Embedded Files
Special Guest for April 17, 2026
CHARLES SIMS, JR.
A proud native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Sims was born and raised in the city he would later serve and impact for decades. He attended Douglass High School and later graduated from Memphis State University, building the foundation of leadership and excellence that would define his life.
Mr. Sims began his career in the financial services industry in 1972 and went on to become a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, achieving numerous Top of the Table honors. He was a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), the Financial Planning Association (FPA), and was inducted into John Hancock’s Hall of Fame as the first African American to receive this
prestigious honor.
He was instrumental in establishing the Medicare Buyback Program with the City of Memphis and was engaged by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) to perform a defined Benefit Retirement Plan Analysis.
Shelby County Government also utilized The Sims Financial Group, Inc. as an employee benefits consultant, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted expert in the industry.
Mr. Sims was deeply committed to the Memphis community through both service and philanthropy, supporting organizations such as:
• The Christopher A. Pugh II Center
• The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee
• PURE Academy
• Youth Academy of Dreams, • The Arc Mid-South
• Links
• 100 Black Men
Professionally, he was known for mentoring and developing financial professionals,
helping to guide and elevate individuals within the financial services industry and
creating pathways for long-term success and economic empowerment.
His civic leadership was extensive:
• He was listed in Who’s Who in Finance and Industry
• Founding member of the Mid-South Society of the Financial Planning Association.
He is a dedicated member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 100 Black Men, and the NAACP. He served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Crescent Club of Memphis and Chairman of the Memphis Black Business Association.
Special Guest for February 10, 2026
DR. STEPHANIE RICKS
Dr. Stephanie brings nineteen years of experience in higher education, with a career defined by leadership, service, and impact. She has led institutional initiatives in enrollment management, graduate admissions, and financial aid, served as a university registrar, and held full-time faculty appointments as an assistant professor of mass communication. Across five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), she has mentored thousands of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students—helping them navigate academic requirements, choose aligned majors, and achieve their goals.
She applies that same leadership and clarity to real estate. Whether buying, selling, investing, or developing, Dr. Stephanie ensures her clients are informed, supported, and confident throughout the entire real estate process.
Dr. Stephanie is the Founder and CEO of Atlanta Black Business Week, LLC, an organization dedicated to fostering growth and sustainability within Atlanta’s Black business community. She holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University, a Master of Arts in Communication Arts with a concentration in Corporate Communication from Austin Peay State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and Theater with an emphasis in Mass Communication from Tennessee State University.
In addition, she is the host of the Wedlock Wisdom Podcast: Single Today, Married Tomorrow—Insights with Dr. Stephanie, a faith-based space offering grace and guidance for single women, and the author of Finding ME through Lupus and Prayers of a Single Woman. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter. Above all, Dr. Stephanie is most proud of her role as a mother to her son, Delton, who attends Tennessee State University on a track and field and cross country scholarship, majoring in architectural engineering with a minor in construction management.
Special Guest for February 3, 2026
DR. R. DAVIS DIXON
Dr. R. Davis Dixon is an assistant professor of developmental psychology at Howard University. Dr. Dixon’s research explores issues of belonging, identity, and culture across the lifespan. As the leader of the Belonging, Learning, Identity, and Culture lab, he has collected data with colleagues from partnering universities to examine the relationships between gender, cultural, and racial identities, as well as various psychological, educational, and relational outcomes. Dixon's passion is to do research that enhances the lived experiences of Black people across the lifespan.
While that has primarily fallen inside the educational arena, Dixon is poised to be nimble and engage in work that speaks to the current sociopolitical context. Thus, issues that are popular on Main Street will surely find themselves front and center in his lab's work.
Previously, Dr. Dixon was an assistant professor of developmental psychology at Hampton University. Before that, he served as a senior associate for P-12 research at the Education Trust, a nonprofit, education civil rights organization. In this role, Dr. Dixon conducted primary and secondary research to inform discussion and debate among education decision-makers at the national, state, and local levels.
