TCC Today: Leaders With Purpose Highlight TCC's Black History Month Virtual Celebrations

Press release from Tidewater Community College:

Laura J. Sanford

February 1, 2022

Tidewater Community College celebrates Black History Month 2022 with a virtual presentation featuring Gina Paige, president of African Ancestry, Inc. The interactive conversation will be held on Feb. 23, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. To register for the event, visit here.

Paige co-founded African Ancestry, Inc. and in doing so, pioneered a new way of tracing African lineages using genetics. She created a new marketplace for people of African descent looking to trace their roots more accurately and reliably.

An industry pioneer, speaker and entrepreneur, Paige resides in Washington, D.C. and holds a degree in economics from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Paige was honored with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Global Oved Dei Seminary University.

The program will be followed by a question-and-answer session, moderated by ClauDean Kizart, TCC’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The national theme for Black History Month 2022 is “Black Health and Wellness,” a theme underscoring the rich legacy of black scholars, medical practitioners, and midwives to more recent initiatives focused on mental health for people of color.

TCC’s Black History Month celebration includes an assortment of virtual events throughout February. All events are open to the public.

Each year, Tidewater Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month with a distinguished service award to a TCC faculty or staff member and provides a scholarship to a TCC student. To view the 2022 honorees visit here.

For more information about Black History Month events, email Emily Hartman at ehartman@tcc.edu.

Black History Month Events

Feb. 2Trivia Stream—Black History Month Edition7 p.m. – Location: VirtualJoin us for a game show night streamed via Twitch TV complete with fun trivia questions, chat room engagement, secret words and up to $300 in prizes.

Feb. 8Let’s Talk Nutrition with Tori Tastebuds!12:30 p.m. – Location: VirtualHave you ever wondered what you should eat, or how to eat for best performance? Nutrition Coach Tori Ruckman shares practical and relatable nutrition insights for everybody.

Feb. 9

Black History Month Movie: “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges & Universities”Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student CenterBlack colleges and universities have educated the architects of freedom movements and cultivated leaders in every field. They have been unapologetically black for more than 150 years. For the first time ever, their story is told.

Feb. 16

Black History Month Movie: “Black America Since MLK and Still I Rise”11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student CenterThis movie looks at the last five decades of African American history through the eyes of Henry Louis Gates Jr., exploring the tremendous gains and persistent challenges of these years. Drawing on eyewitness accounts, scholarly analysis, and rare archival footage, the series illuminates the past, while raising urgent questions about the future.VCCS HBCU Virtual Transfer Showcase6:30 p.m. – Location: VirtualThe VCCS Transfer Peer Group is hosting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) at this virtual transfer showcase. Attendees will engage with an alumni panel and representatives from Bowie State University; Elizabeth City State University; Hampton University; Howard University; Morgan State University; Norfolk State University; North Carolina A&T University; and Virginia State University.

Feb. 17

“Trivia Stream”—Black History MonthNoon – 1:30 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student CenterAnswer trivia questions pertaining to African American History and earn prizes.

Atumpan: The Talking Drums7 – 8 p.m. – Location: VirtualJoin us as the Atumpan Dance Theatre Company shares their unique brand of educational entertainment. This fun and interactive experience will engage and amaze you.

Feb. 22

“Mental Health First Aid with Chief Tyran Payne”12:30 p.m. – Location: VirtualChief Payne is the police chief at Yavapai College in Arizona. He is a mental health first aid instructor and a dynamic leader. Payne is also a military veteran with PTSD who will be speaking about the personal and professional challenges of addressing mental health concerns

Black History Month Mental Health & Wellness in the Black CommunityNoon – 2 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student CenterJoni Hursey-Wingate, Licensed Professional Counselor with TCC, will explore mental health challenges in the black community. In addition, interventions will be offered to help students live healthier lives.

Student-to-Student Town Hall with Dr. ClauDean Kizart6 p.m. – Location: VirtualThis is your opportunity to share experiences with Dr. ClauDean Kizart, TCC’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion, along with Gear Up to Lead student leaders. Join the conversation in this open forum. Topics are moderated for students by students, and open dialogue is encouraged.

Feb. 23

Black History Month Movie: “Red Tails”11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student CenterThe movie highlights a squadron of black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen who were finally given the chance to prove themselves during World War II as they battled discrimination on the ground.

Feb. 24

Black History Month Movie “Loving”12:30 p.m. – Location: Virginia Beach Student Center – TV Lounge“Loving” is a true story about a young couple’s interracial marriage in 1958 that sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court. Based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving.

Feb. 25Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Awards and Recognition ProgramNoon – 1:30 p.m. – VirtualFeaturing William E. Harrell, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit. TCC’s annual distinguished service award winner and a student scholar will be recognized.

This press release was produced by Tidewater Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.