00-NJ BIC Journal 2018 P5

48 STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT: How Environment Impacts Health

Fletcher Harper, an Episcopal priest, is Executive Rainforest Initiative, and co-founded Shine, a
Director of GreenFaith, an international interfaith faith-philanthropy-NGO campaign to end energy
environmental organization. He has developed a poverty with renewable energy by 2030. He
range of innovative programs to make GreenFaith helps lead GreenFaith’s new local organizing
a global leader in the religious-environmental initiative, creating multi-faith GreenFaith Circles
movement. in communities globally.

Panelist In the past four years, he coordinated the 2015 Fletcher accepted GreenFaith’s Many Faith’s,
OurVoices campaign, which mobilized religious One Earth Award from UN Secretary General
Rev. support globally for COP 21, led organizing of Ban Ki-moon in 2009 and was named an Ashoka
Fletcher Harper faith communities for the People’s Climate Fellow in 2011. He is the author of “GreenFaith:
Marches in NYC and Washington DC, helped lead Mobilizing God’s People to Protect the Earth”
Executive Director the faith-based fossil fuel divestment movement, (Abingdon Press, 2015).
GreenFaith, Inc. supported the launch of the global Interfaith

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT: Healthy Retirement Decisions: Making Greater Financial Security

Panelist India Hayes Larrier is the Associate State Director relations and consumer advocacy. She has held
of Advocacy for AARP New Jersey, working with public office in her home town of Maplewood, NJ,
India Hayes AARP staff and volunteers to create positive social where she also served as the President of the local
Larrier, MPH change and deliver value to AARP NJ’s 1.3 million Board of Health. At NJBIC she will discuss
members in the areas of health reform, retirement “Making Greater Financial Security in Retirement
AARP, NJ security, livable communities, and consumer and a Reality,” How can we make it easier for Americans
financial protections. to save so they can live the lives they want in
retirement? AARP presents an overview of legisla-
Before joining AARP, Ms. Larrier served as Health tion for a State sponsored workplace retirement
Care Organizer for New Jersey Citizen Action, a savings program (IRA) that can help workers in
statewide grassroots organization fighting for NJ save for retirement. Learn how NJ is set to help
social, racial and economic justice. Previously, today’s working seniors, along with our children
Ms. Larrier worked for over 20 years in the health and grandchildren save for a more secure future.
insurance industry in the areas of community

Panelist Lavelle Jones is the AARP New Jersey State Pres-
ident. In this role, she serves as the state's principal
Lavelle Jones volunteer spokesperson and represents 1.3
million New Jersey members. Ms. Jones is
AARP, NJ also Co-Chair of the AARP New Jersey Speakers
Bureau. Since retiring from an executive position
with the Colgate-Palmolive Company, Ms. Jones
has devoted her time to volunteerism. In addition
to her AARP work, she serves as the national
conference coordinator for the non-profit Network
for Public Education and serves on the board of
the Allen-Shaw foundation, a private children's
charity. Ms. Jones is a graduate of Wellesley
College and Seton Hall Law School.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 49 • Hot Topics Tract

PAGE 50

New Jersey
Black Issues Convention

36th Annual Black
Leadership Conference

October 4-5, 2018

Senator Troy Singleton

400 North Church Street
Suite 260

Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-234-2790

[email protected]

Paid for by EFO Troy Singleton for Senate
907 Morgan Ave Palmyra, NJ 08065

PAGE 51

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

HOT TOPICS: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

Moderator Rev. Ronald B. Tuff is currently serving as the Director of Energy
Services. Rev. Tuff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilber-
Rev. Ronald Tuff force University, as well as Master of Public Administration from
Fairleigh Dickinson University. He serves as associate pastor at
2nd Vice Chairman, First Bethel Baptist Church.
NJBIC, Inc.