Dr. Dixon completed his master’s and doctoral work in developmental psychology at Howard University and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from North Carolina Central University.
Special Guest for January 27, 2026
DR. LOUIS GUIDEN, JR
Dr. Louis Guiden Jr. is a leadership speaker, author, and mentor whose mission is to rebuild the blueprint for Black men and boys through truth, healing, and practical leadership development. With deep experience working alongside high-risk youth and justice-involved young men, he partners with schools, community organizations, and reentry-focused initiatives to deliver mentorship frameworks that are both culturally grounded and results driven. His work centers on helping young men move from survival thinking to purpose living developing identity, emotional resilience, decision-making skills, and long-term consistency.
As the author of Life on the Other Side, Dr. Guiden shares a powerful narrative of what it looks like to confront trauma, navigate the pressure of the system, and still become a man anchored in purpose. Whether he’s speaking to brothers in the community, justice involved individuals, coaching leaders, or mentoring young men on the edge, Dr. Guiden delivers a direct, hope-filled message: you are not your worst moment you are a man in motion.
VALARIE CAREY
Valarie Carey is a retired NYPD Police Sergeant, author, distinguished founding member and Co-Chairperson of Brooklyn CARES Mentoring Movement, esteemed Period Mentor, Workshop Facilitator, passionate activist and Founder and CEO of TOTM Time Of The Month LLC a menstrual wellness lifestyle company.
Valarie went from policing to periods when she created the brand and company TOTM which holds multiple trademarks and is currently servicing the Department of Corrections with pads for incarcerated women.
After facing unfathomable tragedy when her sister Miriam Carey was unjustifiably shot and killed by US Uniformed Secret Service Police and US Capitol Police, she joined the Say Her Name Mother’s Network and co-authored the book #SayHerName with Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw. Valarie stands at the forefront of the fight for justice and recognition for black women who were killed by the police, amplifying their voices and stories.
Valarie has a deep commitment to mentorship and social justice.
Valarie's workshops inspire participants to confront challenges with resilience and authenticity, encouraging them to embrace their potential and lead with courage. Her advocacy for menstrual equity and empowerment as a Period Mentor further exemplifies her commitment to uplifting others and creating lasting impact.
She is a member of the Brooklyn NAACP, a member of NOBLE National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and a lifetime member of the NYPD PEA Policewoman’s Endowment Association.
Valarie is a highly sought after international public speaker and has been featured on multiple media outlets. She has been presented with citations for her work in the field of menstrual wellness.
Valarie Carey's multifaceted contributions make her an invaluable asset to her organizational connections and community of Brooklyn.
Special Guest for October 24, 2025
ROMON MCCORD
Romon McCord is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Romon attended Georgia State University and later earned an MBA in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. Romon served his Country, having served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years as a Warranted Contracting Officer, having joined on September 1, 1989, and recently retiring on September 1, 2024.
In September 2015, he joined the General Service Administration (GSA), initially procuring Janitorial and Operation Maintenance services for Region 4. Romon has since worked with several other teams, most recently with the Strategic Program Support team, where he procured furniture and office space for various agencies. Currently, he procures deregulated electricity and natural gas for Government agencies around North America.
Romon is single, and has a 31-year-old daughter named Ashely who is a Federal employee with the FDIC in Alexandria, Virginia.
Special Guest for October 3, 2025
PRESIDENT
GEORGE T. FRENCH, JR.
In 2019, George T. French Jr. became the fifth president of Clark Atlanta University, the largest United Negro College Fund (UNCF) member institution in the country and the largest private HBCU within the state of Georgia.
Prior to his appointment, French served for 14 years as the president of Miles College, making him one of the longest serving university presidents in the nation. A nationally recognized leader and influencer in higher education and educational policy, French has served three secretaries of education under two United States presidents as a congressional appointee to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.
He is a three-term board member for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Chair of the Atlanta University Center (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Morehouse School of Medicine,) Council of Presidents; and chair of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC) Council of Presidents and member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) Board of Directors. French also has served as a member of the national diverse council of Regions Bank since 2011.
