A MAN WITHOUT A HISTORY HAS NO ROOTS
LANGSTON ROOTS I S S U E
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L A N G S T O N M O N T H L Y
D E C E M B E R
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C E N T R E ' S
N E W S L E T T E R
WHAT'S NEW INSIDE The Black Heritage SPOTLIGHTS ON BLACK HISTORY
WHAT IS THE LANGSTON CENTRE? The Langston Centre is a cultural facility that promotes multicultural awareness through arts, education, and leadership activities. The Centre sits on the site of the historic
High School
Langston
Langston's Self-Care Checklist
- Johnson City's school for
African-American students from 1893-1965.
Langston Centre Programs include: Langston Afterschool Institute (Grades 3-12) Ralph E. Davis (RED) Academy Black/Multicultural History Classes Community Education Classes
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D E P A R T
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LANGSTON ROOTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ERNEST MCKINNEY
A LOOK INSIDE THE LANGSTON ROOTS
03 FROM THE SUPERVISOR In this issue, supervisor, Adam Dickson, provides the details of a new program entitled, "The Langston Experience."
04 LANGSTON CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS The Langston Centre Highlights is the place to find out what’s happening in the Langston Centre. Click here to learn more about this month's employee spotlight, Jordan Dunbar.
05 LANGSTON AFTERSCHOOL INSTITUTE Programs at the Langston Afterschool Institute are for students who are ever curious! Click here to see a couple of the course offerings that we’ve presented to the students, and to check out our most recent students of the month.
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LANGSTON HIGH: STORIES OF ALUMNI
06 SPRING 2022 ADULT COURSES We have some amazing adult courses scheduled for Spring of 2022, and you get first dibs. Click here to check them out.
08 LOCAL UPCOMING EVENTS There are so many amazing events happening locally, and we’re happy to help promote them. Click here to check out the local upcoming events for the month of December.
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EXCLUSIVE!
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT WITH ON THE SPOT MOBILE DETAILING!
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THE BLACK HERITAGE SPOTLIGHTS ON BLACK HISTORY
LANGSTON'S SELF-CARE CHECKLIST
Black History is American
Self-care is incredibly
and learn more about why she decided to create the
History. Why wait until
important for our individual
Langston Roots newsletter.
February to learn more about
health, but not everyone knows
the African-American
what it is or how to start. Take
heritage, when you can learn
the first step by checking out
right here and right now.
Langston's Self-Care Checklist.
14 LET'S CELEBRATE! chance! Check out these international days and weeks going on throughout the month of December.
16 UNTIL NEXT TIME Check out the notes from the creator, Brook’ale Anderson,
315 ELM ST., JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601 423-434-5785 LANGSTONCENTRE@JOHNSONCITYTN.ORG
DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 04
Looking for a reason to celebrate? Well, here’s your
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THIS TOUR WILL ENLIGHTEN OUR GUESTS TO LANGSTON, THE BLACK COMMUNITY, AND THE THEMES THAT IT REFLECTED: CHARACTER, EXCELLENCE, AND RESILIENCE.
FROM THE SUPERVISOR ADAM DICKSON The Langston Centre will start a new project called
While the history of the glory days of Langston High
“Langston Experience.” Starting in February
School is significant, the “Langston Experience” will
2022, the guided tour will use aspects of Langston High School to showcase the diverse elements of
attempt to use the school’s memorabilia, photos, and stories to highlight “The Black Counterpublic,” a term that references the institutions and
Black American culture. Tours will occur by
traditions that comprised Black America during
appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from
legal segregation. For example, visitors taking the
10 am to 1 pm.
tour will learn that at the urging of noted college administrator, Booker T. Washington, black schools such as Langston received much-needed funding and attention. Also, many already know that Langston had an outstanding marching band. It is also important to note that band culture is significant within the Black college experience and that culture was extended to high school youth.
Hopefully, this tour will enlighten our guests to Langston, the black community, and the themes that it reflected: character, excellence, and resilience. These themes are universal and align with the Langston Centre’s focus to promote a multicultural community through the arts, education, and leadership.
