by Jennifer Roberts

Haymarket, Virginia – Conversations in the Community will host “Listening to Our Black Boys:  Why Their Voices Matter and How to Hear Them,” a virtual discussion with internationally certified listening professional, Marva Shand Mc-McIntosh on Tuesday, February 21^st at 7:30 p.m. EST.

“This timely discussion is for parents, educators, coaches and community members who are committed to in investing in Black boys and in our communities.  We are intentionally creating space to learn how to hear what these young men and are saying and to understand the tremendous value that they bring to our communities,” said Jennifer A. Roberts, founder and president of Conversations in the Community.

Marva Shand- McIntosh is an internationally certified listening expert and the founder of I Love to Listen Day which is observed annually on May 16^th.  She is a nationally certified speech and language pathologist, a member of the International Listening Association and American Speech and Hearing Association and a guest lecturer at colleges.

“Our Black boys have a lot to teach us, provided we know how to listen,” said Marva Shand McIntosh.

“It is deeply hurtful to see our Black boys being misunderstood and over-disciplined instead of being valued.  If more community members embraced the humanity of Black boys, actively sought healthy relationships with them and positively responded to their lived experiences, our communities, including our school communities, would become more equitable,” added Roberts.

The 90-minute conversation will include a presentation by Shand- McIntosh and a question-and-answer period.  Email conversationsinthecommunity@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Conversations in the Community, Inc. is a grassroots, educational advocacy organization headquartered in Haymarket, Virginia.  It is committed to engaging parents/guardians, students and community members in dialogue about issues in education with the goal of addressing and resolving them. www.citcom.org.