Alpha Phi Alpha - Omicron Eta Lambda

I am currently a member of the Omicron Eta Lambda (OHL) chapter in Washington, DC. I'm also the treasurer of the OHL Education Foundation, which provides support for youth mentoring, health education, and scholarships for college tuition. I also serve as the chair 

of the audit committee of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Washington, DC (Divine 9).I'm married to my college sweetheart, Nneka. My wife is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Gamma - Spring 1996). She is actively involved in a regional chapter.I remain committed to upholding the aims and goals of this fraternity and will continue to serve the community in various endeavors. As we enter Black History Month in 2020, I would like all the members of the Divine 9 to remember our commitment to humanity, but especially to the African-American community.

Who are we to be silent and complacent in the darkest hour? Who are we not to lift as we climb? Who are we not to give honor to the Living God? Who are we not to march to stop bullying, discrimination, and violence in any form (race, creed, color, or sexual orientation)?I will continue to humble myself before God and to fight for the most vulnerable in our community...I will not stop fighting...And when hell freezes over...I will continue to fight on ice for all mankind!!!

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Brother KeShawn Harris is a Spring 2019 initiate and current member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington, D.C., and serves on the Voteless People is a Hopeless People Committee. He has been a public speaker, campaign manager, public relations and political advisor, and higher education professional.

 

Brother Harris was born and raised in Milledgeville, Georgia in a low-income neighborhood to a young mother worked during the day and went to school at night, wanting to provide a better life for herself and her son. Later on, he would realize it was his mother’s determination and strength that inspired him to work to make the lives of others better. He graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and The George Washington University in 2018 with a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management.

 

Brother Harris has always believed in fighting for the underprivileged and underserved in his community. While at Georgia Southern, he actively worked to fight for equality for LGBT students by passing a resolution directing the University to begin researching how to form a resource center to support these students. As a field director for the Georgia NAACP, he worked to educate and register to vote disadvantaged Georgians before the 2016 election. Since moving to Washington, D.C., Brother Harris has immersed himself within all 8 wards and currently serves at the Ward 4 Community Liaison in the Executive Office of D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser.  

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Harry W. Taylor - Initiated at Beta Omicron Chapter (BO-22-61Fa), Tennessee State University. He earned a Civil Engineering degree (B.S.) from Tennessee State University and a Masters in Engineering Administration from The George Washington University. He retired from the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation as Team Leader for Road Departure Safety.  He is married to Jannie (JP) Taylor and has one daughter, JoycelynHope Taylor, and one grandson, Jeffrey Kyle Taylor. In 1993, Brother Taylor received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Civil Engineering from Tennessee State University where he remains active with the Alumni Association. Brother Taylor remembers, “In 1985, I had been a member of Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Silver Spring. At the time, J.P. who is now my wife,was riding to work with Brother Eugene Thomas. In conversation, Gene told her he was leading an effort to start a new chapter in the District of Columbia with a number of like—minded Brothers. She informed him that I was a Brother and might be interested. Gene invited me to a Happy Hour at, I believe, The Ibex Club to meet the other interested Brothers and I liked the potential for progress and Brotherhood. I became involved”

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Dr. Derek E. Pierce was raised in San Antonio, Texas, to his parents Edward E. Pierce and Ceathrie A. Jones. Brother Pierce is a Spring 2018 initiate and current member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington, DC.  For two consecutive years, Brother Pierce has served as the Chapter's Recording and Corresponding Secretary and serves as a member of the Education, and a Voteless People is a Hopeless People committee. Brother Pierce received a bachelors' degree in Counseling and Psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2001, a Master's degree in Special Education from Abilene Christian University in 2011.  Recently, Brother Pierce completed his doctorate in educational leadership from Abilene Christian University.  

 

Brother Pierce continues to be a dedicated and committed educator to educational reform and equity for all students with varying disabilities.  His work experience has extended between PK3- high school students and local education agencies.  Among those years of experience, Brother Pierce taught three years as a music and performance director for a local public charter school; while servicing and focusing on students with disabilities.  With 21 years of continued and faithful service, Brother Pierce currently serves as the Compliance Inclusion Specialist at a local public charter school.  As their Compliance Inclusion Specialist, Brother Pierce supports all grade levels and the special education department lead that ensures the campus maintains all goals, objectives, promote parent-teacher collaboration, and a variety of other school-wide initiatives.  In 2014, Brother Pierce established a mentoring program that encourages young males scholars to make solid academic and behavior choices.  The mentoring program supports and works collaboratively with school leadership to consistently promote the school's three core values: Character, Excellence, and Service. 

