In the 1971 Woody Allen film, โBananas,โ a fellow employee asks Allenโs character, โWhat would you have been if you finished school?โย Allenโs character answers, โI was in the black studies program. By now I could have been black.โย Allenโs attempted humorous jab at early black studies majors stands in sharp contrast to Robert Fikesโ 2015 compilation of more than 500 African American majors and their current occupations which now include a number of prominent physicians, attorneys, scientists, actors, artists, writers, entrepreneurs, rabbis, government officials, university presidents, and a Pulitzerย Prize winner. These folks certainly learned that a black studies degree guarantees more than just learning to be โblack.โย In fact, a number of the people listed are not African American. Fikesโ introductory commentary and the entire list of over 500 prominent and successful black studies graduates appears below.
The interdisciplinary field of Blacks Studiesโalternatively called African American Studies, Afro-American Studies, Africana Studies, Pan African Studies, or Black World Studies, depending on the school where it is offered—is a relative newcomer on the academic scene and its proponents have had to defend its theoretical underpinnings and practicality, something which the traditional liberal arts fields are also challenged to do but not to the same extent. Since the establishment of the nationโs first Black Studies department in 1968 at San Francisco State University, and despite the wide acceptance and institutionalization of Black Studies in academia, there still remains the nagging question about its ability to produce outstanding citizens equal in quality to individuals who as undergraduates majored in, say, history or English or art. Black Studies has now been around long enough to notice its handiwork: men and women constructively contributing to society, employed in a wide variety of professions.
It is a difficult task to compile a list of noteworthy people who majored in Black Studies because there are so many who could easily qualify. This list merely scratches the surface. Black Studies attracts a broad spectrum of interested scholars. Not only persons of African descent, but also persons of European, Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent are represented in the list. Some of those mentioned are virtually household names or have received considerable local or regional attention.ย It is interesting to note which schools have produced large numbers of high achievers on the list, and rather surprising to learn that many medical professionals first earned degrees in Black Studies.ย Professions range from A (Astronaut) to Z (Zoo administrator). In short, the answer to those asking what can a person do with a Black Studies major is simple: Anything!
Most of the entries contain a one-sentence summary of the personโs occupation, the type of degree obtained in Black Studies, and additional (usually graduate) degrees in other disciplines which the person was granted.
Medicine & Health
Jihaad Abdul-Majidโฆโฆ.Dentist, owner of Premier Dental, PLLC. In Kentucky and Tennessee. B.S., University of Louisville. DDM., University of Kentucky.
Lydia Alexander-Cookโฆโฆ.Pediatrician and President of Summa Physician Inc. B.A., Brandeis University. M.D., SUNY-Upstate Medical Center.
Johnnie Allenโฆโฆ.Health Equity Coordination, Ohio Department of Health; former President of the Board of Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE).ย B.A., B.S., The College of Wooster. MPH, Tulane University.
Edmund Ansteyโฆโฆ.Senior Resident in internal medicine at Brigham and Womenโs Hospital. B.A., Washington University (summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa). M.D., Harvard University.
Augustine N. Armstrongโฆโฆ.Chief Environmental Health Specialist at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. B.A., California State University at Long Beach. M.P.H., Trident University International.
Justin E. Birdโฆโฆ.Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston). B.A., Cornell University. M.D., Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York University).
Rhea Boydโฆโฆ.Pediatrician at Palo Alto Medical Foundation. B.A., University of Notre Dame. M.D., Vanderbilt University.
Konju Briggs Jrโฆโฆ.Occupational Therapist at Village Child Development Institute, Inc. M.A., New York University. M.S. in occupational therapy at Columbia University.
Ryan Brownโฆโฆ.Environmental health and safety specialist, Insite manager at Clean Harbors. B.A., Rutgers University. Ph.D. in biomedical infomatics, Rutgers University.
Aaron Brumfieldโฆโฆ.Chiropractor, Brumfield Sports and Family Chiropractic Center.
B.A., California State University at Northridge. D.C., Cleveland College of Chiropractic-L.A.
Jacques Charlesโฆโฆ.Chiropractor. B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara. D.C., Southern California Univ. of Health Sciences.
Megan L. Comfortโฆโฆ.Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California at San Francisco. B.A., Wellesley College. Ph.D., London School of Economics and Political Science.
Rushelle Jones Cyrusโฆโฆ.Obstetrician in Germantown, Tennessee .ย B.A., Duke University. M.D., University of Tennessee.
Sarah Davisโฆโฆ.Midwife (certified and licensed), co-founder of Birth Roots Womenโs Health and Maternity Center in San Diego, California. B.A., Cal Poly-Pomona.
Joseph DeJamesโฆโฆ.Director of Myrah Keating Health Center (Virgin Islands) B.A., Boston College. M.D., SUNY-Buffalo.
William E. Dingusโฆโฆ.Dentist. Board certified specialist in orthodontics in private practice in Newark, New York.ย B.A., University of Washington, 1979. D.M.D., University of Pennsylvania.
Nonkulie Dladlaโฆโฆ.Doctor of Internal Medicine at Park Slope Family Health Center.ย B.A., Oberlin College. M.D. Cornell University.
Candace Lee Edwardsโฆโฆ.Podiatrist. B.A., University of Missouri. B.S., Hampton University. D.P.M., Barry University.
Gerald Fittsโฆโฆ.Mental health technician at Hillcrest Behavioral Health Services (Birmingham). B.A., Berea College. M.S.W., Howard University.
Billy Ray Flowersโฆโฆ.Chiropractor. First black chiropractor in the state of Oregon.ย Works in Portland, Oregon, B.A., Western Washington State University. D.C., Western States Chiropractic College.
Tyrese Gaines-Reidโฆโฆ.Osteopath, medical journalist, practitioner of emergency medicine. B.S., Northwestern University. D.O., Nova Southeastern University.
Kayoll V. Galbraithโฆโฆ.Nurse leader scholar at Jonas Center {New York City) and doctoral student in nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. B.A., SUNY-Binghamton.(BSN, RN). M.P.H., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Travis A. Gaylesโฆโฆ.Pediatrician. Instructor at Northwestern University School of Medicine. B.A., Duke University. M.D. and Ph.D., University of Illinois.
Thomas A. Gondre-LewisโฆโฆProgram and project officer at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.ย B.A., Oberlin College. Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.
Otis T. Gordonโฆโฆ.Gastroenterologist at Saint Vincent Health System (Little Rock, Arkansas). B.A., Washington University. M.D., Emory University School of Medicine.
Brian L. Harperโฆโฆ.Medical Director of Academic Health Care Centers (NYIT) B.A., Brown University. M.D., SUNY-Health Science Center.
Orlando Harrisโฆโฆ.Family nurse practitioner in New York, instructor, laboratory director. B.A., SUNY-Binghamton. RN and Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Rochester.
Senta Hutchinsonโฆโฆ.Veterinarian at the VCA McClave Animal Hospital. B.A., Columbia University. D.V.M., University of Wisconsin.
Bianca M. Jonesโฆโฆ.Licensed clinical psychologist treating prison inmates, employed by California Correctional Health Care Services. B.A., Miami University. PsyD., Xavier University.
Samantha Keatโฆโฆ.Veterinarian at San Carlos Pet Hospital in California. B.A., New York University. D.V.M., Tufts University.
Senai Kidaneโฆโฆ.Emergency room doctor at Oakland Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California. B.A., UCLA. M.D., University of Michigan.
Daniel Kifleโฆโฆ.Licensed EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) in California. B.A., UCLA.
Richard Lyn-Cookโฆโฆ.Physician. Co-authored article in the Journal of Neuroscience. Copresident of his medical school class and active in social and professional groups.ย B.A., Yale University, 1992. M.D., Yale Medical School.
L. Dawn Mandevilleโฆโฆ.Physician, Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics.ย B.A., Wellesley College, M.D., Morehouse School of Medicine.
Keith D. Mcgruderโฆโฆ.Dentist, owner of Just Smiles Dental in Reno, Nevada. B.A., San Francisco State University. D.D.S., University of Detroit.
Tracye L. McQuirterโฆโฆ.Public health and nutrition expert, book author, editor, lecturer. B.A., Amherst College. M.P.H., New York University.
James G. Minnisโฆโฆ.Surgeon at Prima Medical Group in California. B.A., UCLA. M.P.H., University of Southern California. M.D., Meharry Medical College.
Ronald V. Myers Srโฆโฆ.Family medicine doctor, musician, Baptist minister, social activist. B.A. and M.D., University of Wisconsin.
Kimberly C. Narainโฆโฆ.Internal medicine physician at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. B.A., UCLA. M.D., Morehouse School of Medicine.
Cassandra Newkirkโฆโฆ.Forensic psychiatrist. Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Correct Care Recovery Solutions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. B.A., Duke University. MBA, Regis University. M.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Nana A. Ofosu-Benefoโฆโฆ.Clinical Dietitian and Morrison Healthcare. B.A., Oberlin College. M.S. in nutrition and public health, Columbia University.
Gbolahan O. Okubadejoโฆโฆ.Orthopedic Surgeon at The Institute for Comprehensive Spire Care. B.A., Brown University. M.D., Johns Hopkins University.
Ranna I. Parekhโฆโฆ.Psychiatrist. Practices child and adult psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. Also clinical instructor at the Harvard Medical School.ย B.S., M.D., Wayne State University.
Naudia Pickensโฆโฆ.Psychiatrist and instructor at the Florida Academy of Nursing. B.A., Harvard University. M.D., Michigan State University.
Bridget Porterโฆโฆ.Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. Detroit, Michigan.ย B.A., Indiana University.
Tina Pratherโฆโฆ.Humana Associate Medical Director. B.A., Wellesley College. M.D., Albany Medical College.
Kevin F. Purcellโฆโฆ.Medical school student at Wright State University who did his field work of a masterโs degree in public health in South Africa. B.A., SUNY-New Platz. M.P.H., SUNY-Downstate Medical Center.
Murisiku Raifuโฆโฆ.Neurosurgeon.at ProMed Spine (California) B.A., Amherst College. M.D., University of Minnesota Medical School.
Anastasia Rowland-Seymoreโฆโฆ.Physician. Director of GIM Program and Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.ย B.A., Amherst College. M.D., Columbia University Medical School.
Stella A. Safoโฆโฆ.Physician (internal medicine), Montefiore Medical Center. B.A. and M.D. at Harvard University.
Shonali Sahaโฆโฆ.Primary care, internal medicine doctor. B.A., Columbia University. M.D., Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Pamela Sutton-Wallaceโฆ….CEO of University of Virginia Medical Center. B.A., Washington University. M.P.H., Yale University.
Neo Tapelaโฆโฆ.Doctor of Internal Medicine at Brigham and Womenโs Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, instructor at Harvard University. B.A., Wellesley College. M.D., Harvard University.
Didra Brown Taylorโฆโฆ.Health investigator, focusing on beauty shops and barber shops. Worked at Rand Corporation and UCLA Medical School. B.A, University of the Pacific. M.P.H., Charles Drew University. Ph.D., California School of Professional Psychology.
Claudia L. Thomasโฆโฆ.Physician. The first black female orthopedic surgeon in the U.S.ย B.A., Vassar College. M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical School.
Anastasia Thomas-Lewisโฆโฆ.Podiatrist. Practice in Athens, Georgia.ย B.A., Cornell University. DPM. New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Kara Tolesโฆโฆ.Physician at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California. B.A., Pomona College. M.D., University of California at Davis.
Edmund Toriโฆโฆ.Osteopath, Director of Presence (MedStar Health). B.A., Cornell University. D.O., Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Adewale Troutmanโฆโฆ.Physician, President of the American Public Health Association M.A., SUNY-Albany, M.D., New Jersey Medical School.
William D. Turnerโฆโฆ.Associate Professor, internal medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. B.A., Amherst College. M.D., Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Wenonah Valentineโฆโฆ.Executive Director of the Pasadena Birthing Project which works to reduce high birth mortality rate in Southern California. B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara.ย MBA, Azusa Pacific University.
Vijay R. Varmaโฆโฆ.Alzheimerโs disease researcher.ย B.A., Duke University. M.P.H. and Ph.D. Candidate in public health at Johns Hopkins University.
Anita M. Wellsโฆโฆ.Clinical Psychologist, professor at Morgan State University. B.A., Yale University. Ph.D., Northwestern University.
