10 Education


My City, My Future Census Art, Video & Essay Contest


Volume 14 Number 6 Katherine Johnson FROM PAGE 1


she graduated summa cum laude at the age of 18. After graduating she became a teacher at a black public school in Marion, Virginia before becoming the first African-American woman to attend graduate school at West Virginia University. Knowing that it would be difficult for an Af- rican-American


woman to


into, she still decided on a field as a research mathematician.


break That


decision eventually brought her to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), before it was superseded by NASA.


Many of her breakthroughs at BY CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS The 2020 Census determines how


federal and state money will be spent over the next 10 years. To encourage young people to share their vision for Newport News, the city has launched a “My City, My Future” contest. All Newport News residents from 3 to 20 years of age who are students in Newport News Public Schools, a private school, or homeschooled are invited to enter. To enter, use your artistic talents


and voice to show how you’d like Newport News to grow and transform over the next ten years. Tell us your ideas for the city and describe what Newport News will look like in 2030. The sky is the limit, so dream big for our great city! Accepted entries include:


Artwork (manual or digital) with


a short description Short, personal narratives of 500


Local Church FROM PAGE 3 Pastor Adrian Woodard took


an active role in FavorNation’s first production which included composing original music, creating new characters and enhancing the script. “People are all very similar at heart and if you try, you can often see a little of yourself in these broken characters who are hurting. Sometimes, one person stretching out in faith is enough to change the whole household,” reflected Woodard.


Pastor A and Bails are promoting


the play on TV and local radio station. In a recent interview Woodard said, “Thank God none of us look like what we’ve been through, that alone is a


testament to God’s grace and mercy. This play is going to have something for everyone in it-- I expect the


audience will both laugh and cry before the show is over.”


Like What I’ve Been Through, are


Tickets for I Don’t Look available online at


com and performance FavorNation.org.


6:30pm at The Kroc, The Salvation Army Center at


Blvd, Norfolk, VA. All profits go toward supporting the ministries of FavorNation Church.


Eventbrite. The


is March 21st at 1401 Ballentine


words or fewer Videos depicting your vision for


2030 The top winner in each category


will be awarded a goody bag with Newport News prizes. The grand prize winner will become Mayor for a Day, spending time with Mayor McKinley L. Price and learning what it takes to run a city.


Submissions are due by


Friday, March 20. Submit entries to census2020@nnva.gov or mail originals to City of Newport News, Department at


of 2400 Washington Avenue,


Floor, Newport News, VA 23607. Submissions will not be returned, so please do not submit anything you would rather keep for yourself. To view the full contest flyer, visit www. nnva.gov/census.


Communications 6th


NASA in her early years were made during a still-segregated America and being-so, she faced much adversity and prejudice, while often being written off by peers who had yet to see her as the great mathematician she was. Long had her enormous and essential contributions to math and science gone overlooked and under- appreciated.


In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom stating that “black women have been a part of every great movement in American history – even if they weren't always given a voice.”


In 2016, Johnson's story was told in the biopic Hidden Figures where she was portrayed by Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson.


Alongside Johnson, the


biopic also told the story of her NASA colleagues Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, portrayed by Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, respectively. The film itself was nominated for three academy awards


and was hailed by critics for it's acting, historical accuracy, and bringing to light three important figures in our history. These exceptional women had often been overlooked the Jim Crow era in which they lived in the United States..


Most recently, in November of 2019, Johnson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner alongside her colleagues and friends Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. The Congressional Gold Medal is the


highest civilian performed award in the


United States. It is awarded to those having


an achievement


with impact on American history and culture likely to be recognized in that recipient’s field for years to come. After Johnson's passing,


Senator Kaine released the following statement: “Katherine Johnson helped realize one of humankind's oldest dreams – to reach the stars. Hidden no longer, she will be remembered for her contributions to math and science and forever stand as a role model for those whose talents are not fully recognized because of prejudice. I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing, and my condolences go out to her family, my fellow Virginians, the NASA community, and everyone else who held her as a hero.” Katherine


will remain a true inspiration


Johnson was and in


overcoming adversity; a role model not only for African American women but for anyone overlooked in their field because of the prejudices they face. She will forever be remembered for her contributions to American history.


APPLICANTS NEEDED FOR CHESAPEAKE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS


CHESAPEAKE -- The Chesapeake City Council is seeking residents who may be interested in serving on various boards and commissions. Boards and commissions provide a vital service to various City departments, agencies and City Council.


Citizens wishing to serve must complete an application form. Applications are due in the City Clerk’s office by March 31, 2020. City Council will appoint candidates for these vacancies during its April 28, 2020 meeting.


Applications are currently being accepted for the following City Council appointed boards and commissions:


• Chesapeake Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee (Member of an Organized Trail User Group)


• Chesapeake Historic Preservation Commission (Architect)


• Chesapeake Interagency Consortium


(Parent Rep and Children/Family Services Rep) • Chesapeake Land Bank Authority


(Attorney and Financial/Banking Rep)


• Tidewater Community College Board • Tidewater Youth Services Commission


• Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority • Groundwater Committee


1 vacancy 1 vacancy


2 vacancies 2 vacancies 1 vacancy


5 vacancies 1 vacancy 1 vacancy


For more information or to apply, contact the City Clerk’s office at 382-6151, or visit Boards and Commissions at the City of Chesapeake’s website, cityofchesapeake.net.


March 2020


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16