Another View's Selected Short Stories

This year's Virginia International Tattoo theme is: "A Salute to Military Families." As part of the celebration, American Gold Star Mothers will be honored. These women - and their families - gave the ultimate sacrifice when their children died while serving their country. Our Lisa Godley spoke with Mona Gunn, the only African American in Gold Star's 107-year history to hold the office of national president. This is her story.

He's Norfolk Public Schools Teacher of the Year! He's also an incredibly talented artist, author, and poet. His name is Clayton Singleton and it's been four years since Another View Producer, Lisa Godley sat down with the Lake Taylor High School art teacher who never shies away from telling powerful stories that capture the heart of our community with vibrant colors and bold strokes. Last summer, Clayton was an artist in residence at Saint Croix. The result was five new pieces of art. One of which will be on display at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts – starting in April 2023! Meanwhile, back here at home, he's started an artist café for his students which showcases guest artists who share their knowledge by hosting workshops.

Who doesn't love a drum line? Well, our Lisa Godley introduces us to an amazing group of talented musicians who make the up the Shark City Drum Corps. The founder and leader of the group, Frederick Dixon, not only teaches students of all ages how to play the drums, but prepares them to play in public. The group has won multiple awards and some have used their skills to obtain full ride scholarships to college.

Father Joseph Green's legacy of service to the city of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads community is lengthy. He lived his life by giving back... from serving at a hospital corpsman in World War II to 20-years of service on the Norfolk City Council. Our Lisa Godley looks at his impactful life as a humanitarian and servant of the people.

If you've ever picked up an Ebony or Jet magazine or visited the Fashion Fair counter for makeup, you're about the meet the woman in charge. Linda Johnson Rice has been running this multi-million dollar conglomerate for the past three decades and she's coming to Norfolk as a keynote speaker for the Norfolk Forum on Tuesday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Chrysler Hall. Our Lisa Godley spoke with the woman behind what millions call an American staple.

Necessity is the mother of invention. So, when you find out that your multi-racial child is experiencing bias at just three years of age, what do you do? One Hampton Roads mom decided to write a children's book about diversity - to not only help her children navigate through hurtful and misguided comments, but as a way to teach all children how our differences help make the world a better place. Our Lisa Godley spoke with author Toiya Sosa about her book "Strangetop Hill," which is available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Congressman Donald McEachin lost his life on November 28, 2022 due to the after effects of successful colorectal cancer surgery, which he underwent several years ago. Congressman McEachin was re-elected to Congress during the 2022 midterms. He was a fearless champion for his constituents in the 4th Congressional District. Our Lisa Godley shares this tribute.

It's titled “Nothing Special” but the story behind Desiree Cooper's new children's book is very special. In her book, Cooper, a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist, chronicles the relationship between her grandson Jax and his great grandfather - but this former attorney and community activist goes further than that. As our Lisa Godley discovered, Cooper also glances at history, by reminding us of how the Great Migration separated millions of Black families, and how some have made it a point to reconnect with loved ones who chose to remain in the south. Cooper was a 2015 Kresge Artist Fellow, specializing in Literary Arts.

Forty years ago, a group of African American Journalists came together to create Tidewater Media Professionals. Today, the group is called Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals or HRBMP, and provides scholarships, mentorships and advocates for fair and balanced coverage of the Black Community. HRBMP is an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, the world's largest organization of Black journalists and media professionals. Sit back and relax as our very Lisa Godley and HRBMP's current President shares this organizaton's amazing 40 year history.

Ever heard of "Cuffeytown"? It's an historic community created by free Blacks in the 1700's in Chesapeake. Lisa Godley shares the history of this vibrant community and what the ancestors of the founding families and others are doing to keep the history alive.

“There's no right way to do something wrong!” is not just a quote, but a way of life for the man you're about to meet. You might think you know Elisha “Cadillac” Harris, a Hampton Roads native who spent four decades serving as the head coach of three local football teams! But, Cadillac's journey from talented athlete to admired coach was not an easy one. He reflected on his life and his chosen path with our Lisa Godley.