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A native of Jeanerette, Louisiana, and a resident of Upper Marlboro, MD, Brother Jubria Lewis has been on the forefront of change and leadership since the young age of 13, empowering and mobilizing young people in the Acadiana region of Louisiana. Jubria Lewis is a graduate of Louisiana State University (LSU -Baton Rouge) with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts from Howard University in Educational Administration and Policy.

 

Upon graduation from LSU, Jubria decided to join the DC Region of Teach For America where he served as a 5th grade teacher at James G. Birney Elementary in SE Washington, DC and then Prince George’s County Public Schools as a Social Studies and College Summit educator at Surrattsville High School, where he was the recipient of the 2009 Capital Region College Summit Educator of the Year Award for doubling the college acceptance rate for SY 2008-2009.  Jubria’s impact extends beyond the doors of a school where he has served on several boards and continuing his public service through various organizations.  He served as the board’s Vice Chair of Capital Cause, Inc. and currently serves as a voting board member of The MySchoolDC Common Lottery, the governing body of the lottery system in which parents select public schools for their children in the District of Columbia. Additionally, Brother Lewis is a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA where he is a member of the HBCU Festival and the Career Development Committees.

 

Brother Jubria Lewis became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through the Nu Psi Chapter at Louisiana State University in April 2000 where he served as the Treasurer for his undergraduate chapter.  Within the same year, he rose to the position of Assistant District Director for the State of Louisiana, where he was awarded the A. Maceo Smith Award for his leadership. Brother Lewis currently serves as the Vice President of the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter and was recently awarded the Meritorious Award and the Ryle A. Bell Distinguished Service Award.

 

Currently, Brother Jubria Lewis serves as the Director of School Improvement for The SEED Foundation, the nation’s first and only college-prep network of public boarding schools for students grade 6-12 in DC, Maryland, Miami, and Los Angeles.  Prior to joining SEED, Dr. Lewis served for eight years as the Principal of Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School, a high performing PreK-8th grade day school in Washington, DC where the school gained Rising School Distinction by the Office of State Superintendent of Education for its increasing student performance, becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP World School, and AALE accredited all under his leadership.

 

 Jubria received his Doctor of Education degree at Howard University in Education Leadership and Policy Studies.  Jubria Lewis has recently completed the Urban Superintendent’s Academy, a partnership between Howard University and The Superintendent’s Association (AASA). He was awarded the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund 40 Under 40 Award in 2018.  He is married and the father of a high school junior daughter, Brianna Jordan Lewis.

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On Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2015, Brother Reverend Keithlyn Stephen Warner was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter. Since his induction Brother, Reverend Warner has served as the chapter’s Webmaster, Chaplain, Director of Education, Vice President and currently serves as Its President. In addition, at the regional level, Brother Warner serves as a chaplain to the MAAC.

 

In 1986, Brother Warner obtained his Bachelor of Science with a Pre-Med /  Computer Sciences emphasis of study from Howard University. While at Howard, Reverend Warner was an active participant in the West Indian community.  

 

In 2001, Reverend Warner graduated from Payne Theological Seminary, Columbus, Ohio where he completed his Master of Divinity, and was inducted into Who’s Who Amongst American Theological Education. While at Payne Seminary he served as the Computer Lab Technician and Youth Minister, in addition, Reverend Warner was elected to the Board of Trustees of Payne Theological Seminary serving as the President of the Student Government Association.

 

In 2012 while pursuing an Associates Degree in graphic arts at Montgomery college in Rockville, Maryland., he was inducted into the of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

 

In 2004,Brother Reverend Warner was ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Currently, Reverend Warner serves at St. Mark AME Church. He also serves as the Christian Education Director, teaches the noonday Bible study, as well as church school classes. In addition, Reverend Warner teaches graphic and media courses at Saint Mark.