Panelist The Reverend Charles Franklin Boyer is a third priority. He led and co-authored an A.M.E. strategic
generation African Methodist Episcopal pastor. response to mass incarceration entitled The Covenant
Rev. He has a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Project to Eradicate Mass Incarceration. He has
Charles F. Boyer Seminary and is currently pursuing his Doctorate offered testimony regarding solitary confinement
in Ministry from Payne under the mentorship of at the United States Senate and the New Jersey
Bethel AME Church, Bishop John R. Bryant, focusing on Liberation State Senate and has been on various panels with
Woodbury, NJ Theology and Prisoner Medical Rights Advocacy state and federal law makers concerning criminal
justice reform. He currently serves as Coordinator
Rev. Boyer began his ministry as the youth minister of the Covenant Project to Eradicate Mass Incarcer-
at Bethel AME Church in Paterson, NJ. He and ation (a joint project with the Social Action
his wife Rosalee successfully developed youth Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal
outreach ministries that ministered to hundreds Church and Payne & Turner Theological Seminaries).
of young people. Rev. Boyer was ordained an Rev. Boyer works with numerous organizations.
Itinerate Elder in 2013 and was appointed pastor He is currently leading a campaign in New Jersey
of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in to require racial impact statement legislation to
Woodbury, NJ in 2015. counter racial disparities in criminal justice laws
and practices. He has been recognized as a NAACP
A social justice advocate, Rev. Boyer is calling the Game Changer and ACLU Torch Bearer. He is
Black church back to its liberationist roots, particu- founder of Salvation and Social Justice, a coalition
larly regarding mass incarceration. He has helped seeking to bridge dialogue and strategy between
lead successful campaigns to have the A.M.E. Church religious leaders and civil rights organizations.
formally recognize mass incarceration as a major

Panelist Reverend Dr. Randall M. Lassiter is the senior pas- where he served from 2000 through 2012. A
tor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ graduate of East Stroudsburg University, he
Rev. Dr. Randall and executive assistant to the president of Passaic earned a Master of Administrative Science
M. Lassiter County Community College, Paterson, NJ. He also from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
serves as Spiritual Advisor for the Passaic County
Calvary Baptist Church, Sheriff’s Department. He is a lifetime member of Reverend Lassiter is the author of “You Are Not Your
Paterson, NJ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and is a mentor to Circumstances,” a self-help book. He is working
numerous high school and college students on his second book entitled, “If the Dream Is Big
throughout the State of New Jersey. He founded Enough, The Facts Don’t Matter,” strategies for
the B-Men Mentoring Program, one of the first working with youth to help them develop better
male support programs for elementary school-aged spiritual and cultural values. He and his wife,
boys in the northern New Jersey area. Reverend Reverend Krystal Faye Lassiter, are co-authoring a
Lassiter is the founder and former pastor of Greater self-help book for keeping covenant in marriage.
Faith Church of The Abundance, Paterson NJ,

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

52 STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

HOT TOPICS: What Do We Have to Lose?

what do we have to lose

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 53

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

HOT TOPICS: Police and Community Working Together: To Recognize and Prevent Threats in Our Community

Moderator Governor Phil Murphy appointed Theodore “Ted” role of Corporation Counsel for the City of
Stephens II to serve as the Acting Essex County East Orange.
Theodore N. Prosecutor. Mr. Stephens said. “I look forward
Stevens, Esq. to working with law enforcement and the commu- Mr. Stephens began his judicial career in 1994
nity to ensure that the vital mission of promoting when he was appointed a judge of the East
Essex County Prosecutor safety and justice in Essex County will be performed Orange Municipal Court. In 2004, he was then
in accordance with the highest standards of appointed to the bench of the City of Orange
integrity, excellence, and service.” Township Municipal Court.

Sworn in as the Essex County Surrogate in 2012, Mr. Stephens earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree
Mr. Stephens presided over the Essex County from Glassboro State College and a Juris Doctor
Court. Prior to becoming Essex County Surrogate, degree from Seton Hall University School of
he began his legal career as the Eastern Region Law. He is a lifelong resident of New Jersey.
Attorney for Unisys Corporation, followed by the

