The Speakers

Antony E. Jackson Sr. is a respected social entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, and community leader based in Austin, Texas. He is the Founder and CEO of We Can Now (WCN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting people experiencing homelessness where they are and creating sustainable pathways forward through street outreach, housing diversion, prevention, and community-based support. Antony is from Rosewood, the first African American public housing projects in the country, and his leadership is deeply shaped by lived experience with homelessness—informing a people-centered, results-driven approach to service.

Under his leadership, We Can Now is the first Black-led organization to operate and climb the ranks within Austin’s homelessness sector, earning trust, credibility, and partnerships across grassroots, philanthropic, and governmental systems. WCN has housed hundreds of people, serves hundreds weekly through street outreach and wellness pantry services, and maintains strong partnerships with foundations, corporations, and local government. Antony is a sought-after speaker on homelessness, equity, and community-led solutions. He is married to Shakendra Jackson and is the proud father of four children, who inspire his commitment to legacy, service, and lasting community impact. 

Michael R. Lofton is a visionary leader, social justice advocate, and the founder of multiple transformational organizations that serve youth, families, and underserved communities across Central Texas. As Founder and CEO of the African American Youth Harvest Foundation (AAYHF), the African American Youth Resource Center (AAYRC), and the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center (HTRC), Lofton has spent over three decades working to break cycles of poverty, trauma, and inequality through a powerful model of community collaboration, culturally responsive programming, and direct, wraparound services.

The African American Youth Resource Center, launched in 2011, is one of Lofton’s most impactful initiatives. Located in Northeast Austin, it houses more than 32 Black and Brown-led nonprofit organizations under one roof, offering completely free services in mental health, food access, education, workforce development, housing, legal support, and more. Designed as a trusted “one-stop shop” for families in crisis or transition, the Center eliminates common barriers such as transportation, duplication of intake, and long waitlists. Individuals who walk through the doors are met with dignity and quickly connected to multiple life-changing resources—all in one place.

In 2023, Lofton launched the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center (HTRC), the first and only trauma recovery center in the State of Texas, and the only one in the nation to feature an Equine Horse Therapy Program. Designed to support survivors of violent crime, abuse, and mental health crises, HTRC provides culturally competent, holistic trauma recovery services. Although projected to serve 120 clients annually, the Center exceeded that goal within its first three months, demonstrating overwhelming community need and the effectiveness of Lofton’s healing-centered approach.

Lofton also partnered with community leader Mr. Larry Wallace Sr. to co-launch the Black Men’s Health Clinic; a groundbreaking initiative focused on eliminating health disparities, improving access to care, and saving lives in historically overlooked communities. This clinic provides primary and preventive care designed specifically for the cultural needs of Black men and their families.