In this episode of All The Way Authentic, host Kevin P. Henry sits down with DanVo'nique Bletson-Reed, president of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, to discuss the highly anticipated Nubian Jam. Scheduled for Saturday, July 27th, at Forest Park in Everett, Washington, the Nubian Jam celebrates African-American culture and heritage. DanVo'nique, a long-time resident of Snohomish County, shares her journey and the roots her family has in the community. Influenced by her father's activism, DanVo'nique has carried on the legacy of community leadership, bringing people together through cultural events and educational initiatives.

DanVo'nique elaborates on the mission of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, which was founded in 1993 to educate residents about African-American culture. She highlights several key events organized by the committee, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, Winterfest, and the Root Stems and Roses and Rosebud Celebration. These events are designed to honor the contributions of African Americans and foster a sense of community and cultural pride. The Nubian Jam, which has been a staple event for over three decades, is the committee's signature celebration, featuring a variety of activities that bring the community together in joy and fellowship.

Throughout the episode, DanVo'nique and Kevin discuss the importance of instilling cultural pride and identity in young people. DanVo'nique shares stories from the committee's youth initiatives, such as a recent educational trip to Washington, D.C., where local youth visited the African-American Museum and toured the White House. These experiences are designed to expose young people to their heritage and to plant seeds of cultural pride and awareness. Kevin and DanVo'nique reflect on their upbringings and the significance of community and family in shaping one's identity and resilience.

As they delve into the details of the Nubian Jam, DanVo'nique describes the event's various activities, including the Sweet Potato Pie Contest, sack races, music, dancing, and more. The Nubian Jam is not just a summer event but a meaningful gathering that provides a safe space for the African-American community to celebrate, connect, and support one another. Kevin and DanVo'nique also address the broader impact of cultural celebrations and their importance for the wider community, emphasizing that events like the Nubian Jam and Juneteenth are significant for people of all races. The episode concludes with a heartfelt invitation for listeners to join the Nubian Jam and participate in this enriching celebration of African-American heritage.

Don't miss the Nubian Jam on Saturday, July 27th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Forest Park in Everett, Washington. Join the celebration and experience the richness and beauty of African-American heritage and culture.

The All The Way Authentic Podcast with Kevin P. Henry talks about all things diversity and inclusion, mental health, and empowerment.

Kevin P. Henry has worked in the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, communications, and training field for over 30 years. He also has extensive experience as a journalist, voice actor, and writer. Currently, he works for the private and public sectors, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. Kevin utilizes a variety of skills to meet the needs of clients, which include strategic planning, training, facilitation, and writing.

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While living in Hawaii, Kevin developed educational programs for high school students that focused on career planning, writing, and video production. In addition, he worked with domestic violence survivors and at-risk youth coordinating career planning workshops.

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