Juliana Wilcoxโฆโฆ.Veterinarian at South Bay Veterinary Hospital in Chula Vista, California. B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara. DVM, Colorado State University.
Keith A. Williamsโฆโฆ.Physician. Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Practices in Venice, Florida.ย B.A., Brooklyn College. M.D., University of Pittsburgh.
Science & Technology
Charlene Adamsโฆโฆ.Computer Analyst at TerSys, a technology company in Gaithersburg, MD. B.A., Barnard College.
Justin D. Crutcherโฆโฆ.Maintenance engineer at PPG Industries, Inc., B.A., University of Pittsburgh (double major in engineering and Africana Studies).
CโArdiss G. Gleserโฆโฆ.Software engineer at IDX Systems. Currently Director of Programs for Technology Access Foundation. B.A., Yale University. M.Ed., University of Seattle.
Rhonda Gomesโฆโฆ.Network Engineering and Delivery Manager at Kaiser Permanente. B.S. in computer science and African American Studies, University of California at Davis.
James Steven Hoffmasterโฆโฆ.Professor of Physics at Gonzaga University (retired). B.A., Edinboro State U. Ph.D. in nuclear physics, Stevens Institute of Technology.
Malika Jeffries-ElโฆโฆAssociate Professor of Chemistry at Iowa State University. B.A., Wellesley College. Ph.D. in chemistry, George Washington University.
Mae Jemisonโฆโฆ.Astronaut. Rocketed into space aboard the shuttle Endeavor in 1992 as a mission specialist. B.A. in Afro-American Studies and B.S. in chemical engineering both at Stanford University. M.D., Cornell University School of Medicine.
David P. Johnsonโฆโฆ.Professor of Digital Media and Web Technology at the University of Maryland.ย B.A. in Afro-American Studies and M.S. in computer systems management, University of Maryland. Ph.D. in occupational studies, University of Georgia.
Brad Rickelโฆโฆ.IT Support Analyst at Arizona Public Media. B.A., University of Arizona.
G. Jamar Smithโฆโฆ.Information Security Consultant at Unisys. B.A., University of New Mexico. M.S. in information management, Syracuse University.
Kyanna Suttonโฆโฆ.Senior Web Producer at MIT Technology Review. B.A. Wellesley College.
Edward E. Tarver IIIโฆโฆ.Chemist-Inventor. Founder and CEO of Etaran Instruments Inc.ย B.A., University of California-Berkeley. Ph.D., Washington State University.
Kimani C. Toussaint Jr.โฆโฆ.Associate Professor of Mechanical Science at the University of Illinois. A Gates Millennium fellow whose special interest is photonics (Quantum Optics). He has published technical papers.ย B.A., University of Pennsylvania. Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Boston University.
Law & Criminal Justice
Imhotep Alkebu-lanโฆโฆ.Attorney, Co-Chair of the National Conference of Black Lawyers. B.A., University of California at Riverside. J.D., Texas Southern University.
James Andersonโฆโฆ.Assistant General Counsel at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. B.A., Washington University. J.D., George Washington University Law School.
Abimbola S. Bamgboyeโฆโฆ.Attorney. Associate in the Park Avenue firm of Wilmer Hale, representing clients in hedge funds and institutional investors.ย B.A., SUNY-Binghamton. J.D., American University.
Sara Bennettโฆโฆ.Law assistant in the Office of the Attorney General, State of New Jersey. M.A., Columbia University. M.S.W. and J.D. at Rutgers University.
Patricia Ann Blackmonโฆโฆ.Judge, Ohio 8th District Court of Appeals. B.A., Tougaloo College. J.D., Cleveland State University.
Kathleen M. Bradyโฆโฆ.Associate in the firm of Gordon Silver (Reno, Nevada branch office). B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara.
Kim Bressant-Kibweโฆโฆ.Trusts & Estates Counsel at ASPCA. B.A., Cornell University. J.D., Georgetown University Law Center.
Paige L. Carlosโฆโฆ.Associate in the Law firm of J Bernard Chery, private tutor. B.A., Colgate University. J.D., Florida A&M University.
Erin Dozierโฆโฆ.Associate General Counsel at the National Association of Broadcasters.ย B.A., Hampshire College. J.D., George Washington University.
Latonia Earlyโฆโฆ.Attorney. Associate in the firm of Friedman & Friedman in Garden City, NY.ย B.A., Princeton University. J.D., Hofstra University.
Loriani Santos Eckerleโฆโฆ.Attorney specializing in commercial litigation in the firm of Jackson & Hertog (San Francisco office). Former Treasurer of La Raza Law Student Association.ย B.A., Wellesley College. University of California at Berkeley.
Jinho Ferreiraโฆโฆ.Police Officer, playwright, actor. B.A., San Francisco State University.
Wesley O. Fieldsโฆโฆ.General Counsel for the Kansas City Tax Increment Finance Commission.ย Partner in the law firm of Bryan Cave LLP, B.A., Yale University. J.D., University of Virginia.
Clyde Frazier Jrโฆโฆ Revenue-Crimes Specialist in the New York State Office of Tax Enforcement (killed in 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center). B.A., SUNY-Albany.
Amanda Gennermanโฆโฆ.Immigration attorney.in private practice in Wisconsin. B.A., University of Wisconsin. J.D., University of Denver.
Sarah Goldfrankโฆโฆ.Associate General Counsel and Senior Vice President at Bank of America.ย B.A., Smith College (Phi Beta Kappa). J.D., Georgetown University.
Josh Greenโฆโฆ.Attorney, screenwriter. B.A., University of Virginia. J.D., Harvard University.
Tanya Greeneโฆโฆ.Attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).ย Formerly anย attorney in the Capital Defender Office in New York City representing people charged with capital crimes. Received the 1999 Reebok International Human Rights Award for her work opposing the death penalty.ย B.A., Wesleyan University. J.D., Harvard University.
Leslie Harrisโฆโฆ.Judge. Suffolk (Massachusetts) Juvenile Court judge.ย M.A., Boston University, 1994. J.D., Boston College.
Nia Holstonโฆโฆ.Paralegal at Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). B.A., Yale University.
Karume Jamesโฆโฆ.Defense attorney in New York (Bronx). Former union organizer with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Former chairman of UCLAโs Afrikan Student Union.ย A., UCLA. J.D., Brooklyn Law School.
Candice Jonesโฆโฆ.Director of Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. B.A., Washington University. J.D., New York University.
Charlotte Lewis Jonesโฆโฆ.Corporate attorney, expertise in copyright, entertainment/media law. B.A., Yale University. J.D., Columbia University.
David JonesโฆโฆAttorney, political organizer, community volunteer. B.A., University of Memphis, J.D., University of Tennessee.
Nicole Juniorโฆโฆ.Executive Agency Counsel, Civilian Complaint Review Board. B.A., Smith College. J.D., Temple University.
B. Randolph Kellerโฆโฆ.Chief Prosecutor for Shaker Heights, Ohio.ย B.A., Vassar College. J.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Amelia Koplosโฆโฆ.Legislative assistant at Blackridge, an Austin Texas government affair consultancy. B.A., Colgate University. M.A. in public affairs at University of Texas at Austin.
Nekima Levy-Poundsโฆโฆ.Civil rights attorney, recognized widely for her community service record and professional and scholarly accomplishments. Law professor at University of St. Thomas. B.A., University of Southern California. J.D., University of Illinois.
Monica Littleโฆโฆ.Judge in the Los Angeles Immigration Court. Former Assistant Chief Council, Department of Homeland Security. B.A., University of Washington. J.D., Lewis & Clark Law School.
Stephen Marloweโฆโฆ.Consumer bankruptcy attorney, college professor. B.A., Miami University. J.D., University of Toledo College of Law.
Karen McCormackโฆโฆ.Police Sergeant, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). B.A., California State University at Long Beach.
Pamela J. Meanesโฆโฆ.President of the National Bar Association and Partner in Thompson Coburn, the largest law firm in St. Louis, Missouri. M.A., Clark Atlanta University. J.D., University of Iowa.
Brenda J. Meansโฆโฆ.Attorney in Everett, Washington specializing in family, real estate, landlord/tenant, Native American and tribal law. B.A., San Diego State University. J.D., St. Louis University.
Pricilla A. Ocenโฆโฆ.Associate Professor of Law at Loyola Marymount University. B.A., San Diego State University. J.D., UCLA.
R. Daniel Okonkwoโฆโฆ.Executive Director of DC Lawyers for Youth. B.A., Yale University. J.D., Georgetown University.
Peter B. Parisโฆโฆ.Attorney in the firm of Mets Schiro & McGovern in New Jersey, specializing in civil right cases. Former Boston police officer and varsity lacrosse player at Harvard University.ย B.A., Wesleyan University. J.D., Stanford University.
Jasmine Randโฆโฆ.Attorney of the Trayvon Martin family. B.A., University of Georgia. J.D., Florida State University.
Richard W. Robertsโฆโฆ.Judge. Appointed In 1998 appointed By President Clinton to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He had previously worked in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.ย B.A., cum laude, Vassar College. J.D., Columbia University.
Jennie R. Romerโฆโฆ.Attorney, Director and founder of plasticbaglaws.org dedicated to limiting use of plastic bags. B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara. J.D., Golden State University.
Maurice Sikesโฆโฆ.Police officer in Coral Gables, Florida. Illegal drugs recognition expert. B.A., University of Miami.
Peggie Smithโฆโฆ.Vice Dean and law professor at the University of Washington. Was editor-in chief of the Harvard Womenโs Law Journal. Teaches contracts, employment relationships, and gender work.ย B.A., Yale University. M.A., J.D., Yale University.
Tyra H. Smithโฆโฆ.Media and entertainment attorney. Adjunct professor at USC. B.A., University of Missouri. J.D. University of Southern California.
Lovita Tandyโฆโฆ.Partner in the Atlanta law firm of King & Spalding. B.A., Harvard University. J.D., Duke University.
Jeremy Travisโฆโฆ.President of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. B.A., Yale University. J.D., New York University.
Amia L. Triggโฆโฆ.General Editor of the Harvard Civil Right-Civil Liberties Law Review.ย Associate in the firm of Covington & Burling LLC in Washington, DC. B.A., Harvard University. J.D., Harvard University.
Roger C. Vannโฆโฆ.Executive Director of the Connecticut ACLU, president of the New Haven NAACP, radio talk show host. B.A., Brown University.
Roger S. Warehamโฆโฆ.Attorney. Partner in the firm of Thomas, Wareham, and Richards in Brooklyn, New York. General Secretary of The International Association Against Torture.ย B.S., Harvard University. J.D., Columbia University.
Carol Westbrookโฆโฆ.Police Chief at Atlanta Technical College.ย B.A., University of Tennessee at Knoxville. M.P.A., Kennesaw State University.
Tracie M. Wilsonโฆ..President of the Houston County Bar Association (Alabama) and managing attorney at Legal Services Alabama. B.A., Vanderbilt University. J.D., University of Iowa.
Donte Wyattโฆโฆ.Deputy District Attorney in San Diego. Currently in private practice.ย B.A., San Diego State University. J.D., California Western School of Law.
Politics & Government
Carl Andrewsโฆโฆ.New York State Senator and Majority Whip (Democrat). Currently owner of Carl Andrews & Associates, a political strategy and legislative lobby firm. M.A., State University of New York at Albany.
Daniel D. Baerโฆโฆ.U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Co-operation and Security in Europe. B.A., Harvard University. Ph.D., Oxford University.
Marinna Banks-Shieldsโฆโฆ.Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service, chair of its Social Work Professional Advisory Group (SWPAG). B.A., Emory University. Ph.D. in social work at Howard University.
William Boone IIIโฆโฆ.Delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention representing New York. Worked as a Brooklyn Democratic Party campaign consultant.ย M.A., State University of New York-Albany. J.D., CUNY-Queens College.
Christopher Camposโฆโฆ.City Councilman of Hoboken, New Jersey, prosecutor, civil servant. B.A., Denison University. J.D., American University.
Lynn Gilmore Cantonโฆโฆ.Executive Director of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), appointed by President Bill Clinton. Also former Assistant Deputy Comptroller for management Audit for the state of New York.ย B.A., M.S., SUNY-Albany.
