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Conversation with Willy Conley

Award-winning American photographer, playwright, actor and writer Willy Conley was our guest for the “Conversation With…” series this week. Mr. Conley’s varied career includes work as a biomedical and creative photographer, actor in both theatre and television, and over 30 years as a professor at Gallaudet University. He spoke about his life growing up profoundly deaf with two hearing parents in a time before the American with Disabilities Act where there were few accommodations to enhance the lives of the deaf.

Mr. Conley came at the invitation of Lyric Education Director and TCS seminar teacher Denise Gantt who had been both a classmate and colleague with Mr. Conley. The students have been reading Mr. Conley’s award winning play The water falls prior to the Conversation. His visit made the play come alive and develop a richer understanding in the students of what it means to have inclusion in the arts that allows for the full engagement of both the deaf and hearing communities.

All of the students are familiar with American Sign Language through the weekly ASL seminars in the school taught by Peggy Lashbrook and introduced themselves using their language skills. However, the Conversation was enhanced through the  presence of two ASL interpreters – Anessa Hughes and Krystal Goodrich.

After the Conversation, the students toured Mr. Conley around the school and expressed our gratitude for his generous and open sharing with them.

Halloween at TCS

Sam as Kurt Cobain, Ethan as Opium, Kennedy as Velma, Madison as Eor, Quinn as a young man, Kendal as “Otis” and old man, Fatima as a survivor of a zombie attack and Mohamed as himself

Woodworking Project Underway

The students began their woodworking project with the women of Done Construction.  They are each building a bookcase that they will be able to keep when completed. Students are learning about woodworking tools and all of the skills that go into making a quality piece of simple furniture.  Thank you Beth, Sarah Elder, Catesby, Kristen & Sarah Junior!

Conversation with Sean Yoes and Rona Kobell

Social justice journalists, filmmakers and master storytellers Sean Yoes and Rona Kobell joined the students for a Conversation today. The session started with extended introductions by everyone in the room, but was quickly followed by a challenging question from Sean.  He stated that candidates vying for elected office in Baltimore are promising a “World Class Education” for Baltimore young people and asked the students if they thought that was possible and extended it to what it would look like to them. This sparked a lively discussion where the students shared both their thoughts and their experiences.  The students enlightened comments were a reminder of the importance of having those most affected having a seat at the table when decisions are made.

Rona and Sean then presented their important documentary Eroding history sharing the story of the Black community in Deal Island on the Eastern Shore.  That community has been struggling with the dual effects of climate change with rising sea levels and racism -it’s legacy and current manifestations in the loss of their land and history. The students were impressed with how these filmmakers along with director Andre Chung brought this deeply personal and important story to light. Fatima commented, “I think the conversation went great. I love how they want to put other peoples stories out there for them to be heard.”

Both of our guests are well known around The Community School and have been engaged with our students for several years.  We are very grateful for their generous sharing of time and story with us.