Education: University of Louisville, Miles Law School (J.D.), Jackson State University (Ph.D.)
Notable achievements: Under French’s leadership Clark Atlanta University has exponentially exceeded all fundraising records in the history of the university; maintained stable enrollment in the midst of global pandemic and developed corporate and community relationships to position the university for unprecedented growth.
His awards include Birmingham Spotlight Man of the Year, NAACP Man of the Year, and the Higher Education Leadership Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.
Special Guest for August 29, 2025
TRINA E. BRAXTON
Trina E. Braxton is no stranger to television. As a cast member and Executive Producer for Braxton Family Values, Trina has more than 120 episodes under her belt. Often portrayed on camera as the ‘life of the party,’ Trina is fun, full of energy and knows how to enjoy life. However, it is her success in business that truly causes her to stand out from her sisters.
With all her endeavors, Trina’s business portfolio is as eclectic as her taste in music. She is the owner of Soltri Entertainment, a full-service production company that produced her break out single “Party or Go Home,” and the popular Atlanta bar/restaurant, Bar Chix.
Trina has also developed a Bourbon line along with Local Choice Spirits Founder Paula Dezzutti Hewlette named after her restaurant, Bar Chixx, and much more.
Communications degree in tow, Trina also formally trained at Atlanta’s prestigious Nick Conte’s Professional Actors Studio. Trina has appeared in numerous big screen and television projects and independent films such as, TV Land’s sitcom “Soul Man” with Cedric the Entertainer and Neicy Nash, as well as Tyler Perry Studio’s “I Can Do Bad All by Myself,” and Tyler Perry’s hit play “Meet The Browns.”
Trina was a full-time co-host on “Sister Circle” and has guest co-hosted several popular shows such as “The Real,” “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” and “Dish Nation.”
Special Guest for September 19, 2025
DERRICK T. BOAZMAN
Derrick Boazman—native Atlantan, Atlanta City Councilman, journalist, and community organizer—has built a strong reputation for helping colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofit groups and individuals succeed. Actively involved in both community and politics, Mr. Boazman was elected to Atlanta City Council in 1997, and was re-elected for a second term in 2001. Mr. Boazman contends “education is an equalizer”, and serves as a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) officer at Price Middle School and a member of the PTA at Perkerson Elementary School. He is also active with the United Youth-Adult Conference.
Mr. Boazman is President and CEO of Global Leadership Solutions, Inc., which specializes in strategic planning and group facilitation activities. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Morris Brown College where he began his political career as Student Government Association President. Boazman is also certified through Midwest Academy to train-the-trainer in community leadership and organizational development skills. He has provided training for the Fanning Leadership Institute of the University of Georgia and at the Community Development Institute of Clark Atlanta University.
Most recently Mr. Boazman was selected as international observer by the New England Human Rights Organization to monitor the 2016 Presidential elections in Haiti. He was also awarded the 2016 Community Excellence Award by Rising in Community Excellence. Mr. Boazman was Empire Board of Realtors 2015 Man of the Year. In 2014 he was given the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Broadcasting by the National Newspaper Publisher Association. He has been founder and convenor for Let Us Make Man (LUMM), an annual community organizing event held in various locales throughout Georgia, since 2005. LUMM seeks to empower Black families and, specifically, Black males through its continuous year-round learning opportunities.
Mr. Boazman is an advocate for the inalienable rights of people of color and has appeared on CNN’s Talkback Live, ABC’s Nightline, Court TV, dozens of nationally syndicated radio programs, as well as being interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and the New Yorker Magazine. His understanding the breadth of issues led him to his own daily drive-time talk show, “Too Much Truth with Derrick Boazman”, which airs from 4-7pm Monday through Friday in Atlanta. As journalist and air personality, Boazman tackles subjects right at their core with his insight and that of interviewed scholars, politicians, entrepreneurs and community advocates.