Panelist John T. Childress is the CEO and President of Chil- entrepreneur training program there to assist
dress Business Consulting. He is an experienced people starting their own business.
Joh%n% T.% Childress business leader who has excelled at both starting
businesses and working within existing businesses A Rutgers University graduate, Mr. Childress
President of Childress to help them grow. Mr. Childress began his career established Childress Business Consulting in
Business Consulting at age 20 by joining the Domino’s Pizza management 2002, to assist many small businesses and
training program. After being promoted to general non-profits increase their revenue and manage
manager, he built up his store sales to rank among their business. Over the years CBC has connected
the highest in per capita sales. As a result of this small businesses with over $3 million in new
achievement, he soon built and owned his own revenue and contracts.
store and in the process became one of the
first African American Franchisees in the Chosen by New York City Business Solutions,
4,000 store chain. he runs an entrepreneur program at the State
University of New York (SUNY) Global Center
In late 2005, Mr. Childress was selected as Execu- and has helped trained over 400 entrepreneurs.
tive Director of the African American Chamber He was recently chosen by Entrepreneur Works
of Commerce in Philadelphia. He helped increase of Philadelphia to run a similar program in
membership and is most proud of starting an Philadelphia.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PRAOOGTEED5IN4OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

HOT TOPICS: Impact of Media on Blacks in New Jersey

Moderator Michael Hill is an award-winning news anchor and Sen. Cory Booker’s forum on prison and mass
reporter whose roots run deep in the Garden State. incarceration reform to a standing-room-only
Michael Hill He reports on New Jersey’s law, leaders, and legacy. audience in East Orange, NJ.
In addition to his reporting duties for NJTV News,
Correspondent he has been a special correspondent to both local Mr. Hill also hosts “Newark Today,” a monthly radio
NJTVNEWS and national news programs on Thirteen/ WNET, show on WBGO 88.3FM, examining the issues
WLIW21, MSNBC and PBS. Mr. Hill contributed to important to New Jersey’s most populated city.
“America in Black and Blue: A PBS NewsHour
Weekend Special Report,” that examined the During his reporting career in several cities, Mr. Hill
relationship between police and the communities has covered some of the world’s most memorable
they serve and posited how to advance the discussion events over four decades.
to ease tensions and promote understanding.
A graduate of Barringer High School, Newark, NJ,
Mr. Hill is a sought after moderator for he was student council president, ran track, and
forums/panels and directs in-depth discussions also played on the state championship-winning
on critical issues such as poverty, housing and football team. (Go Blue Bears!) Barringer is where
New Jersey's Drug Addiction Crisis. He led U.S. his passion for investigation and storytelling were
channeled into broadcast journalism. Mr. Hill feels
that the truth is well worth the pursuit.

Al Thomas is a media visionary. He is the co-founder Mr. Thomas continues to extend his successes
of the South Jersey Journal, a monthly publication beyond publishing. He was a selected member of
which serves a culturally diverse footprint in the Wilt Chamberlain Stamp Committee, founder
Southern New Jersey. He currently operates of the Alice Coachman and Paul Roberson Field
as President & CEO of the newspaper. Day, member of the Mid-Atlantic Community
Publishers Association, National Newspapers
His distinguished career in publishing began Publishers Association, and Gloucester County
with his work as the associate publisher of Grio’ NAACP. He is currently a board member of the
magazine. Mr. Thomas then joined the Philadelphia Philadelphia Tribune Trust.
Tribune newspaper as Director of Marketing &
Panelist Advertising where he directed unmatched
success with local, regional, and national
Al Thomas business partnerships.

Publisher, South Jersey Journal

Panelist Adrian A. Council is the co-founder and publisher Advertising and Public Relations, to form The Positive
of The Positive Community, the only faith-based, Community Corporation in September 2000.
Adrian Council lifestyle magazine targeted to the African-American The Positive Community focuses on the community
market in the New York/New Jersey area. The building efforts of churches, small businesses,
Publisher, publication’s focus is “Good news from the corporations and institutions and the good work
The Positive Community Church and the Community.” and accomplishments of individuals, reflecting
the very best in the communities it serves.
Magazine A graduate of the State University of New York
at Brockport, Council, had a more than 25-year As co-chair of African Americans for Diabetes
career in broadcast sales and management. Awareness Committee (AADAC), a community-
He received his sales training at radio station based volunteer organization Council and his
WDKX – AM in Rochester, NY while he was still committee of volunteers were honored nationally
an undergraduate. Upon graduation Council took by the ADA for their outstanding efforts in
a position at Inner City Broadcasting Corporation promoting diabetes awareness in African
(WBLS/WLIB) where he developed a stellar r American communities.
eputation as a sales account executive, leading to
his selection as general sales manager in 1988. Council and his wife, Lynda, have been married
for 35 years. They have three children, Adrian Jr.,
Council partnered with Jean Nash Wells, veteran Stephen, and Lea. As a family, they are active in
media executive and CEO of Jean Wells Associates their church and community.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

