News Summary
A series of impactful events are scheduled this May in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, emphasizing civil rights education, community engagement, and artistic expression. Notable highlights include Elaine Weiss’s lecture on civil rights, a drama about Thurgood Marshall, an Al-Anon support group, and various workshops and concerts. These events aim to foster awareness and participation in local issues while celebrating cultural themes and community connection.
Knoxville, TN – A series of significant events are set to take place across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia this May, focusing on civil rights education, community engagement, and artistic expression. These events aim to promote awareness and participation in various issues affecting local communities, from historical insights to support groups for individuals affected by alcoholism.
Kicking off the events, the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville will host Elaine Weiss on May 20 for a lecture titled “Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement” starting at 6 PM. The talk will focus on influential activists such as Septima Clark, Esau Jenkins, Bernice Robinson, and Myles Horton, who played pivotal roles in establishing Citizenship Schools that educated African Americans and laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.
Moreover, Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA, will showcase “Thurgood,” a one-man drama about Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice, from May 11 to June 1. The play contains strong language and themes of racial violence, reflecting the challenges faced during Marshall’s journey toward justice. Various showtimes are available throughout its run, including a performance on May 11 at 3 PM.
Support and community engagement are also highlighted with a weekly Al-Anon support group meeting on May 21 at Lebanon United Methodist Church, Elk Creek, Virginia. This group provides support for those affected by alcoholism and addiction, meeting every Wednesday at 7 PM.
On the same day in Bristol, Virginia, the fourth public open house regarding remediation efforts at the Bristol quarry landfill will take place at 6 PM in the City Council Chambers. Residents are encouraged to participate and learn about the progress and plans surrounding this local environmental concern.
Music enthusiasts can attend a concert featuring The Last Revel, a folk group performing at The Rex Theater in Galax, VA, on May 22, with special guest Kindred Valley starting at 7 PM. Tickets for this lively event begin at $20.
Additionally, the Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a helpful workshop series titled “Protecting Family Land: Legacy Planning for Farm & Forest Owners” on May 15 and 22. The sessions will be held from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA, providing valuable advice for landowners.
A crucial Regional Workforce Housing Alliance Symposium will take place on May 22, starting at 3 PM at UVA-Wise, highlighting housing solutions in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. This event aims to address ongoing housing challenges faced by residents in the region.
On May 23, the community in Kingsport will celebrate the annual Public Works Day at Farmers Market from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event includes equipment displays, children’s activities, and insightful presentations, aimed at engaging families and educating them about public works services.
Also that day, an Inaugural Gala and Benefit Dinner will be held at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City to support displaced AmeriCorps Service members, starting at 6 PM.
From May 23-24, Bristol Motor Speedway will host the Large Cars & Guitars IV festival, raising awareness and funds for breast cancer in memory of Tony Justice’s wife. This entertaining event combines cars and music for a noble cause.
The weekend continues with various workshops in Johnson City, including the Ag in Art Dye Garden Planning & Ecoprinting Workshops on May 24 and a free photo-organizing workshop by the Watauga Association of Genealogists at Johnson City Public Library from 1-3 PM.
As Memorial Day approaches, a free performance titled “Letters From Home” honoring military service will be at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, VA, at 3 PM on May 25, followed by the Old Time Music Jam at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park later that day.
Various other Memorial Day events, including a Gold Star Family Cook-Out in Richlands, VA, and a concert titled “Never Forget” by the Johnson City Community Concert Band in Elizabethton, TN, are scheduled for May 26.
Other notable events include a rally for Holston Habitat for Humanity with a Pickleball Tournament from May 29 – June 1, a SPANKthe80s concert on May 30, and T.G. Sheppard’s concert showcasing his hits on May 31. The Spring Knap-in at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, demonstrating the art of making stone tools, will also take place on that day.
Overall, the upcoming events in East Tennessee and surrounding areas aim to foster community connection and understanding by addressing important historical, cultural, and social themes.
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Additional Resources
- Sioux City Journal – Local Music
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
- Sioux City Journal – Opinion
- Google Search: Al-Anon Support Group
- Sioux City Journal – Movies & TV
- Google Scholar: Thurgood Marshall
- Sioux City Journal – Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights
- Sioux City Journal – Life Entertainment Video
- Google News: Regional Workforce Housing Alliance