J. R. Clairbourneโฆโฆ.City Councilman. 2nd Ward Alderman with a seat on the City of Ithaca (NY) Common Council. Former reporter at the Ithaca Journal.ย B.A., University of Kansas.
George Cushingberry Jrโฆโฆ.Detroit City Councilman.ย Former Michigan State Representative elected in 1975 at age 21. Was on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners for 16 years.ย B.A., Wayne State University. J.D., University of Detroit.
Tom Davidsonโฆโฆ.Maine State Representative (three terms, Democrat). Also a highly successful businessman as Vice President of Tyson Corners, an investment firm. Currently CEO of EverFi. B.A., Bowdoin College.
Erica Terry Derryckโฆโฆ.Director of Communications, Office of the Mayor of Oakland, California.ย Formerly an MTV segment producer and news reporter. B.A., Wesleyan University. M.A., University of California at Berkeley.
Laura Dowrich-Phillipsโฆโฆ.Trinidadโs Director of Ageing in the Ministry of Social Development. B.A., Ph.D. (public policy), University of Maryland.
Alan S. Farrellโฆโฆ.Fatherhood Services Coordinator (New York City Mayorโs Office).
B.A., Oberlin College. M.S. in public policy at The New School for Public Engagement.
Jendayi Frazerโฆโฆ.U.S. Ambassador to South Africa. Senior Director of African Affairs at the National Security Council, appointed by Condoleezza Rice. Distinguished professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Taught at Harvardโs Kennedy School of Government.ย B.A., Stanford University. Ph.D. in political science, Stanford University.
Karen Freeman-Wilsonโฆโฆ.Mayor of Gary, Indiana. Previously President and CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). A former drug court judge in Gary, Indiana and former Attorney General for the state of Indiana.ย B.A., Harvard University. J.D., Harvard University.
Hans Goffโฆโฆ.Political campaign organizer/manager. Presently the Southern Regional Organizing Director for Hillary Clinton for President. Worked on Pres. Obama, mayoral, and gubernatorial bids. B.A., William & Mary.
Bruce Harrisโฆโฆ.Republican mayor of Chatham Borough, New Jersey, attorney. B.A., Amherst College. MBA, Boston University. J.D., Yale University.
Deonte Hollowellโฆโฆ.Louisville, Kentucky City Councilman, educator, currently outreach coordinator for Black Alliance for Educational Options. B.A.,M.A., University of Louisville. Ph.D., Temple University (all degrees related to Black Studies).
Brian C. Johnsonโฆโฆ.Commissioner of West Park, Florida, President/CEO of Minority Builders Coalition, Inc. B.A., Morehouse College.
Carl Kempโฆโฆ.Lobbyist. Head of a political lobbying firm, the Kemp Group. Former two-term student body president at California State University at Long Beach.ย B.A., MPA, California State University at Long Beach.
Do Kimโฆโฆ.Attorney. Founder of the Korean American Youth Leadership Program and President of the Korean Democratic Committee.ย B.A., Harvard University. J.D., University of California-Los Angeles.
Alyce Leeโฆโฆ.Boston Mayor Thomas Meninoโs Chief of Staff . Board member of the Boston Museum, trustee of the University of Massachusetts. B.A., Wesleyan University.
Jinnie Leeโฆโฆ.Foreign Service Officer, posted to embassies in Korea, Qatar, and Iraq. B.A., Wellesley College.
Lee C. McDougalโฆโฆ.City Manager of Montclair, California, Chaffey College board chairman. B.A., University of California at Riverside.
Michael McMillanโฆโฆ.License Collector for the City of St. Louis, City Alderman (19th Ward). B.A., St. Louis University.
Marc H. Morialโฆโฆ.Mayor of New Orleans and former Louisiana State Senator. In 2003 he became President of the National Urban League. B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 1980. J.D., Georgetown University.
Cheryl Pahahamโฆโฆ.Director of Planning and Product Development & State Government Accountability, New York State Comptrollerโs Office. B.A., Wesleyan University. Ph.D. in sociology, The New School.
Peter Shapiroโฆโฆ.Chairman of the Prince Georges (Virginia) County Council.ย A Truman Scholar, in 2013 he was appointed the countyโs revenue authority director. B.A., University of Maryland.
Kelvin Simmonsโฆโฆ. Head of the Office of Administration for the state of Kansas. Former 2-term Kansas City Councilman. Chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission.ย B.A., University of Missouri-Columbia.
Gregory O. Smileyโฆโฆ.Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. B.A. in Black Studies and M.P.A. both at City University of New York City College.
Jeff Smithโฆโฆ.Missouri State Senator, university professor. B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. M.A. and Ph.D., Washington University.
Adewale Troutmanโฆโฆ.Director of the Louisiana Metro Health Department. Formerly director of the Fulton County (Atlanta) Department of Health and Wellness.ย Currently professor at the University of South Florida. M.A., State University of New York-Albany. M.D., New Jersey Medical School.
Sharon W. Westโฆโฆ.Manager of Tampa (Florida) Housing and Community Development.
Formerly Executive Director of the Buffalo Housing Authority.ย B.A., University of Buffalo.
Neil Williamsโฆโฆ.Captain, United States Air Force.ย B.A., University of Northern Colorado.
Ben Wilsonโฆโฆ.Director of New Hampshireโs Bureau of Historic Sites. B.A., Syracuse University. M.S. in building conservation, University of York (England).
Business, Industry, Labor
S. Kathryn Allenโฆโฆ.Co-Founder and Co-President of The Answer Companies in Washington, DC, involved in site development, construction management and renovation, title and escrow. A.B., Smith College. J.D., Boston College.
Michelle Harris Andersonโฆโฆ.Executive Director of the Mrs. New Jersey United States Pageant.
She is a former Miss Delaware (1995) who competed in the Miss America Pageant. B.A., Duke University.
Christopher Asherโฆโฆ.Owner of Gold Medal Excellence, a sports training/conditioning firm. B.A., California State Universityย at Northridge. M.Ed., Azusa Pacific University.
M. Ayanda Bamโฆโฆ.Senior Manager at Adam Smith International, a British professional services company located in London, England. B.A., Amherst College.
LaShauna Barbozaโฆโฆ.Pharmaceuticals sales representative for Daiichi Sankyo. B.A., Amherst College.
John Barrosโฆโฆ.Restaurateur. Co-owner of Restaurante Cesaria serving Cape Verdean cuisine. Former member of Boston School Committee. Current Bostonโs Chief of Economic Development. B.A., Dartmouth College.
Kevin Baumโฆโฆ.Financial Operations Manager at Recover America, a home energy efficiency company in San Diego. B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara.
Afiya Bediakoโฆโฆ.Associate at Goldman Sachs. B.A.,ย Amherst College.
Adda Birnirโฆโฆ.CEO of Skillcrush, an online digital skills learning firm. B.A., Yale University.
Adolph S. Blackson IIIโฆโฆ.Director of Security at Guard Management Inc. in San Diego, CA. B.A., California State University.
Ahndrea L. Blueโฆโฆ.Owner of Pinnacle Equities Investments, LLC. Attorney and former CEO of the Seattle Urban League.ย B.A., J.D., University of Washington.
Sara Bradyโฆโฆ.President of Sara Brady Public Relations, Inc. (Orlando, Florida), formerly policy director of MassVote (Boston, Massachusetts). B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara.
James Brantleyโฆโฆ.Zoo Keeper at Brookfield Zoo. Formerly Director of Community Relations for Zoo New England-Franklin Park Zoo. Currently education specialist at the Chattanooga Zoo. B.S., B.A., majored in Zoology and African American Studies, University of Tennessee.
Johnathon E. Briggsโฆโฆ.Vice President for Communication Strategy at Public Communications Inc. in Chicago. B.A., Stanford University. M.P.H., DePaul University.
Peter-Charles Brightโฆโฆ.Global Property Specialist at Keller Williams New York City, an upper- tier real estate firm selling multi-million dollar properties world-wide. A.B., Harvard University.
Mishka Brownโฆโฆ.Independent broadcast media professional, owner of Aerolith Inc., a media consulting and technology development company in New York City.ย B.A., Yale University.
Rochelle Brownโฆโฆ.Television producer-author and co-owner of Powerhous Productions. Producer of the top-rated show โEmeril Liveโ and other popular shows on the Food Network.ย B.A., Rutgers University.
Vivica Brownโฆโฆ.Deputy Assistant General Manager of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. B.A., University Virginia. J.D., California Western School of Law.
Natatasha Foreman Bryantโฆโฆ.Entrepreneur, CEO of Foreman & Associates, LLC. B.A., California State University-Long Beach. MBA, Kaplan University.
Paul E. Butlerโฆโฆ.Television Project Manager andย Director of Program Enterprises for VH1 Music First and Country Music Television (CMT).ย B.A., University of Rochester. J.D., Harvard University.
Peter C. B. Bynoeโฆโฆ.Pro Basketball Franchise Owner. First African American to own a NBA franchise when he purchased the Denver Nuggets in 1989. Other business ventures followed.ย B.A., MBA, J.D., Harvard University.
Kassahun Checoleโฆโฆ.Publisher, founder and owner of Africa World Press and Red Sea Press. B.A., Binghamton University.
Nicole Childersโฆโฆ.Senior Producer at American Public Media. Former Executive Producer at National Public Radio (NPR).ย B.A., University of Pennsylvania.
Kent Codringtonโฆโฆ.Tax Specialist at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). B.A., California State University at Los Angeles.
Afi K. Daiteyโฆโฆ.Director of Strategy, Partnerships, and Operations for the Ghana Group, a West African-focused social impact firm. B.A., Rutgers University. M.Ed., Harvard University.
Brad Davidsonโฆโฆ.Vice President, Top 40 Promotion, Columbia Records.ย B.A., University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Monica Dillinghamโฆโฆ.Director of Information Technology for the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). B.A., University of Maryland.
Jinida Dobaโฆโฆ.Associate in Dorsey & Company, strategic consultants to management in Cleveland, Ohio.ย Formerly Advertising Account Executive at Highland PR in Akron Ohio.ย B.A., Kent State University.
Kristen Ericksonโฆโฆ.Broker at J.P. Morgan Securities. B.A., Brown University.
Ryan Fordโฆโฆ.Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Cashmere Agency, a lifestyle marketing firm in Los Angeles. M.A., University of California at Los Angeles.
Hector Gonzalezโฆโฆ.Fire Safety/Emergency Action Plan Director at Morgan Stanley. B.A., SUNY-New Platz.
Shawn Granberryโฆโฆ.Media entrepreneur and philanthropist, CEO of Watch Now Networks. B.A., University of California at Berkeley.
Kaneisha Graysonโฆโฆ.Graduate school admission consultant, owner of the consulting firm The Art of Applying in Austin, Texas. A., Pomona College. MBA, Harvard University.
Daoud Hadeeโฆโฆ.Owner of Unlimited Chemicals, LLC. B.A., University of California at Riverside.
Nicole Harrisโฆโฆ.Marketing strategist, Director of Audience Marketing at The Deal, LLC. B.A. in Black Studies at Oberlin College and M.A. in Black Studies at New York University.
Jerome Henryโฆโฆ.Account strategist at SteelHouse (advertising) and CEO of Electric City. B.A., California State University at Northridge.
Michael Holmesโฆโฆ.President and founder of Rx Outreach (St. Louis), former executive at Edward Jones and Automatic Data Processing. B.A., Washington University.
Tamara Ibezimโฆโฆ.Senior Operations Analyst at Merrill Lynch. B.A., The College of New Jersey.
Dawud Ingramโฆโฆ.Real estate salesman with Gotham Realty, LLC. B.A., Drew University.
Jessica Ingram-Bellamyโฆโฆ.Division Director of Marketing at The Trust for Public Land. Formerly Advertising Director. Better World Advertising, a social marketing agency.ย B.A., Cornell University. M.A., Columbia University.
Kanem Johnsonโฆโฆ.Compliance Officer at Barclayโs Investment Bank. Former financial advisor at Barclayโs Capital Inc., associate at Citigroup, and basketball star at Wesleyan College. B.A., Wesleyan College.
Julia Baker Jonesโฆโฆ.Director of the Chidsey Center for Leadership Development at Davidson College. Business consultant. Graduated in the top 10 percent of her business school class at Stanford.ย B.A., Carlton College. MBA, Stanford University.
