearly loves retirement, she is currently employed part-time as an adjunct faculty at East Tennessee State University. She is a field supervisor for high school teacher candidates during their residency. She has two teenage boys and their dog, Bailey. 

A Gray, TN resident, originally from New Orleans, LA, Brittany Butler is married, has 3 kids, ages 12, 9, and 7. Brittany works at ETSU in the Department of Chemistry as a lecturer. She is the past president of the junior league of Johnson City and has served as the organization’s chair of their first ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force. She is also an active member of Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Gray.

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

This episode features our very own McKinney Center director, Theresa Hammons, and the Executive Director of Create Appalachia, Katie Hoffman. This conversation took place on June 12, and was moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on June 16, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center.

Theresa Hammons is the Director of the McKinney Center and Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts. A native of Southwest Virginia, Theresa has lived in East Tennessee since 2006. She has her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Appalachian Studies from Berea College and Appalachian State University. Theresa worked at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian for six years, assisting in researching and curating exhibitions, and has worked in the museum and art fields for more than 20 years.

Along with serving as Executive Director of Create Appalachia since 2016, Katie Hoffman is the owner and founder of www.appalworks.com, an arts and cultural heritage consulting business established in 2012. She is a scholar and performer of traditional Appalachian music with a special fondness for traditional ballads. Katie is also a singer-songwriter. Katie holds an undergraduate degree in English from The College of William and Mary, an MA in English from East Tennessee University and a Ph.D in English from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her specialty is Appalachian Studies, and she has over two decades of experience teaching writing and literature.

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

This episode features East Tennessee State University’s Assistant Dean of Equity, Inclusion, and Student Success Jessica Wang, and Marketing Consultant at Beyond Engagement Valentina Escobar-Gonzalez. 

This conversation took place on Wednesday, May 10, and was moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on Friday, May 19. To watch this episode, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center, use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

Jessica Wang is the Assistant Dean of Equity, Inclusion, and Student Success at East Tennessee State University and is originally from Miami, Florida. Wang holds a bachelor’s degree from Emmanuel College in Counseling Psychology, and a master's degree from Harvard University in Higher Education, where her research centered on fostering historically underrepresented student success at predominantly white institutions of higher education, focusing primarily on students of color and first-generation students.

Valentina Escobar-Gonzalez was raised in Miami, Florida, as well. She has Nicaraguan heritage with Cuban American in-laws. Escobar-Gonzalez majored in Animal Sciences and Equine Studies at the University of Florida. She has two daughters and has been a board member of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, served as the PR Chair/Rotarian of Tri-Cities Rotary Club, is a Noonday Collection Ambassador, served on the DEI Task and Communications Committee for the Junior League of Johnson City and much more. Escobar-Gonzalez opened her business, Beyond Engagement, in 2012 where she specializes in marketing and social media strategies. 

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation,” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, discuss what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst neighbors. 

After hearing from one another the moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

This episode features local artist Jason Flack and the Director of Black in Appalachia, William Isom. This conversation took place on April 13 and was moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Member, Michelle Treece, and a friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event is also available to watch on YouTube over at https://youtu.be/UEoZnrpRniE or just search for McKinney Center on YouTube. 

Jason Flack is an “Urban Folk” & pop artist, speaker, and native of Johnson City, Tennessee. His work has been heavily influenced by personal life experiences and many cartoons, comic books, and music. He has been drawing for over 30 years, and painting for over 10. He has entrenched himself in an all-things-art lifestyle being a part of local art advocacy and bridging the gap between self-taught and academia. He was called to start painting after the sudden death of his twin sister, Jessica, in 2010. His work elicits energy by using bright colors surrounded by bold black lines. Since the beginning, he has used painting as a therapy to direct grief into movement, and thoughtfulness and to hold a mirror up to society. 

William Isom II is a 6th generation East Tennessean and Director of Community Outreach at East Tennessee PBS in Knoxville. As the director of the Black in Appalachia Project for PBS, he coordinates the project’s research, community database development, documentary film, and photography production, oral history collection, and educational events in conjunction with local residents. 

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation,” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us, the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. There is value in uplifting these stories to learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.

The McKinney Center announces the release of the latest Conversations That Matter on the McKinney Center’s YouTube channel and as a podcast, CTM the Podcast. Perfect for Women’s History Month, this episode features two women from our community who were a part of the Centennial Suffrage Celebration Coalition, Linda Good, and Stacey White Ferrin. This conversation took place on March 9th and was moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Member, Michelle Treece, and Community Program Specialist, Skye McFarland. This recorded event will be released on March 17th, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

Linda Good grew up in Washington County and started a discussion with the mayor at that time, Jenny Brock, about celebrating the womens’ suffrage movement and parade’s centennial anniversary and started the Centennial Suffrage Celebration Coalition. Stacey White Ferrin was at first, not a part of this coalition until she received a phone call from the historian working with them about her relationship to Mary Eliza Shaut White, a socially and politically connected suffragist and civic leader in Johnson City involved with the Woman Suffrage Movement from the time the Johnson City Equal Suffrage League formed early in 1915 through the passage of the 19th Amendment. Join us for this amazing conversation where you will learn a lot about women’s history in Tennessee and Johnson City area. 

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.