Yakima Valley College’s Diversity Series in partnership with Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Washington will host a February 27 Black History Luncheon on YVC’s Yakima Campus in Kaminski Conference Center, 1704 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Building #38.
The event features speakers from each organization as well as community leaders. It will also include resource tables and artifacts on display celebrating important moments in Black history. The event will culminate with a performance by Genius Potential, performing "Epic Rap Battles of Black History." Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and programming begins at 12 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.
About the Speakers
Rev. Robert Trimble is a Christian leader and community activist who promotes civic
and human rights. In 2021 he retired after serving as pastor of Mount Hope Baptist
Church. Prior to his formal ministry, Trimble enjoyed a career of service as a professional
educator, teaching in the Yakima School District as well as teaching and mentoring
in the OIC of Washington alternative school system.
Kerrie Cavaness, Interim YVC Vice President of Instruction, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of instruction and programming in general education and transfer, workforce education degrees and certificates, and adult basic education and English language acquisition. Before her current role, she spent 15 years as the dean of arts and sciences, managing diverse disciplines, including English, humanities, life sciences, mathematics, physical sciences and social sciences. With 24 years of experience at YVC, Kerrie has held various positions, including dean of basic skills, WorkFirst and community education and training, director of basic skills, and adjunct faculty member. She holds a master’s degree in education from Heritage University and a bachelor’s in community health education from Central Washington University.
Anthony Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of OIC of Washington, began helping people early when he participated in the Boys and Girls Club in Tacoma, where he grew up. After a decade of work starting youth programs, managing housing and writing grants for nonprofits in Yakima, Peterson was named CEO of Opportunities Industrialization Center of Yakima in November 2022.
Genius Potential
Genius Potential is comprised of Bert Gervais (Bert G) and David Horne (Det). Their
entertainment-style programming engages students while educating them with real gems
to help them thrive in college. The group has toured over 200 schools nationwide and
their signature approach of infusing education with hip hop has reached over 100,000
students in 40+ states.
Bert Gervais (Bert G)
Recognized by USA Today, Entrepreneur Magazine and Fox News as one of the top youth
leaders in the country, Bert Gervais (a.k.a. “The Hip Hop STEM Guy”) is one of the
top speakers on removing mental barriers to academic student success and has been
recognized by President Obama for his work with young people. He is a tech entrepreneur
who has collaborated with companies such as Google and Facebook in his mission to
“make tech cool.” Gervais has also performed songs from his upcoming rap album on
the same stages as Drake, J. Cole and John Legend. Gervais is a best-selling author
and the executive producer. His travels have allowed him to speak to over 60,000 students
in over 40 states.
David Horne (Det)
Det is an in-demand hip hop artist from New York. He holds a master’s degree in mechanical
engineering, and musically, he has toured the country. An engineer by day and motivational
rapper by night, Det lives his message of balancing his day job with his daydreams.
His witty wordplay and vivid lyrical imagery represent those who choose to pursue
their life's passions. He's living proof that one can be smart and look really cool
doing it.
For more information contact YVC Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Tenya Moravec at 509.494.7958 or tmoravec@yvcc.edu.