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LANGSTON CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS WHAT' S HAPPENI NG I N THE LANGSTON CENTRE
TIS' THE SEASON OF GIVING As you prepare for the holiday season, certain organizations may need your help. In the season of giving, we ask that you please consider donating to LEAD, which is an organization near and dear to our hearts. LEAD is an acronym for Langston Education and Arts Development, Inc. Founded by alumni of Langston High School in Johnson City, Tennessee along with many friends and supporters from the community, LEAD has as its mission to preserve the integrity, legacy, and historical value of Langston High School campus for the posterity and enhancement of the community. Langston Education and Arts Development, Inc. (LEAD) is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. Your gift is deductible to the extent provided by law. Please make checks payable to Langston Education and Arts Development, Inc. Checks may be mailed to: P. O. Box 111, Johnson City, TN 376050111
WWW.LEADLHS.ORG/GIVING/
MORE INFORMATION
LANGSTON AFTERSCHOOL INSTITUTE GATHERS BEFORE A SPECIAL SHOW On November 10, 2021, students and their families gathered together at the Langston Centre for a quick meal and an open house before an EXCLUSIVE dress rehearsal performance of Act I of the Department's production of Men on Boats at the Bach Theatre/Martin Center for the Arts, sponsored by Bravissima!. During their time at Langston, students got the opportunity to show their families their special projects and creations of the semester.
Special Thanks to
Bravissima! ,
a local women's group
dedicated to bringing the Arts to young people in this area, as well as East Tennessee State University Department of Theatre and Dance
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LANGSTON AFTER-SCHOOL INSTITUTE Programs at the Langston After-school Institute are for students who are ever curious! We have a number of courses offered during the fall session, and each day students experience one or more based on their course schedule. In each newsletter, we will
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH At the Langston Centre, we embrace and celebrate students who are putting forth the effort to make their schools and communities a better place. Each month, we will highlight our students who are going above and beyond in the classroom and in the community.
highlight two of these courses.
LANGSTON PLAYERS
AJ Langston High: Next Generation
During this course, students will develop a production about multicultural awareness that will be presented to other local Afterschool programs.
ARTS & HUMANITIES
SYON Team Blue
ETHAN The students will learn weekly about a different art medium, the
Team Gold
history of that medium, and then they will present a "show" at Nelson Fine Art Gallery, where families and the community will be invited to appreciate the artwork created by Langston students.
** Special Thanks to Texas Roadhouse for providing us with certificates for our amazing students of the month!
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SPRING 2022
VIRTUAL ADULT COURSES LANGSTON CENTRE | 315 ELM ST | (423) 434-5785 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THESE VIRTUAL COURSES
BASIC KISWAHILI Every Friday | January 28 - March 4 | 1 – 2:00 p.m. | 18+ | No Cost | Register by Friday, January 14 The primary goal of the course is to provide participants with basic spoken knowledge of the Kiswahili language. Possible topics covered in 6 weeks – Introduction: Kiswahili and Swahili culture, the alphabet How to greet each other – Say hello and goodbye How to introduce oneself and tell others what you like and don’t like Basic conversation – talking about hobbies, foods, modes of transportation in East Africa etc.
MONEY MONDAYS: INVESTING 101 Every Monday | January 24 – March 7 | 6:00 p.m. | 18+ | No Cost | Register by Monday, January 10 This is an introductory class where we’ll walk you step by step through the stock market. Over the course of six weeks, we’ll cover stock market basics including terminology, indexes, options, ETFs, dividend investing, and more. We’ll also go over how to research stocks with technical and fundamental analysis. Most importantly, we’ll cover risk management and trading psychology for beginners.
QUESTION. PERSUADE. REFER. (QPR) Every Thursday | January 27 – March 6 | 9 – 10:00 a.m. | 18+ | No Cost | Register by Thursday, January 13 Individuals learn how to identify warning signs, how to interrupt the crisis, and how to direct that person to proper care. QPR is a nationally used, evidenced-based training that assists people in learning how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. QPR is designed to get people comfortable with directing loved ones to care if they have never been put in a position to do so.
ANDREW JOHNSON & AMERICAN RECONSTRUCTION Every Tuesday | January 18 – February 22 | 6 – 7:00 p.m. | 18+ | No Cost | Register by Tuesday, January 4 This one-hour, six-week course will explore the social, political, economic, and cultural experiences of African Americans in Central Appalachia during American Reconstruction under the presidency of Andrew Johnson. This course seeks to engage students in developing an understanding of the historical significance and impact on all Americans of Johnson’s Reconstruction policies following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
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SPRING 2022
IN-PERSON ADULT COURSES LANGSTON CENTRE | 315 ELM ST | (423) 434-5785
MUST REGISTER FOR THESE COURSES IN PERSON AT THE LANGSTON CENTRE
ONTEMPORARY BLACK ISSUES
C
Every Wednesday | February 2 – March 9 | 12 – 1:00 p.m. | 18+ | $20.00 | Register by Wednesday, January 19 This course will examine the Black American experience since 2001. We will discuss culture, politics, demographic change, war, peace, President Obama, his successor, economics, and “populist” backlash. This course is designed for everyone. Please reach out to Dr. Carter with any questions you may have concerning this course. carterda@etsu.edu.
