Amplifying Black Voices: A Guided Panel Discussion

‼️ New Date March 26 (now 6-8 PM)
We appologize for the postponement - but we hope to bring you an even bigger and better panel and keep everyone safe on the roads!

Join us for a meaningful conversation in honor of as we amplify the voices of local Black leaders.

By tapping into various generations, backgrounds, and experiences, we hope this discussion will be thought provoking and provide a platform to share perspectives on the evolving Black experience in our community.

This panel will be moderated by Donovan Swinger, one of the first members to join YPJC and a Financial Planning Analyst at Marmo Financial. Donovan is deeply committed to both professional growth and community building and is excited to bring his passion for connection and insight to the conversation.

Our Panel includes:

Keddrain "KD" Bowen
An entrepreneur, author, and community leader passionate about uplifting the Appalachian Highlands. As the founder and president of Fanatics 101, he has built a thriving sports merchandise business with locations in Johnson City and Asheville. His dedication to supporting local businesses led him to serve as chair of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Beyond business, KD is a storyteller at heart, sharing powerful narratives of resilience and success through his books, Mountain Movers of the Appalachian Highlands Volumes I and II, and The Dream is Free.

Brittany Butler
A Senior Lecturer of Chemistry and Faculty Fellow in the Center for Teaching Excellence at ETSU. Originally from New Orleans, LA, she moved to the area in 2009 and has since dedicated herself to both education and leadership development. Brittany is working toward completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, with a dissertation focused on evaluating a leadership and essential skills program she created for chemistry students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Charlie Miller, and their three children.

Michelle Treece
Has spent her life serving the Northeast Tennessee community, starting as a teacher at Science Hill High School and Topper Academy in Johnson City. After retiring from the Johnson City School System in 2016, she dedicated herself to promoting diversity, inclusion, and ensuring that people of color have a voice and representation at all levels of government. Michelle has previously served on the Washington County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee and was elected to the Johnson City Board of Education in 2018, where she served one term. She now co-chairs the Black/White Community Dialogue Club of Johnson City, fostering open and honest conversations about race, history, and social issues.

T.R. Dunn

T.R. is a local photographer and community champion who co-founded 4thirTEEN, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens through mentorship and personal growth. His mission is to ensure that young people feel seen, heard, and loved. Passionate about using his platform to inspire and uplift others, T.R. has made a significant impact in the region by blending his artistic talents with a strong commitment to service. Through his work and advocacy, he continues to foster positive change and create opportunities for the next generation.

Besiah Fahngon

A trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader dedicated to fostering meaningful connections in Johnson City. As the founder of Kaifa Events, she specializes in creating experiences that bring people together, driving both business and community engagement. A 2023 Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and a graduate of the CO.STARTERS program, Besiah is passionate about economic development and helping local businesses thrive. Through her work, she continues to uplift and amplify voices in the region, ensuring that every event she touches leaves a lasting impact.

Dinner will be provided, catered by a Taste Budz a local favorite and Black-owned restaurant in Johnson City.

Thank you to the Truist Foundation for sponsoring our catering!

This event is FREE and open to everyone, not just YP Members :)

Registration required to receive dinner.

Host or Publisher Johnson City Chamber of Commerce