Conversations in the Community looks forward to hosting two events during the month of February in celebration of Black History month.

On Saturday, February 11th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Conversations in the Community will partner with Barnes & Noble, Inc. to host, “A Celebration of Storytelling with Black Children’s Book Authors” at the Manassas, Virginia store located in Westgate Plaza at 8117 Sudley Road Manassas, VA 20109. 

The family-friendly event will feature readings and book sales by local children’s book authors, Jennifer A. Roberts, author of “Meet Kaliyah” and Carylee Carrington, author of  “Everyone Just Like Me,” “Pretty Hair” and “Maya Sings Country.” Veronica Reid, founder of Reach Scholars Tutoring, LLC, a local business helping students, including English as a Second Language learners, reach their reading literacy goals will also be on hand sharing information for parents and guardians about how to develop healthy reading habits for students.

“I love reading and collecting children’s books.  I am excited to share my passion for reading and writing books with children and their families.  It is healthy for all children to see Black characters in books and Black authors writing the books,” said Jennifer Roberts, founder and president of Conversations in the Community. 

“Barnes & Noble has always loved helping our community discover local authors. We want to help authors share their stories with the world,” said Tania Ellison, Community, Business Development Manager of Barnes & Noble, Inc.

On Tuesday, February 21st at 7:30 p.m., Conversations in the Community will host its monthly virtual conversation.  The theme for February is “Listening to Our Black Boys: Why Their Voices Matter and How to Hear Them.”  The 90-minute discussion will feature an interview and Q & A with internationally certified listening professional and nationally certified speech and language pathologist, Marva Shand-McIntosh.  

“Creating safe spaces for black boys to show up as their authentic selves and express themselves is crucial to their healthy development.  Our families and communities are strengthened when we intentionally listen and respond to the important voices of black boys,” said Roberts. 

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.