Laurie M. Jonssonโฆโฆ.Founding director of Expedia and former co-owner of a cruise line, an investment company, and co-founder of the University of Washingtonโs Center for Women and Democracy.ย On Board of Directors of Puget Sound Bank. B.A., University of Washington.
Kristin R. Jordanโฆโฆ.Book publisher, owner of Pens Up Press. B.A., Brown University.
Michael Joukowskyโฆโฆ.President of Crawford High Performance Composites, Ltd., chairman of the investment committee of the Joukowsky Family Foundation. B.A., Brown University. MBA., Babson College.
Masako Kawazoeโฆโฆ.HR generalist with Pasona N A Inc. and TS Consulting International recruiting workers for Japanese companies located in North America. B.A., California State University-Northridge. M.A., Temple University.
Maya Lakeโฆโฆ.Owner of Boxing Kitten, a fashion and apparel company whose clothing has been worn by Beyonce, Rihana, Alicia Keyes, Erykah Badu, and others. B.A., Wesleyan University.
Dominic Lattyโฆโฆ.Importer, owner of Beaudier Imports (Florida), founder of nonprofit Virgin Island Youth Advocacy Coalition (VIYA). B.A. in computer science and Africana Studies, Brown University.
Riana Lynnโฆโฆ.Owner of FoodTrace, connecting restaurants to distributors and farmers. B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Paula Madisonโฆโฆ.President and General Manager of KNBC (Los Angeles). B.A., Vassar College.
Challyn Marieโฆโฆ.Entrepreneur. Owner or Bikram Yoga Marina Del Rey. Former owner of Bubbles (childrenโs entertainment and activities center) in Santa Monica. B.A., UCLA.
Ashindi Maxtonโฆโฆ.Union executive at SEIU International. Former Director of Research & Special Projects, Democracy Alliance, a socially responsible financial investment company.ย B.A., University of California at Berkeley.
Lutalo McGeeโฆโฆ.Real estate broker, owner of Ani Real Estate in Chicago. B.S., Eastern Illinois University.
Midori McSwainโฆโฆ.Strategist at Commonwealth, a McCann Erikson marketing/advertising company in Detroit. B.A., Northwestern University.
Yvette Moyoโฆโฆ.Publisher of South Shore Current Magazine. President and CEO of Resource Associates International, Ltd., a marketing firm. Formerly President of Real Men Cook/MOBE.ย B.A., Eastern Illinois University.
Mandla Msimangโฆโฆ.Founder and Managing Director at Pygma Consulting, a South African regulatory and research firm assisting private businesses and nonprofits. B.A., Cornell University. M.Sc., London School of Economics.
Frank Michael Munozโฆโฆ.Marketing Coordinator at Vermont Creamery. B.A., University of Virginia. M.Ed., University of Vermont.
Michael OโNealโฆโฆ.Licensed insurance agent, New York Life Insurance Company.ย M.A., UCLA.
Aziza Nicholsonโฆโฆ.Hair stylist, owner of A II Z, Ltd., and head of the international nonprofit Women Empowerment Project promoting natural hair care. B.A., Miami University.
Nina Oduroโฆโฆ.Employment consultant, founder and editor of AfricaDevJobs.com, connecting job seekers to jobs in Africa. M.A., Columbia University.
Ryan OsodolorโฆโฆFinancial Representative at Northwest Mutual. B.A., San Diego State University.
Taylor Parsonsโฆโฆ.Sommelier (wine steward) and jazz musician at Los Angeles restaurant Republique. B.A., Brown University.
Steven Phillipsโฆโฆ.Attorney. At age 28 became the youngest member of the San Francisco Board of Education. Started his own successful high tech company, law firm, and nonprofit company. Phillips has written numerous newspaper articles and made many television appearances.ย B.A., Stanford University. J.D., Stanford University Law School.
Dawn Ridleyโฆโฆ.President of the marketing firm Ridley & Associates LLC. Also taught marketing at Johns Hopkins University.ย B.A., Indiana University. MBA, Clark Atlanta University
.
Detavio Samuelsโฆโฆ.President of One Solution and CEO of The Bare Group. B.A., Duke University. MBA, Stanford University.
P. J. Douglas Sandsโฆโฆ.Tourism area manager for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. B.A., Barnard College. L.L.B., University of London.
Mark Douglas Smithโฆโฆ.President and CEO of California Healthcare Foundation. Currently practices HIV care at San Francisco General Hospital. A.B., Harvard University. MBA, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. M.D., University of California at San Francisco.
Johnny Templeโฆโฆ.Publisher and Editor-in Chief of Akashic Books, winner of the 2013 Ellery Queen Award from the American Association of Publishers, essayist. B.A., Wesleyan University.
Craig Thompsonโฆโฆ.Founder and President of Thompson Communications, an education and media consulting firm. Partner in Venable LLC. Hosted radio and television talk shows in Baltimore.ย B.A., University of Maryland. J.D., University of Maryland.
Hailu Timboโฆโฆ.Grocery store director (Hy-Vee in Waterloo, Iowa). B.A., University of Iowa.
Dexter B. Upshaw Jrโฆโฆ.Director of Youth and young adults at Rising Star Baptist Church (Conroe, Texas), and Marketing Director for Gamma Phi Delta Christian Fraternity.ย B.A., Yale University.
Chas Walkerโฆโฆ.Union organizer for SEIU District 1199 (healthcare and social service workers).B.A., Brown University.
Daniel Weismanโฆโฆ.Artist manager at Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Jay Z with offices in New York and Los Angeles. B.A., Emory University.
Stephen Whiteโฆโฆ.Board member of Dubset Media Holdings. Formerly President of Gracenote, a digital media technology subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison.
James Williamsโฆโฆ.Fiber Supply Associate at International Paper. B.A., Brown University. M.S. in environment and resource policy at Tufts University.
Robert Wilsonโฆโฆ.Contracts specialist for the U.S. Air Force, Wright Patterson Air Force Base. B.S., Miami University. MBA, University of Phoenix.
Jeremiah Wiseโฆโฆ.Chief Financial Officer of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Formerly Director of New Airport Business Development, Indianapolis International Airport.ย B.A., Yale University. M.A., New York University.
Carter Woodruffโฆโฆ.Supervisor of Operations at Des Moines Water Works. Formerly Secretary/Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees of Iowa. B.A., Luther College.
Sean Yeager-Diamondโฆโฆ.Personal trainer, owner of Promethean Fitness.ย ย B.A. University of California at Santa Barbara.
Katie Zacarianโฆโฆ.Facebook Product Marketing Manager. B.A., Harvard University.
Performing Arts & Entertainment ย
Mame Adjeiโฆโฆ.Miss Maryland USA 2015. Double major in political science and African American Studies. She has modeled and worked in nonprofits. B.A., Virginia Commonwealth University.
Tatyana Ali…….Actress (โFresh Prince of Bel Air), model, R&B singer. B.A., Harvard University.
Michelle H. Andersonโฆโฆ.Singer and beauty contestant and consultant. Was Miss Delaware 1995. Has sung at pro sports events and at Harlemโs Apollo Theater.ย Active in civic and political groups. B.A., Duke University.
Gabrieโl J. Atchisonโฆโฆ.Choreographer, dancer, author. Established a production company.ย B.A., Brown University. Ph.D. in Womenโs Studies, Clark University.
Angela Bassettโฆโฆ.Actress. Winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in 1994 and an Oscar nominee for the movie โWhatโs Love Got To Do With It.โย B.A., Yale University. M.A., Drama, Yale University.
Ryan Michelle Batheโฆโฆ.Actress of stage, screen and TV. Appeared in โERโ, โBoston Legalโ, etc.ย B.A., Stanford University. MFA, New York University.
Kehli Faulkner Berryโฆโฆ.Dance instructor, founder of DIVA dance team in Compton, California. B.A., California State University at Dominguez Hills.
Rashida Bumbryโฆโฆ.Director of Artistic Affairs at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. B.A., Oberlin College, M.A., New York University (both degrees in African American Studies).
Andrew Caseโฆโฆ.Musician. Drummer with the 10-piece world beat Outer Circle Orchestra in Buffalo, New York. Day job is Physicianโs Assistant in orthopedic surgery.ย B.A., University of Buffalo. B.S., DโYouville College.
Julius Brewster-Cottonโฆโฆ.Professional dancer with the El Taller Coreografico in Mexico City, Mexico. Formerly with the Dayton (Ohio) Contemporary Dance Company. He was an Arts Commissioner for the city of Centerville, Ohio.ย B.A., Southern Methodist University.
Rody Chiongโฆโฆ.Actor and musician. Has appeared in Hollywood movies, plays, and accompanied Sania Twain and Celine Dion with his violin and fiddle.ย B.A., Indiana University.
Emelia Cowansโฆโฆ.Make-up artist, broadcast journalist, museum spokesperson. B.A., Indiana University.
Harlina Churn-Dialloโฆโฆ.Choreographer-Artistic Director. Founder and Director of Imani Dance Company. Winner of several regional awards.ย B.S., University of Louisville.
Yaya DaCostaโฆโฆ.Model-Actress. Appeared on the TV reality show โAmericaโs Next Top Model,โ winning second place, later picked to portray Whitney Houston in a biopic. B.A., Brown University.
Andre De Shieldsโฆโฆ.Actor, director, narrator, labor union activist, adjunct professor. Has appeared in a number of movies, television shows, and stage shows. He has won an Emmy and been nominated for a Tony Award. Has honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin. M.A., New York University.
Charles Dumasโฆโฆ.Actor, director, and theater professor at Penn State. Appeared in several popular Hollywood movies and is seen on such TV shows as โLaw & Order.โย B.A., State University of New York-New Platz. J.D., Yale University.
Sonja Eddyโฆโฆ.Actress who plays Epiphany Johnson on TVโs โGeneral Hospital,โ numerous other
TV roles, also roles in the musicals โInto the Woodsโ and โSouth Pacific.โ B.A., University of California at Davis.
Annjunae EllisโฆโฆActress (โRayโ, โFreedomlandโ, Undercover Brotherโ, et al.) B.A., Brown University.
Christina Elmoreโฆโฆ.Actress (โFruitvale Station,โ The Last Shipโ). B.A., Harvard University. M.F.A., American Conservatory Theater.
Stacy Eppsโฆโฆ.Singer-Attorney. Hip hop and jazz singer. Entertainment attorney at Epps Harrell LLC.ย B.A., University of Virginia. J.D., University of Southern California.
Pierce Freelonโฆโฆ.Jazz/hip hop historian, musician, band leader, college professor, and journalist. B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. M.A., Syracuse University.
Lafayette Gilchristโฆโฆ.Jazz Pianist. Has released four albums. Leads the band The New Volcanoes. B.A., University of Maryland.
LeShawn D. Holcombโฆโฆ.Education/Teaching Artist at the Actors Theatre of Louisville (KY). B.S., California State University at Fullerton.
B. J. Huntโฆโฆ.Comedian, middle school English teacher, founder of comedy theaters in New Orleans and Austin, Texas. B.A., Brown University.
Marsha Jackson-Randolphโฆโฆ.Show Director at Walt Disney World. B..A., Smith College (cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa).
Donald W. Kingโฆโฆ.Acting Director. Founder and Artistic/Executive Director of the Providence (RI) Black Repertory Company. Adjunct professor at Brown University. B.A., Brown University.
Yolanda Kingโฆโฆ.Actress-instructor. Daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. Taught theater at Fordham University and acted in stage productions across the country.ย B.A., Smith College.
Donald E. Lacy Jrโฆโฆ.Actor, comedian, director, talk show host. B.A., San Francisco State University.
Sanaa Lathanโฆโฆ.Award-winning Hollywood actress. Played the female lead role in the movie โOut of Timeโ (2003) starring Denzel Washington and has appeared in episodes of televisionโs โNip/Tuck.โย B.A., UC-Berkeley. M.A., Yale School of Drama.
Alphonso McAuleyโฆโฆ.Actor, appearing in movies TV and numerous commercials. B.A., California State University at Fullerton.
Leigh Morfootโฆโฆ.Film Production Company Co-founder. Produced two films pertaining to media and law.ย B.A., University of Virginia.
Pat Pattersonโฆโฆ.Miss Indiana 1971. Later known as the jazz recording artist Kellee Patterson. B.A., Indiana University.
