BLK Clarksville Week 2022
February 6-February 12, 2022 we hosted our inaugural BLK Clarksville Week. The purpose of BLK Clarksville Week is to celebrate Black History Month in a new way by honoring the Black History that is, while also celebrating the Black History currently being made.
Consisting of six highly curated events, BLK Clarksville Week encompassed several aspects important to the Black community including local politics, mental health, business, and art.
Sunday
Attendees joined us on a tour of Clarksville’s Black History. Guided by Phyllis Smith, of the Mount Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, over 50 locals got the chance to experience and learn about the little-known Black History being preserved at the Mount Olive Cemetery.
Monday
All current candidates for the 2022 local elections were invited out to speak with and answer questions from the community. This was a kickoff for this year’s political activities and the turnout was amazing. We really wanted to make sure the community got a taste of all the candidates while there was still time to pick up and submit a petition to run. Our forum was hosted by Monica Meeks and Shedrich Webster.
Tuesday
Networking looked G O O D on us!! We filled A & E Bar and Lounge with dozens of black professionals, politicians, executives, and entrepreneurs. Multiple connections were made and the coins were definitely spent to support A&E.
Thursday
We took a break on Wednesday, but came back and got deep on Thursday. We invited the community out for an intimate panel discussion on black mental health and wellness. We had a distinguished group of panelists including Dr Jeremy Lynch, Ph.D., HSP, Mary Laremore, LMSW, LADAC II Butterfly Moments Recovery Solutions, Dr. Elizabeth Pritchett-Dixon Director, Clarksville Family Guidance Associates Ministry Lead, Evolve Soulcare Ministry, Christ The Healer Church, Kenny Bennett MS, CSCS Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness, Dr. Carlo Pike, MD. Elite Primary Care-Owner. We also had a few vendors in the building who specialized in nutrition and holistic healing. You can view a replay of our forum here
Friday
Friday was for US by US. We hosted an elegant night of art and culture at the black-owned venue Talley Hall Event Center. In addition to displaying art by black artists, our night included spoken word, dance, and violin performances all by black artists. We even went with a black-owned event design company and black bartender.
Saturday
Our week closed out with a Black Business and Organization XPO. This event included over 40 local black-owned businesses and organizations. All vendor space was provide for free to give small businesses the opportunity to make sales and grow their audiences.
We are incredibly grateful for the turnout and support throughout the week. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. We will definitely be back with BLK Clarksville Week next year and cannot wait!
HUGE thank you to all of our incredible sponsors who helped to make this week possible. mani Behavioral Health
Sheena Dixon - Blue Cord Realty
Butterfly Moments Inc. Women's Recovery Center
Make Me Over Beauty Bar & Wellness
Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society
Geico Local Office, Daniel Ingram
