Airing originally on WYXR 91.7 FM in Memphis, Tennessee on November 11, 2021, this episode of Faithfully Memphis features Emily Austin in conversation with the Very Reverend Kim Coleman, Dr. Lavonnie Perry Claybon, and Mr. Swazoo Claybon. Mother Kim serves as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia and she is also the current national president of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE). Lavonnie and Swazoo Claybon - both parishioners at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mason, TN - are active in their local chapter of the UBE and in many outreach initiatives tethered to St. Paul's historical dedication to education.
The Very Rev Kim L. Coleman has served as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia since November 2002. An Episcopalian since 1993, Rev. Kim graduated cum laude from Virginia Theological Seminary in May 2001 and was ordained to the priesthood in December 2001. In addition to a Master of Divinity degree, Kim holds Bachelor of Arts degrees (1980) in Political Science and Economics from The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. Prior to entering the ordination track, Kim pursued a career in the association management and human resources. She has served as a Delegate to General Convention and member of the Union of Black Episcopalians and has served on both the Diocesan Standing and Executive Committees as well as an Adjunct Professor for VTS. Mother Kim believes in the therapeutic power of laughter and describes herself as a "committed, striving, often obedient yet still imperfect follower of Christ who loves sharing God's joy with others".
Lavonnie Perry Claybon, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor and the Director of the Mid-South Access Center for Technology at the University of Memphis, where she is responsible for implementing, coordinating, and evaluating a comprehensive Assistive Technology Program that provides services to individuals of all ages with disabilities. For over 32 years, Dr. Perry Claybon has worked as an expert in the fields of education, human development, budgetary management, assistive technology, grant writing, and professional development and training. She holds multiple certifications in her fields of expertise. She has presented at local and national conferences in her various fields of experience. Aside from her work in human resources, assistive technology, and human development and training, Dr. Perry Claybon has taught traditional classes and online classes. These classes have focal points on educational technologies, teacher education, research methods, critical issues in distance education, and learning disabilities. She has taught these classes for the University of Memphis, George Washington University, and Drexel University.
