McKinney Center

Register here: https://bit.ly/3S66IUfConversations That Matter will host another event in their series this August. In this upcoming “Conversation,” hear from Dr. Daryl Carter and Ken Mijeski, both have taught at ETSU. This conversation will be moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Members and friends of the McKinney Center, Michelle Treece and Brittany Butler. It will take place via Zoom on August 11, at 7pm. Register at McKinneyCenter.com.
Dr. Daryl A. Carter is Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion for the College of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Carter is also the director of Black American Studies and a professor of history. He has been at ETSU since 2008. During his time here Dr. Carter has been a graduate coordinator, interim director in the Office of eLearning, Tennessee Board of Regents Maxine Smith Fellow, ETSU Presidential Fellow, and an emerging leader for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Dr. Carter is an expert in American political history. Brother Bill: President Clinton And The Politics of Race and Class, published by the University of Arkansas Press, is his well-regarded first book. Currently, he is working on an examination of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and American liberalism. Dr. Carter holds a B.S. in Political Science and M.A. in History from East Tennessee State University. He earned his Ph.D. in American history at The University of Memphis.
Ken Mijeski was born and raised in Miami, Florida where he attended public schools from elementary through high school. He graduated from Florida State University (1966) with a BA in International Affairs. Earned a PhD in Political Science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1971). Joined ETSU in Fall 1971 until his retirement in 2010. He taught a variety of courses, although his primary area of research and publication was in Latin American politics. He has served as president of the Tennessee Political Science Association and president of the South Eastern Council of Latin American Studies. His last publication was a co-authored book, Pachakutik and the Rise and Decline of Ecuador’s Indigenous Political Movement, Ohio University Press, 2011. Ken is currently president of the Alliance for Continued Learning, an organization dedicated to bringing lectures/presentations by experts on a wide variety of subjects to a general audience.
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 month will feature personal experiences along with real history questions about local Black History and Black History throughout American history.
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 and Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts will have an Open House on Saturday, August 13, 10am – 2pm.  Registration is now underway for all upcoming classes. The Fall Open House will be an opportunity for the public to see what the fall classes have to offer and to have a little fun! Faculty will be present for questions and demonstrations. The Early Bird discount for classes, which is $10 off each class will end that day as well.  Individual class costs vary. Registration will run through August 20, for most classes.  Students can register online at mckinneycenter.com.  Those who attend the open house will get a free popsicle while supplies last!

“The Open House is a good time to meet your instructor and to really see what you will get out of taking a class here at the McKinney Center,” states Hammons.  Director Theresa Hammons states, “There is something for everyone here at the McKinney Center.  Most of our classes are for beginners.  But one of the great things about our offerings is that the class sizes are small, usually no more than 8 – 10 students. So, if you are more or less skilled, the instructor has time to work with you one on one.”

Art, music, writing, crafts, and dance will be offered this fall for students of all ages.  For children, the program offers instruction for young artists who are ready to explore the world of art.  Students receive an introduction to art skills where activities and projects are organized to develop the understanding and experimentation with a wide variety of media, techniques, and process.  For older elementary aged students, courses are taught to build their skills as artists including drawing and painting skills that will be taken to the next level.  Classes in writing, theatre, music, and dance are also available for this age range including Art Adventures, Creative Construction, Homeschool Art, Kids N Clay, Young Potters, Mosaics, Tap, Watercolor, and Guitar.  Offerings for teens and adults include a wide range of courses in pottery, painting, drawing, paper art, jewelry, mosaics, writing, dance, music, and various workshops.

Scholarships are available for students, Kindergarten through 12^th grade.  Students or parents can fill out applications online at mckinneycenter.com or email the Director, Theresa Hammons for more information.

The McKinney Center is open to the public Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm.  Staff encourage all visitors to be at home at the McKinney Center; take a class, participate in an exhibition, come to a lecture, volunteer your time, attend a workshop, or set up an easel on the grounds and paint.  Please check the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School Facebook or Instagram pages throughout the year for information about exciting programs and events.

Full descriptions of class offerings can be found online at www.mckinneycenter.com or by stopping by the McKinney Center, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, to pick up a catalog.  For additional information contact McKinney Center Director, Theresa Hammons at theresah@jonesboroughtn.org or call 423.753.0562.