HARRISONBURG, Va. — Our family was blessed to travel and celebrate this Resurrection Sunday as Matthias participated in the baptism service at Aletheia Church. Tears of joy were flowing as he made his public declaration his of faith.
Husband, Father, Man of God
Tyler's Law Advances in the United State Senate
ANNANDALE, Va. — I am deeply grateful to Senator Mark Warner for his leadership and support for Tyler’s Law and helping advance the bipartisan legislation through the United States Senate. This represents a critical step forward in helping ensure that hospitals include fentanyl in routine drug screenings, closing dangerous gaps in care that have led to far too many preventable tragedies.
My family knows firsthand how important this change is, and we are thankful for Senator Warner’s commitment to protecting other families from experiencing similar loss. His dedication to addressing the opioid crisis with meaningful, life-saving action gives us hope that lives will be saved in the future.
2025 SSUNAA Presidential Medallion for Service
ANNANDALE, Va. — I am deeply humbled to receive the 2025 SSUNAA Presidential Medallion for Service from the Savannah State University National Alumni Association.
My sincere thanks to Mr. Harold Washington, President of SSUNAA, and to the entire Alumni Association for this incredible honor. Your recognition means so much to me, and I am proud to continue serving our Tiger family and supporting the legacy of Savannah State University.
🐯 "You can get anywhere from here."
#SSUNAA #TigerPride #SavannahProud #HonoredToServe #SavannahStateUniversity #SavannahState #SSUAlumni
International African American Museum
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, features nine galleries exploring the African diaspora, the transatlantic slave trade, and the enduring contributions of African Americans. Highlights include interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and the Center for Family History, which offers genealogical resources.
The museum building opened in June 2023 on the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, where nearly 40% of enslaved Africans are believed to have entered the United States, and is elevated above ground to honor the sacred site. It is surrounded by the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, a reflective outdoor space that includes a tidal tribute memorial.
📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/640
#TodaysAdventure #AmericasNationalParks #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #FamilyTime #TeamKent #KENTCANDO
Historic Penn Center
ST. HELENA ISLAND, South Carolina — The highlight of our family visit to South Carolina was our trip to the historic Penn Center, one of the oldest African American cultural and educational institutions in the United States. This National Historic Landmark played a key role during the Civil Rights Movement, hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent leaders. Today, the Penn Center continues to serve as a vibrant cultural and educational hub, offering exhibits, programs, and events that celebrate and preserve the region’s unique history and traditions. Located on St. Helena Island, the center was founded in 1862 as the Penn School for formerly enslaved Gullah people and has since evolved into a cornerstone for the preservation of Gullah-Geechee heritage. During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting Reverend Johnnie Simmons, whose work is featured in the exhibition Homecoming: The Pyrography of Reverend Johnnie Simmons. This powerful exhibit is a heartfelt tribute to the cultural richness of the Gullah community and the healing power of art. Reverend Simmons, a Vietnam veteran and preacher, uses pyrography—wood-burning—enhanced with acrylics and pencil to portray stories of Gullah life, resilience, and faith. His vivid scenes of baptisms, farming, fishing, and family are often accompanied by handwritten captions in both English and Gullah dialects, offering a deeply personal and culturally resonant experience.
📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/638
#TodaysAdventure #AmericasNationalParks #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #FamilyTime #TeamKent #KENTCANDO