Explore the mindset of introverts - and extroverts, too! - as Bernard Hankins and Professor Lyrical deliver a compelling professional development workshop laced with freestyle performances which illustrate the power of freestyle and improvisation as useful tools for public speaking, teaching and leadership. Cosponsored by the Fairfax Library Foundation.

About Professor Lyrical 

Professor Lyrical (Dr. Peter Michael Plourde) is an artist and educator known for using the positive aspects of Hip Hop culture to empower citizens to self-advocate for socioeconomic change. Equally compelling is his "side-hustle" as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of the District of Columbia, a public land grant (HBCU) in Washington DC, where he also directs faculty development for its associate programs within its embedded community college. 

Professor Lyrical has spoken and performed for over 100 institutions and has delivered multiple Tedx Talks and performances and is well-regarded among large circles within the hip-hop community as a mastercraftsmen lyricist, upper-echelon freestyle battle rap champion and world-class spoken word artist. 

About Bernard

Bernard Hankins is a philosopher, musician, spoken word poet and creative catalyst. Originally from Chesapeake, VA, he lives in Charlottesville where he teaches workshops on creative identity - inspiring others to discover their ultimate purpose. In 2015, Bernard was the Tedx Charlottesville Open Mic winner and Tedx Charlottesville closing speaker. Bernard was an educator at Albemarle High School (2016-2022) in Charlottesville, VA where he co-taught A3 House, an audio production class that focused on music creation and podcast production.

In 2004, Hankins graduated from The School of Architecture at the University of Virginia, where he often used Hip Hop to inform his design projects. Bernard currently works as Creative Director for The GEMS (Girls interested in Engineering Math and Science) Camp, ideating creative programming that inspires students to see themselves as invaluable assets to the world.

Invite

This program is appropriate for all introverts and extroverts ages 14+. Register by clicking on the "Begin Registration" button (below). Make sure to register each person attending this event.

Pohick Regional closes at 6 p.m. Participants will enter the building through the meeting room door.