Mr. Boazman is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and is active with the Prince Hall Affiliated Masons where he has attained the 33rd degree. Mr. Boazman is a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
Special Guests for August 1, 2025
DR. ROSLYN HARPER
Dr. Roslyn Harper is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is a proud member of the member of the
Class of 1964 of the historic Booker T. Washington High School. Dr. Harper is a member of the
Spelman Class of 1968, earned the Master of Social Work degree from the Atlanta University
Graduate School of Social Work and the Ph.D., in Social Work, Policy, Planning and
Administration, from Clark Atlanta University. From Spelman College Nursery School and
Oglethorpe Elementary to Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Harper is exceedingly proud of her
Atlanta University Center legacy.
Dr. Harper’s professional career included 10 years in direct services and social services
supervisor, 20 years in Federal service as a Civil Rights Officer, Regional Transportation
Representative and Community Planner. She retired after 15 service as faculty in the Whitney
M. Young, Jr., School of Social Work, Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Harper Served the School of
Social Work and its students as in several capacities including, Chair of the BSW and MSW
Programs, Director of the Title IV-E Program and Dissertation Committee Chair.
Dr. Harper is a 56-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a member of the 101
year-old Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, where she now serves as Immediate Past President. She
also serves on the Social Action/Political Awareness and Involvement Committee and several
others. She truly believes in the Shirley Chisholm quotes, “Service is the rent we pay for room
on this earth” and “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” and the
Barbara Jordan quote” The imperative is to define what is right and do it.”
Dr. Harper is a member of Paradise Missionary Baptist Church where she serves on the
Mothers Ministry, and the Paradise Community Development Center. She is also a member of
the National Council of Negro Women.
Dr. Harper is the oldest of four siblings, and the mother of one adult daughter.
DR. GARRICK WHITE
Dr. Garrick White is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Author, Consultant and Motivational Speaker with over 28 years of experience working with young people and their families. He is a native of Chicago where he grew up in the Cabrini Green Projects. Dr. White earned his Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Clark Atlanta University in 1994 and his Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996. He completed his PhD at Clark Atlanta University in July of 2009.
Dr. White has worked as a Program Specialist for the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He has also worked as a Senior Social Worker over a Residential Group Home facility with Families First, Inc. Currently, Dr. White works as a School Social Worker for the Atlanta Public Schools. He is also a member of the School Social Work Association of Georgia.
Dr. White is an active Life member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., having been instrumental in organizing and implementing programs and activities geared toward educating and empowering others. Through his active participation, he continues to impact the lives of individuals, families, youth and communities.
His work focuses on Youth Development and helping individuals and families overcome barriers to success.
DR. YOVANDA HORTON
Dr. Yovanda Horton, is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, having moved to Atlanta in 1989 to attend Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Horton became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Psi Chapter at Clark Atlanta and immediately began her leadership through service as the newly elected President of her chapter. She is a multi-generational Legacy Member as she received her Zeta light from her Mother, the late Elwanda Deason and her Sister, Phyllis Brooks. The Deason Zeta Legacy continued to her niece and several cousins throughout the country. Dr. Horton has served the organization as either an elected or appointed officer at every level of the sorority. Her Zeta accomplishments include:
-Elected to two terms as the Graduate to the National Executive Committee/National Executive
Board
-Southeastern Region Executive Board
-8th and youngest Georgia State Director
-Past Basileus of Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter
-Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter Hall of Fame Inductee
-Sigma Zeta Foundation Thousandaire
-Life Member
Professionally, Dr. Horton retired from Rockdale County Public Schools after a 30 year career in education. Over the years, Dr. Horton held the positions of Assistant Principal, Special Education Compliance Consultant, Teacher of the Year, Department Chairperson, Mentor, and and a host of other positions. Prior to her retirement, she served as the Site Director for the AVID Program at Peek’s Chapel Elementary School.
Horton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Behavior Disorders from
Clark Atlanta University, an Educational Specialist and Doctor of Educational Leadership from Argosy University/Sarasota, Florida.
Dr. Horton is the widow of Mr. Damon T. Horton, and is the very PROUD Mother of two amazing children, Kennedy a sophomore honor student at Clark Atlanta University and Damon C. Horton, a standout scholar athlete at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Gwinnett County.