PAGE 55

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

HOT TOPICS: Impact of Media on Blacks in New Jersey

Panelist Robert T. Pickett is an Attorney At Law with 33 A graduate of The University of Michigan Law
years of vast experience in complex litigation, both School, where he was national chairman of the
Bob Pickett civil and criminal, and is a former Judge in the National Black American Law Students Association,
Administrative Courts of New Jersey. He is an Mr. Pickett has over 40 published court opinions,
Co-Host -WBLS Open Line On-Air personality & co-Host for WBLS-FM’s both State and Federal. He is a member of numerous
Sunday morning public affairs program, OPEN legal professional organizations and practices in
LINE (10 A.M. to 12 noon). His program received federal circuit courts as well as the U.S. Supreme
the 1998 & 2002 New York Metro A.I.R. Award Court. He is a past president of the Garden State
for the “Best Public Affairs Program.” His talents Bar Association. He has been general counsel to the
include being executive producer & producer Newark, NJ Board of Education, an aide to U.S. Vice
of The Legend Music Series for KISS-FM and President Hubert Humphrey, and assistant counsel
producer for KISS-FM’s award-winning Soul for Education for NJ Governor James Florio.
Beginnings music series. He has received numerous
citations and awards, including the Garden State Mr. Pickett is the chairman and organizing founding
Association of Black Journalists award for the member of Black United Fund of New Jersey, now
Best Syndicated Show, “Visions of Black America,” called the African American Fund of New Jersey;
as producer and writer for the series

Born and raised in the city of Newark, Kaleena Currently, she is the Program Coordinator for
the Abbott Leadership Institute at Rutgers
graduated with honors from Arts High School, as University-Newark. ALI’s mission is to teach
education advocacy and family engagement skills
a Television Communications major. After being to parents, educators, community leaders and
students in Newark, NJ. She also serves as the
awarded a Presidential Scholarship to William advocacy coach for the institute’s Youth Media
Symposium, which develops youth leaders by
Paterson University, Kaleena earned a Bachelor’s inspiring Newark youth to use the power of their
voice and the media to advocate for better
degree in Communication in 2004, with a minor schools. In addition to these roles at Rutgers
University-Newark, Kaleena currently holds the
in African American & Caribbean Studies. She position of President for the Organization of
Black Faculty and Staff on the Newark campus.
served as President of her college’s chapter of

the National Association for the Advancement

Panelist of Colored People (NAACP), and founded the

Kaleena BerrymanHe i first culturally responsive campus monthly

al counsel to the Newark, NJ Board of Educatiopnu, blication, entitled UMOJA in 2007. In January

Abbott Leadership Institute, 2011, she earned a Master’s degree in Public
Youth Media Services Administration from Rutgers University-Newark.

Panelist

Andaiye Taylor

Host Brick City Live

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

PAGE 56

PAGE 57 tom giblin ad / LeClair Ryan

Karol Corbin Walker, Esq.

