Microaggressions, NAACP, Alabama, East Tennessee, God, friends, work, we run the full gambit with this one with Alona Norwood and Tavia Sillmon with moderators Michelle Treece and Katelyn Yarbrough, plus updated commentary from our usual suspects, Brittany, Michelle, and Skye.
“Conversations that Matter” is a monthly online series from the McKinney Center. In each “Conversation” two local guests will explore their own culture and perspective, 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 event in this series featured Alona Norwood and Tavia Sillmon. This conversation was moderated by Katelyn Yarbrough and Michelle Treece. It will took place via Zoom on May 13, at 7pm. Register at McKinneyCenter.com, click the “Register” button in the upper-righthand corner.
Alona Norwood, 22 years old, graduated from Berea College with a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Social Justice. She is employed at East Tennessee PBS: Black in Appalachia as a historical researcher. As a local activist and co-founder of the grassroots organization New Generation Freedom Fighters, she works towards legislative reform with a focus on police brutality and racial justice. Norwood ran for local office in the 2020 Johnson City Commission election, in hopes of her campaign inspiring young people to get excited about their civil liberties. Alona also volunteers as the Johnson City-Washington County NAACP Branch as Secretary. As a fellow in the 2021 class of Young Leaders for Social Change, Alona continues to explore ways in which she can take action with transformative outcomes.
Minister Tavia Sillmon received her ministerial licensure at Rushing Springs Baptist Church, Lincoln, Alabama in 1999 and her ordination papers in 2002. She is currently an Associate Minister at New Community Life-Johnson City, TN and the Youth Minister at Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City, TN. Tavia married her high school sweetheart after college and has been married for over 30 years to Minister Ronald Sillmon. She is the mother of three adult children, Noelle, Seth, and Micah. Tavia has worked as a social worker for 8 years in the state of Alabama. She is now the current President of the Johnson City/Washington County NAACP, Director of a Roadside Assistance Call Center for 3 years, and employed by Frontier Health for 3 years-currently a Team Leader. Tavis has always had a love for people and a desire to see people be the best that they can be and tried to live by her great-grandmother’s motto- “Do right because it is the right thing to do.”
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. Come ready to ask questions in the zoom chat!
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.