McKinney Center: January Conversations that Matter

“Conversations that Matter” is a monthly online series from the McKinney Center. In each “Conversation” two local guests will 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.

The next event in this series will feature Dr. Theresa McGarry and Dr. Phyllis Thompson, for a second time. This conversation will be moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Board Members and volunteers, Michelle Treece and Brittany Butler. It will take place via Zoom on Thursday, January 13, at 7 p.m. Register at McKinneyCenter.com.

Dr. Theresa McGarry is a linguist specializing in sociolinguistics, discourse analysis and teaching second languages. She started teaching English in Korea in 1987 and has since taught in Japan, Sri Lanka, China and Ecuador, as well as in the U.S. Since 2004, she has been directing the graduate certificate program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in the Department of Literature and Languages at East Tennessee State University. McGarry also teaches linguistics and writing and organizes the community class in English as a Second Language at St. Mary’s Church.

Phyllis Thompson, Ph.D., (she/her) has served as Director of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at East Tennessee State University since 2012, is currently Interim Chair of Counseling and Human Services, and Associate Professor. She received her Ph.D. from LSU in 18th-century Literature and Gender Studies; publishes on medicinal recipe books, archival studies, and women’s contributions to 18th-century healthcare; and co-edited Lessons from the Pandemic: Trauma-Informed Approaches to College, Crisis, Change (Palgrave, 2021) and Trauma-Informed Pedagogies: A Guide for Responding to Crisis and Inequality in Higher Education (Palgrave, forthcoming) with Janice Carello (Edinboro Universityi). Thompson serves on the Advisory Board for ETSU’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, the executive committee of the Ballad Health/ETSU Strong BRAIN Institute, and the Board of Directors for RISE: Healthy for Life.

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.

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About the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington: The mission of the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington is to provide a comprehensive program through Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts which teaches various art skills to all participants through a quality program of instruction open to all segments of Jonesborough’s population. In addition, a primary mission of the Center is to enhance minority participation in the planning and implementation in all activities in Jonesborough while specifically celebrating the contribution of the African-American community in the growth and development of the Town. The activities of the McKinney Center are designed to enhance the quality of life of all Jonesborough residents.

About the Town of Jonesborough: A unique 18th century town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough’s natural beauty, charming architecture, and storytelling heritage have attracted visitors worldwide. Stay a day, a week or forever, and create your own stories in beautiful Historic Jonesborough. Visit www.jonesborough.com for more information.