This episode features LaDawn Hudgins and Dr. Rhonda Lankford, both members of Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance.

This conversation took place on May 13th and was moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on May 17. To see it, search “McKinney Center” on YouTube.com, search “CTM the Podcast” on any podcast app, or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter .

LaDawn B. Hudgins is from Youngstown, Ohio. She graduated from Ohio University with a BBachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders as a Speech/Language Pathologist in 1977. She received her master’s degree in theology from Covenant Bible College in 2009. She moved to Tennessee in 1984 after being a Speech Therapist in Massachusetts. In our area, she was part of the Sullivan County school system and then became part of the Washington County School system. During the 2017-2018 school year, she moved to and is currently employed with Johnson City School system. Since 1993 Ms. Hudgins has been involved with the National Education Association (NEA), the Tennessee Education Association (TEA), the Washington County Education Association (WCEA), and the Johnson City Education Association (JCEA). She has been active in all the organizations. She was formerly President of the WCEA. Currently she is on the TEA Board of Directors as Director of District One, which includes twelve local school systems, and is the President of the JCEA. LaDawn has been married for 42 years to Fred Hudgins. They have 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. LaDawn and Fred actively attend and are part of the pastoral staff at Calvary Church in Johnson City, TN.

Dr. Rhonda Lankford is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of teaching experience in a high school setting. Born in Washington, D.C., she then moved to Tennessee where she met and married her husband, Tyrone. Together, they have raised three children and are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren. Dr. Lankford currently resides in Johnson City with her husband. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, a Master's degree as a Vision Impaired Specialist, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She is on the TEA Board of Directors as Director of District Two. Dr. Lankford is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the educational system.

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 the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services at ETSU, Chasity Drew and Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at ETSU, Deborah Thibeault. This conversation took place on April 11, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on April 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 .

Chasity Drew is a proud daughter of the Choctaw, Western Band Cherokee, and Shoshone Nations. Her favorite quote is, “So often we are erased from the conversation. I want to make sure they never forget us again,” from Brooke Simpson, Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Chasity is the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at ETSU. She is passionate about issues of diversity, inclusion, and cultural identity in the workplace. Chasity is pursuing her PH.D. at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with research interest in inclusion, belonging, and indigenous studies.

Deborah (Debi) Thibeault, LCSW, DSW is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social at East Tennessee State University. Her research interests include history, policies, and social justice issues that impact indigenous peoples, and environmental justice education. Debi is a member of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and serves as the Indigenous and Tribal Social Work co-track chair for their Annual Program Meeting. She is also a member of the Indigenous and Tribal Social Work Educator Association, and the National Association of Social Workers. Prior to teaching full-time she worked in the field of social work for over twenty years, in case management, advocacy, program coordination, directing organizations, and clinical practice.

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 writer and professor, Dr. Elwood Watson. This conversation took place on March 5th, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on March 15th, 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 .

Elwood Watson Ph.D. is Professor of History, Black Studies and Gender and Sexuality Studies at East Tennessee State University. He is a syndicated columnist https://www.cagle.com/author/elwood-watson/ and the author of four books, Outsiders Within: Black Women in the Legal Academy After Brown v. Board (Rowman and Littlefield), Understanding the Humanities (Kendall Hunt, 2014), Keepin’ It Real: Essays on Race in Contemporary America (University of Chicago Press, 2019) and Talkin’ To you Bro! Liberating Yourself From The Confusing, Ambiguous of Contemporary Masculinity.2021.). He is currently working on a book on men who are members of Generation X , that is men who were born between 1965-1980.

He is also the editor and co -editor of edited collections include Performing American Masculinities: The 21st Century Man in Popular Culture (Indiana University Press,2011) Pimps, Wimps, Studs: Thugs and Gentlemen: Essays on Media Images of Masculinity (McFarland, 2009), The Oprah Phenomenon (University Press of Kentucky, 2007), Searching the Soul of Ally McBeal: Critical Essays (McFarland, 2006), and There She Is, Miss America: The Politics of Sex, Beauty and Race in America’s Most Famous Pageant (Palgrave Macmillan, 2004), Mentoring Faculty of Color: Essays on Professional Development and Advancement in Colleges and Universities (McFarland , 2012) Generation X Professors Speak: Voices From Academia (Scarecrow Press, 2013), Overcoming Adversity in Academia: Stories From Generation X Professors,(University Press of America, 2014 and Beginning a Career in Academia: A Guide For Graduate Students of Color (Routledge Press, 2015). HBO Girls: The Awkward Politics of Gender, Race and Privilege (Rowman and Littlefield, 2015) and Violence Against Black Bodies: An Intersectional Analysis of How Black Lives Continue to Matter (Routledge Press, 2017).

He was the guest editor for a special issue of Masculinity in the 21st Century. Interactions: A Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (Spring 2016)

He was the co-editor-in-chief of the journal - Current Research Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities from 2019 -2022.

He has published numerous articles about race, gender, higher education, popular culture and American culture in national newspapers and magazines and is a blogger for Diverse Education, Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, X/Y Online, The Black Past.org, Medium.com, New York Times, Seattle Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, US News and World Report and other publications. He is a syndicated columnist for Cagle Syndicate.

“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 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.