Black Home Educating Families
A Black Outreach Reception
Building a Legacy: Faith, Freedom, and Excellence
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. — Colossians 3:23
Join us on Thursday at the convention for a lively discussion on the freedoms and differences we find in our homeschool journeys. This reception will be a fantastic opportunity to build meaningful connections with other families. Through shared experiences and engaging conversations, we will explore different aspects of homeschooling.
It is our hope that you will come away inspired and confident in your homeschool decision with deeper connections and a sense of community. Embrace your journey as you work towards building a legacy of academic excellence. The HEAV black outreach team will also serve you with resources and support opportunities for your family. This is an event you don’t want to miss!
Amber Johnston
Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture
Join Amber O’Neal Johnston, author of Soul School, for an enriching workshop that explores the beauty, depth, and significance of Black American culture through the lens of children’s literature. Rooted in Amber’s acclaimed book, this session is designed especially for homeschoolers who want to infuse their homes and lessons with more inclusive and meaningful stories.
Reception Registration
The reception is open to all convention attendees. Reserve your spot when you register for the convention.
*You must be preregistered for the convention in order to attend the luncheon.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Already registered for the convention?
Request to add an event to your registration here.
Questions? Call the HEAV office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 804-278-9200.
Cancellations
We get it! Life changes. We’re blessed to offer this event free to all who wish to attend. However, if you have made a reservation but cannot attend—please let us know. Call our office at 804-278-9200 so we can remove your name from our reservation list. If we do not receive your cancellation by May 16, we must ask you to pay $10 help cover the cost of the program. (If you notify us by this date, you will not be asked to pay the cost of the reception.)
Non-Homeschooling Grandparents Are Free!
If you are a grandparent who is not actively homeschooling, you can register for the ENTIRE convention free.
Here are some opportunities for the kids!
There are so many things available for your children to do on Thursday. Check out the options below.
Of course, your children are welcome to come with you to the workshop. Just add them to your registration form!
Meet the Team
Aisha Acham
Aniscia Bellusci
Aniscia Bellusci is a native Californian and has been married for thirty-one years to a retired Army Special Forces service member. She is the mother of two children, both of whom she homeschooled through graduation, with her youngest completing studies with HEAV in 2022. Her commitment to her family’s education reflects her dedication and nurturing character.
Ms. Bellusci is a highly dedicated professional with extensive experience in the health information management sector. She has also provided invaluable support to individuals seeking to establish nonprofit organizations, including churches and schools, extending her expertise beyond her primary field.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Bellusci serves as a missionary team leader with Hope for Appalachia-VA, an organization recognized for bringing hope and compassion to children and staff in public schools within some of the most impoverished communities in eastern Kentucky.
Ms. Bellusci also helped establish a hybrid high school in her local community, serving both on the board and as assistant administrator. Her dedication to education is further evidenced by her service on the board of her local homeschool support group.
Renowned for her strong work ethic and steadfast commitment to organizational integrity, Ms. Bellusci is skilled at developing policies and procedures tailored to the needs of various organizations. Her devotion to her faith and genuine care for children are evident in all aspects of her work and consistently reflect a commitment to excellence.
Ms. Bellusci is passionate about lifelong learning and values collaboration with colleagues, particularly in empowering others to take active roles in their children’s education. Her guidance and encouragement have inspired many to assume greater leadership and advocacy within the educational sphere.
In her personal time, Ms. Bellusci cherishes connecting with her family, especially through virtual visits with her first grandchild, which bring her profound joy.
Lorna Moss
Lorna Moss is a dedicated lover of God, family, and people, with a heart for serving others. She began homeschooling as a single mother of four boys and, after marrying her husband, Eric, inherited an adult son and welcomed a second set of twin boys. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Gannon University. With more than 15 years of homeschooling experience and 24 years in financial management, Lorna is driven by a deep compassion for the disenfranchised, always seeking the best solutions to any challenge she faces. Her commitment to faith, family, and community continues to shape her mission to serve and uplift others.
