This episode features community involved volunteers, Katelyn Yarbrough and Julianne Hurst.

This conversation took place on September 17 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 September 27. 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

Katelyn Yarbrough is a baker and cookie artist at Side Hustle Custom Bakery. She serves as the 2024-2025 Community Impact Director for the Junior League of Johnson City. She enjoys spending time hiking or going on an adventure with her dog and husband, Blake.

Julianne Hurst grew up in Bradley, IL about an hour south of Chicago and since 2013, together with her husband, Ryan and 3 active children they have lived in Jonesborough. Her family enjoys hiking and traveling to the various historic sites. Julianne worked in the real estate world for 17 years before making the transition to work at the private school where her children attend as the Director of Enrollment and Advancement. She finds a lot of fulfillments in helping others and has been actively working at getting involved in the local community to learn more and to see how she can contribute to the betterment of the 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.

Dream cars, favorite ice cream, feeling fatalistic, and a whole lot more!

Join us for this conversation with our moderators, Michelle Treece and Brittany Butler. Our annual summertime catch-up episode is about life, silly things, and how we still love doing this program.

This conversation took place on July 18th 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 July 26th. 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 .

Dr. Jamie White has been a member of the Johnson City community for 30 years. As a graduate of Carson-Newman University (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership) and East Tennessee State University (B.A. in English and an M.A. in the Art of Teaching), she is called to share her own love for learning with others. Her classical education, vast work experiences, large family and diverse friendships provide her a unique foundation for connecting with others. Dr. White’s goal is to ensure each student she meets feels seen, heard, and recognized as a person of value so they find confidence in themselves in and beyond the classroom. When not lecturing about the timeless brilliance of Chaucer and Shakespeare, Jamie spends time with her family enjoying the benefits of the beautiful mountains and lakes in the area.

Anthony Jones has been a Johnson City resident since relocating in 1997 to train for the 2000 Olympic Track trials, under the guidance of Ray Flynn Sports Management. After making the 1996 Olympic trial 100m semifinals, his career took a turn with a quad pull at the US Indoor Nationals in the 60m finals, resulting in an end to his running career. Anthony chose to stay in Johnson City to continue his work with at-risk children and families. Anthony has worked for the Department of Children Services and Juvenile Court, both of which prepared him for his current position as the Graduation Coach at Science Hill High School. At Science Hill, Anthony works with students and student-athletes to help them develop skills needed to succeed. Skills such as hard work, personal responsibility, perseverance through adversity translate from academics into everyday life. When not involved with school and track coaching, Anthony loves tennis, working out, traveling, family, friends and good food (followed by an occasional nap).

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 Dr. Georgita Washington and Dr. Rebecca Fletcher, both members of the Langston Centre’s Health Task Force.

This conversation took place on June 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 June 21. 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 .

Dr. Georgita T. Washington has been a member of the Johnson City community since 1987. She has worked as a professional registered nurse, primarily in critical care, and as a professor in the College of Nursing at East Tennessee State University. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing and in Christian Ministries. She is active on several health-related boards and committees, both locally, and state-wide. She is also a licensed minister in the Baptist tradition and is an associate minister at Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In August, she will be a 21-year breast cancer survivor, she loves studying and teaching the Bible, and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Rebecca Adkins Fletcher is a medical and cultural anthropologist, earning her Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky. She is Associate Professor in the Department of Appalachian Studies, where she is also Assistant Director of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services. Her work engages the intersections of health disparities, access to health care, economic transformation, gender, and activism in Appalachia. Dr. Fletcher serves as co-editor of Appalachian Places, an online magazine published by the Center.

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 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.