Tim Black: Advocating Equality

            Non-judgmental, friendly, quick to laugh, and open to others ideas are thoughts that come to mind after a conversation with Tim Black. With his flamboyant style and infectious tones, Black can often find himself the center of attention. This can be noted as an admiral quality, one of many black has at his disposal, as he continues his endeavors as a voice for activism and change in the community.

Black at work again. (photo provided by Black.)

            As well as being a Communication educator, Black acts as advisor to the Gay Straight Alliance. The GSA is for the students, staff, faculty and alumni of Linn-Benton Community College who are members or allies of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex, queer and questioning community. Having had little exposure himself in his early years to the LGBT community, Black quickly came to embrace there pursuit for equality and has become one of the LBCC’s most ardent voices in the propagation of the communities rights.

"Marrying" GSA member (Lex) at GSA protest. (Photo provided by Black.)

            “When I was in high school, I didn't know any LBGT folks. It was like they didn't exist. I've never had issues with those who identify as LBGT, but I had also never been exposed to any identifying folks. So, my life was limited. When I heard the GSA didn't have an adviser, and was thus inactive, I jumped at the chance. I love learning, and advising the GSA has taught me volumes about love, acceptance and compassion,” said Black.

            Behind him totally in his pursuits is his family. Black admits how proud he is of them, “My claim to fame is my awesome family. We have a rather unique family (at least by Nebraska's standards). One 'white' son, one 'black' son, one white parent and one black parent. They are my wife's biological children, and I adopted them in 2007.”

            His hometown of West Point, Nebraska may be the beginning of his tale but Black says he considers Albany his “home.” It was his family that brought him and his wife to the decision to move to the local area from West Point. “My eldest, Jake, was getting old enough to date, and I remember what a hard time I had dating as the only black kid in a small town,” said Black. “So, without a job, we moved to Corvallis. My wife, Cynthia, started teaching here, and she put in a word for me. I started teaching about two years ago, and fell in love with LBCC.”

            “I was going to be a journalist”, said Black, “But after volunteering at the local Kearney (Nebraska) paper, I switched to English Writing. After 9-11, I was invited to teach as a Graduate Student at Wayne State College (Nebraska). So, I moved back home. I had been living in Albany and working at the Storage Depot. I moved back, started teaching, and fell in love with it.” Black went on to say, “In Nebraska, other faculty would stab you in the back--here, other faculty have your back. It's a great difference, and I've never taught at a more supportive, welcoming school. I truly love LB.”

            Some of Blacks other interest include his recommencing of the Literary and Artistic Journal “66’ which will be seeing publication soon and for his efforts in poetry.

Black accepting a painting with CC fellows Glenn North and Makalani Bandele. (Photo provided by Black.)

            “I'm a member of Cave Canem,” said Black. “Cave Canem is a fellowship of the best emerging black poets. It's fairly exclusive--although in operation for about 15 years, CC only has about 400 Fellows. I was honored to be accepted on my first application, which is a rarity. CC has really enhanced my life.”

            Black went on to say, “I also love to cook and clean, which is odd.”

Black with some CC members. (photo provided by Black.)

            The work Black has accomplished in his short time here at LBCC is commendable but the many students he has guided and inspired in that same time is what Black holds in the highest regard, “I work for students, not money. Although I'd love a full-time job here at CC, I have a very fulfilling position, and love what I do.”

At A Glance

Tim Black

LBCC Communication Educator

Family: Cynthia (wife, married January, 2007), Jake (son), Titus (son)

Education: West Point High School (West Point Virginia) / Wayne State College, Nebraska /                                        University of Nebraska at Omaha

Hometown/Current City: West Point, Nebraska / Albany, Oregon

Memberships: GSA Advisor, Cave Canem member, Literary and Artistic Journal “66” Advisor

To contact Tim Black: blackt@linnbenton.edu

                                    Facebook at facebook.com/timothy.black.33

Active MInds and Puppy Love

            Have you or someone you know been looking for an affectionate companion? Are you in search of unconditional love? How about a warm and furry friend? The Active Minds Club at Albany LBCC and the Safe Haven Humane Society may be able to help you!

            With the sound of padded feet and the touch of a warm nose the Active Minds Club recently brought LBCC a little “Puppy Love” through their efforts with “Safe Haven.” Students and staff as well as the community were invited to enjoy time with rescued dogs from the local shelter this Valentine’s Day past as an alternative companion for the holiday. Club member Jenna Guiziak said, “I think it’s a good idea and a good message.”

FEBRUARY 14, Active MInds members at the Puppy Love event. (Pictured far left; Jenna Guiziak, center right; Co-president Hayley Posadas, back; Club Advisor Greg Jones)

            Greg Jones said, “This (Active Minds) event in particular was made to help those without a significant other find a way to have a companion, both for the holiday and every day.” Greg, who is advisor for both the local chapter of Active Minds and LBCC’s Psychology Department, went on to say, “I absolutely recommend animal (stress) treatment. It dramatically lowers stress response. There have been connections made between mental health groups and veterinary offices in hopes to further this concept of stress response via animal interaction.”

            Co-president Hayley Posadas said, “On this particular holiday of Valentine's some people tend to become depressed. Our hope with Puppy Love is that we can encourage time with an affectionate furry friend.”

Adopt a puppy

            Originally meeting resistance when they first approached LBCC staff regarding the allowance of dogs on the campus The hard work did not go unnoticed as many attendees enjoyed heartfelt time with the animals as they were petted, groomed, and fed treats. Some of the furry friends were even adopted during the event.
            “Our club member Kaire Downin wouldn't take no for an answer and fought to allow the dogs on campus when initially the response was a resounding NO,” said Jones. 

            If you would like to adopt a pet of your own contact Safe Haven Humane Society at safehavenhumane.org.

            To contact Active Minds Local Chapter at LBCC visit facebook.com/activeminds.atlbcc or reach their parent organization at activeminds.org

By: Justin Shoemaker