'Tea with Dr. B' Series Kicks off with CRT Talk

Virginia Peninsula Community College President Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon views institutions of higher education as places to hold meaningful discussions on important topics. Those discussions are more impactful, she said, when they involve topics where people have differing and passionate viewpoints.

Her President's Leadership Series called "Tea with Dr. B" kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 12, with a discussion on critical race theory with Dr. Jamel K. Donnor of the College of William & Mary.

"This series embraces the College's core values related to educational excellence, community responsiveness, and diversity," Brannon said.

Donnor, who has been with W&M since 2010, is one of the country's leading experts on critical race theory, school segregation, and education inequality and race. He said there are fewer topics more timely or important.

"It's kind of at the crux of free speech and academic curriculum, which I believe affects everyone," he said. "Also, from a political standpoint, and what I mean by political standpoint, it's being used to distract society from larger issues that are more impactful, with respect to say the economy, some of the recent Supreme Court decisions."

He also thinks critical race theory is being used as a wedge to drive apart racial communities, antagonize and inflame racial resentment and grievances, and stoke fear.

Wednesday's seminar, which is from 3-4 p.m. at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center, is the perfect chance to have an informative conversation with college and community members to explain what critical race theory is and, just as important, what it is not.

"It's also a way to tamp down some of the hostility, the uninformed hostility, and in some cases even the willful misinformation that's being put out there as a way to again divide society when we're at a point where we should be coming together," he said.

Donnor said the talks he has given on critical race theory have been well-received.

"It has stoked a lot of genuine conversation as well as curiosity," he said, especially among those of white or Caucasian decent. "They are like, 'Wow. I totally agree. I totally get this. It makes sense and it's not what I'm being told on television or the radio or the internet.'"

He said it's important to read a lot and do research, and don't believe all you are told about critical race theory.

"It's kind of a smokescreen. It's a ruse to distract you from the larger, more pressing issues that are affecting all of us," he said.

By holding these talks, Brannon said it's possible to normalize open and in-person discussions and civil debate on topics that are important. That is one of her goals for the series.

"The community college is filled with individuals whose diverse lived experiences can enrich the fabric of our collective understanding and viewpoints," she said. "I hope the discussions enlighten and challenge us."

Donnor said the College deserves credit for discussing critical race theory.

"You see every day where institutions are shying away from the controversy," he said.

By embracing the topic, it can become what he calls "a teachable moment."

Other speakers and topics are Mike Petters, a former Huntington Ingalls Industries executive, "Giving it all Away," (Nov. 30); and entrepreneur Whitteney Guyton, "Journey to Entrepreneurship," (Feb. 15, 2023).

Brannon said the topics were selected after conversations she had with VPCC faculty, staff, students and community members.

"There was no shortage of community conversations to choose," she said, adding she's always willing to listen to suggestions.

She plans to make "Tea with Dr. B" an annual series, and said community members already have expressed interest in facilitating other conversations.

Due to limited seating, registration is required. To do so, please go to RSVP form.