THE 5 LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP MASTERMIND GROUP Every Tuesday | January 18 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. EST | 18+ | $10.00 | Register by Tuesday, January 4 This group takes on the Mastermind Group format (interactive and discussion) based on the book entitled, The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. Reading the book is recommended but not required. The facilitator will provide weekly handouts and discussion guides for the course. The 5 Levels of Leadership provide a pathway for growing as a leader and for being effective with each person you lead. The Mastermind format will tap into the various experiences and wisdom of each group participant to create discussions that will inspire and challenge every leader in the room.
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L O C A L
U P C O M I N G
E V E N T S
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LOCAL UPCOMING EVENTS We are eager to connect with you, so please take a moment to view these upcoming events happening in and around the Langston Centre during the month of December. It is our hope that you are able to find an event that piques your interest, so we can continue to build everlasting
If you have an upcoming event that you would like us to feature in our monthly newsletter, please send the information to
Brook'ale
Anderson at bdanderson@johnsoncitytn.org . To ensure that we are able to feature each event, we ask that you send the information no later
relationships with one another.
than a week before the end of the month.
DO YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING EVENT THAT YOU'D LIKE US TO PROMOTE?
BLACK/WHITE DIALOGUE DECEMBER 13, 2021 THE LANGSTON CENTRE | 6 - 8 PM 315 ELM STREET, JOHNSON CITY, TN On Monday, December 13, 2021, the Black/White Dialogue meeting will be LIVE! It will be held at The Langston Centre in the Gym area.
It will be at the
normal time, from 6-8:00 pm.
Light snacks
will be served. We will observe COVID-19 protocols.
This will strictly be a social event. We hope the conversations will be light, joyful, and pleasant, sharing common interests and experiences. Please join the BWD conversation and invite your friends.
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L O C A L
U P C O M I N G
E V E N T S
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CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 17, 2021 Carver Youth, ages 6 - 12, are invited to a Christmas Party at Carver Recreation Center. Gifts are provided by Area Business and Industry, and will be distributed to youth in attendance according to age.
Texas Roadhouse will provide the meal.
For more information, please contact (423) 461-8830
EASTMAN BLACK HISTORY ORATORICAL CONTEST DEADLINE:
JANUARY 3, 2022 Eastman’s Black History Month Oratorical Contest provides local high school students with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of African American contributors to the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). It also provides the students with an opportunity to improve their writing, communication, public speaking and leadership skills.
Applicants must submit an original written essay, discussing an acknowledged African American
no later than Monday, January 3, 2022 at 11:59 pm at the form located on the STEAM contributor
website responsibility.eastman.com/education.
MORE INFORMATION
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON THE SPOT MOBILE DETAILING | SCENTS IN MOTION
ABOUT US On The Spot Mobile Detailing is a mobile detailing business created by Eric Black and Eric Patton back in September of 2020 with the goal of convenience, excellence, and satisfaction. They're mobile, which means they come to you. Currently, they are planning to become completely mobile, which will make way for more avenues to conquer commercial accounts as well. They offer an array of packages to fit the customer's wants and needs.
Services include but are not limited to: HAND WASH - WAX - VACUUM - SHAMPOOING SEATS & CARPETS
SCENTS IN MOTION Business partner, Eric Black, is also the owner of Scents In Motion which is a business that offers Air Fresheners, Scented Body Oils, African Black Soap and Scented Whipped Shea Butter. Looking for a Christmas gift for someone special? Click here to join his Facebook group, Scents in Motion ERIC BLACK
ERIC PATTON
GET IN TOUCH: (423) 943-8437 (423) 557-6241
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ERNEST MCKINNEY Ernest McKinney was born in Chesnee, South Carolina on November 26, 1923, and soon moved with his family to Washington County in 1936. Graduating from Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College in Nashville in 1947, McKinney began his career as a teacher and principal at Booker T. Washington School in Jonesborough, now the
LANGSTON HIGH: THE
STORIES
OF
ALUMNI
The Langston Centre sits on the site of the historic
Langston High School - Johnson City's
first African-American public high school from 1893 - 1965. Students who walked through the halls of Langston High School lived through the motto,
enter to learn, depart to serve. This is
McKinney Center for the Arts, and later taught at Langston High School. After integration, he moved to Science Hill High School in Johnson City, where he served as assistant principal.
On April 4, 1968, Ernest McKinney became the first African-American elected to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in Jonesborough. He was
prevalent as we take a look at the many ways
again elected to the Town Board in
they served after their departure. Each month,
1978, starting a run of 40
we will tell the story of Langston High alumni.
consecutive years in which an African-American has served on the five-member Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Jonesborough. In 1980 he became the first AfricanAmerican elected to the Washington County School Board, serving as chairman for many years. Earnest McKinney is described as an “advocate of education for all,” and is said to have left a mark, not only in the town projects he helped to build but also in the people he influenced.