Michael Peaceโฆโฆ.Christian rap artist with hit albums in the 1980s and 1990s, youth ministries director, president of Michael Peace and Associates. B.A., SUNY-Brockport.
Root Boy Slim (born Foster McKenzie III)โฆโฆ.Legendary alternative blues/rock band leader, founder of Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change Band popular on the East Coast in the late 1970s and early 1980s home-based in the Washington, DC area. B.A., Yale University
Ben SelkowโฆโฆAward-winning filmmaker (HBO, CNN, Weather Channel, Sundance Channel, etc.) B.A., Wesleyan University (with honors).
Drew Shoalsโฆโฆ.Jazz drummer. Award-winning drummer who has performed with top jazz artists.
Composes for the Drew Shoal Collective (CD release in 2007).ย B.A., Whitman College. J.D., University of Pennsylvania.
Kenny Sultanโฆโฆ.Bestselling author of blues guitar music books and instructional videos. B.A., University of California at Amherst.
Myra Lucretia Taylorโฆโฆ.Actress in productions on Broadway, Off Broadway, and for awhile performed with Britainโs Royal Shakespeare Company. B.A., Yale University.
Ryan Hope TravisโฆโฆArtistic Director of the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company, playwright, choreographer, and actor in regional theater. College instructor. B.A., Fort Valley State University, M.A., Syracuse University. M.F.A., University of Florida.
Melissa Walkerโฆโฆ.Professional jazz and pop singer. Sang at Lincoln Center under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, the Berlin Jazz Festival, etc. Four CD albums to her credit.ย B.A., Brown University.
Visual & Decorative Arts
M. K. Asante Jr.โฆโฆ.Filmmaker, author, poet, professor.ย B.A., Lafayette College. M.F.A., University of California at Los Angeles.
Brittany Ballardโฆโฆ.Independent film producer, writer, curator, and Director of Programming for the Urbanworld Film Festival. B,A., University of California at Santa Barbara.
Jim Barryโฆโฆ.Artist and art lecturer at the California Institute of Technology.ย B.A., University of California-Santa Barbara, 1986.
Jessica Bellamyโฆโฆ.Graphic Designer at GRID, a graphic design firm in Louisville, Kentucky. B.A., B.A. in drawing and B.F.A. in graphic design, all three degrees at University of Louisville.
Rod Brownโฆโฆ.Comic book artist and creator of Native Comics.ย B.A., Emory University. B.A., Art Institute of Atlanta.
Stanford W. Carpenterโฆโฆ.Comic book artist, anthropologist, professor. Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Institute of Comics Studies. B.A., Portland State University. Ph.D., Rice University.
Ava DuVernayโฆโฆ.Filmmaker. Director of the movie โSelmaโ (2015). Owner of The DuVernay Agency, a marketing and PR firm.ย B.A., UCLA.
Erik Fordโฆโฆ.Digital Director at Heavy Heavy, a web and logo design firm in San Antonio, Texas. B.A., Wesleyan University.
Joseph Geran Jrโฆโฆ.Sculptor, model-maker, jewelry designer and manufacturer. Also was Dean of Students at the Rhode Island School of Design. B.A., San Francisco State University.
Daisy Gilesโฆโฆ.Portrait painter, multimedia artist, creative consultant, writer. B.A., University of Minnesota.
Robert Henry Grahamโฆโฆ.Artist-educator. His paintings have been displayed in more than 70 solo exhibits since 1968. He was Professor of Art at Virginia Tech.ย M.A., University of Wisconsin. M.F.A., University of Wisconsin.
Sarah J. Gloverโฆโฆ.Award-winning photojournalist at the Philadelphia Inquirer and social media editor at NBC-10 in Philadelphia. President of Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. B.A., Syracuse University.
Thelma Goldenโฆโฆ.Art museum director. Director and Chief Curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem. She has contributed to books and articles on American art.ย B.A., Smith College.
Jean-Patrick Guichardโฆโฆ.African art marketing specialist, owner of Guichard Art Solutions. B.A., San Francisco State University.
Eugenie J. JooโฆโฆCurator. Director of Art and Cultural Programs at Instututo Inhotim in Brumadinho, Brazil. Formerly contemporary art curator at the New Museum in New York City. Winner of the 2006 Walter Hopp Award for Curatorial Achievement.ย B.A., Vassar College. Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley.
Isissa Komada-Johnโฆโฆ.Exhibition Director for the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts in Brooklyn New York. B.A., Brown University.
Dawit Lessanuโฆโฆ.Chief Architect and Director Research and Innovation at Associated Press.ย B.A., Rutgers University. B.S, in mechanical engineering, Rutgers University. MBA, University of Phoenix.
Aaron McGruderโฆโฆ.Creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip โThe Boondocks.โย B.A., University of Maryland.
Tchaiko Omawaleโฆโฆ.Filmmaker, producer-director, screenwriter. B.A., Columbia University.
Joel Plummerโฆโฆ.Sports photographer, owner of Plummer Media & Entertainment, LLC. B.A., Rutgers University.
Abdul Sharifโฆโฆ.Photographer, owner of Abdul Sharif Photography in Louisville, Kentucky. B.S., University of Louisville.
Myshell C. Tabuโฆโฆ.Graphic designer for the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, former owner of Myshell Tabu Designs, actress, dancer. B.A., California State University at Dominguez Hills.
Nadine Wassermanโฆโฆ.Curator, art critic. M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marco Williamsโฆโฆ.Documentary filmmaker. M.A. and M.F.A., UCLA.
Yacob Williamsโฆโฆ.Mural Artist. Paints in the Albany, New York neighborhood of Arbor Hill.ย B.A., SUNY-New Platz.
Brandon Wilsonโฆโฆ.Filmmaker, screenwriter, and high school teacher.ย B.A. and MFA, UCLA.
Literature, Poetry, Drama
Chimanmanda Ngozi Adicheโฆโฆ.Novelist, finalist for the 2014 National Book Award for Americanah (Alfred Knopf). M.A., Yale University.
Joshua Bennettโฆโฆ.Spoken word poet. He has performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center, Sundance Film Festival, NAACP Image Awards, etc. B.A., University of Pennsylvania (magnum cum laude). M.A., University of Warwick.
Michael Datcherโฆโฆ.Award-winning poet and journalist who has made numerous TV and radio appearances. Author of Raising Fences: A Black Manโs Love Story (2001).ย M.A., UC-Berkeley.
L. Divineโฆโฆ.Author of 15 popular novels, set in high school, aimed at black young adult (teenage) female readers. M.A. and M. Ed. at UCLA.
Danielle Evansโฆโฆ.Winner of the 2011 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for the short story collection Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self (Riverhead Books).
John G. Hallโฆ..Writer of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. B.A., University of Massachusetts at Boston. M.Ed., Converse College.
Katori Hallโฆโฆ.Multiple award-winning playwright (โThe Mountaintop,โ โHurt Village,โ et al.) B.A., Columbia University. M.F.A., Harvard University.
Suzette Harrisonโฆโฆ.Romance novelist.ย B.A., University of California-Santa Barbara.
Myesha Jenkinsโฆโฆ.Award-winning poet residing in Johannesburg, South Africa. Anti-apartheid activist and feminist. B.A., University of California at Riverside.
Bruce A. Jacobsโฆโฆ.Winner of the prestigious Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award, and author of the critically acclaimed nonfiction book Race Manners (1999).ย B.A., Harvard University.
Daniel Alexander Jonesโฆโฆ.Award-winning playwright, director, educator. B.A., Vassar College. M.A., Brown University.
Devorah Majorโฆโฆ.In 2002 she officially became the third Poet Laureate of San Francisco. She is also a trained actress, dancer, novelist, instructor, and editor.ย B.A., San Francisco State University.
Felicia Masonโฆโฆ.Author of 14 romance novels. Winner of Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur Best Contemporary Ethnic Novel Award.ย M.A., University of Maryland.
Ethelbert Millerโฆโฆ.Award-winning poet, editor, college administrator and founder of the D.C. Humanities Council.ย B.A., Howard University.
Gloria Naylorโฆโฆ.Novelist. Winner of the prestigious National Book Award in 1983 for The Women of Brewster Place (Viking Press). Guggenheim Fellow and Nationalย Endowment Fellow. She has taught at Penn, Cornell, and the University of Kent (England). Established her own multi-media production company.ย M.A., Yale University, 1983.
Jill Nelsonโฆโฆ.Novelist, freelance journalist and former staff writer at the Washington Post. Winner of the America Book Award for her memoir, Volunteer Slavery (1993). She is Professor of Journalism at the City College of New York.ย B.A., City College of New York. M.A., Columbia School of Journalism.
Sandra Jackson-Opokuโฆโฆ.Poet-Novelist. Also award-winning educator and travel journalist.ย B.A., University of Massachusetts.
Irene Smallsโฆโฆ.Award-winning author of 17 childrenโs books.ย B.A., Cornell University.
Natasha Tarpleyโฆโฆ.Award-winning author of books for children and adults.ย B.A., Harvard University.
Veona ThomasโฆโฆPlaywright, Executive Director of REJOTI Traveling Theatre Productions. B.A., Lehman College.
Linda Triceโฆโฆ.Childrenโs book author and book reviewer. Former elementary school teacher. Ph.D. in Black Studies, Union Institute and University.
Sports
Christopher Asherโฆโฆ.Head Coach of Track and Field at California State University at Los Angeles, assistant coach track coach at UCLA since 2012. B.A., California State University at Northridge.
Renee Bosticโฆโฆ.Athletic Director at Medgar Evers College. Formerly womenโs basketball head coach at West Virginia State University. B.A., College of the Holy Cross.
Ronnie Bowmanโฆโฆ.Athletic Director for Jefferson County Public Schools (Kentucky).
B.S. and M.S. in Pan-African Studies, University of Louisville. M.Ed., University of Louisville.
Shannon Boxxโฆโฆ.Olympic gold medalist, womenโs pro soccer star.ย B.A., University of Notre Dame.
Coretta Brownโฆโฆ.Womenโs Basketball Head Coach at Thomas University. B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Wiley Brownโฆโฆ.Head Basketball Coach at Indiana University-Southeast. B.A., University of Louisville.
Vince Carterโฆโฆ.Pro basketball superstar currently with the Memphis Grizzlies, formerly with theย Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and New Jersey Nets. .ย B.A, University of North Carolina.
Lewis Chitengwaโฆโฆ.Professional Golfer who, in 1993 became the first black African (Zimbabwean) to win the South African Amateur Championship. The Lewis Chitengwa Foundation and the $100,000 Canadian Golf Tourโs Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Championship was established in his honor after his untimely death at age 26 in 2001.ย B.A., University of Virginia.
Colin Coleโฆโฆ.Businessman and pro football player (defensive tackle for Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions), high school athletics consultant (CEO of The Cole Group, LLC). B.A., University of Iowa.
Edgar I. Farmer Jrโฆโฆ.Head Coach of the Womenโs Basketball team at Wofford College. B.A., University of North Carolina.
Dorothy Gatorsโฆโฆ.High school athletic director. As head coach of the girlโs basketball team at Marshall High Scholl in Chicago she has won 8 state championships and has over 900 career victories.ย M.A., Governorโs State University.
James โScottieโ Grahamโฆโฆ.Pro Football Player, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Arizona State University M.A., Ohio State University.
Monique Hennaganโฆโฆ.Sydney, Australia 2000 Olympic Games gold medalist in the 4×400 relay.ย B.A., University of North Carolina.
Adam Hutchinsonโฆโฆ.Head basketball coach at Washington and Lee University, formerly head basketball coach at Case Western Reserve University.ย B.A., Amherst College.
Allan W. Houston Jrโฆโฆ.Assistant General Manager for the New York Knicks. Former pro basketball star who played with the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks. 2000 Olympic gold medalist. B.A., University of Tennessee.
Antwan Jamisonโฆโฆ.Pro basketball star (Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, et al.), broadcaster (Time Warner Cable SportNet). B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Maya Lawrenceโฆโฆ.Bronze medalist in fencing in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. B.A., Princeton University. M..Ed., Columbia University.
Keisha D. Marvinโฆโฆ.Head Track Coach. San Gabriel Valley High School. Former UCLA All-American.ย B.A., UCLA.
Marty Mathisโฆโฆ.Head Coach and defensive coordinator of the Bethel College football team. B.A., University of Minnesota.
