I took a course for small business owners last fall and, in explaining to my classmates that I had yet to attract many men to my media institute programs in nearly three years, someone asked why was that the case.

I shrugged. “Probably because they’re watching football,” I replied.

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Well, I’m happy to say that a whole lot of men defied my sexist response and showed up last night for my first BND Institute of Media and Culture program of the year, “A Black Man’s Quilt.” The standing-room only event featured Robert L. Dortch, Jr., a minister, philanthropist, executive coach, poet, photographer, fraternity brother, father and more. Some might even call him a Renaissance Man.

During his one-hour presentation, Robert led us on an intimate journey of his life, art, journaling and family. He explored concepts of love and masculinity. He went there with his own failings and feelings. He described his son’s anguished cry the night of the Trayvon Martin verdict. He gave his take on Kobe, Gayle and Snoop. He left many of us pondering our own capacities and humaneness. He gave us ….hope.

Author and motivational speaker Stacy Hawkins Adams, a powerhouse in her own right, did an excellent job interviewing Robert, wielding questions that kept the audience engaged and feasting on his every word. Kym Grinnage, truly a blessing of a friend, provided introductions that only he can deliver with aplomb and panache. Head cheerleader and program sponsor Teshana Gipson rallied moms and dads by encouraging them to send their offspring to my summer media camp June 15-26 at Virginia Union University. Mr.  Michael Harvey“Debonair” Harvey, who always supports my programs with a check and a smile, was there as usual, quietly saying “I got you.” Please know that none of this would have been possible without the work and support of Kimberly Wilson, whose very presence reassured me that I no longer have to toil alone as I work to present unique programming honoring African Americans in Richmond. What an honor to work with this woman who, like me (and Stacy Hawkins Adams), has a string of job titles and manages to seamlessly balance them all. I am forever grateful to her. A huge shout out and thank you to Renee Johnson for bringing members of the Richmond Chapter of Jack and Jill to serve as hosts and hostesses, and for her amazing graphic design skills. My other brother, Darrel Johnson of TidBit catering, is to be commended for delivering a delicious menu when I called him just a few days in advance. Thanks also to Adele Johnson, Faithe M. Norrell and Mary Lauderdale at Richmond’s Black History Museum of History and Culture. Bravo, ladies! And a special salute to all the brothers who proved me wrong. Thanks for showing up and showing out. All, please remember to check out Robert’s photography at Urban Hang Suite through mid-March.

Bonnie Newman Davis

Dear Friends,

As the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) increasingly begins to be felt in the local region, we felt it was important to share with you some of the precautions that we are taking to keep you and our community safe and healthy.

Because we’ve always been committed to serving our customers in a safe and healthy environment, we will postpone all scheduled BND Institute of Median and Culture Programs that currently are scheduled for March 15 – April 15, 2020. New dates for planned events will be communicated as soon as we believe it is safe to do so.

Thank you kindly and please be safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Newman Davis

Executive Director

BND Institute of Media and Culture

Nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of our employees and our customers and we want you to know that we are confident in our ability to operate in a safe manner. We will continue to take guidance from the CDC and local health authorities and revise our practices as recommended.

Thank you for your trust in us, and for being a loyal customer.

 Tasha Chambers and some of the innovative Richmond, Va. women featured in her new book of essays, “Women’s Work.” In addition to learning more about Tasha, you’ll also hear from some of Richmond’s most dynamic change agents — women who are getting it done by making things happen! You know their names — Angela Patton, Adrienne Cole Johnson, Christy Coleman,  Kelli Lemon,Courtney Glenn and Gill Robinson Hickman. Not only will the evening be filled with delicious dialogue, but lots of laughs and libations, too. 

The event takes place on March 31, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at 1717 Innovation Center, 1717 E Cary StRichmond, VA 23223.

Click this link to register.

Interested sponsors may contact:

Bonnie Newman Davis, Executive Director, BND Institute of Media and Culture, Inc. @ bonnienewmandavis@gmail.com, or 804 683-7203

About Tasha

Tasha Chambers is an award-winning communications professional. For more than 15 years, she has created innovative programming and communications campaigns for diverse brands. She is a passionate speaker on gender & equality issues, openly sharing her experience navigating through corporate and nonprofit environments. She has spent countless hours researching workplace and entrepreneurial trends for people of color. With a niche in tourism and nonprofit communications, she has been able to elevate local brands to the national stage. She enjoys listening, which has enabled her to pitch amazing news stories that clients sometimes overlook. You can find her clients in The New York Times, Inc.com, The Huffington Post, CNN and more. 

In 2016, Tasha earned a place on Richmond’s (Va.) Power List. She is a Top 40 Under 40 honoree; a proud graduate of Howard University (HU!), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism; and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

Together, she and her husband have three very unique children.