Hosted by Vincent Ellis White
The ‘Difficult Conversations, Stronger Communities’ series is a panel-styled event series typically consisting of 2-3 panelists (sourced by creator, curator and moderator, Vincent Ellis White), that will have fluid and candid conversations/discussions which are current and essential to our community and culture. Each of the panelists (and moderator) carry a specific area of expertise, varying with each event. These ‘difficult’ conversations that are had, are held in a safe-space, open-style forum, and are designed to foster healthy dialogue, respectfully. Let’s be clear though, at these events, anything can happen! Literally everything from laughing, to crying, to new revelations, to ultimately embracing and fostering HEALING; and so much more.
This unique dialogue is held in hopes that in the end the audience members will leave with a newfound view on the importance of having difficult conversations; and even a new lens regarding the specific topics discussed. The overall goal during this process is that all involved will work individually and collectively to talk through the importance of having difficult conversations, and gain a better understanding of how doing so can better shape our communities.
Investment: Pay What You’d Like, $10-$40
Register Here
PANELISTS:
Hoyt Timmons, Independent Researcher & Podcaster
Hoyt Timmons is a proud native of the historic city of Richmond, Virginia. Growing up in the former capital of the Confederacy provided many sources to explore African American History. Richmond after 1808 became a place often referred to as the “Second Middle Passage”. Richmond, Virginia is also home of Jackson Ward which was a prosperous African American neighborhood. Growing up in Richmond inspired Hoyt to pursue a degree in History.
Hoyt attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he would major in History. As a student at Virginia Commonwealth University Hoyt would join the Africana study group. Africana protested the building of a baseball stadium over a slave burial ground in Shockoe Bottom. In 2012 Hoyt would be selected to receive the W.E.B Dubois Excellence in History Award. In 2017 Hoyt would work with the online publication M-Lifestyle as a writer and podcast co-host. The “M-Talk” podcast lasted from January of 2016 through September of 2017.
Alexa Joy Zafarana
In May of 2019 Hoyt Timmons created the No Truths Barred Podcast. The No Truths Barred Podcast focuses on social critiques, history, and culture. The No Truths Barred platform seeks to change perspective and serve as a catalyst for serious discourse. The No Truths Barred Podcast has had guests such as Professor Adam Ewing at Virginia Commonwealth University and Professor Sele Adeyemi at J. Sargeant Community College. Hoyt’s influences in podcasting are Joe Rogan, Joe Budden, and Star Talk with Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
Alexa was formally trained as a macro level social worker and practitioner, but utilizes her experience as a coach and mentor in various roles. She has a passion for equipping individuals, families, groups, and organizations to flourish. She does this by providing others with practical tools and daily rhythms that create long lasting change.
Alexa works collaboratively with teams to plan, build, and assess sustainable systems & programs that support the goal to flourish. She is able to identify and capitalize on team member’s strengths and help identify places for them to thrive.
With 10+ years of experience in education, non-profit management, foster care, higher education, after school programming, residential and ministry settings, Alexa brings a diverse and holistic viewpoint to her work.
She presents & facilitates trainings on topics such as self care, wellness, trauma and resiliency.
As one of seven children, Alexa has seen the power of “us” from the beginning. The Zafarana family is the light and love of Alexa’s life, and she takes pride in being an older sister & friend.
Alexa is originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, where she learned her love of movement. Alexa cherishes her run community #weoffthecouch here in Richmond and loves coaching middle school girls with Girls on the Run.
On any given Sunday, you can find AlexaCommunity, wellness and resiliency continue to be the motivators for Alexa’s life!
Sandee Steenstra Byrd
I am a life/spiritual coach of trauma/addiction. I am the host of Emotional Elevator Podcast. I am a local Laughter Yoga leader and Breathwork Facilitator.