Guests

As a young leader and catalyst for change in the fight against domestic violence, Ms. Lee is the force behind Becky's Fund, a cutting-edge source of social change and public service based in Washington, D.C. Ms. Becky Lee received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women's Studies from the University of Michigan and then continued on to receive her Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Interested in the prevention of domestic violence, Ms. Lee has been working on issues concerning domestic violence survivors over the last twelve years as an advocate, a policy associate and an attorney. She is also passionate about creating awareness on the specific needs of battered immigrant women, such as language access and cultural competency. Additionally, she has worked as a kickboxing instructor for over six years and has focused on helping battered women regain their confidence and self-esteem through her [...]

[smooth=id:35;] Missouri is a state that has made a unique contribution to America’s history and African-American history.  We had the pleasure of meeting Father Moses Berry, founder of the Ozarks African American Heritage Museum in Ash Grove.  We toured the Nathan and Daniel Boone plantations and the George Washington Carver site.  Our wonderful host, Angela da Silva of Lindenwood University and the National Black Tourism Network spoke about other Missourians who rose from slavery to national prominence. We also journeyed to Independence, Missouri to explore some of the history and places were African American contributions have not been forgotten.

I think I captured a ghost on film!!!  - Paranormal investigator and photographer Jason Dowd says “probably not” Jason is an international exhibiting artist and photographer, and when he’s not making art, he follows his other passion, Paranormal Investigating. Throughout his life Jason has encountered many “so called” ghosts, and has had many personal experiences himself.  His expertise in the group is video and picture evidence. Jason has debunked many alleged photo and video captures of ghosts.  He takes the stance that things can be explained, it’s not necessarily paranormal – attacking the evidence from a scientific point of view while embracing his religious beliefs.  He knows the light tricks flash makes and that orbs may not be a true ghost.  With over 21 years behind a camera he an expert on this topic. Jason has been seen on ABC and FOX, his work has hung internationally, he photographed the [...]

[smooth=id:82;] As we traveled along Maryland’s “Star-Spangled Banner” Trail we met several War of 1812 historians that took us through significant historic sites.  We learned about the role of Maryland in the War of 1812 from visits to Ft. McHenry, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, Jefferson Patterson Park, Sotterley Plantation, the U.S. Naval Academy and more.  Of course we enjoyed an audience with the author of The Star-Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key. To learn more about Maryland’s role in the War of 1812 visit www.StarSpangled200.org.

Keith W. Stokes is Vice President with the 1696 Heritage Group. Keith is the former Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, Executive Director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, and a native of Newport, Rhode Island. Educated at Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Quill & Dagger Honor Society) and the University of Chicago with a Master's Degree, Mr. Stokes has a diverse professional background including business, community planning, historic preservation, and government. He has served his community in many capacities; including as a three term City Councilman.

Shanna Martin is the Director of Training and Professional Development at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis where she has worked for the past three years.  In her role, Shanna is responsible for orienting new staff to The Children’s Museum and training all staff on exhibits, including the Emmett Till exhibit.  Shanna enjoys researching each new exhibit, working with the exhibit developers to create the trainings and sharing her learnings with The Children’s Museum staff.

Kenneth Hoffman was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He earned a B.A. and an M.A. in history from Tulane University, and spent a year studying history at the University of Bristol, in Great Britain. Kenneth has worked as a grant writer for the New Orleans Museum of Art and as the curator of education at the Louisiana State Museum. From 2004-06, Kenneth served as president of the Louisiana Association of Museums, leading the association through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He recently ended an eighteen-year tenure as director of education at The National WWII Museum, which he helped open on June 6, 2000. Kenneth is currently the executive director of the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, which opened in New Orleans in 2021. Kenneth, his wife, and their two daughters live in New Orleans’ Black Pearl neighborhood, yet don't eat at Camellia Grill nearly [...]