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Brother Thomas L. Davis is a driven motivated man who believes that all opportunities are “limitless.” Brother Davis ventured to the DMV shortly after graduating from Ferrum College (2004). A Danville VA native, Brother Davis obtained his Masters of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology (2012) from Bowie State University, and obtained his licensure (2017 Licensed Professional Counselor) to begin providing counseling and therapeutic services for youth, young adults, and families. Brother Davis has worked in the mental health and education field for over 12 years, which afforded him the opportunity to recently establish his own counseling and mental health organization “Limitless Possibilities, LLC.” Brother Davis loves God, his family, friends, and Alpha. Brother Davis have received many honors, awards and recognition throughout this professional career. His easy-going spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand has afforded him many opportunities and open doors throughout his professional career and personal life. Brother Davis joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc in April of 2010. Brother Davis is a member of the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter, where he is actively involved having served in numerous positions from being chapter president, director of education, advisor to our college chapter (Nu Beta), numerous committee chairs (social, 30th chapter anniversary gala, community day, and membership).

Brother Davis have been awarded many chapter awards such as, Brother of the Year, Brother of Merit, Outstanding Achievement, and the Presidents Award. Brother Davis served as the Associate Area VI Director for the MAAC.

Currently Brother Davis is the Mid Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (MAAC) Area VI Director, and recently he was appointed by our General Headquarters office to serve on a national committee that focuses on reducing risks (Risk Management Education & Prevention) program. He is that sub-committee chair that focuses on youth engagement and mentoring programs.

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Brother Christopher D. Johnson—widely known as CJ in the Deaf community or Chris in the hearing world—was born in Carrollton, Georgia, the son of Donald and Emma Johnson and an older brother to Dr. Emmanuel Johnson. Johnson graduated with a degree in Sports Management from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. He recognized the unquenchable thirst for knowledge in discovering his identity, which led Chris to pursue his journey in the Deaf world. Mr. Johnson gained his first great sense of belonging, as a deaf male, through his employment experience at various deaf institutions in the south. During his time in Knoxville, Tennessee, CJ tirelessly advocated removing the school-to-prison pipeline in schools and preserving Black American Sign Language and its history with a true intention to develop future Black deaf trailblazers like him. 

 

In 2018, CJ received a can't-miss opportunity from Gallaudet University in Washington, District of Columbia as a Graduate Assistant and graduate student to study Sign Language Education. Eventually, he became a Spring 2019 initiate and a current member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated through Omicron Eta Lambda chapter in D.C. Chris' exemplary community advocacy and toughness of spirit is reflected through his servant, empirical, and organizational leadership; his purpose-driven and visionary leader with forward-influenced plans are not limited to 1) currently instructing at the University of Minnesota-Duluth; 2) serving on the University of Minnesota-Duluth Strategic Planning committee; 3) a founding member for the Cup of Wisdom Club at Tennessee School for the Deaf-Knoxville (from 2016-2018); 4) formerly served as a chairperson of Dr. Glenn B. Anderson Scholarship Program (from 2018 to 2020); 5) currently serving as a member of the Board of Advisors at the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University; 6) current serving as a board member for American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS), a National Organization serving American Sign Language K-12 and professors; 7) currently serving as an MNCDHH (Minnesota Commission for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing) Awards Committee member; and 7) currently in training to become a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). In closure, Mr. Johnson, the first Black deaf professor at the University of Minnesota, is currently providing workshop presentations for colleges, universities, and high schools—he may be reached through his website: www.johnson-christopher.com.

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Brother Paris McTizic is a Spring 2019 initiate of the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington, D.C. Paris is currently a staff sign language interpreter with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division. He is also a mentor to emerging sign language interpreters nationwide.