Jeff McInnisโฆโฆ.Coach and former pro basketball star. Coach of Team Charlotte. B.A., University of North Carolina.
Howard Mooreโฆโฆ.Head Basketball Coach at the University of Illinois at Chicago. B.A., University of Wisconsin.
Ibtihaj Muhammadโฆโฆ.Fencing champion.ย 2009 womenโs U.S. National Fencing Champion.
Gold medalist in the 2014 World Championship. B.A., Duke University.
Keiko Priceโฆโฆ.Associate Athletics Director at the University of Illinois. Was Academic All-American, PAC-10 100 meter freestyle swimming champion, and swim team captain at UCLA.ย B.A., University of California-Los Angeles.
Chris Reynoldsโฆโฆ.Deputy Director of Athletics & Recreation at Northwestern University. B.A., Indiana University.
Karen Rifeโฆโฆ.Womenโs lacrosse team head coach at Wagner College. B.A., Syracuse University.
Laurie Schillerโฆโฆ.Head Coach of the fencing team at Northwestern University. B.A., Rutgers University (Phi Beta Kappa).
Duer Sharpโฆโฆ.Commissioner, Southwestern Atlantic Conference (SAC). B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison. M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Tytianna Smithโฆโฆ.Childrenโs book author, illustrator, and owner of Honey Tree Publishing. B.S. and M.S., University of Louisville.
Jerry Stackhouseโฆโฆ.NBA-TV analyst and former basketball star with several pro basketball teams, including the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons.. . B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Amahl Thomasโฆโฆ.Head Football Coach at The Webb Schools (boarding school) football team in Claremont, California. B.A., University of California – Santa Barbara. Ph.D. in education at Claremont Graduate University.
Arlisa Williamsโฆโฆ.Head Coach of the Womenโs Volley team at Georgetown University. B.A., University of Wisconsin.
Education
Brad Allenโฆโฆ.Library Director at Lawrence (Kansas) Public Library. M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison. M.I.L.S. at the University of Illinois.
Daniel Altschulerโฆโฆ.Rhodes Scholar (2006). Studied at Oxford University.ย B.A., Amherst College. D.Phil. Oxford University.
Willie L. Baberโฆโฆ.Anthropology professor at the University of Florida. B.A., University of California at Davis. Ph.D. in cultural anthropology at Stanford University.
Ejima Baker-Moralesโฆโฆ.English Department Leader and AP English teacher at Williamsburg Charter High School. College music instructor. B.A., Barnard College. M.A. in musicology, CUNY-Graduate Center.
Jared Ballโฆโฆ.Communications Professor-Radio Host. Teaches at Morgan State University. Founder and host of FreeMix Radio. M.A., Cornell University. Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Maisha Batonโฆโฆ.Poet, historian, and lecturer at the University of New Mexico.ย B.S., University of Pittsburgh. Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh.
Ernest Bondโฆโฆ.Education Professor at Salisbury University, the Carnegie Foundationโs 2007 Maryland Professor of the Year. M.A., Ohio State University. Ph.D., Ohio State University.
Christopher A. Braceyโฆโฆ.Law professor at Washington University where he is also Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Has published in the Harvard Law Review, among others.ย B.S., University of North Carolina. J.D., Harvard University.
Rakim H. D. Brooksโฆโฆ.Rhodes Scholar (2009).ย Formerly Director of Communication for the New York City Council and policy advisor at the U.S. Treasury. B.A., Brown University. M.Phil., Oxford University. MBA, Yale University.
Rae Linda Brownโฆโฆ.Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Professor of Music at Loyola Marymount University. M.A. in African American Studies and Ph.D. in musicology, both from Yale University.
Errol T. Browneโฆโฆ.History professor at Bowie State University. B.A. and Ph.D. at UCLA.
Sean T. Buffingtonโฆโฆ.President and CEO of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia (enrollment 2,300).ย B.A., Harvard University. M.A., University of Michigan.
Jeffery Burginโฆโฆ.Associate Provost and Dean of Students at Belmont University. B.A., University of Cincinnati. Ed.D., University of Alabama.
Lawrence A. Burnleyโฆโฆ.Asst. V.P. for Intercultural Relations and history professor at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. B.A., University of Cincinnati. Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania.
David Cantonโฆโฆ.Chair of the History Department at Connecticut College. M.A., Ohio State University. Ph.D., Temple University.
Warren J. Carson Jrโฆโฆ.Chair of the Department of Languages, Literature, and Composition at the University of South Carolina. M.A., Atlanta University. Ph.D., University of South Carolina.
Christopher Carterโฆโฆ.Chair of the Department of Allied Health programs at Charter College. B.A., California State University at Long Beach. Ed.D., Argosy University Los Angeles.
Marquis Coatesโฆโฆ.Program Coordinator of Philadelphia Academies Inc. (PAI), managing a 5 member team that facilitates entry to college for high school students. B.A., Temple University. M.P.A., Villanova University.
Alexander Cocciaโฆโฆ.Rhodes Scholar (2014). B.A., University of Notre Dame.
Lisa M. Colemanโฆโฆ.Chief Diversity Officer at Harvard University. M.A., Ohio State University. Ph.D., American University.
Dale Colstonโฆโฆ.Principal librarian in the Business, Science, and Technology Center at the Newark Public Library.ย B.A.., Rutgers University. M.L.S., Rutgers University.
Toya CorbettโฆโฆCoordinator for the Office of Student Activities at Morgan State University. M.A. and Ph.D. in history at Morgan State University.
Jernaine Cruzโฆโฆ.Director of Admission at McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific. M.A., SUNY-Albany. J.D., Catholic University.
Sean Decaturโฆโฆ.President of Kenyon College. B.A., Swarthmore College. Ph.D. in biophysical chemistry, Stanford University.
Kelley F. Deetzโฆโฆ.History professor at the University of California at Berkeley. B.A., The College of William and Mary. Ph.D. in history, UC-Berkeley.
Tchet D. Dormanโฆโฆ.Director of the Center for Social Justice and Multicultural Education at Temple University. B.A., Oberlin College.
Kristie Dotsonโฆโฆ.Philosophy Professor. Michigan State University.ย B.A., Coe College. Ph.D., University of Memphis.
Michael Drakeโฆโฆ.President of Ohio State University, former Chancellor of the University of California at Irvine. B.A., Stanford University. M.D., University of California at San Francisco.
Marta J. Effinger-Crichlowโฆโฆ.Chair and Professor of Theater at New York City College of Technology.ย M.A., University of Pittsburgh. Ph.D. in theater, Northwestern University.
Cheryl Finleyโฆโฆ.Associate Professor of Art and African American Studies at Cornell University. Author of Harlem Guaranteed: The Photographic Legacy of James VanDerZee (2002).ย M.A. and Ph.D., Yale University.
Stacey M. Floyd-Thomasโฆโฆ.Associate Professor of Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University. B.A., Vassar College. Ph.D. in religion, Temple University.
Kaima L. Gloverโฆโฆ.French professor at Barnard College, regular contributor to New York Times Book Review. A., Harvard University. Ph.D. in French, Columbia University.
Jessica Grahamโฆโฆ.Assistant St of History at the University of California at San Diego.ย M.A., Cornell University. Ph.D. in history, University of Chicago.
Eric V. Gravenbergโฆ..Interim President of the College of Alameda. Currently Vice President of Students at Merritt College. B.A. and M.P.A. at California State University at Chico.
Derek M. Griffithโฆโฆ.Associate Professor of Medicine, Heath & Society at Vanderbilt University. B.A., University of Maryland. M.A., Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology, DePaul University.
Cheryl T. Grillsโฆโฆ.Associate Dean at Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and President of the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. B.A., Yale University. Ph.D., University of California-Los Angeles.
Tresmaine R. Grimesโฆโฆ.Ombudsman and former Vice President for Academic Affairs, Iona College ( New York). Founder/CEO of Sarahโs Daughters Ministries, Inc. B.A., Harvard University. Ph.D., Columbia University.
Rhiana Gunn-Wrightโฆโฆ.Rhodes Scholar (2013), Miriam K. Chamberlain fellow at the Institute for Womenโs Policy Researchers. B.A., Yale University.
Fredara M. Hadleyโฆโฆ.Jazz studies professor at Oberlin College and owner of Jooksi, a tour service focusing on the New York City black music scene. M.A., Clark Atlanta University. Ph.D. in ethnomusicology, Indiana University.
Valerie Harrisonโฆโฆ.Acting President of Lincoln University.ย Ph.D. in African-American Studies, Temple University. J.D., Villanova University.
Charlene Hayesโฆโฆ.Vice President of Human Relations and former Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at Johns Hopkins University.ย B.A., Cornell University. J.D., George Washington University.
Brittany Henryโฆโฆ.Academic Counselor at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara. M.Ed., California State University-Fullerton.
Tai C. Hinkinsโฆโฆ.Founding principal of Renaissance Charter School at Cypress in West Palm Beach, Florida. B.A., Oberlin College. M.S. in education, Barry University.
Jumoke Hinton Hodgeโฆโฆ.Education activist. Board Director of the Oakland (CA) Unified School District. Co-founder and director of the Parent Leadership and Engagement Academy Initiative (PLEA).ย B.A., Oberlin College.
Shannon T. Hodgeโฆโฆ.Executive Director of Options Public Charter School in Washington, DC. B.A., Harvard University. M.S.,Ed, Purdue University. J.D., Stanford University.
Mandy Hokeโฆโฆ.Policy Associate at the Southeast Center for teaching. Former school teacher. B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Endesha Ida Mae Hollandโฆโฆ.Was theater professor at the University of Southern California, award-winning playwright, and author of several books.ย B.A., University of Minnesota. Ph.D. in American Studies, U. of Minnesota.
Dwight Hopkinsโฆโฆ.Professor of Theology, University of Chicago. Ordained Baptist Minister. B.A., Harvard University. Ph.D., Union Theological Seminary. Ph.D., University of Cape Town.
Diane Hughesโฆโฆ.Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University.ย B.A., Williams College. Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Adrienne Israelโฆโฆ.Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Guilford College.ย M.A., Howard University, 1973. Ph.D. in History, Johns Hopkins University.
Genteen L. Jean-Michelโฆโฆ.Principal, Lee Academy Pilot School, an elementary school in Dorchester, Massachusetts.ย B.A. and M.Ed., University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Agatha Jeffersโฆโฆ.Accounting Professor at Montclair State University. Also Certified Public Accountant.ย B.S., Hunter College. Ph.D., Rutgers University.
Cedric Kwesi Johnsonโฆโฆ. Political Science Professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York.ย M.A., Ohio State University. Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Ollie A. Johnson IIIโฆโฆ.Political scientist at Wayne State University. Author of the book Brazilian Party Politics and the Coup of 1964 (University of Florida Press, 2001). B.A., Brown University. Ph.D., University of California at Berkeley.
Louis Jonesโฆโฆ.Field Archivist at the Walter P. Reuther Library. M.A., Cornell University. Ph.D. in American history, Wayne State University.
Peniel E. Josephโฆโฆ.Professor of History at Tufts University. Commentator on TV and radio. B.A., SUNY-Stony Brook. Ph.D., Temple University.
Chana Kai Leeโฆโฆ.Associate Professor of History at the University of Georgia. Her award winning book is For Freedomโs Sake: The Life of Fannie Lou Hamer (1999).ย B.A., University of California-Berkeley. Ph.D., UCLA.
Haipeng Liโฆโฆ.Head Librarian at Hong Kong Baptist University. Born in the Chinese Province of Jilin, he was previously a reference librarian at Oberlin College.ย M.A., University of Mississippi.
Naima Loweโฆโฆ.Media arts and film instructor at Evergreen Valley College. Filmmaker, and public intellectual.ย B.A., Brown University. M.F.A., Temple University.
Maria Martinโฆโฆ.Professor of Agricultural Economics and Assistant Dean at Purdue University. B.A., University of Nebraska. Ph.D. in agricultural economics at Kansas State University.
Dionne Mack-Harvinโฆโฆ.Library director, headed Brooklyn Public Library and El Paso Public Library. M.A., SUNY-Albany. M.L.S., SUNY-Albany.
Joy May-Harrisโฆโฆ.Principal of Alliance Skirball Middle School in Los Angeles. B.A., Florida A&M University. M.Ed., California State University at Northridge.
