Meet Valerie B
Valerie Boyer-McBride is a woman of many callings. She is a vocalist, musician, dancer, poet, activist, minister, historian, youth advocate, and most of all an educator. Born and raised in Galveston, TX, and a proud graduate of Howard University.
As the founder of Rebecca Owinale Foundation, LLC., Valerie is intentional about being a mirror, giving people a beginning, and making sure everyone feels empowered to live out the mantra, "we were here, we are here, you can't erase us." As a historian and artist, Valerie has carried her work and research to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Walsh University, Ohio Black Expo, Streetlight Guild, Ohio State University, Ohio Advocates of Diversity, and countless other prestigious organizations and institutions.
Presently, Valerie lives a life as a cultural educator, Ohio’s youngest Smithsonian Affiliate, 3rd youngest Smithsonian Affiliate in the country, and CNN's #2 "40 Under 40 Historian of the Year." Valerie is a proud wife to William McBride, and proud bonus mom to two amazing children.
Client Spotlight: AEP Ohio
“Valerie provided a wealth of knowledge on the topic of Juneteenth. She shared information with the audience that had not been heard previously.
Her message was impactful and left a lasting impression on the committee and guest. Valerie was engaging, thought provoking and captivating. The committee would welcome Valerie back for future Juneteenth events.”
— Checobia Crawford, AEP Ohio BERG
Using lecture, vocal music, and visual art, we co-created an edutaining experience. In that lecture, we were able bridge Juneteenth as interconnected holiday that serves a blueprint for communal advancement today.
• Enhanced Cultural Awareness: Engaged audiences in an interactive, multi-sensory experience that deepened their understanding of Juneteenth’s historical and contemporary significance.
• Bridged Historical and Modern Contexts: Successfully connected Juneteenth’s themes of liberation and community building to present-day societal progress, fostering meaningful discussions on communal advancement
• Inspired Collective Action: Encouraged participants to apply historical lessons to modern community initiatives, promoting unity and proactive change.