Brother McTizic hails from the sunny and vibrant South Florida area. Son of Alan McTizic and Indy McTizic, Paris was always taught the importance of doing good in the world and knowing that blessings will follow. As a proud lefty, Paris tapped into his creative side by engaging in marching band as a young man. His talents led him to Florida A&M University where he played 1st trumpet in the incomparable “Marching 100” band. Although his time at an HBCU was life-changing, Paris decided to make a career change in 2012 and move back home to pursue ASL interpreting at Miami-Dade College. Upon graduating with his A.S. degree, he recognized a desire to engage with a wider Deaf and interpreting community to foster his development as a practitioner thus making his way to Washington D.C. Paris obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Interpreting Program (2017) and Master of Arts in Interpreting (2020) from Gallaudet University; the only university in the world where American Sign Language and written English is used for instruction and by the college community.

Paris continues to be a servant for all by bridging the communication gap between Deaf and hearing communities here in the Washington metropolitan area. He enjoys interpreting at brotherhood events and hopes other brothers will find interest in learning American Sign Language as well. One of Paris’ goals is to become an educator within the interpreting field and soon establish his own business in consulting. 

 

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 Brother Jaurvon (Jay) Johnson is a CURRENT member of the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter. He was made in Omicron Lambda Alpha in April ‘77, and became a life member the following year.

Brother Johnson was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1941. There he attended public schools and, after graduation from high school, attended Howard University, where he received a B.S. in Chemistry.

As a premed student, Brother Johnson was expected to enroll in medical school. However, his dream of one day becoming a military pilot grew stronger during his years at Howard. Upon graduating 1964, Brother Johnson joined the U.S Navy as an Aviation Officer Candidate (AOC) in Pensacola, Florida. During his basic training he became a member of the boxing team, and never lost a match. Brother Johnson completed his basic training and was commissioned an Ensign in early 1965. Upon completion of his next phase of flying he received his “wings of gold”, and went on to finish advanced jet fighter training in the F4 Phantom.

During Brother Johnson’s seven years on active duty he was assigned to three aircraft carriers, including two deployments to the Vietnam combat zone. African American Naval aviators were extremely rare during that time (and has improved only minimally since then). He was the only minority in all of the air groups he flew with. Of the 6000+ aviators in the Navy at that time, less than 100 were African Americans. To the Navy’s credit they established a program to address the issue. It was called the Minority Officer Recruiting Effort (MORE) program. In between deployments Brother Johnson travelled to various colleges and universities throughout the country to meet with minority college seniors and assure them that the Navy had African American Naval aviators and that joining the Navy didn’t mean they had to be cooks or stewards, which many of them believed.

Brother Johnson left active duty after seven years and joined the Naval Air Reserves, becoming a weekend warrior and continued flying for the next 13 years. Most of his flying was conducted over the Atlantic Ocean seeking and tracking Soviet submarines. During his annual 2 weeks of active duty, he served at the Pentagon on the aviation promotion board for aviators, or at sea aboard aircraft carriers evaluating the proficiency of the F14 Tomcat pilots during the ship’s Initial Operational Readiness (IOR) evaluation. Brother Johnson retired from the Navy after 20 years with the rank of commander.

Brother Johnson joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the same time he joined the Naval Air Reserves. Starting out as a computer systems analyst he worked his way up to that of a program manager. As a PM he oversaw the design, development, testing, and deployments of major computer systems for air traffic controllers. He became an international certified Program Management Professional (PMP) and received several outstanding evaluations and bonuses for his work.

Brother Johnson always has a desire for community service, which is primarily why he was drawn to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has received numerous service awards and Brother of the Year for his efforts, He currently heads up the Food and Friends volunteers group, which prepares meals for diabetics and HIV patients. This is his seventh consecutive year at that position. He is also a board member on the Education Foundation, a position he’s held for six years. Outside of the fraternity Brother Johnson was a cofounder of a sickle cell anemia foundation in New Jersey to raise money to educate and treat those who were born with that disease (including some very close friends and a nephew). In addition, he helped establish a Boy Scout troop in the project he grew up in and served as its assistant scoutmaster. As a member of Kiwanis International he worked with incarcerated teens in order to lead them to a more positive way of living. Brother Johnson is also a key member of his church’s Health Ministry. Through his Red Cross certifications he provides emergency services to the 15,000 church members.

Brother Johnson’s love of flying is closely followed by his love of astronomy. He built his own observatory and for many years provided astronomical data to professional astronomers. He has been cited in professional periodicals for his contributions to telescopic variable star observations. Working with NASA he recently concluded data analysis of its Kepler Space Telescope (the search for exoplanets) and the search for near-earth asteroids and comets.

