Meaningful Conversations: Protecting African American History

Join us Thursday, November 21, 2024, 7-9 PM, as we focus on Protecting African American History at Alexandria’s Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA. This new series of Meaningful Conversations will focus on how exemplary local non-profits are working to improve and uplift our community and how their work relates to key principles for promoting racial and social justice and empowering all people to flourish and to act as protagonists in uplifting our community.

Featured Panelists:
Ronald L. Chase is Founder/Director of the Gum Springs Museum and President of the Gum Springs Historical Society. Gum Springs is the oldest African American community in Fairfax County, tracing its birth to the beginning of our nation. The Gum Springs Museum and Cultural Center focuses on the African American experience. Mr. Chase is the managing editor of the national publication, History In Motion, has served on the Alexandria YMCA Committee of Management, the Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia Preservation Foundation, the African American Interpretation Committee for the historic sites of Gunston Hall and Woodlawn Estates, as Vice President of the Saunders B. Moon Community Action Association, and has taught technology in Alexandria City schools and art in Washington DC public schools. He is the owner of Chase Graphic Communications where he manages the Technical Illustration Department for the American Institute of Architects, Architectural Graphic Standards. Mr. Chase is a graduate of the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum.

Dr. Darnella McGuire-Nelson is a lifelong resident of Alexandria, serving on various boards and committees, including work with the Social Responsibility Group – Douglass Cemetery. She is a certified trainer for Advocacy and Implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals; a subject matter expert in conflict resolution, diversity, equity, inclusion & accessibility, and race relations; a leadership and organizational coach as an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation; and a regular keynote speaker and panelist for various programs and conferences. She uses her platform as a haven for safe spaces, promoting policies and programs that maintain safe neighborhoods, support minority-owned businesses, transform communities, and enrich the lives of the marginalized and disadvantaged. Dr. McGuire-Nelson holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. She holds a M.S. in Human Resource Development from Trinity University, and a B.S. in International Business from Howard University.

Our meaningful conversations explore and celebrate the diversity of cultures and peoples in our area, address the attitudes and behaviors that still divide us, and seek remedies grounded in the recognition that we are one interconnected, interdependent human family.
All are welcome! Please share this invitation with your friends and neighbors.

Thursday, November 21, 2024
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA

Sponsored by the Alexandria Bahá’í Community, the Alexandria Black History Museum, and the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project.