by Lee Pierre
The Margaret Sue Copenhaver Institute for Teaching and Learning initially received funding in September 1999 by the Hanes family to honor their sister and aunt, Margaret Sue Copenhaver. The first annual Institute opened on June 26, 2000
The conference attracts educators from cities, towns and states, creating a melting pot of backgrounds and experiences. In keeping with the current educational policies, the conference sessions offer information and resources for the chosen audience.
One aspect of the conference is the presentation of the Helen C. Hanes Friend of Education, awarded bi-annually to an individual who models the ideals drawn from the Marion Creed, “To care for what is, rather than for what seems; to be loyal to what is best in the traditions of the past and yet open to the discoveries of the present and hopes of the future; to find strength in constructive service.”
Jordan Bell recently received the award for his work as an educator, historian, and activist in the Roanoke Valley. He is well known for documenting and teaching the public about Roanoke’s historic Gainsboro neighborhood and serves as Director of Programs at Apple Ridge Farm, where he mentors children.
Kathryn Bell, Jordan’s mother, referred to her son as being an old soul. “From the time he was a kid, he has always had a love for history. When he was eleven, he became interested in the history of the Roanoke Valley and Black History.”
His mother furthered stated that she sees Jordan as a changemaker and a big influence on the kids in the community. Jordan Bell doesn’t just teach history; he assures that the history is never lost.
“The students aspire and appreciate his work. It has been an amazing thing to watch his students be motivated to do a presentation on Black History. It is a testimony of who he is and what he stands for,” said Staci Treadway, Grandin Court Elementary School assistant principal.
Bell thanked the conference for the honor of being selected for the Helen C. Hanes award. He mentioned that his mother’s mother was the one who sat him down and started talking to him about her childhood.
“My grandmother lived to 91, her sister to 96, and their mother to 100. I come from a long line of people who lived long lives in a neighborhood they deeply cared about. All three were open about their feelings and never hesitated to share stories from their childhood.”
Bell stated that walking tours are a way to show people that each neighborhood creates people who have impacted the lives of others. He gave due respect to his mother, Kathryn and his now deceased father, Carlton, for instilling in him and his siblings that it is their responsibility and duty to give back whatever has been given to us.
“For me, it’s working with six-year-old children; giving walking tours to hundreds of people and telling the story of the people who came before us. So, whatever your “Why” is, I challenge you to continue that why because someone out there believes in your why and will help you continue that.”