Brother Jay Johnson has been married to Norma Jeanne, a 50 year Golden Soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, for 42 years. He has 5 children, two of which are from a previous marriage, and 2 grandchildren. Totally retired from two careers, he now is enjoying world traveling.

Brother Johnson strives to maintain a balanced life. One of his favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein; “Science without religion is bland, religion without science is blind”.

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Brother Sherard Cooley enlisted in the United States Navy on July 7, 1999. He was stationed in Mayport, FL onboard USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD 981) after graduating from boot camp in Great Lakes, IL. After decommissioning the ship, he transferred to BEACHMASTER UNIT 2 in Little Creek, VA. Where he received early advancement to the paygrade E-5 within three years. Qualified as Communications Officer while working with the MSSG-26th MEU in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Joint Task Force Liberia. In May 2012 he was advanced to 1st Class Petty Officer, and received his 3rd Sailor of the Quarter at MSC HQ 8th in his military career, then received 2012 Shore Sailor of the Year. In 2016 he moved to DON/AA Publications Branch Management Leading Petty Officer where he performs various graphic projects for the SECNAV, CNO and Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Bro Cooley recently received his Masters of Art degree in Criminology as well as his Bachelors of Art degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University. Crossing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brother Cooley currently holds the position as Rules and Credential Committee chair for the Eastern Region, Ritual Committee and webmaster for the Mighty MAAC. Bro Cooley will be retiring with 20 years of Active service in the United States Navy in May.

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President Christopher Drayton is a Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. life member. Crossed in Spring 2012 at Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington, DC. Brother Drayton has fulfilled multiple roles in OHL. He has been the Chapter Historian, Director of Membership & Intake, Vice-President and currently President.

 

Drayton is the Director of Transportation & Logistics at Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC). He has been with the organization for 15 years and oversees the operation of the company’s 76 vehicle fleet. He is involved with an arranging transportation routes for the autistic individuals, to fleet purchasing, monitoring tracking systems and teaching the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving course. Brother Drayton was prior service military serving as a Combat Photographer in the United States Navy aboard the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 and the USS Ranger CV-61, was also a Counterintelligence Agent during his time in the United States Army (Res).

Christopher is founder and managing partner of Inner-AIM, LLC based in Washington, DC. He holds a B.S., Summa cum laude, University of the Potomac and is a Professional Life Coach certified through Work Life Destinations Academy.

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Brother Trey Maddox is a Spring 2019 initiate and current member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated through Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington, D.C.  He currently serves as the Chapter’s Co-Chair of the Fundraising and Audit Committees.

 

Brother Maddox was reared in Cordele, Georgia, under the guidance of Deacon James and Dr. Elizabeth Maddox.  As the son of a small business owner and educator, the importance of faith, discipline, work ethic, and education were instilled at a very young age.  After initially seeking to follow in his mother’s footsteps as an educator, Brother Maddox found his true calling in the field of business and finance.   He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University and an MBA from Walden University with a concentration in International Business. 

 

His love of finance and business operations has paid tremendous dividends over his 12-year career at Freddie Mac, headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Having the ability to play a role in providing liquidity, stability, and affordability in an evolving U.S housing market is extremely challenging, but also very rewarding.    Without a doubt, minority homeownership continues to lag.  As a result, we have to continue to develop programs, implement policies, and ensure there is equality for those who aspire to become homeowners.   

 

A member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, Brother Maddox is an avid traveler, who has been blessed to visit over 30 countries spanning across 6 continents.  

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Brother Charles Wesley James, III is a Fall 2004 initiate and current active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated through Xi Alpha Lambda (XAL) Chapter in Virginia. Shout out to my LBs, “Generations!” Charles is currently active with the Omicron Eta Lambda (OHL) Chapter in Washington, D.C. He serves as the chair of the Social Events & Training Development Committee and the creator of OHL’s “Frat Chat” training session(s). He also participates as a committee member supporting the Membership Committee and Constitution & Bylaws Committee.