Past President, Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey
Past President, The National Conference of Bar Presidents
Past President, New Jersey State Bar Association
Past President, Garden State Bar Association

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PAGE 58• Color of Law:

58 ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

TOPIC FORUMS: The Color of Law: Housing Policies and Their Effect on Black New Jerseyans

Moderator George is a member of the NJSNAACP Executive NAACP for 10 years, George also served as the
Board serving on the Housing Committee, and on Civil Engagement\Political Action Chairman for
George Gore the Criminal Justice Committee. George serves the State NAACP multiple years under 3 different
on the Black Issues Convention Executive Board state presidents. George is an Ordained Minister
IBO Elks World as the Political Action\ Community Affairs Chair- and is a Chaplin for the New Jersey State Police.
man. George in his community service roles, is
serving has as a member of the City of Plainfield’s George is also currently a Radio Host for a Show
Human Relation Commission for 10 years and is called The Community View, on TAPON 1070 AM
now a consultant to the Commission. George WKMB, and on the net at Enjoyharvest.com.
serves as the Chairman of the Board of Director George the Grand Liaison Officer for Civil Liberties
of United Plainfield Housing Corporation a CDC. the I.B.P.O. Elks of the World (nationwide), the
George also served 10 years on the Plainfield Grand IT Director for the ELKS, and is the NJ State
YMCA Board of director, additionally he served as Director of the Civil Liberties Department for the
the President of the Plainfield Area Branch of the ELKS.

Panelist Benjie E. Wimberly, was elected Assemblyman of where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
the New Jersey 35th Legislative District in November He holds a certificate as a teacher of children with
Benjie Wimberly of 2011 and was recently re-elected November disabilities from William Paterson University.
2017 for his 4th Term. He currently serves on the He is the recreation coordinator for Paterson
New Jersey General Assembly Budget Committee, Chairman of the Public Schools and the head football coach for
Assembly, District 35 Housing & Community Development Committee Hackensack High School. He previously was head
and Transportation and Independent Authorities football coach at Paterson Catholic High School.
Committee, the Joint Committee on Housing
Affordability, the Joint Committee on the Public Mr. Wimberly is a life member of Omega Psi Phi
Schools and Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee Fraternity Inc., a member of the NAACP and Rev.
on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Frank Napier, Jr. Scholarship Committee, as well
Opportunity. Last Legislative Session, he served as many boards and commissions. Mr. Wimberly
as the Chairman of Commerce & Economic has collaborated with his civic organization, TEAM
Development Committee, Telecommunications & HOPE, council colleagues and community agencies
Utilities Committee, as the Vice Chairman and Vice to provide the following services: expungements
Chairman of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight seminars, tax appeal seminars, foreclosure
and Reform and Federal Relations Committee and workshops, go green initiatives, clothing drives,
the prior Sessions, Assembly Judiciary Committee dinner for the needy, toy drives, Project Graduation,
and Women & Children Committee. Thanksgiving turkey donations and community
clean ups, as well as the Jordan Cleaves
He is a 1989 graduate of Virginia State University, cholarship Fund.

Panelist Rev. Eric Dobson joined the Fair Share Housing working with diverse audiences and communities
Center as Staff Outreach Coordinator in 2012. and specializes in interfaith outreach. Rev. Dobson
Rev. Eric Dobson The mission of FSHC is to end discriminatory or is the Co-Founder of Open Communities LLC, a
exclusionary housing patterns which have deprived racial integration consultant firm that works to
Fair Share Housing Center the poor, particularly those presently living in inner resolve simple and complex conflicts of race,
cities, of the opportunity to reside in an environment ethnicity and socio- economics. He also founded
which offers safe, decent, and sanitary housing a non-profit, Planting Seeds of Hope, focused on
near employment and educational opportunities. youth development and education, and in 2008
served as the Pennsylvania Clergy Outreach
An ordained minister, Rev. Dobson is a community Director for the Obama Campaign.
organizer, an outreach specialist, and a social
entrepreneur. He holds a B.A. from Temple
University in Religion. He has extensive experience

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

PAGE 59• Color of Law:

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

TOPIC FORUMS: The Color of Law: Housing Policies and Their Effect on Black New Jerseyans