Darren Mooreโฆโฆ.Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Mercer University. B.A., University of Minnesota. Ph.D., Virginia Tech.
Kimberly G. Naoโฆโฆ.Santa Monica High School Social Outreach Specialist. B.A., UC-Berkeley. Ph.D. in education, UCLA.
Jennifer E. Obidahโฆโฆ.Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities and Education at the University of West Indies. Also, Director of the Education Evaluation Centre. M.A., Yale University. Ph.D. in education at UC-Berkeley.
Pamela B. Organistaโฆโฆ.Professor and Chair of Psychology at the University of San Francisco.ย B.A., Washington University. Ph.D., Arizona State University.
Shuron Owens-Lincolnโฆโฆ.School Director of Inglewood Elementary School (California). B.A., California State University at Long Beach.
Marc D. Perryโฆโฆ.Anthropology professor at Tulane University.ย B.A., Vassar College. Ph.D., University of Texas.
Deborah Petittoโฆโฆ.Principal and founder of The Arlington School in Birmingham. B.A., Boston University. M.Ed., University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Kimberly L. Phillipsโฆโฆ.Provost and Dean of Faculty at Mills College. Formerly a history professor at the College of William & Mary. Her award-winning book isย ย African American Migrants, Community, and Working-Class Activism in Cleveland (1999).ย M.A., Yale University. Ph.D., American Studies, Yale University.
Wendy Purifoyโฆโฆ.School reformer, President of Public Education Network. M.A., Boston University.
Jamar Rahmingโฆโฆ.Library Director, Del City Public Library in Oklahoma City.ย B.A., Northern Colorado University. M.L.S., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Michael Ralphโฆโฆ.Anthropologist. Associate Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology at New York University.ย B.A., Morris Brown College. Ph.D., University of Chicago.
Debra Ann Robersonโฆโฆ.College instructor, San Diego NAACP staffer, alumni association president. B.A., San Diego State University.
Besinia Rodriguezโฆโฆ.Associate Dean of the College at Brown University, Secretary of the Board of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University. B.A., Brown University. M.A. and Ph.D., Yale University (all degrees in African American Studies).
Clayton F. Rosatiโฆโฆ. Telecommunications professor at Bowling Green State University.ย B.A., Ph.D. Syracuse University.
JaDora F. Sailesโฆโฆ.Assistant Professor of Educational and School Psychology at Indiana State University. B.S., Eastern Illinois University. Ed, D, University of Indiana.
Wilfred D. Samuelsโฆโฆ.English/Ethnic Studies Professor at the University of Utah, President of the African American Literature and Culture Society. B.A., University of California at Riverside. Ph.D., University of Iowa.
Claudia V. Schraderโฆโฆ.Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provostย at Bronx Community College. B.A., Rutgers University. Ed.D., Columbia University.
Jabari Simamaโฆโฆ.President of Georgia Piedmont Technical University. Former Atlanta City Councilman, civil servant, and professor. M.A., Atlanta University. Ph.D. in American Studies, Emory University.
Saadi Simaweโฆโฆ.English Professor at Grinnell College.ย M.A., University of Iowa. Ph.D., University of Iowa.
Richard Smithโฆโฆ.Director of the Liberty Partnerships Program serving 5thย through 12th grade students in the Schenectady City School District (New York). M.A. in Africana Studies and Ph.D. in social welfare both at SUNY-Albany.
Evan Simpsonโฆโฆ.Head of Research and Instruction at Tisch Library, Tufts University. B.A., The College of Wooster. M.S., SUNY-Albany.
Maboula Soumahoroโฆโฆ.English professor at Columbia University.ย M.A., Universite Paris-XII Creteil. Ph.D., Universite Francois Rabelais de Tours.
Eric Thomasโฆโฆ.Mathematics teacher at Green Dot Public Schools in Los Angeles. B.A., San Diego University.
Stevie J. Swansonโฆโฆ.Law professor at the Western Michigan University.ย B.A., Yale University. J.D., University of Michigan.
Brian Taylorโฆโฆ.Executive Director of Teleos Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. Former pro basketball star. B.A., Princeton University.
Terry Thomasโฆโฆ.Middle school art teacher, founder of the award-winning African American Cultural Arts Organization in Florida. M.A., Clark Atlanta University.
Richard Brent Turnerโฆโฆ.Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Iowa.ย M.A., Boston University. Ph.D., Princeton University.
Ayana Williamsโฆโฆ.After school programs director at the African American Cultural Center in Buffalo, NY.ย Formerly dance Instructor, DreamYard Preparatory School (Bronx, NY).ย B.A., College of Wooster.
Sharon Williamsโฆโฆ.Director of College Counseling at Chatham Hall all-girl prep school in Virginia, formerly admissions staffer at Binghamton University and University of Rochester. B.A., University of Colorado.
Tara M. Watfordโฆโฆ.Director of Research and Evaluation at the Youth Policy Institute. B.A., Georgia State University. Ph.D. in education at UCLA.
Lori Woodall-Schauflerโฆโฆ.Theater Professor. Performs in plays, movies, and commercials in Wisconsin and California. Teaches at Concordia University.ย B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison. M.A., California Institute of the Arts.
George Yancyโฆโฆ.Philosophy professor at Duquesne University and author of numerous books and scholarly articles. M.A., New York University. Ph.D. in philosophy at Duquesne University.
News Media & Publishing
Janus Adamsโฆโฆ.Syndicated columnist, Emmy-winning news writer and talk show host on Connecticut television, author, and historian.ย M.A., Mills College.
Khalil Amaniโฆโฆ.Journalist, hip hop blogger, book author. B.A., University of Nebraska.
Stacey BarneyโฆโฆSenior Editor at Penguin Random House. B.A. Temple University. M.F.A., Emerson College.
Karen Grigsby Batesโฆโฆ.Journalist-novelist. She has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, People magazine, and the Los Angeles Times; made appearances on National Public Radio (NPR), ABCโs โNightlineโ and the โCBS Evening News.โย B.A., Wellesley College.
Tiffany Blackโฆโฆ.Head of Social Engagement and Content Network at Ebay. Former editorial producer for InStyle.com. At age 23, she was an online editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer.ย B.A., University of North Carolina.
James T. Campbellโฆโฆ.Editorial writer and reader representative for the Houston Chronicle. Former director of the Press Club of Houston.ย B.A., University of Houston.
Clay Caneโฆโฆ.Entertainment journalist and New York City radio show host. Has written for a number of high-profile magazines and has interview top entertainment celebrities.ย B.A., Rutgers University (Phi Beta Kappa).
Deborah โBig Redโ Cottonโฆโฆ.New Orleans journalist, blogger, videographer. B.A., San Francisco State University.
Pamela Edwards Christianiโฆโฆ.Magazine editor (beauty and style) for Essence and People. B.A., Vassar College.
Haven Daleyโฆโฆ.Video journalist for Associated Press. Former television anchorman on โNew 24โ in Houston Texas. He is a member of the Native American Journalists Association.ย B.A., Pennsylvania State University. M.A. in Broadcast Journalism, Northwestern U.
Erica Terry Derryckโฆโฆ.Communications Director and Chief of Staff for Oakland, California mayor, formerly an MTV segment producer and news reporter.ย B.A., Wesleyan University. M.A., University of California at Berkeley.
Christina Flowersโฆโฆ.TV news producer at WSMV in Nashville, Tennessee. B.A., Marquette University.
Douglas Flynnโฆโฆ.Sports reporter and broadcaster covering Boston hockey and football scene.ย B.A., Brown University.
Smokey D. Fontaineโฆโฆ.Chief Content Officer at Interactive One, an urban entertainment website. B.A., Wesleyan University.
Jessie Grahamโฆโฆ.Freelance print and radio journalist. Has worked for National Public Radio (NPR) and the New York Post.ย B.A., Wesleyan University.
Gaynor Hallโฆโฆ.Reporter for WGN Evening News (Chicago TV). B.A., Syracuse University (summa cum laude, double major AAF and broadcast journalism).
Selwyn S. Hindsโฆโฆ.Media producer and screenwriter. Former editor-in-chief of The Source, the leading hip hop magazine. He is also the author of two books.ย B.A., Princeton University.
Shani Jamilaโฆโฆ.Pacifica Radio talk show host-producer, writer. M.A., University of California at Los Angeles.
Aliya S. Kingโฆโฆ.Freelance writer and author of novels and biographies. Her articles have appeared in Vibe, The Source, Essence, Us Weekly, Black Enterprise, New Music Monthly, etc. Editorial positions at Billboard magazine and The Source.ย B.A., Rutgers University.
Meribah Knightโฆโฆ.Reporter for Chicago Business covering the economy, manufacturing, transportation, and labor.ย M.A., New York University. M.A. in journalism at Northwestern University.
Jean Libbyโฆโฆ.Publisher author, history instructor, owner of Allies of Freedom publishers.ย B.A., University of California at Berkeley. M.A., San Francisco State University.
Kim Meltonโฆโฆ.Communications director Stand For Children Oregon in the Portland, Oregon. For seven years was education and politics reporter for The Oregonian, the areaโs premier newspaper. B.A., Stanford University. M.A. in journalism, University of California at Berkeley.
Yvette Moyoโฆ….Publisher of South Shore Current Magazine (Chicago). B.A., Eastern Illinois University.
Chris Murrayโฆโฆ.Sports journalist (Baltimore Sun, Philadelphia Tribune, Washington Post, etc.). M.A., Temple University.
Sarah Rosenthalโฆโฆ.Assistant editor at Oxford University Press. B.A., Brown University.
Pearl Stewartโฆโฆ.Professor and founder of Black College Wire. In 1992 she became the first black female to become editor of a major daily newspaper, the Oakland Tribune.ย B.A., Howard University.
David Van Taylorโฆโฆ.Vice President of Lumiere Production Inc. Has written, directed, and edited highly acclaimed documentary films including the 1993 Emmy-nominated โDream Deceivers.โย B.A., Harvard University.
Jose Antonio Vargasโฆโฆ.Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, immigration reform and gay rights advocate, founder of the nonprofit Define America. B.A., San Francisco State University.
Hassan Wahabโฆโฆ.Managing Editor of Africa Today, a leading journal on contemporary Africa. M.A., University of Indiana
Brantley Watsonโฆโฆ.Sports writer for the Long Beach Register and sports editor for three Orange County, California newspapers (Huntington Beach Wave, The Current, and Fountain Valley View).
Japhet Weekโฆโฆ.Senior Producer at Al Jazeera Media Network. Former editor and freelance writer working in Shanghai, China.ย B.A., Brown University.
Bill Whitakerโฆโฆ.CBS news correspondent based in Los Angeles.ย ย M.A., Boston University.
Lloyd Kam Williamsโฆโฆ.Syndicated film and book critic.ย M.A., Brown University, MBA, University of Pennsylvania, J.D., Boston University.
Social & Community Services
Khafre K. Abifโฆโฆ.Founder and Executive Director of Cycle for Freedom, a nonprofit helping people to fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in African American and Latino communities. B.A. and M.I.L.S. at the University of Pittsburgh.
Melanie A.ย Adams…….Managing Director of the Missouri History Museum responsible for community education and events. B.A., University of Virginia. M.Ed., University of Vermont.
Margaret Q. Atkinsโฆโฆ.Director of NJ-Step, providing higher educational opportunities for prison inmates in New Jersey. B.A., University of Pennsylvania. M.S. in criminal justice policy at Rutgers University.
Peter Bouckaertโฆโฆ.Emergency director for Human Rights Watch investigating human rights abuses around the globe.ย B.A., University of California-Santa Barbara. J.D., Stanford University.
Markese BryantโฆโฆEnvironmentalist, founder of Fight for Light in Oakland, California. B.A., Morehouse College.
Anna Castroโฆโฆ.Communication Strategist, San Diego County American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). B.A., Amherst College.
Christine Colouroโฆโฆ.Founder and Chair of the board of Building Hope For Africa (BHA). B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara.
Monique Cook-BeyโฆโฆChief Program Officer with Chicago Youth Programs, Inc.ย B.S. and M.Ed., Eastern Illinois University.
Devon Counteeโฆโฆ.Field Manager/Community Organizer for Working America. B.A., William Paterson University.
Asa Craigโฆโฆ.Policy analyst for the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. B.A., Cornell University.
James Crowderโฆโฆ.Program officer at Philadelphia LISC, a community development organization. M.A., Columbia University.
