The McKinney Center Announces February Conversations that Matter

Conversations That Matter has kicked off 2022 and enters February with a focus on Black History featuring two historians. In this upcoming “Conversation,” hear from Dr. Daryl Carter and Dr. Megan Tewell in a special Black History month feature. This conversation will be moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Members and volunteers, Michelle Treece and Brittany Butler. This event takes place via Zoom on Thursday, February 10, at 7 p.m. Attendees can register at McKinneyCenter.com.

Dr. Daryl A. Carter is Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion for the College of Arts & Sciences at East Tennessee State University. 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 there 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.

Dr. Megan Cullen Tewell is a public history practitioner, scholar and educator based in Northeast Tennessee. She currently works as the Programming Coordinator at The Heritage Alliance in Jonesborough. Tewell received her PhD in Public History from North Carolina State University in 2020. She is a versatile professor with experience in historical research, publishing, museums and higher education.

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.

After hearing from one another the moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.