Panelists Dr. Gary Kirkwood, Sr. is the Founder and President through all that he does. His Vision is to help every
of Harvest Family World Outreach Ministries, Inc., individual & family continue to grow, increase in
Dr. Gary which is the parent company for several ministries awareness, and better themselves and their
Kirkwood, Sr. and businesses, all organized by Dr. Kirkwood. conditions.
He serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Family
Central Jersey Church, a “Multi-Cultural” Church in Plainfield, A business-savvy entrepreneur, well-established in
Clergy Association NJ, “Where Life Is God’s Gift, and Extraordinary the community, Dr. Kirkwood has served on various
Living Is Your Responsibility”. banking boards and worked with community devel-
opment and faith based organizations. He is presi-
Dr. Kirkwood has been in ministry for over 35 years dent and CEO of World Harvest Communications,
and many recognize and respect his calling as an Inc. and has over 30 years of media experience.
Apostle of Faith and Economics. His Mission is to In 2008 Dr. Kirkwood launched a network marketing
build a Global Ministry dedicated to improving the company; Reap Communications Unlimited, Inc.
quality of living for all people. His Purpose is to create to provide an economic system and plan to helping
products & services with like-minded people, who individuals and families become financially
have obtained like precious faith & a common independent.
purpose. Dr. Kirkwood values living & working in
a prosperous environment that encourages Dr. Kirkwood earned his Bachelor and Master’s
productivity and desires to improve the service degrees from Chesapeake Bible College and
rendered to families, churches, communities, Seminary and was awarded an honorary
and ultimately our nation so that God is glorified Doctorate in Christian Ministry from
Saint Thomas Christian College.

Panelist Panelist Panelists

William Collins Kyra Price Michael McNeil

National Association of Solutions to End Poverty Solutions to
Real Estate Brokers Soon, Lakewood, NJ End Poverty Soon

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

PAGE 60 • Color of Law:

49 ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

TOPIC FORUMS: The Color of Law: Housing Policies and Their Effect on Black New Jerseyans

Panelists As Senior Loan Officer at First Alliance Home in the state of New Jersey. She is certified by the
Mortgage and President, New Jersey Association Veterans Administration as a Preferred Lender. In
Maya Smith of Minority Real Estate Professionals (NAREB), her past employment, Ms. Smith was the top 15%
Ms. Smith has a wealth of expertise in business, producer at Countrywide during her first year
Recording Secretary investments, real estate, mortgages and banking. of employment, receiving the coveted 2007
NJBIC For the past 16 years, Mayarani Smith has focused Customer Service Satisfaction Award as well as
on assisting first-time homebuyers, investors, as certification as a Multicultural loan officer. At Wells
well as those with less than perfect credit. Her Fargo Home Mortgage, she was the Top 10%
business background of owning Mayarani Producer in the country during her first year and
Consultants Inc., a computer-consulting firm for a half of employment. She also received a
over 30 years, working in the investment banking Certificate of Professional Recognition in
Mergers & Acquisitions departments with Homebuying Education Training, as well as
Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, CS First Boston, Native Homebuyer Education Methods: Training
Merrill Lynch and Bear Stearns has aided her in the Trainer. Ms. Smith is an active member of the
providing excellent customer service to her clients Financial Ministry at the Greater Allen Cathedral
with a unique consultative approach to each client. Church in Jamaica, New York, is currently
She provides exceptional educational training president of the New Jersey Chapter of The
for homeownership by conducting first-time New Jersey Association of Minority Real Estate
homebuyer seminars held at adult education centers, Professionals (NJAMREP), and is the Immediate
through church ministries, colleges and other Past President of the New Jersey Women’s
community forums. She is also a certified Council of NAREB. She received a Community
credit consultant. Service Award from the IBPO Elks.

Extensive document signing experience led
Ms. Smith to become a part-time notary public

Panelis Donnell Williams, broker of record and owner of the New Jersey Association of Realtors; is a
Destiny Realty, headquartered in Morristown, New member of the Board of Adjustments for Morris
Donnell Williams Jersey with a branch office in Newark, serves as (NJ) Township, and the United Developers
the first vice president of the National Association Council. A licensed realtor since 1992, he earned
National Association of Real of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Destiny Realty is membership in the New Jersey Million Dollar Club
Estate Brokers one of the largest African American independently (1995-2000) and holds certifications as a residential
owned real estate brokerages in the State of New manager and housing counselor. He currently
Jersey. Mr. Williams has been actively involved serves as a Chairman of the Board of the New
in the trade association’s efforts to promote the Jersey Association of Minority Real Estate
meaningful exchange of ideas about the real Professionals.
estate business and how to best serve its clientele.
He also worked to create an environment to foster A resident of Morris Township, Mr. Williams’
creativity in the workplace and the marketplace as community and civic involvements include active
a goal for NAREB members. membership as Deputy Grand Master of Most
Worshipful Oriental Grand Lodge, serving on the
In addition to his professional commitment to Morris County Minority Concerns Advisory
NAREB, Mr. Williams holds membership in the Committee, and he is an NAACP Silver
North Central Jersey Association of Realtors and Level Lifetime member.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

