News Summary
Grace Episcopal Church is starting its second year of a free speaker series this fall, addressing critical social and historical issues. The series includes presentations on urban renewal, childhood poverty, and community displacement, featuring experts who will discuss the lasting effects of these topics on the local community. The events will occur at the church’s Parish Hall on select Wednesdays with no admission fee required, aiming to engage community members in meaningful conversations.
Yorktown – Grace Episcopal Church is set to kick off its second year of a free speaker series this fall, designed to delve into pressing social and historical issues impacting the local community. The series will feature three prominent presentations that tackle topics such as urban renewal, childhood poverty, and the legacy of community displacement.
The speaker series is designed to engage community members in conversations about significant challenges and changes affecting society today. The presentations will take place in the church’s Parish Hall on designated Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m., and there is no admission fee, nor are reservations required.
Key Presentations Scheduled
The series will begin on September 10 with a presentation by Johnny Finn, an Associate Professor of Geography at Christopher Newport University (CNU). Finn’s discussion will center on the impacts of mid-20th century urban renewal on Black neighborhoods and explore how those historical events continue to shape urban policy in Hampton Roads today.
On October 8, Chris Howard, the Harriman Professor of Government and Public Policy at William & Mary, will take the stage. Howard will focus on the trends of childhood poverty in America from 1993 to 2019. His talk will analyze the effects of various government programs and highlight the ongoing difficulties faced by children living in poverty.
Finally, on November 5, Jacqueline Bridgeforth-Williams, founder of The Village Initiative for Equity in Education, will present a session on the history of the Black community displacement that occurred due to the construction of the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. She will provide insights from documentary film portrayals and perspectives from the descendants of those displaced.
Community Context
The speaker series reflects a broader mission of Grace Episcopal Church to engage with and inform the community about critical social issues. By bringing in experts to discuss these topics, the church aims to facilitate constructive dialogue and inspire action toward improving community conditions.
The topic of urban renewal has become increasingly relevant, particularly in discussions surrounding race and housing in America. The impacts of these policies have left lasting scars on communities, particularly in historically marginalized neighborhoods. The exploration of childhood poverty also resonates as the nation grapples with economic inequality and the effect of systemic factors on children’s well-being.
Community displacement is a particularly significant topic for Yorktown, as it has a direct historical connection to the military installations that have changed the socioeconomic landscape of the area. The inclusion of voices from affected descendants serves to personalize and deepen the understanding of this issue, fostering a perspective on how history informs present-day challenges.
Overall, the Grace Episcopal Church speaker series embodies a commitment to education, awareness, and advocacy as essential components of community development. Interested attendees are encouraged to visit the church’s website for further information about the series and upcoming events.
For more details, community members can visit gracechurchyorktown.org.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Grace Episcopal Church Speaker Series
- Inquirer: Yorktown Development Density
- Philly YIMBY: 166-Unit Residential Building Proposal
- Patch: Brewster’s Urban Renewal Project
- Inquirer: Yorktown Student Housing
- Wikipedia: Urban Renewal
- Google Search: Childhood Poverty
- Google Scholar: Community Displacement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Renewal
- Google News: Yorktown Events
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