Kizzy Statton Gray
Kizzy Staten Gray is a mom of five biological children who has been homeschooling for sixteen years. She has tutored and directed with Classical Conversations for eleven years. An author, certified Christian life coach, and military veteran, Kizzy desires to glorify God in all things. She enjoys bike riding, traveling, and thrift shopping. An ardent reader and strong proponent of lifelong learning, Kizzy is passionate about helping individuals reach their untapped potential. Encouraging families on their homeschool journey and helping them build a legacy is her delight.
Whitney Williams
Whitney Williams is a dedicated homeschooling mom, entrepreneur, and author who is passionate about helping families thrive both at home and in the future. She has a deep love for homeschooling and values the freedom it provides to nurture her children’s education, character, and faith in a meaningful, personalized way.
As a business owner, Whitney works closely with individuals and families to support long-term financial confidence, specializing in retirement planning, life insurance, and legacy strategies. Her heart for service extends beyond her professional work into her writing, where she seeks to educate and empower others to make informed decisions for their families.
Whitney is grateful to serve on the HEAV Black Outreach Committee, where she enjoys connecting with and supporting a growing community of homeschool families. Above all, she treasures time with her family and is committed to building a lasting legacy at home and in the community.
Tiera Latham
Tiera Latham grew up in Richmond, Virginia. As long as she can remember, she has had a passion for youth advocacy. After graduating from JMU (James Madison University) in 2011, she began working with children in a variety of roles, including coordinating youth ministry, serving as a foster parent, tutoring, and working in public education.
She has been married to her husband, Connell Latham, for nearly fifteen years, and together they have three wonderful children. In 2024, Tiera became convinced that her children would benefit most from a homeschool education. After homeschooling for a little more than a year, she feels blessed to help her children reach their academic milestones.
Tiera encourages families interested in homeschooling with these words: “You are not inadequate.” She strongly believes that, as a parent, you are your child’s best advocate.
Zakkiyya Chase
Zakkiyya Chase is an accomplished author, military wife, and mother of a super-powered autistic son. In her book, No Dream Deferred: Why Black and Latino Families Are Choosing Homeschool, she explores the current educational climate in America and the motivations for the two most rapidly growing homeschool demographics. She believes homeschooling is a blessing that strengthens families and provides children with a world-class education that prepares them for future success, leadership, and innovation. She has a drive to better communities by fostering loving connections, creating enriching experiences, and building bridges that lead to long-lasting positive change.
LaNissir James
LaNissir James is joyful and energetic with a mission to impact people’s lives to live joyously and fearlessly as they pursue their God-sized dreams. A much sought-after speaker, she loves to inspire people by using humor and real-life experiences, providing social, spiritual, academic, and supervisory support for families. LaNissir earned her BS in journalism from the University of Maryland College Park, is Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® certified, and is pursuing a master’s degree in biblical studies. As an Outreach Coordinator for HSLDA, LaNissir focuses on supporting Black homeschoolers nationwide.
Quemeka Rivera
Quemeka Rivera is a military veteran and now a supportive military spouse, as her husband serves in the United States Navy. In 2021, Quemeka had the honor of co-founding Kindred Homeschool Collective, the first African-American-led co-op in the Hampton Roads area. She has been homeschooling her five children for over seven years with ages ranging from five to seventeen years of age. Currently, she is also earning her B.S. in elementary education interdisciplinary studies at Liberty University and doing ministry alongside her husband as they plant Pillar Church of Norfolk in the Hampton Roads area. She currently resides in Chesapeake. Her passions are God, cooking, traveling, and all things education (especially history).
Lamanda Tooley
Lamanda Tooley, a Philadelphia native who has resided in Virginia Beach for 17 years, is a dedicated event and program organizer. She passionately advocates for equal opportunity in homeschool sports, STEM education, and is involved in co-op planting. Lamanda is also an active member and youth ministry leader at her church, where she coordinates various activities. Her greatest joys in life are rooted in her faith in Jesus, and she finds immense happiness in traveling and creating cherished memories along the way.
Thank You to Our Black Outreach Reception Sponsors!
Convention Sponsors
Many thanks to our convention sponsors!
They have invested heavily in homeschool families—in YOU—to help keep our convention prices as low as possible and support homeschooling in Virginia. Please join us in thanking them for their generosity!
