Virginia Beach History Museums, Norfolk State University Partner for “Black Health & Wellness” Virtual Panel Event Sept. 22
To continue the celebration of Black history year-round, the Virginia Beach History Museums, Norfolk State University (NSU) and the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association (PACTS/UKHS) are excited to announce their next panel event, “Black Health & Wellness: Looking Back to Find the Path Forward.” This free, quarterly virtual panel series kicked off in February, and will continue through December 2022.
The 2022 panels, which are moderated by Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, dean of the NSU College of Liberal Arts, cover a broad base of discussion points pertaining to the 2022 National Black History Month Theme, “Black Health & Wellness.” Discussions will range from an overview of the national topic to how the theme impacts communities, families, education and other sectors. Each panel will feature various panelists to discuss different topics.
The third panel discussion of 2022, “Black Health & Wellness: Looking Back to Find the Path Forward,” will stream via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Revisit local and national history about health and wellness in the Black community, honor local graduates who became trailblazers in health and wellness in Hampton Roads, and speak with panelists who are leading the charge to recruit young people to the field for the future.
The panel will be an open discussion format and will allow for public questions or contributions with assistance from the moderator. Speakers will include Dr. Felicia Mebane, executive director of the Center for Public Health Initiatives at NSU; Dr. Timothy Goler, assistant professor of sociology and urban affairs; PACTS/UKHS Alumni and others to be announced.
Visit NSU’s event website for more details and to register for the event.
The final panel event of 2022, “Black Health & Wellness: Unwrapping Myth & Suspicion,” will take place on Thursday, Dec. 15. Future discussion descriptions and registration information will be announced closer to each event date. If you have any questions about the panel discussion, please email Hillary Plate, cultural programming and grants coordinator for the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, at hplate@vbgov.com.
ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT:
The Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The Department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA and the ViBe Creative District, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.
ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH HISTORY MUSEUMS:
The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Thoroughgood House, the Francis Land House, the Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum. The Virginia Beach History Museums are part of the City’s Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. Visit www.museumsvb.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.
ABOUT PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY TRAINING SCHOOL/UNION KEMPSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM:
Princess Anne County Training School was the first high school for African Americans in Princess Anne County, now known as Virginia Beach. The school was a result of the African American community in the 1930s working together to raise money to build a school so their children could receive a proper education. The initial money raised was used to purchase four acres of land on Witchduck Road. The school board received the land, and $2,000, but it made no attempt to build a school. As a result, in 1934, a temporary school was established on the property of Union Baptist Church. In 1938, a four-classroom high school was finally built and, between 1949 and 1962, several additions were made to the school. In 1962, the Princess Anne County Training School changed its name to Union Kempsville High School. After over 30 years of operation, Union Kempsville High School graduated its last class in 1969 due to the city-wide integration of schools. Today, the legacy of the school continues with the establishment of the museum which shares stories of family, community, sacrifice, and the importance of education. The museum is located within Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy. If you are an alumnus of the school, or would like to support the museum, learn more about the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association at http://www.pacts-ukhs.org/.
ABOUT NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY:
Norfolk State University (NSU) is a comprehensive urban public university committed to offering rigorous academic programs, and a supportive culturally diverse learning environment. As one of the most affordable four-year public institutions of higher education in Virginia, NSU provides opportunity and access to a globally competitive education, preparing students to compete in the 21st century workforce. Our nationally, and internationally, recognized faculty utilize a student-centered teaching philosophy that correlates to student success in unique areas of study such as Cybersecurity, Cyberpsychology, Entrepreneurship and a nationally acclaimed Theatre/Drama program.