Director of Programming - Crystal Sessoms
CREATIVE…DRAMATIC…and INSPIRATIONAL are just a few words to describe Crystal Sessoms. She has served as a creative professional in the “757” for more than twenty years. Crystal has worked as a journalist, actor, director, vocalist, dancer, African drummer and producer. She has spent the last ten years providing programming and direction for cultural art centers and museums. In her spare time, she loves travelling. Crystal believes art is the perfect vessel to spread messages of love and respect to elevate the human experience.
Office/Administrative Assistant - Becky Livas
Becky Livas was the first African American female TV news reporter in Tidewater (Hampton Roads) working for WTAR Radio and TV (Channel 3) News. After two and a half years of successful news coverage as a general assignment, consumer and medical reporter, Becky became the first black to produce and host a daily
Monday through Friday “magazine” show, PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS. Later she produced and co-hosted 3 IN THE MORNING. After leaving WTAR, Livas lived in Las Vegas for five years where she developed great musical friendships as a “band wife”. Unbeknownst to Becky this was preparation for a jazz DJ position and singing career upon her return to this area.
While producing and hosting overnight JAZZ EXCURSIONS at WHRO-FM (later WHRV), Becky met Lynn Summerall who formed a 1920s big band, the Hotel Paradise Roof Garden Orchestra. She became the main singer, fulfilling a childhood dream to be the “girl who sings with the band” like Ella Fitzgerald. Having majored in History and English at Hampton Institute (HU), Becky taught eighth grade World Geography and History for fifteen years as well as summers teaching English. But music performance has been a 30-year mainstay for Becky.
From big bands to duos, trios, and small groups, Livas has worked not only with top Hampton Roads musicians doing extended regular gigs at Sterling’s in Norfolk, Suffolk’s Main Street Jazz, the Hilton Main, etc. but also with top-notch musicians at venues in Northern Virginia, New England, New York City and Las Vegas. Major CDs are For All We Know and IF I HAD YOU.
Monday through Friday “magazine” show, PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS. Later she produced and co-hosted 3 IN THE MORNING. After leaving WTAR, Livas lived in Las Vegas for five years where she developed great musical friendships as a “band wife”. Unbeknownst to Becky this was preparation for a jazz DJ position and singing career upon her return to this area.
While producing and hosting overnight JAZZ EXCURSIONS at WHRO-FM (later WHRV), Becky met Lynn Summerall who formed a 1920s big band, the Hotel Paradise Roof Garden Orchestra. She became the main singer, fulfilling a childhood dream to be the “girl who sings with the band” like Ella Fitzgerald. Having majored in History and English at Hampton Institute (HU), Becky taught eighth grade World Geography and History for fifteen years as well as summers teaching English. But music performance has been a 30-year mainstay for Becky.
From big bands to duos, trios, and small groups, Livas has worked not only with top Hampton Roads musicians doing extended regular gigs at Sterling’s in Norfolk, Suffolk’s Main Street Jazz, the Hilton Main, etc. but also with top-notch musicians at venues in Northern Virginia, New England, New York City and Las Vegas. Major CDs are For All We Know and IF I HAD YOU.
Media Specialist - Toni Guagenti
Toni Guagenti worked in newspapers in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Hampton Roads before leaving journalism to work in marketing, public relations and social media. She’s served as a freelance political consultant for several Hampton Roads’ political candidates, and as a freelance writer for various publications. She also penned the book, “100 Things to Do in Virginia Beach Before You Die.” She is a huge proponent of the mission and goals of the Virginia African American Cultural Center. When she’s not exploring new parts of Hampton Roads or freelance writing, Toni spends time with her Italian greyhounds, enjoys good vino and gleams with pride at being the mother of her 23-year-old daughter.
