‘’Growing Up Black in America’’ was the title of a panel discussion at Danville Area Community College today (Monday). The DACC Diversity Team hosted the event as part of Black History Month.
Moderator Tinisha Shade-Spain, a DACC Alum, was asked how she views being Black in our area today.
‘’I think things are improving – I really do,’’ said the moderator who is also Director of Business Development at Vermilion Advantage. ‘’Lately there’s a little bit of a discourse that’s kind of crept up in our country and it’s uncovered some things that I feel need to be discussed,’’ said Shade-Spain. ‘’And I think this is a really great step to reaching some understanding of each other. You know when you talk about Black history or the Black experience – it’s not exclusive, we want to talk about it so that it’s an inclusive experience so we can all have a better understanding of each other.’’
Carl Alexander, a retired Public Safety Director in the City of Danville, told the crowd young Blacks are struggling to get a place in today’s society. And Alexander adds ”that is something we all need to work on.”
Another panelist, DACC student athlete Shania (Shay) Goble, told the crowd she has witnessed positive change toward African Americans within her own family. Andreas Coleman, Community Wellness Director at the Danville Family YMCA, told the audience he tries to help all children – regardless of color. Coleman also serves as the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Danville Area Community College.
[Photo of panel shows retired Danville Police and Fire Chief Carl Alexander on left. Other panelists (left to right) were Robert Boyd, a Danville insurance agent, Raenell Crenshaw, Prevention Specialist at the Public Housing Authority of Danville, Andreas Coleman, Community Wellness Director at the Danville Family YMCA and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Danville Area Community College, and Shania Goble, a student athlete at DACC.]
A large crowd was on hand to listen to the discussion at the DACC Bremer Theatre. On Tuesday evening the month-long Black History Month Celebration continues at that same location. The general public is invited to hear performances by two area gospel choirs. The Saints Synagogue Church in Christ Choir, ‘Youth Voices of Praise’…and New Jerusalem Choir will perform at the Bremer Theatre beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday (February 28th).