A Virginia Couple wants to ensure children and teens have good financial literacy. That's why Jesse and Mi Mi James wrote, ‘Bobo Slim'z NuggetZ $ Gemz!' Our Lisa Godley gives us an up-close look at the creators of this new children's book and the lessons they're hopeful that children of all age.

Boo Williams has been making a difference in the lives of young athletes here in the Hampton Roads area for Decades. Such basketball legends as Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson were coached by Boo! Summer basketball league has netted him countless awards and accolades. There is currently a documentary about his life in the works and a huge celebration of Boo's 40-year commitment to young people and basketball taking place on the Peninsula next weekend! Our Lisa Godley got a chance to chat with this Hampton native and gives us an up close look at the legend of Boo Williams.

Founded by free and enslaved blacks in 1776, The First Baptist Church of Williamsburg has a rich history. And now, this historic church is unearthing a new chapter. In addition to finding the remnants of not one, but two earlier church buildings, archaeologists have uncovered 40 graves, believed to be the remains of some of the church's earliest members. Our Lisa Godley was there when congregants gathered to reflect on the past, pay tribute to the ancestors, and prepare for what this extensive archaeological dig could uncover next.

Imagine experiencing flooding so severe that it destroys your home, your community, and your livelihood. Now imagine starting over with no money, no family support, and only self-determination and the kindness of strangers to keep you alive. Well, for a group of young men in the country of South Sudan, this is a way of life. Our Lisa Godley recently spoke with one of the young men, who for years has called the Kakuma Refugee Camp his home. And hear from the Norfolk woman who is trying to help. For more information, contact Outreach Africa's Executive Director, Julie Hill at: julhill@cox.net.

Tony award winning actress, singer and songwriter, Renee Elise Goldsberry is coming to Hampton Roads! Best known for her portrayal of OF Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway sensation “Hamilton,” she will perform with her band locally next month. Our Lisa Godley spoke with the talented performer about being Angelica, her current projects, and what we can expect when her band performs in Norfolk, Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Norfolk's Chrysler Hall.

THEY ARE ONE THOUSAND MEMBERS STRONG AND HAVE BEEN WORKING DILIGENTLY FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS TO CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP IN WILLIAMSBURG-JAMES CITY COUNTY SCHOOLS. IN OUR EFFORTS TO SHOWCASE BLACK NON-PROFITS, TODAY WE'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO: “THE VILLAGE INITIATIVE.” OUR LISA GODLEY GIVES US AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THEY'RE UTILIZING MENTORS, TUTORS AND PASSIONATE ADVOCATES TO MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

If you've ever seen the word “Ham” scribbled at the bottom of a huge mural gracing the side of a building, you are about to meet the artist. His name is Hamilton Glass. While his work has been featured in Norfolk's Neon District, the bulk of his colorful creations adorn building after building in downtown Richmond. Our Lisa Godley recently spoke to the Hampton University grad about his talent for bringing community stories to life through art, and what it takes to do things… BIG!

This little fact should make you think. Close to 90 million Americans are at risk for preventative health problems due to low health literacy. What you don't know could kill you! Fortunately, there is a free program available to help folks here in Hampton Roads increase awareness when it comes to health. It's called “Healthier 757.” Our Lisa Godley gives us an inside look at the interactive program where the more you learn, the more you could earn!

Hospitals were having a difficult time filling vacant nursing positions before the pandemic. Now, with so many healthcare workers burning out and retiring early, the nursing shortage has reached critical proportions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be roughly 176,000 RN openings each year for the next decade. But one local non-profit is working diligently to introduce more students of Color to the nursing profession. Our Lisa Godley gives us an inside look at the Nursing CAP Program.

If you've ever been bullied or had a child who's been bullied, you know the pain it can bring. But much too often, the victim doesn't know where to turn or in whom they can confide. Since this is National Bullying Prevention Month, we reached out to someone who can help. Shant'a Miller is the founder of Parents Against Bullying, Virginia. She shared with our Lisa Godley her family's own horrific encounter with a bully. Now, through her nonprofit, she offers tools parents can use to help their children.

In recent weeks we lost two legends: football great, turned local restauranteur Roger Brown, and actor, director and filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles. Our Lisa Godley looks back at their lives and the impact they made on America and the world. We start our tribute with Roger Brown.