61 STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

TOPIC FORUMS: Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline, while Building a Prison-to-School Pipeline

Andrea Mcris
P

PAGE 62

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

TOPIC FORUMS: The United Black Agenda Update

Jerome Harris is Chairman Emeritus of the NJ
Black Issues Convention. He is the Managing
Partner of the Harris Organization LLC, a firm
specializing in strategic planning and organization
development. He serves on the board of the NJ
Institute for Social Justice, the NJ Legislative
Black Caucus Foundation and the Shiloh
Community Development Corporation.

Moderator

Jerome Harris

Chairman Emeritus, NJBIC

Panelist James Johnson is a Senior Fellow at the Brennan Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern
Center for Justice. An attorney, political candidate, District of New York, where he rose to Deputy Chief
Jam! es Johnson, and former Clinton administration official, Mr. of the Criminal Division. Returning to private
Esq. Johnson is a former Chair of the Brennan Center practice, he was a partner at the law firm Debevoise
Board and a national leader on issues of justice & Plimpton. Most recently, he ran for the Democratic
Fellow at Brennan and democracy. In his prior years on the Brennan nomination in New Jersey’s 2017 gubernatorial
Center for Justice Center Board, Mr. Johnson partnered with staff on election.
several important initiatives, including expanding
the organization’s work on criminal justice reform. With Mr. Johnson’s energetic engagement, the
He combines high-level government service in Center’s initiative to end mass incarceration has
law enforcement, keen legal skill as a leader of become a national force for change. He also helped
one of New York’s top law firms, and a singular found the group Law Enforcement Leaders to
passion for justice. As a Senior Fellow, he contin- Reduce Crime and Incarceration. This Brennan
ues to write, speak, and passionately advance the Center project unites over 200 current and former
Center’s work in promoting a more just society. police chiefs, sheriffs, federal and state prosecutors,
and attorneys general from all 50 states as a
Earlier in his career, Mr. Johnson held several powerful new voice for criminal justice reform.
senior positions in the Department of the Treasury, Over his distinguished career, Johnson has also
including Under Secretary of the Treasury for been a leader on fair housing, the right to vote,
Enforcement. He also served the Department of community policing, and civil rights

Panelist Carolyn V. Chang is the past president of the Ms. Chang’s attitude for success is to never give
Association of Black Women Lawyers of New up. She lived that motto, going from an impoverished
Carolyn Chang, Esq. Jersey, an organization that mentors black females. childhood in Jamaica to law school and her long
She has been a member of the organization for career as an attorney. With proper mentoring,
Association of Black over 25 years, and it provides a valuable service she earned degree from Rutgers University and
Women Lawyers to anyone interested or starting out in the legal graduated from Rutgers Law School in Camden
profession. Ms. Chang noted all young lawyers in 1987. A counselor there mentored her.
need a mentor, someone who is willing to help
them in such areas as what to do and not do in Since 1991, Ms. Chang has had a family law
a courtroom, how to write briefs, or what ethical practice in Mount Holly, NJ. She handles all
standards to follow. She advises new lawyers types of family matters, including custody and
to understand that success does not happen guardianship. She also served on the Westampton
overnight, and that hard work, study and Township Committee for about six years and as
perseverance are required. mayor for a few years.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 4

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

TOPIC FORUMS: The United Black Agenda Update

Rev. Eric Dobson joined the Fair Share Housing Open Communities LLC, a racial integration

Center as Staff Outreach Coordinator in 2012. consultant firm that works to resolve simple and

The mission of FSHC is to end discriminatory complex conflicts of race, ethnicity and socio-

or exclusionary housing patterns which have economics. He also founded a non-profit,

deprived the poor, particularly those presently Planting Seeds of Hope, focused on youth

living in inner cities, of the opportunity to reside development and education, and in 2008 served

in an environment which offers safe, decent, as the Pennsylvania Clergy Outreach Director

and sanitary housing near employment and for the Obama Campaign.

