This conversation took place on July 18th and was moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on July 26th. To see it, search “McKinney Center” on YouTube.com, search “CTM the Podcast” on any podcast app, or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter .

Dr. Jamie White has been a member of the Johnson City community for 30 years. As a graduate of Carson-Newman University (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership) and East Tennessee State University (B.A. in English and an M.A. in the Art of Teaching), she is called to share her own love for learning with others. Her classical education, vast work experiences, large family and diverse friendships provide her a unique foundation for connecting with others. Dr. White’s goal is to ensure each student she meets feels seen, heard, and recognized as a person of value so they find confidence in themselves in and beyond the classroom. When not lecturing about the timeless brilliance of Chaucer and Shakespeare, Jamie spends time with her family enjoying the benefits of the beautiful mountains and lakes in the area.

Anthony Jones has been a Johnson City resident since relocating in 1997 to train for the 2000 Olympic Track trials, under the guidance of Ray Flynn Sports Management. After making the 1996 Olympic trial 100m semifinals, his career took a turn with a quad pull at the US Indoor Nationals in the 60m finals, resulting in an end to his running career. Anthony chose to stay in Johnson City to continue his work with at-risk children and families. Anthony has worked for the Department of Children Services and Juvenile Court, both of which prepared him for his current position as the Graduation Coach at Science Hill High School. At Science Hill, Anthony works with students and student-athletes to help them develop skills needed to succeed. Skills such as hard work, personal responsibility, perseverance through adversity translate from academics into everyday life. When not involved with school and track coaching, Anthony loves tennis, working out, traveling, family, friends and good food (followed by an occasional nap).

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 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.