This episode features Dr. Georgita Washington and Dr. Rebecca Fletcher, both members of the Langston Centre’s Health Task Force.

This conversation took place on June 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 June 21. 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. Georgita T. Washington has been a member of the Johnson City community since 1987. She has worked as a professional registered nurse, primarily in critical care, and as a professor in the College of Nursing at East Tennessee State University. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing and in Christian Ministries. She is active on several health-related boards and committees, both locally, and state-wide. She is also a licensed minister in the Baptist tradition and is an associate minister at Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In August, she will be a 21-year breast cancer survivor, she loves studying and teaching the Bible, and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Rebecca Adkins Fletcher is a medical and cultural anthropologist, earning her Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky. She is Associate Professor in the Department of Appalachian Studies, where she is also Assistant Director of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services. Her work engages the intersections of health disparities, access to health care, economic transformation, gender, and activism in Appalachia. Dr. Fletcher serves as co-editor of Appalachian Places, an online magazine published by the Center.

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.