North Main Business District

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lashawn Farmer, RDA Director of Design and Expansion

434-791-0210

True North Speaker Series event empowers Black women with a celebration of strength, resilience, and sisterhood.

DANVILLE, VA — June 6th, 2024

In recognition of the invaluable contributions and indomitable spirit of Black women, The River District Association is thrilled to announce the upcoming event, "True North Speaker Series Celebration.” 

Together, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and tenacity that define the essence of Black women entrepreneurship, economics, health and community development. Join us for an unforgettable event dedicated to honoring our past, embracing our present, and shaping a future where every Black woman can shine.

The River District Association, a nationally accredited Main Street Organization is committed to bringing its business district revitalization support to the North Main Business District. 

Lashawn Farmer, RDA Director of Expansion and Design says, "This is a historic moment, an opportunity for our region to witness the profound contributions of black and brown girls and women, shaping every aspect of our lives: from how we live and work, to how we play and pray.”

Event Details:

Date: June 19, 2024

Time: 4:00pm-8:30pm 

Location: Thee Arc Family Life Center

This landmark occasion aims to honor the multifaceted brilliance of Black women, offering a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and empowerment. With an unwavering commitment to fostering the North Main community, solidarity, and growth, this event promises to be a pivotal moment for all attendees.

Highlights of the Event Include:

Vendor Marketplace: Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring products and services from Black-owned businesses, health, education, job readiness and showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the community.

Panel Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions led by esteemed panelists, exploring topics ranging from leadership and entrepreneurship to wellness and social justice. Renowned speakers from diverse fields will deliver powerful insights, experiences, and wisdom garnered from their journeys.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, build meaningful relationships, and forge alliances that transcend boundaries.

Artistic Showcases: Experience the rich tapestry of Black culture through captivating performances, including music, and visual arts.

Oral History Recording: A space for older black women to sit down and discuss their life. All stories will be recorded and made into a video. 

Network Socialization: A created space for neighbors from diverse backgrounds to come together, network, and engage in meaningful discussions to enhance our community.

This event promises to inspiring, empowering and transformational for the whole community. Mark your calendars and reserve your spot today!

About the Organizers:

This event is organized by River District Association as an opportunity to advance the redevelopment of the Downtown and North Main Business District. The mission of RDA is to continue moving forward in the transformation of Danville's River District and North Main Business Corridor as a welcoming and lively place for all, while inspiring and influencing social and economic development for the great Dan River Region. 

This project was designed by a passionate team committed to uplifting and amplifying the voices of Black women. With a shared vision of creating inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and empower individuals to thrive, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey.  This event celebrates Black women’s contributions to our community, but it is an event for everyone, ALL are welcome!

Registration Information:

Register online at https://bit.ly/RDATrueNorthRegistration. Registration is highly encouraged.

For media inquiries, or general information, please contact Lashawn Farmer at lashawn@riverdistrictassociation.com or 434-791-0210.

North Main Business District: Follow the North Main Business District Facebook page, or join the newsletter for updates and to join the conversation!

Facebook:  @NorthMainDistrict

Newsletter:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/mFUpH18/NorthMainBusinessDistrict

#TrueNorthSpeakerSeries #RiverDistrictAssociation #NorthMainBusinessDistrict

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The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association. In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the City’s River District brand and is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community. The office is located at 208 N Union St, Danville VA.

DANVILLE VA – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to invite the community to tune in to the “True North Speaker Series,’ beginning on Wednesday, August 16th.  The series aims to facilitate candid conversations with ten strong, innovative women in the Dan River Region who have made an economic impact in our region.

Tune in once a month at 12 noon on the 3rd Wednesday of the month on Facebook LIVE on the North Main Street Business District page (@northmaindistrict) and listen to the inspiring life stories of ten women in our community. Discover the most inspiring and accomplished black females in the region. Learn through their life journey some of the ins and outs of economic vitality. They are powerful Black female voices who are shaping our future by sharing their knowledge and experiences to empower others. They are trailblazers and community leaders best equipped to speak to the specific challenges and triumphs to being a black woman in today’s world.

Programs and Services Director – Design and Expansion, Lashawn Farmer said, “It gives me great honor to be able to sit down and talk with this group of amazing women. This region has made such strides over the last decade, and it is an amazing opportunity to talk to some of the people behind the work. We often see the progress but don't know who is making the footprints. This speaker series is shining the light on the work that has been done and gives vision on what is next!”