Proud of his Asian Pacific (Samoan) and Africa American culture, Charles was born in Baltimore, Maryland and currently resides in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He is the proud son of Charles Wesley James Jr. and Minetta R. James. Brother James has three (3) siblings and spends a great deal of his time with his two (2) nieces Reagan and Milania.

Charles attended and graduated from the third oldest active public high school in the United States (est. 1839), Baltimore City College High School in 1996, where he played several sports including baseball (3rd baseman and catcher), tennis and started his love for golfing. Even though there was no golf team at his high school, Charles would participate and compete with the surrounding high schools and made a name for himself as an upcoming junior golfer. As an avid golfer, Charles competed in several junior golf tournaments and caught the eye of golf professional, Tim Sanders (deceased), the first African American PGA Golf Professional /Head Golf Pro at the Forest Part Municipal Golf Course in Baltimore, MD. Under the wings and tutelage of Mr. Sanders, Charles made a name for himself and won numerous tournaments within the state. Mr. Sanders also gave Charles his first job as a golf cart attendant at the age of 14. At the age of 15, he received a full scholarship named the Russ Menta Scholarship to attend a junior golf school at the renowned Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina. Charles attended the golf school trainings at Pinehurst Resort & CC and was asked to stay on staff during summers, while attending the historic black college & university Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Charles had the honor of meeting and playing with many of the golfing greats and legends to include Charles “Charlie” Sifford, Lee Elder, Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson, Fred Couples, Jim Dent, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Gary Player. Charles played four (4) years on HU’s traveling golf team and graduated in 2000 with a B.S. degree in Business Management. Charles also has two master’s degrees supporting his current career.

Charles’ golf and professional career continued at Pinehurst Resort and then with Hunt Valley Country Club in Hunt Valley Maryland. In 2002, Charles transitioned into the federal government, starting his career as a series 1102 contract specialist, intern for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Washington DC. He grew from a contract specialist to an unlimited warranted contracting officer, negotiating and signing contracts on behalf of the federal government. Charles has had the honor of working and representing some of the most visible and mission critical federal agencies as a Contracting Officer to include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), United States Secret Service (White House & Vice President’s Compound, Secret Service Agents and Uniformed Division), Acquisition Chief for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Policy Chief for the Food and Drug Administration, Deputy Director for the Small Business Office (HQ) within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and current duty position with U.S General Services Administration (GSA) as the Training Director/Coordinator within the Acquisition Office for Public Buildings Services (PBS), National Capital Region (NCR).

Charles is also a real estate agent in the state of Maryland and is currently practicing the skill(s) of “flipping” residential properties to soon establish an organization/company to teach young men and women the knowledge, skills and abilities to not only become a real estate developer, but the basics of becoming a homeowner. He plans to complete his first non-fictional novel by the fall of 2021.

Charles has traveled and lived across the country including Hawaii, Mexico, Colorado, North Carolina, Florida and Virginia and loves traveling to Africa and Italy when time permits. A member of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington, D.C, Brother Charles James loves to read, travel and mentor young men growing up in America today. His favorite bible verse says, “For everyone who exalts himself, God will humble thee, and he who humbles himself, God will exalt thee.” – Luke 14:11

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Brother Ray E. Spears is a retired federal executive with more than 36 years of varied managerial experience. A Texas native, Brother Spears is a 1971 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a BA degree in Government and is a 1974 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. Following completion of law school, Brother Spears left Texas and began his life-long career with the Federal Government by accepting a position as a General Attorney with the Office of General Counsel, Social Security Administration, Department of Health, Education and Welfare (DHEW). During the period August 1974 through February 1980, he held a number of legal positions within DHEW and its successor, the Department of Human Services, gaining experience in Medicare issues, Medicare cost recovery litigation, and Inspector General issues. In search of other opportunities for career growth and new challenges, he joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the Agency’s Claims Officer within the Office General Counsel in March 1980. While in the Office of General Counsel, Brother Spears held a number of managerial positions including: Assistant General Counsel, Claims and Property Law Branch; Associate General Counsel, Contracts, Claims and Property Law Division; and Associate General Counsel, Finance and Operations Law Office. It was in assuming this latter position that in 1995 he was appointed to the Senior Executive Service. In November of 1998, Brother Spears was appointed by the Administrator of EPA to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff within the Immediate Office of the Administrator. As Deputy Chief of Staff, he had broad responsibility for a range of Agency-wide issues as well as oversight of 10 Staff Offices and 4 Associate Administrator-level offices within the Office of the Administrator. Brother Spears held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff through the terms of 5 Administrators retiring in January 2011. Throughout his 36-year career, Brother Spears received numerous awards and recognitions for his managerial skills including the Agency’s Bronze and Silver medals; the General Counsel’s Award for Human Resources Management; and the General Counsel’s Award for Managerial Excellence. In 1999, Brother Spears was awarded the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive by President Clinton and in 2007, he was awarded the Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive by President Bush, the highest annual award for career SES members.

