News Flash

Join videographer Brandon Davis and collaborator Michael Bush for showing and discussion of their documentary short exploring the community and health impact of the coal terminal in Southeast Newport News. Towering above the surrounding area, the 200-acre coal pile is located right next to a redlined neighborhood that today has the highest rate of asthma in the city. Recent winner of the Richmond Environmental Film Festival, the film includes interviews with Newport News Mayor McKinley Price, CNU professor Dr. Johnny Finn, CNU alum Asa Townsend, social activist Angela Harris, and resident and business owner Yugonda Sample-Jones.

Brandon Davis grew up in Leesburg, VA, and moved to Newport News, VA to attend school at Christopher Newport University. In May 2022, he achieved a degree in Marketing with a Photography and Video Art Minor. In college, he served as a Bonner Service Scholar volunteering 300 hours per year to the Newport News community. Through his service, he began his photography journey and learned the value of effective storytelling. By working on a variety of projects, he has expanded his portfolio to weddings, music videos, commercials, and now documentaries. He finds passion in learning and sharing about environmental injustice and is actively growing in his craft.Michael Bush bio:

Film collaborator Michael Bush is Middle School math teacher from Fredericksburg, VA and moved to Newport News, VA to attend school at Christopher Newport University. He graduated in May of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science along with double minoring in Leadership & Communication Studies. Throughout college, he was a Bonner Service Scholar, volunteering 1200 hours to local nonprofits over the course of 4 years in school. He was also the President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and 1 of 5 Dean’s Service Award Recipients. Currently, he is working in Newark, NJ as an 8th grade math teacher and basketball coach, and is passionate about youth development, promoting individual sustainable practices, and researching local environmental issues to help improve communities through education, awareness, and service. 

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