The following women will participate:

August 2023 – Everlena Ross, Former Executive Director of Pittsylvania County Community Action

September 2023 – Kitteria Mayo, Board Chair, The Health Collaborative

October 2023 – Chief Irving, Danville Fire Department

November 2023 – Crystal Cobbs, CEO, Cobbs Consulting

December 2023 – Patrina Carter, Tri-County Community Action

January 2024 – Shakeva Frazier, Kick -it with Jesus

February 2024 – Keisha Averett – DPS School Board Officer

March 2024 – Karice Luck-Brimmer – Our History Matters

April 2024 – Lakesha Reed, CEO, Medical Solutions Academy

May 2024 – Latasha Austin, Realtor EXP

The June 2024 event will be in person and feature all ten speakers on a panel.  Stay tuned for more information.

Check out the latest North Main Street Business District Newsletter!

N. Main Street Business District Business Profile! Changing Lives Outreach Center CDC is run by Ms. Cynthia Terry who has always been passionate about community. The organization got its start 27 years ago, when Ms. Cynthia saw a need in her community. Her church sponsored her and she went to what is now Camilla Williams park with sandwiches, clothing, school supplies and book bags. She had over 200 people come, and began holding the event every year. Later, she ran a food bank through her church for 12 years.

In 2017 Ms. Cynthia took steps to start Changing Lives Community Outreach CDC, which became a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization in 2018. In 2019 Changing Lives Outreach Center opened its doors on N. Union Street, providing a safe place for youth to come get help with school work and learn coping strategies for strong emotions. Programs offered included afterschool support, cooking classes and more. The organization also provided food to families in need through its mobile food bank.

“Our mission is to decrease food insecurities by breaking the cycle of poverty and providing services to children and adults that will reduce barriers that hinder self-sufficiency and growth. Our vision is to be a catalyst in offering services that our community needs to promote sustainability so families can traverse through life above their current circumstances.”

During the global pandemic, the foodbank was even more in demand as families looked for sources of groceries and other essentials. The Changing Lives Outreach Center began to set up the food bank weekly on tables on the sidewalk. Later, to meet the needs of those with food insecurity, the foodbank turned into a mobile food bank and has continued that way until the present. There is also a monthly food pantry on the 4th Friday of each month, as well as a grab and go lunch program for children in the summer. Changing Lives Outreach Center runs the only year round mobile food bank in Danville.

In 2019, the building on N. Union Street was sold, and the Changing Lives Outreach Center CDC moved to its current location at 609 Keen Street in the North Main Business District. The organization continues its amazing work for youth through its 20 student after school program where 20 participants moved onto the next grade, 6 made the honor roll, and 10 earned at least A’s and B’s in math and reading.

Student Success Story: “One young woman came to the program with very low self esteem. She didn’t look up much, was shy, and was not doing well in school. After participating in the Changing Lives Outreach Center after school program, where she worked on self esteem and had the support and encouragement she needed, she is now just one letter grade from being on the Honor Roll, and doesn’t stop talking!”

The Changing Lives Outreach Center CDC is currently looking for new board members who have a heart for community work, and want to make a difference and create a community where neighbors help neighbors. If you are interested in this work, visit http://changinglivescdc.org/ for more information.

Also, come out and celebrate the community! Changing Lives Outreach Center CDC turns 5 this year! The CELEBRATION will take place on August 26th from 11-2 in the N. Main Business District. It is a free community event with free hot dogs, groceries for the first 100 families, information tables from the Health Department and PATHS. Kitty’s Closet will be there with clothes and students will be able to pick up school supplies. And last but not least, there will be a bouncy house for the kids! If you would like to volunteer at the event, have a vendor table, or donate food, water or your musical talents to the celebration visit http://changinglivescdc.org/ for more information.

Check out our new North Main Business Community Newsletter featuring info for North Main Street businesses and community members. 

U Shine I Shine Car Care Services is located at 639 N. Main Street, Danville VA. The car wash and tire services station is open during the summer from 9am -5pm, Monday - Saturday.

Jr. Trent owns U Shine, I Shine, which opened at this location in 2020. Jr. had been eyeing the location for his business, but the owner wasn't interested in leasing it at the time. A few years later, while starting his church, Change of Heart Outreach Ministry, he leased a church building, and was speaking to the owner about finding a new location for his car wash and tire business. The owner said, "I have the perfect place for you!" And it was the building to which he was hoping to move!

The business is named, U Shine, I Shine because without customers that shine, his business couldn't be a success.

Jr. owns U Shine, I Shine, and his wife Michelle Trent owns Kamjz Medical Transportation. Jr. Trent is also the pastor of Change Of Heart Worship Center & Camera Ministries, participates in the Project Imagine Mentorship Program, and does prison ministry locally.

Check it out! See the photo for all the services offered.