Episode 29, Cathy and Ralph

The McKinney Center announces the release of the latest Conversations That Matter on the McKinney Center’s YouTube channel and as a podcast, CTM the Podcast. This episode features cast members from the McKinney Center and UMOJA’s production of Crowns, Cathy Walker, and Ralph Martin. This conversation took place on August 10, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on August 18, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/con....versations-that-matt . Crowns is a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of Black history and identity. Crowns is seen through the eyes of a young Black woman who has come down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functioning. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to churchgoing to funerals to baptisms, and the tradition of hats is traced back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and current fashion. Some rap but predominantly gospel music and dance underscore and support the narratives. The conclusion finds the standoffish young woman, whose cultural identity as a young Black Brooklyn woman has been so at odds with the more traditional and older Southern blacks, embracing hats and their cultural significance as a part of her own fiercely independent identity.Cathy Walker plays the role of Wanda in Crowns. Cathy is a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She is the Sunday School Superintendent, Mass Choir President, Sunday School Teacher, Gracie Norris Missionary member, amateur photographer for the church Facebook page, member of several community organizations, and retired Speech-Language Pathologist for local schools in the tri-cities area and Bristol VA, as well as assisted living facilities in W TN and the local area with 35+ years. Cathy loves God, her family, her friends, and flowers! Ralph Martin plays the role of “Man” in Crowns. Ralph is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He lives in Johnson City with his wife, Jeralyn. He is a member of Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City. In his spare time, Ralph enjoys doing graphic design work. 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 the