Brother Spears is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He pledged and crossed during the Spring 1971 with the Epsilon Iota Chapter at UT Austin. Upon relocating to the Baltimore area, Brother Spears was a member of the Delta Lambda Chapter until his relocation to Washington, DC. Brother Spears is a charter member of the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter where he is actively involved having served in numerous positions from President to Parliamentarian.

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Brother George L. Wimberly is the Director of Professional Development and Diversity Officer at the American Educational Research Association (AERA). He is also co-principal investigator of the AERA Grants Program, funded by the National Science Foundation and dedicated to the advanced statistical analysis of federally supported data resources. Prior to coming to AERA, Dr. Wimberly was Director of Research for the Montgomery County School System. He also worked earlier in his career at ACT in the Office of Policy Research where he used both administrative and designed data to address how students plan for postsecondary education and careers. In his current position, Wimberly develops and manages the AERA dissertation and postdoctoral fellowship programs, provides national exposure to these fellowship opportunities, and works directly with grantees and their institutions. Through his work in science education policy, he collaborates with associations and research societies to enhance diversity in the scientific workforce and in the research issues they pursue. Among his many policy reports and analyses, Wimberly is the editor and a co-author of LGBTQ Issues in Education: Advancing a Research Agenda, including the chapter on data infrastructure. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Bowie State University.

Wimberly was in initiated into the Omicron Eta Lambda (OHL) Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in spring 2008. He has shown commitment to the chapter and the fraternity by serving on several OHL committees and supporting national programs. Wimberly has served on the Board of The OHL Educational Foundation which has supported the charitable giving of the chapter including scholarships and educational initiatives aimed at developing young men. He also has served as associate editor to the Sphinx.

Wimberly earned his Ph.D. and A.M. in sociology from the University of Chicago where his research focused on African American students’ educational attainment. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross.

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Brother Bryan Hill is an elementary visual arts teacher in Charles County Maryland. He received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Virginia). He later went on to receive a Master of Science from Trinity College (Washington, DC) in Education Administration. Most recently he completed his Master’s degree in Art Education from The University of Florida where he documented the history of mural art in Washington, DC and created a resource guide for art educators throughout the Metropolitan area to assist them in including mural art as a viable component in their curriculum.

​He has taught visual arts for the past 20 years, 17 of them were with DC Public Schools in Washington, DC. While in DC Public School, he achieved the honor of Distinguished Teacher and in 2014 received the Mayors Art Award for Excellence in Teaching, the most prestigious honor conferred by the city on individual artists, teachers, nonprofit organizations and patrons of the arts. In 2015 he was award teacher of the year for the District of Columbia by the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he went on to represent DC at the National Level.

In addition to teaching he serves on the National Teacher Advisory Board for The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery he also serves as a National Spokesperson for The International Child Art Foundation (ICAF). His position on the board at NPG allows for developing strategies for working more effectively with other classroom teachers while also providing feedback on museum program development. The ICAF which fosters children’s creativity and develops their empathy. As a national spokesperson I have been given the charge to organize youth and children’s panels at significant conferences including the Arts Olympiad which is hosted in Washington, DC every four years.

Outside of the art world he is a college football official for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) where he has represented the conference in multiple post season games during his 14 year on-field career.

He was initiated in to the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon moving to the Washington area, he matriculated to the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter where he held numerous positions including Chapter President and was nominated for Brother of the Year in 2010. He currently resides in Waldorf, Maryland with his wife Charvonne.