ERNEST MCKINNEY
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"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots"- Marcus Garvey
THE BLACK HERITAGE SPOTLIGHTS ON BLACK HISTORY
- BLACK INVENTORS AND THEIR INVENTIONS MARY BEATRICE DAVIDSON KENNER Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner is thought to be one of the most "forgotten" Black inventors, despite her contributions to society. She received her first patent in 1957 for the sanitary belt, which was adjustable and had a moistureproof napkin pocket. During this time, women were still using cloth pads for their periods. Other inventions include: An attachment for a walker or wheelchair that included a hard-surfaced tray and a soft pocket for carrying items. A toilet paper holder A mounted back washer and massager.
FUN FACT: Kenner originally invented the sanitary belt in the 1920s, but she couldn’t afford a patent until 1957. LEARN MORE
SECURITY SYSTEM in 1966, Marie Van Brittan Brown filed a patent for the first-ever home security system after wanting to increase her own house's security. Her original design contained a camera, two-way microphone, peepholes, and monitors, all serving as the foundations for today's modern systems.
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Garrett Morgan was the first Black person in Cleveland, Ohio, to own a car. After he witnessed a severe car accident at an intersection in the city, he expanded on the current traffic light by adding a “yield” component, warning oncoming drivers of an impending stop. He is also known for creating one of the earliest versions of a gas mask, which he received a patent for in 1912.
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LANGSTON'S Self-Care Checklist
FOR YOUR MIND
FOR YOUR SOCIAL
Write a love letter to yourself
Call someone you love
Meditate for 5 minutes
Forgive Someone
Start a gratitude journal
Compliment a stranger
Take yourself on a date
Be kind to others
Celebrate how far you've come
Set boundaries
FOR YOUR BODY
FOR YOUR CAREER
Sleep at least 7hrs
Learn something new
Yoga/Exercise
Organize workspace
Take a bath/shower
Create a vision board
Eat a healthy meal
Make a list of goals for
Schedule a massage
the month
This month's Self Affirmation:
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LET'S CELEBRATE!
INTERNATIONAL DAYS, WEEKS, AND MONTHS DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
WORLD AIDS DAY December December 1, 1, 2021 2021
On December 1st of each year, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. In this, people around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. To celebrate this day, hundreds of events are held across the world. Many health care clinics have free STD and HIV testing. Other events include film screenings, a memorial AIDS quilt tour, health and wellness fairs, candlelight vigils, and awareness seminars.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN SOLIDARITY DAY December 20, 2021 Every year on December 20th, International Human Solidarity Day seeks to celebrate the world’s unity in diversity. It’s also a day to raise awareness about the importance of solidarity. The day also serves as a reminder to governments to respect their commitments to international agreements.
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LET'S CELEBRATE!
INTERNATIONAL DAYS, WEEKS, AND MONTHS DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
CHRISTMAS December December 25, 25, 2021 2021
Every year on December 25th, over 2 billion people around the world celebrate Christmas Day. Traditionally, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the most popular Christmas customs is gift-giving. This custom has its roots in the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus shortly after his birth. The best thing about Christmas is that you can choose which traditions you want to keep. You can also have fun coming up with new traditions. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
KWANZAA December December 26 26 - January January 11 Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture. Every year from December 26 – January 1, Kwanzaa brings people together for feasts, giftgiving, and the celebration of family, community, and culture. The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. On each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa, families gather and light one of the seven candles on the Kinara, which is a candle holder. Once this is done, one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba are discussed among the family. These principles are values of African culture.
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UNTIL NEXT TIME CLOSING REMARKS FROM BROOK'ALE ANDERSON
THE CREATOR'S NOTES If you're reading this, you have successfully made it to the end of this newsletter. I am honestly blown away by the positive feedback that I have received from you all thus far. The fact that you take the time to open my emails and interact with me each month, will always mean the world to me. Together, this is our newsletter, so if you have any ideas or suggestions that you'd like to see brought to life, please let me know. As The Langston Centre's office assistant, I feel that it is my duty to bridge the gap between the Langston Centre and the community. This is one of my many strides to do so. As always, feel free to send me any half-true compliments and totally true insults by clicking the "send email" tab below. Again, thank you so much for your continued support of The Langston Centre.
Brook'ale Anderson Until next time,
BROOK'ALE ANDERSON
Brook'ale Anderson, an Oak Ridge, TN native, has developed a passion for serving the professional development of underrepresented students. In pursuit of that passion, she has decided to continue her education by studying Higher Educational Leadership in the M.Ed. program at ETSU. Aside from her work at the Langston Centre, Brook'ale also works as the Graduate Assistant of Programming and Outreach within the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center at ETSU.
423-434-5785
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