The year was 1917, and Booker T. Washington, along with philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, came up with an initiative to help Black children in the segregated South get the education they deserved. They established the Rosenwald school. In less than 20 years, there would be five thousand of these state-of-the-art schools, spread across 15 states. Today, only a few remain, but one of them is still standing on Virginia's Eastern Shore. As part of Another View's look at Black Nonprofits, producer Lisa Godley shares a little history about the Rosenwald School in Cape Charles and the valiant effort that's now underway to restore the historic schoolhouse.

Optometrists across Hampton Roads are very concerned about the toll remote learning and mask wearing is taking on our children's eyes. Our Lisa Godley spoke with optometrist Dr. Kristina Ramsey about the problems she's seeing in her younger clients and what we can do to ward off long term damage.

Another View has been following Keyshawn Davis' boxing career for years! In 2016, we told you how the then 17-year-old had captured the U.S. Junior Olympic Boxing Championship, and again in 2019 when his skills netted him a spot on the 2020 Olympic Boxing Team. For Keyshawn, it was a dream come true… until the pandemic postponed the games for a year. Well, last week, Keyshawn finally got his shot. Now that he's back in Hampton Roads, he spoke to our Lisa Godley about his Silver Medal win and his plans for the future.

Malique Hawkins has been smiling for the camera – professionally, since he was about 18 months old. We first introduced you to Malique about a decade ago when he was ten and starring in the movie ‘Troop 491.' Well, Malique is a rising junior in college now and isn't slowing down! As our Lisa Godley found out, in addition to his studies, he's busy acting, recording commercial voiceovers, and performing his music - live, with his first rap album out later this month! You can find Malique's work on this IMDb page, his YouTube Page and social media pages under his name Malique (M-A-L-I-Q-U-E) Hawkins. His music can be found on all music platforms under “Liq from the Peake.”

If you've ever heard of ACT-SO, boy are you in for a treat! This NAACP youth achievement program allows high school students of African descent to develop their areas of interest and then showcase their talents through projects and performances. This year's Region Two Virtual Competition produced several local winners who went on to ‘blow the competition away' on the national level! Our Lisa Godley caught up with several of those talented teens who are the epitome of artistic excellence! Lisa's piece was co-produced by our intern Brianna Walton, who is a rising senior at North Carolina A&T.

Thomas Wilkins will soon return to his roots. The Norfolk native is coming home to serve as the primary guest conductor of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Wilkins calls his return poetic, in that he'll be leading the orchestra that first introduced him to his life's work…. and he shared with our Lisa Godley how the opportunities he experienced right here in Hampton Roads shaped his life. His first appearance with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in his new role will be February 18th through the 20th of 2022.

Hampton Roads has numerous locations and landmarks that detail the significant role that African Americans have played in the history of this community and our nation. But, since so many of these historic spots have been bulldozed, replaced or renamed, their significance is unknown or forgotten. The Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) is hoping to change that. This year they're calling on communities all across America to identify black landscapes. And, as our Lisa Godley found out, there are cash prizes for doing so.

It's been 90 years since Oliver Moore, a 29-year-old North Carolina man was abducted at midnight from the Edgecomb County Jail. Moore had been accused of sexual improprieties with two young white girls. He didn't fight as he was hosted up a tree by dozens of angry white men, tortured, and some accounts say, shot as many as 200 times. No one was ever convicted of his murder. Now, almost a century later, that very tree has been cut down, and the wood sold. Artist and guitar maker, Freeman Vines, purchased some of the wood, and talks to our Lisa Godley about the haunting images that surfaced as he carved the ‘Hanging Tree Guitars.' The exhibit is on display now through September 12th at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. And they will be on display at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center, starting in the spring of 2022.

It's been almost 50 years since Father's Day became a nationwide holiday in the United States. But the practice of recognizing our dads for their love and influence doesn't always get the same celebration as that which is showered on moms in May. Well, Shayla Egelston wants to change that. Our Lisa Godley spoke with this up and coming author about her new children's book "My Daddy Says."

