August | 2018 | BND Institute of Media & Culture

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The BND Institute of Media and Culture Presents “Pens Up, Fears Down: Write Now!” led by award-winning author Sadeqa Johnson.In this class, we will massage the knots and unravel the tales traveling through your head. We will explore memory, character and story with writing exercises that will inspire you to put your fears down and get the writing onto the page. This class is for those who have a desire to write but need a gentle push and loving environment to get started, and for writers who need to dedicate some time to improving the craft of writing. All levels are welcome.

This class is limited to 10 people.

When: September 22, 2018

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Rolling Hills Subdivision (adjoining Chamberlayne Farms), Richmond, Va. 23227

Cost: $50 per person (includes lunch and beverages)

Register at Eventbrite by Sept. 15, 2018

Contact: Bonnie Newman Davis, bonnienewmandavis@gmail.com

About the Author and Instructor

Sadeqa Johnson, a former public relations manager, spent several years working with well-known authors such as JK Rowling, Bebe Moore Campbell and Bishop TD Jakes before becoming an author herself. She is the author of Love in a Carry-on Bag, Second House From the Corner and And Then There Was Me. Her awards include, a Phillis Wheatley award for Best Fiction, Black Pearl Magazine Author of the Year, and the NBCC Author of the year for best fiction. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers, a Kimbilio Fellow, motivational speaker, half marathon runner, sometimes yogi, wife and mother of three wonderful children.

Johari Edwards discusses his poetry with Johnathan Dyer for a podcast episode.

The BND Institute-Ephesus Summer Media Camp has ended and what a great two weeks we had! Each weekday, from July 16-27 , 2018, our 12 students in middle and high school learned about journalism basics while exploring multi-platform reporting and new media technology, enabling them to create work to be displayed via a digital presence.

Mikayla Martin and Karina McClatchie discover the joys of urban gardening.

In addition, our students increased their confidence as they learned about media literacy and gained more awareness about their individual and collective communities.

In between writing, editing and exploring their video skills with the assistance of media professionals, students visited Richmond media outlets such as NBC12-Richmond and Padilla, a global communications firm. Special treats included a visit to Sun Path Family Farm, an urban garden that is putting a dent in one of Richmond’s many food deserts, and a master class with Emmy-award winning filmmaker Jesse Vaughan. Students also enjoyed meeting Juan Conde of WRIC-TV8 Richmond, Clovia Lawrence of Radio One, Tammie Smith of The Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Kym Grinnage, general manager, NBC 12.

Our inaugural program would not have been successful without the support of so many friends, colleagues, supporters, parents and our students! We extend a special “Thank You” to sponsors John R. Rich, James A. Newman, Jr., Dr. Linnie S. Carter, Cheyenne Moss, Vinara Mosby, Michael Harvey and Linda Jackson Shaw. We also appreciate the guidance and support provided by Dr. Gary Banks, senior minister, Ephesus SDA Church, Ms. Billie Webb, and Mrs. Saundra Rollins, our lead volunteer. Thanks also to our instructors, Dr. Cathy M. Jackson of Norfolk State University, Dr. Randy Davis, Global Media LLC., and Dexter Johnson, a multimedia journalist who is a 2013 graduate of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism @ Hampton University. Also, kudos to our hard-working volunteers, freelance writer Morgann Williams and Jay Adams of Collegiate School.

Campers learn how drones can help deliver news.

We TRULY appreciate Karla Redditte of NBC12 – Richmond for coming out to capture our camp for an amazing news segment that aired Aug. 3, 2018. Click here to view the video.

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NBC 12’s Karla Redditte captured the media camp. She’s pictured with Bonnie Newman Davis, executive director of The BND Institute of Media and Culture.

Finally, please enjoy this excellent video created by Dexter Johnson. A website featuring our campers’ work is being updated and the link soon will be made available for interested audiences.

Reminder: We will begin accepting applications for next year’s media camp in March 2019.

Again, thank you for your support.

Bonnie Newman Davis

Executive Director

BND Institute of Media and Culture