Special Guests for July 25, 2025
DR. GERRY L. WHITE
Dr. Gerry L. White is an esteemed scholar and educator in social work, currently serving as Associate Professor at Clark Atlanta University, Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work. He holds a BA in Psychology from California State University at Hayward, a master’s degree in Social Work focusing on Children and Families, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University.
With over 31 years of experience, Dr. White has dedicated himself to designing, implementing, and evaluating family-focused programs. He spent twenty-three years at Families First, Georgia’s leading family service agency, emphasizing fatherhood promotion and healthy family dynamics.
As the owner of P.E.S., LLC (Evaluating Life), Dr. White provides counseling and psycho-educational services. Certified by the Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV), he also leads family violence intervention groups and provide counseling in anger management and conflict resolution across Georgia.
Dr. White's research focuses on father involvement and co-parenting within the African American community, areas where he has published extensively. A sought-after speaker, he has presented at prestigious conferences such as the National Association of Welfare Research and Statistics, National Association of Social Workers, Let Us Make Man, and the National of Black Social Workers.
During the pandemic, Dr. White engaged audiences through YouTube discussions on the impact of the pandemic on the family and community, social justice issues and related traumas. He currently conducts weekly 12-minute zoom prayer calls and various fatherhood workshops on the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences on fatherhood engagement, and emotional intelligence.
He holds a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the Alliance for Children and Families in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Active in professional organizations, Dr. White serves on the Board of the Black Man Lab and hold active memberships in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and he is a proud member of WC Thomas Lodge #112 where he has served as the Chaplain for nearly 14 years.
Dr. White celebrates 32 years of marriage to his college sweetheart Dr. Celeste M. White (37 years in total, and they are the proud parents of three accomplished daughters (Imani, Nia, and Jaya) who have achieved their higher education goals. His commitment to scholarship, teaching excellence, strengthening the Black Family, increasing father involvement, and community service reflects his dedication to promoting healthy family dynamics, particularly within African American communities.
DR. LAMAR J. WHITE
A native of Compton, CA, Dr. Lamar J. White has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Community Counseling/Education, both from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. Dr. White earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental Psychology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In July 2020, Dr. White received a Post Crisis Leadership certification from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, positioning himself and his team to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities during these unique times.
In May 2021, Dr, White received a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certification from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Dr. White’s career in Higher Education spans over a decade plus with experiences ranging from providing counseling, crisis intervention in urban cities, evaluation/research, teaching as a professor of Psychology, as well as higher education administration.
Dr. White has amassed experiences from Youth Family Services of Atlanta Georgia; Atlanta Public Schools; Miles College School of Education; Howard’s Trio-Program/Student Support Services; Howard University Capstone Educational Research Institute; Howard University Department of Residence Life as Interim Dean, and Morehouse College as Assistant Dean of Residence Education and Associate Dean of Housing. Dr. White has amassed experiences in higher education at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Clark Atlanta University, Denmark Technical College, Georgia Gwinnett College, Howard University, Miles College, and Morehouse College. Dr. Lamar J. White currently serves as Vice President for Student Affairs, where he leads all areas in Student Services including enrollment services, financial aid, residence life, student activities, student health services, and Upward Bound. Dr. White joined Midlands Technical College from Denmark Technical college where he served as Vice President of Student Affairs where he focuses on the holistic development of the students, through the promotion of an integrated living/learning experience by optimizing student opportunities to Promote Self-Discovery; Knowledge Obtainment; Personal and Professional Growth through active Student-Engagement.
Dr. White’s publications include “Communal and Individual Learning Contexts as They Relate to Mathematics Achievement Under Simulated Classroom Conditions”, in the Journal of Black Psychology as well as “Investigating the Impacts of Interpersonal Teaching Styles and Cultural Learning Context on Student-Engagement, Student Mattering, and Academic Performance Among African American College Students”.
Dr. White lives and survives by Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon formed against you shall prosper”.
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