Malika Z. Crutchfieldโฆโฆ.Case manager for La Raza Community Resource Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. M.A., University of California at Berkeley.
Morgan Davisonโฆโฆ.Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of United States Africa Sports and Education Foundation. B.A., San Francisco State University.
Wendy Dayโฆโฆ.Founder and CEO of Rap Coalition, aย nonprofit organization devoted to brokering fair deals for rap and hip hop artists. M.A., Temple University. MBA, McGill University.
Christopher Dobyns โฆโฆ.Rhodes Scholar (Cornell University). B.A., Cornell University.
Jonah M. Edelmanโฆโฆ.CEO and co-founder of Stand for Children, an education reform group. Son of Marian Wright Edelman of the Childrenโs Defense Fund, he graduated summa cum laude and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University.ย B.A., Yale University. Ph.D. in Politics, Oxford University.
Derrick C. Evansโฆโฆ.Community activist and professor. Founder and Executive Director of the Turkey Creek (Mississippi) Community Initiative formed after Hurricane Katrina. Teaches part-time at Boston College.ย B.A., MAT, Boston College.
Shaena Fazalโฆโฆ.National Policy Director for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. B.A., Miami University. J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Francesca P. Gamberโฆโฆ.Assistant to the Executive Director of the Greater Homewood Community Corporation in Baltimore, Maryland. B.A., Harvard University. Ph.D. in history, Southern Illinois University.
Viki Harrisonโฆโฆ.Executive Director of Common Cause New Mexico. B.A., University of New Mexico.
Calvin Holmesโฆโฆ.President of the Chicago Community Loan Fund.ย B.A., Northwestern University.
Jasper J. Huffmanโฆโฆ.CEO of Rochester Black United Fund (New York). B.A., University of Buffalo.
Antoinette M. Jacksonโฆโฆ.Habitat for Humanity Board Chairperson (Houston). Also attorney in the firm of Jones Walker focusing on real estate transactions. B.A., University of Virginia. J.D., Texas Southern University.
Eugene Jacksonโฆโฆ.Team member of the Reentry Network for Returning Citizens in East and Central Country (Contra Costa County, CA). Ordained minister. Spent 14 years in prison ministry. B.A., University of California at Berkeley.
Denalerie J. Johnson-Fanielโฆโฆ.President and CEO of Urban League of Morris County (NJ). B.A., Howard University. Ph.D., Capella University.
Katherine Kennedyโฆโฆ.Was Executive Director of the San Francisco office of the Summer Search Foundation which identifies at-risk youth and shows them a way to a better future.ย B.A., University of Pennsylvania.
Brian J. Kreiterโฆโฆ.Co-founder of the National Student Partnership. Winner of the Samuel S. Beard Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 or Under.ย B.A., Yale University. MBA, Harvard University.
Portia Allen-Kyleโฆโฆ.Member of the Board of Directors of the Urban Resource Institute which supports social services for the poor, disabled, and the addicted in New York City. B.A., Wellesley College. M.A., Columbia University (both degrees in African American Studies).
Justin D. Laingโฆโฆ.Senior Programย Officer at The Heinz Endowment in Pittsburgh, PA. B.A., University of Pittsburgh. Masterโs degree in public management, Carnegie Mellon University.
Maureen E. Leeโฆโฆ.Executive Director of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.ย M.A. in African American Studies and Ph.D. in humanities, both at Clark Atlanta University.
Stevon Lewisโฆโฆ.Licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles County. B.A., California State University at Fullerton. M.S. in counseling at Cal State-Long Beach.
Allen Lipscombโฆโฆ.Licensed social worker and adjunct college faculty member. B.A., University of California at Santa Barbara. M.S.W., University of Southern California.
Stacy Longโฆโฆ.Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. B.A., Vassar College. J.D., University of Wisconsin.
Wekesa Madzimoyoโฆโฆ.Community activist and organizer in Atlanta, co-director of the Aya Educational Institute, founder of Justice@Home combating homeowner scams and wealth transfer, and head of Uhuru Esusu, a home buying collective. B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Karena Malkoโฆโฆ.Coordinator for the Hudson County (New Jersey) Coalition for Drug-Free Communities. B.A., Columbia University.
Bil Mooney-McCoyโฆโฆ.Director of Safe Families for TechMission. Also professional musician. B.A., Brandeis University. M.A., New England Conservatory of Music.
Alysha McElroyโฆโฆ.Private Wealth Management Analyst at Goldman Sachs. B.A., Williams College.
Todd S. McFaddenโฆโฆ.President of the Association of Black Culture Centers. College administrator. B.A., Oberlin College. M.Ed., West Virginia University.
Michael P. McMillanโฆโฆ.President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. B.A., St. Louis University.
Sonja Okunโฆโฆ.Founder of exalt, a juvenile crime prevention agency in Brooklyn, NY.ย B.S., MBA, Harvard University.
Sanetta Pontonโฆโฆ.Managing Director of Academic Programs at Legal Outreach (New York). Homeless Advocate. Was Executive Director of SonRise House.ย B.A., Columbia University
Wendy D. Puriefoyโฆโฆ.President of the Public Education Network, the nation’s largest network of community-based school-reform organizations.ย M.A., Boston University.
Lincoln Restlerโฆโฆ.Managing Director of the New York Employment and Training Coalition, 50th State Assembly District Committeeman. B.A., Brown University.
Cory J. Rogersโฆโฆ.Rhodes Scholar (2012), adviser to Americans for Informed Democracy. B.A., University of Pittsburgh.
Pier Rogersโฆโฆ.Director of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management. M.A., Boston University. Ph.D. in organizational theory, New York University.
Sam Sachsโฆโฆ.Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Portland, Oregon, diversity instructor. B.A., Portland State University.
Zulayka Santiagoโฆโฆ.Executive Director of El Pueblo, a Latino advocacy organization in North Carolina. Currently an independent social entrepreneur. B.A., Barnard College.
Jennifer A. Scottโฆโฆ.Director of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, preserving the progressive social legacy of Jane Addams. M.A., UCLA. M.A. in anthropology at the University of Michigan.
Nikki Silvestriโฆโฆ.Environmentalist, President of Green For All. M.A., University of California at Los Angeles.
Elizabeth Siwo-Okundiโฆโฆ.Founder of Orphan Wisdom Inc., a non-profit organization that assists orphans in Kenya. B.A., Denison University. M.T., Harvard Divinity School.
Jaryd SpannโฆโฆBusiness coordinator for Moveable Feast, providing meals to Marylandโs poor. B.A. and M.A. both in Afro-American Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Jacci Thompson-Doddโฆโฆ.Founder and Chief Executive of WeSpeakLoudly, a womenโs health education and advocacy group in Seattle, Washington.ย M.A., Boston University.
David Walkerโฆโฆ.Executive Director of the Morristown Neighborhood House. Teaches program evaluation at Columbia Universityโs School of Social Work.ย B.A., Stanford University. J.D., Georgetown U. M.S.W., Columbia University.
Jason Walkerโฆโฆ.HIV/AIDS community organizer and housing coordinator for VOCAL-NY. B.S., University of Louisville.
Jason Warwinโฆโฆ.Co-founder and co-director of Brotherhood/Sisterhood Sol which counsels and teaches black and Latino adolescents in New York City.ย B.A., Brown University.
David Weinerโฆโฆ.Union leader, president of CWA Local 1081 (Greater New York City). B.S., Seton Hall University.
Tinnycua Williamsโฆโฆ.Director of Programs at Homes for the Homeless (New York City). B.A., Colgate University.
Heidi Williamsonโฆโฆ.Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress. B.A., Georgia State University.
Teddy Wrightโฆโฆ.Salvation Army/YMAC specialist, Seattle, Washington.ย B.A., Harvard University.
Religion
Nekeisha Alexis-Bakerโฆโฆ.Religion scholar-writer, speaker, co-founder of Jesus Radicals. B.A., New York University. M.A.T., Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Alise D. Barrymoreโฆโฆ.Co-Founder and Lead Pastor of The Emmaus Community a nondenominational Christian faith community. Was Dean of University Ministries and Campus Pastor at North Park University in Chicago. Winner of academic and preaching awards.ย B.A., Yale U. M.Div., McCormick Theological Seminary.
Joseph A. Brownโฆโฆ.Catholic Priest. Poet and author of books on religion who teaches at Southern Illinois University.ย M.A., Yale University. Ph.D., Yale University.
Chad Collinsโฆโฆ.Pastor of Valley View Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. B.A., University of Pittsburgh. M.Div., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Althea A. Drydenโฆโฆ.Marketing and Communications Associate in JustFaith Ministries providing social ministry programs to churches. Elder at Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ilana R. Fossโฆโฆ.Jewish Rabbiย at Temple Beth Emunah in Brockton, Massachusetts. B.A., Amherst College.
Janelle Hooperโฆโฆ.Lutheran Pastor. Pastor of St. Martin Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas. B.A., University of Texas-Austin. M.Div., Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Mustafaa Islamโฆโฆ.Imam, An-Nur Islamic Center in Springfield, Ohio.ย B.A., Brown University.
Wilma J. Johnsonโฆโฆ.Executive Director of Greater Love Inc., Christian Educational Institute. B.A., San Jose State University.
Yolanda D. Lehmanโฆโฆ.Pastor of the multi-ethnic Resurrection African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota.ย B.A., Wesleyan U. M.Div., Harvard School of Divinity.
Shaykh Suhail H. Mullaโฆโฆ.Resident Scholar at the Islamic Center of Orange County (California). B.A., California State University at Northridge.
Elizabeth Siwo-Okundiโฆโฆ.Pastor, scholar, author of Preaching as Godโs Transforming Justice: A Lectionary Commentary (Westminster John Knox Press). B.A., Denison University. M.Div., Boston University.
Alice C. PriceโฆโฆExecutive Pastor at Central Baptist Church in St. Louis. B.A., Carlton College. Ph.D. in American studies at St. Louis University.
Danny Pyonโฆโฆ.Ministry consultant. Youth group pastor at the First Korean Church of New Jersey. Founder of the nonprofit OURS, Inc. B.A., Brandeis University. M.Div. an doctorate, Westminster Theological Seminary.
Frank M. Reid IIIโฆโฆ.Senior Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baltimore. Prolific author, heard or radio and seen on television, and founder of Frank M. Reid Ministries.ย B.A., Yale University. D. Min., United Theological Seminary.
W. Franklyn Richardsonโฆโฆ.Senior Pastor of the 4000-member Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York. Chairman of the Board of National Action Network. M.Div., Yale U. D. Min., United Theological Seminary.
Paul T. Roberts Srโฆโฆ.President of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary. B.A., Princeton University. M.Div., Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary.
Stephen P. Samuelโฆโฆ.Pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia.ย B.A., Morehouse College. M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary.
Cheryl J. Sandersโฆโฆ.Professor of Christian Ethics at Howard University. Senior Pastor of Third Street Church of God in Washington, D.C.ย B.A., Swarthmore College. D.D., Harvard University.
Gary V. Simpsonโฆโฆ.Pastor of Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. Author of articles on religion. Phi Beta Kappa.ย B.A., Denison University. D.D., Union Theological Seminary.
Martin de Porres Smithโฆโฆ.Roman Catholic missionary, former campus minister at Morgan State University. B.A., Xavier University. M.S.W., Loyola University.
Lakeya Stewartโฆโฆ.Director of Spirituality/Chaplin at Signature Healthcare in Bluffton, Indiana. B.A., Berea College. M.Div. and D. Min. Lexington Theological Seminary.
Weldon G. Thomasโฆโฆ.Pastor of New Bethel CME Church in Rochester, New York. Former Presiding Elder of the New York-New England District of the Washington Region of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church.ย B.A., University of Maryland. J.D., Georgetown University.
Conrad Tillardโฆโฆ.Senior Pastor of Nazarene Congregational Church in Brooklyn, New York. B.A., University of Pennsylvania.
Richard Toliverโฆโฆ.Rector of St. Edmundโs Episcopal Church in Chicago, former Peace Corps administrator and university professor. Profiled in Ebony and Business Week.ย M.A., Boston University. Ph.D., Howard University.
Travell Travisโฆโฆ.President of National Youth for Christ (The Way of the Cross Church). B.A., University of Virginia (double major, history and AAS). J.D., Howard University.