This episode features six Booker T. Washington School alumni: James Scott, Sue Greenlee, Chuck Pace, Nancy Robinson, Margaret Dudley, and Elmer Gillespie.

This conversation took place on October 15 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 October 25. 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

The McKinney Center was originally named the Booker T. Washington School. It was completed in 1939 and was the first Works Progress Administration (WPA) building in Washington County. The WPA was instituted by presidential executive order under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of April 1935, to generate public jobs for the unemployed. The school opened its doors for African American school age children from grades 1-8 in 1940 and served in this capacity until integration in 1965. This building was the primary education facility for hundreds of African American students in the community. The faculty and principals that served here left an educational legacy that continues today.

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.