Panelist educational opportunities.

Rev. An ordained minister, Rev. Dobson is a community
Eric Dobson organizer, an outreach specialist, and a social
entrepreneur. He holds a B.A. from Temple
University in Religion. He has extensive

Fair Share Housing experience working with diverse audiences
Center of New Jersey and communities and specializes in interfaith
outreach. Rev. Dobson is the Co-Founder of
( (( (

(

(

( ( (( (( ( ( ((
NJ Sena(tor R( ona( ld L. R(ice( is (an A(merica(n ( ( Sena( tor Rice received an A.S. from Essex County
Dem(ocratic Party( me(mbe(r, who has( served(in the ( C( ollege( in Police Science, a B.S. from John Jay
New Je( rsey St(ate S( ena( te si(n(ce 1986( , r(epresent(ing Coll(ege of Criminal Justice in Administration
the 2( 8th Legi(slative Dis( trict. Du(ring his( Senate ( and Pl(anning and an M.A. from Rutgers University

service( , Senato(r Rice (has held a va( riety( of ( in (Criminal Justice. He also took courses at the

differe(nt leadershi(p( ro(le(s in(cluding Ass(ociate( (Ru(tge(rs School of Law—Newark. He served in

Mino((rSity( Leader ((199(8-200(1), Assistan( t D( eputy ( the( Vie(tnam War in the U.S. Marines and

Mino(rity Leader ((1994-1997), a( n(d Assistan( t ( ( reach( ed the rank of Sergeant.

M(ajority Lead(er (1( 990-1(991). H(e is (th(e fo( urt(h-most( (

Panelist senior s( ena(tor in t(he state( . He co-cha( irs( the( ( ( ( (
Senator Joint Comm( itt(ee on Ec( onomic Jus(tice(and( Equa(l (
(Employment Opportunity, is vice-chair of the
Ronald L. Rice (commit(tee o( n Comm( un( ity (and U( rban( Affairs(, ((
( ( ( ( ( a( nd( is on th( e (Health, H( uman( S(ervices and Se(nior( (
1sBtlVacickeIsC(s(hu(((aeis(r,C(Noenwv(((eJnertiso(e( (ny ( Citize(ns( Commi(ttee as (we(ll as(on th( e Joint( ( (
Com( m( itte(es for Ho( usin( g(Affo( rda(bility an(d ( (
( the Public Schools. ((

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

Bob Hugin Will
Make New Jersey Proud

# EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Bob believes every American should have
equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream
free from any discrimination in employment,
housing, medical care, and education. Diversity
strengthens our society and discrimination
has no place at any level.

# BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY
# HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Born and raised in Union City, New Jersey, Bob Hugin
grew up in a diverse, hardworking neighborhood. He was

INSIDE BACK COVERthe first person in his family to attend college. After
graduation, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps
where he served as an active duty infantry o cer. Bob spent
the last 19 years as a leader and advocate for modernizing
healthcare, most recently as CEO of an innovative biotech

company and as a Trustee of a large hospital.
# QUALITY EDUCATION Bob has called on politicians in both parties
to stop the partisan finger-pointing and move

Bob is a product of Union City public schools. He believes the these important priorities forward. Bob will

path to real economic opportunity begins with a quality be New Jersey’s champion in Washington

education. New Jersey has some of the best schools in the fighting to make sure our federal tax dollars

nation, but still too many children are left behind. Bob knows are invested here to modernize our infrastructure,

that getting a quality education means starting o on the which will improve our economy, make our

right foot. That’s why he supports investment to make high- roads, bridges and tunnels safer, and create

quality preschool available to every child. well-paying, high-skill jobs.

/HuginForSenate
@BobHugin

www.BobHugin.com

Paid for by Bob Hugin for Senate, Inc.

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