Whether he's playing, composing, or teaching, Dr. Harvey Stokes is all about the music! The Hampton University professor has had his pieces performed all over the world. And he sat down with our Lisa Godley to share how music has impacted his life and subsequently, the lives of his students.

It would start on May 31st 1921 and last for 18 hours. During that time, the people who called Tulsa’s Greenwood Community home would witness the murders of friends and loved ones… and their thriving, prosperous neighborhood reduced to ruins. It’s been 100 years since the area known as “Black Wall Street” became the backdrop for the single worst incident of racial violence in American history. Our Lisa Godley spoke with Dr. Eric Claville about this very real and long-overlooked piece of our country’s past.

Synnika Lofton is an award-winning poet, educator, producer and radio show host. And in each of these areas he shares insightful words that make us think. Our Lisa Godley spoke with Lofton, who not only shared his skill and talent as a master of written and spoken word, but gave us an inside look at his latest venture… a podcast.

It’s been almost 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his iconic "I Have A Dream" speech spoke these words: "We can never be satisfied as long as the negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality." These Horrors date back to the beginning of America. Our Lisa Godley gives us an abbreviated but candid look at the history of policing.

Voting for the Tony Awards started March 1ST. Among those nominated? Hampton Roads own Adrienne Warren for her performance as “Tina” in The Tina Turner Musical. Our Lisa Godley spoke with this talented actress about her role, her influences and her goals as a performer.

Remember the excitement that accompanied bringing a newborn into the world? What does the future hold for this precious life? Will my child be a musician? A professional athlete? Or president of the United States? Now imagine your dreams of this great future being turned upside down when you learn your child has special needs. Well, this happened to Mark and Dawn Lawrence, not once but twice. And they’ve written a book in hopes of helping other parents with special needs children maneuver through the challenges. The Lawrence’s recently spoke with our Lisa Godley about “Raising Them Special.”

COVID-19 has changed the way we do just about everything: from how we work to how our children learn. Another area that has been transformed is how we are entertained. And the wild world of sports is definitely no exception. So far this year we have witnessed everything from quarantined players to empty arenas to rescheduled games. Our Lisa Godley recently sat down with a sports reporter for the Boston Globe who graciously shared a little of what he witnesses each and every day. Gary Washburn gives us an inside look at the impact the pandemic is having on sports, the athletes and the fans who cheer them on.

There are very few Virginia schools named after an African American, and the number of those buildings dedicated to black women is even smaller. But right here in Hampton Roads… on Burns Drive in Newport News… sits Watkins Early Childhood Center, named after educator and activist Dorothy Watkins. Our Lisa Godley takes a look at her life and legacy.

In an effort to address the global pandemic and period of social unrest, the Chrysler Museum is hosting a new exhibit called "Come Together." It explores four themes: Celebration, Purpose, Justice and Love. The Justice theme opens doors for you to share your experiences. Our Lisa Godley takes a closer look at this community-based exhibition.

THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION MAY SEEM OBVIOUS. BUT, I’M GOING TO ASK IT ANYWAY. WHO WOULD BE THE BEST PERSON TO HELP DEVELOP SOLUTIONS IF A COMMUNITY IS A CRISIS? SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE AREA OR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE OR SOMEONE WHO IS EMOTIONALLY VESTED IN THE COMMUNITY, THE PEOPLE WHO CALL IT HOME AND THE CHALLENGES THEY ENCOUNTER ON A DAILY BASIS? WELL, YOU’RE ABOUT TO MEET TWO PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT THE LATTER IS THE KEY WHEN IT COMES TO BETTER PREPARATION AND RECOVERY FROM NATIONAL DISASTERS. AND AS OUR LISA GODLEY FOUND OUT, THEY’RE PUTTING THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR MOUTH IS TO MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS!

IT SLOWED HER DOWN BUT DIDN’T STOP HER! THAT’S HOW SHERRIKKA MYERS DESCRIBES THE CHILDHOOD STUTTER THAT WAS THE CATALYST FOR A CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES. MYERS RECENTLY SPOKE TO OUR LISA GODLEY ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF HER YOUTH, HER WORK AS AN AUTHOR AND ENCOUNTERS THAT HAVE ALLOWED HER TO GROW HER MESSAGE.