This episode features LaDawn Hudgins and Dr. Rhonda Lankford, both members of Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance.

This conversation took place on May 13th 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 May 17. 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 .

LaDawn B. Hudgins is from Youngstown, Ohio. She graduated from Ohio University with a BBachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders as a Speech/Language Pathologist in 1977. She received her master’s degree in theology from Covenant Bible College in 2009. She moved to Tennessee in 1984 after being a Speech Therapist in Massachusetts. In our area, she was part of the Sullivan County school system and then became part of the Washington County School system. During the 2017-2018 school year, she moved to and is currently employed with Johnson City School system. Since 1993 Ms. Hudgins has been involved with the National Education Association (NEA), the Tennessee Education Association (TEA), the Washington County Education Association (WCEA), and the Johnson City Education Association (JCEA). She has been active in all the organizations. She was formerly President of the WCEA. Currently she is on the TEA Board of Directors as Director of District One, which includes twelve local school systems, and is the President of the JCEA. LaDawn has been married for 42 years to Fred Hudgins. They have 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. LaDawn and Fred actively attend and are part of the pastoral staff at Calvary Church in Johnson City, TN.

Dr. Rhonda Lankford is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of teaching experience in a high school setting. Born in Washington, D.C., she then moved to Tennessee where she met and married her husband, Tyrone. Together, they have raised three children and are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren. Dr. Lankford currently resides in Johnson City with her husband. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, a Master's degree as a Vision Impaired Specialist, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She is on the TEA Board of Directors as Director of District Two. Dr. Lankford is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the educational system.

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.