Two-Day BHM Seminar Explores Family Matters
Thomas Nelson Community College's Black History Month seminar titled "Family Matters" is a branch from the national theme of "The Black Family."
"Family Matters" offers a diverse learning conversation from the perspectives of a college student to the newly retired. The Feb. 26-27 event is being presented in conjunction with Black BRAND, a Hampton Roads nonprofit organization.
Alicia Riley, the College's Special Events Manager, said faculty, staff, students and community partners were consulted. Many of the topics came from students, and those topics include budgeting and finance, career elevation and working globally.
"Students said, 'Teach me something I can't learn in a classroom,'" Riley said. "They mentioned family conversations and family dynamics, moving out and cooking."
The presenters are a combination of representatives of Thomas Nelson, including President Dr. Brannon Porter, associate dean Beth Dickens, and English professor Jackie Blackwell, and community members.
Blackwell, who in 2016 published an adaptation of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale called "The Twelve Brothers," is part of the writing workshop. Blackwell's book works well with the theme of the event.
"I have adapted it with Black characters, but it's an old story about family and how family gets together to save each other, to rescue each other from danger," Blackwell said. "It's a very universal idea, and it has a lot to do with Black history, but it also has to do with any kind of human history."
One of the benefits of the College sponsoring events such as this, said Blackwell, is it sends to students a message beyond the theme of the event.
"I think one of the things students can get out of it is the College cares about things other than people sitting in classrooms listening to lectures," she said. "The College cares about the community and is concerned about us getting together and meeting each other, however we can"
She said it's particularly important at a time where most people are under extra stress.
"Here is an opportunity where like minds can get together and discuss things, albeit virtually," she said. "And we can draw our students into these events as well and un-isolate our students. That's extremely important, especially now."
Here is the schedule:
5:30-6 p.m.: Kitchen Table Conversation with chef Jermaine Boothe. Explore how to make the most of what's in your pantry.
6-6:30 p.m.: The Small, Women-owned and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) Certification program. Learn how SWaM benefits those in the business community, from aspiring entrepreneurs to longtime business owners.
6:30-9 p.m.: Career Elevation - Follow Your Passion. In a speed-learning environment, discover the advantages of connecting globally, networking, finding business solutions and understanding home worth.
9 p.m.: Network and reflect with event participants.
Saturday, Feb. 27:
8-8:30 a.m.: Another networking opportunity.
8:30-9:30 a.m.: Learn the importance of expanding your social circles and your social media presence from local artist and entertainer K'bana Blaq.
9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.: Budgeting and investment with Curtis Lassiter, a financial adviser. Get tips on smart budgeting for the college student to the advanced investor.
12-1 p.m.: Fighting possible discrimination in regard to your identity.
Other Black History Month events
Zoom series: The two-day seminar isn't the only thing the College has been doing for Black History Month. Local entertainer and recording artist K'bana Blaq has produced a series called "Poets, Music and the Stage." His fifth, and final, Zoom meeting of the series is Feb. 25 at noon. The subjects are rappers and entertainers Lauryn Hill and Common.
After showing a short video highlighting works (poems, songs, etc.) of his featured Black American artists, Blaq facilitates a conversion among Zoom attendees. He said his previous discussions have gone very well.
"It has been a-ma-zing," Blaq said, dragging out each syllable.
He is particularly thrilled with the diversity of the Zoom attendees.
"I was sitting there looking at all these people and these different ages and these different cultures," he said.
Blaq's intent of the series was to highlight the power of music and poetry. Previous subjects were Nina Simone, Jill Scott, James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni.
To join this week's Zoom meeting, go to: https://vccs.zoom.us/j/84746017902?pwd=RWlLR0VRSjBpTXd1OVVrZWxDVUNTdz09
Children's program: The Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP), through its Head Start program, is producing a short video for children for Black History Month. It will be available at TNCC.edu.
Art show: Paintings and drawings by retired adjunct faculty member Jackie Merritt are part of at exhibit at Thomas Nelson's Visual Arts Gallery. Merritt taught drawing at the College for 12 years before retiring in 2019. To see her work, go to visualarts.vpcc.edu.