Another View's Selected Short Stories

Norfolk says goodbye to trailblazer Greg Underwood.

This year's Virginia International Tattoo theme is: "A Salute to Military Families." As part of the celebration, American Gold Star Mothers will be honored. These women - and their families - gave the ultimate sacrifice when their children died while serving their country. Our Lisa Godley spoke with Mona Gunn, the only African American in Gold Star's 107-year history to hold the office of national president. This is her story.

He's Norfolk Public Schools Teacher of the Year! He’s also an incredibly talented artist, author, and poet. His name is Clayton Singleton and it’s been four years since Another View Producer, Lisa Godley sat down with the Lake Taylor High School art teacher who never shies away from telling powerful stories that capture the heart of our community with vibrant colors and bold strokes. Last summer, Clayton was an artist in residence at Saint Croix. The result was five new pieces of art. One of which will be on display at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts – starting in April 2023! Meanwhile, back here at home, he’s started an artist café for his students which showcases guest artists who share their knowledge by hosting workshops.

Who doesn't love a drum line? Well, our Lisa Godley introduces us to an amazing group of talented musicians who make the up the Shark City Drum Corps. The founder and leader of the group, Frederick Dixon, not only teaches students of all ages how to play the drums, but prepares them to play in public. The group has won multiple awards and some have used their skills to obtain full ride scholarships to college.

Father Joseph Green's legacy of service to the city of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads community is lengthy. He lived his life by giving back... from serving at a hospital corpsman in World War II to 20-years of service on the Norfolk City Council. Our Lisa Godley looks at his impactful life as a humanitarian and servant of the people.

If you've ever picked up an Ebony or Jet magazine or visited the Fashion Fair counter for makeup, you're about the meet the woman in charge. Linda Johnson Rice has been running this multi-million dollar conglomerate for the past three decades and she's coming to Norfolk as a keynote speaker for the Norfolk Forum on Tuesday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Chrysler Hall. Our Lisa Godley spoke with the woman behind what millions call an American staple.

Necessity is the mother of invention. So, when you find out that your multi-racial child is experiencing bias at just three years of age, what do you do? One Hampton Roads mom decided to write a children's book about diversity - to not only help her children navigate through hurtful and misguided comments, but as a way to teach all children how our differences help make the world a better place. Our Lisa Godley spoke with author Toiya Sosa about her book "Strangetop Hill," which is available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Congressman Donald McEachin lost his life on November 28, 2022 due to the after effects of successful colorectal cancer surgery, which he underwent several years ago. Congressman McEachin was re-elected to Congress during the 2022 midterms. He was a fearless champion for his constituents in the 4th Congressional District. Our Lisa Godley shares this tribute.

It’s titled “Nothing Special” but the story behind Desiree Cooper’s new children’s book is very special. In her book, Cooper, a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist, chronicles the relationship between her grandson Jax and his great grandfather - but this former attorney and community activist goes further than that. As our Lisa Godley discovered, Cooper also glances at history, by reminding us of how the Great Migration separated millions of Black families, and how some have made it a point to reconnect with loved ones who chose to remain in the south. Cooper was a 2015 Kresge Artist Fellow, specializing in Literary Arts.

Forty years ago, a group of African American Journalists came together to create Tidewater Media Professionals. Today, the group is called Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals or HRBMP, and provides scholarships, mentorships and advocates for fair and balanced coverage of the Black Community. HRBMP is an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, the world’s largest organization of Black journalists and media professionals. Sit back and relax as our very Lisa Godley and HRBMP’s current President shares this organizaton’s amazing 40 year history.