Join us at the radio free KJLH Men’s Empowerment Summit presented by Delete the Divide.
Major annoucement! Author, Scholar, and Presidential Candidate Dr. Cornel West will join us as our 2023 Keynote Speaker!
Get there early! Breakfast starts at 8am and Dr. Cornel West hits the stage in the theater room at 9:30am. This event is free and open to the public. Stay for a day full of panels including mental health (get your head in the game, starring NBA superstar James Worthy) and Kevin Nash host’s a special panel called 50/50 love – where we celerbate strong marriages and power couples.
Plus a special appearance from Inglewood’s own D Smoke.
The Chicago School Men’s Summit: Mental Health Panel
Mental health services fail Black men in this country. There are many reasons, including cultural differences, socioeconomic issues and entrenched structural racism. The suicide rate for Black men is four times greater than for Black women. Anxiety and depression are increasing in our communities according to the Center for Disease Control. The pandemic and increasing social unrest and racial violence increased the levels of stress on all of us.
When we want help, we face the stigma surrounding mental illness. We don’t have the access to services that other communities do and, we must deal with predominantly white mental health professionals that may not understand how to help us. But, there are some answers and there is help. Join our panel of experts Psychotherapist Jarvis Sams and Aaron Jones, Psychologist Dr. TrayVonne McVay and moderator Dr. Curley Bonds, Chief Medical Officer for LA County Department of Mental Health.
Meet the Speakers
Special guest: James Worthy sports commentator, television host, analyst, and former professional basketball player.[1] Nicknamed “Big Game James”, he played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Worthy was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Team member who won three NBA championships and was voted the NBA Finals MVP in 1988. He was named to both the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
A standout college basketball player for the North Carolina Tar Heels, the small forward was a consensus first-team All-American and shared national player of the year honors en route to leading his team to the 1982 NCAA championship. Named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, he was selected by the Lakers with the first overall pick of the 1982 NBA draft.
Curley L. Bonds, M.D., oversees all clinical practices for the Los Angeles Country Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) in his role as Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Bonds is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with extensive experience in a variety of clinical, academic and research settings. Prior to his current position, he was the Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Charles R. Drew University School of Medicine in Los Angeles and the Medical Director for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. His areas of expertise include healthcare disparities, cross cultural psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and collaborative healthcare.
Dr. Bonds is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Fellow of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. He is a past president of the Southern California Psychiatric Society and the recipient of their 2018 Distinguished Service Award. He completed his B.A. in sociology at Emory University and earned his M.D. from Indiana University School of Medicine.
Aaron Jones, MFT has spent the last few years gaining invaluable experience in community mental health settings servicing a wide range of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and various presenting concerns. Some of those concerns include personality disorders, schizophrenia, depression, ADHD spectrum, anxiety, compulsive disorders, trauma and couples counseling.
Aaron Jones received his undergraduate degrees (BSc.) in Social Psychology and American Ethnic Studies from the Kansas State University in 2005. Aaron later went on to complete a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology—Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018.
TrayVonne Mcvay, Psy.D. is a graduate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a degree in Applied Clinical Psychology. Dr. Mcvay has completed his Master’s in Psychology and Bachelor’s in Sociology from Grand Canyon University after being in the mental health field for over ten years. Dr. Mcvay also completed a post–doctoral degree of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology. Dr. Mcvay is a Clinical Director and emphasizes raising awareness and providing psychoeducation. Dr. Mcvay has taught courses as a professor focusing on topics such as “Psychopathology of Adulthood,” “Family Therapy,” and Child & Adolescent Therapy.” In addition. He specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Applied Behavior Analysis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Jarvis Sams, AMFT is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, in Los Angeles, has been a practicing clinician on and off for the last 12 years, working in private practice settings, community mental health and was an Administrative/Adjunct Faculty member for 4 years at a local institution in Pasadena, CA. Jarvis found this career path through his own personal therapeutic journey, in which he realized the field was lacking in diversity. He hopes to serve clients from underrepresented and underserved communities and hopes they will see someone from their community and feel comfortable with starting their own therapeutic process. At the urging of his late mother, Jarvis and his wife started Reconnect Marriage and Family Counseling (a private practice) in July 2021 with the primary philosophy of working in communities that may lack access to therapeutic resources.
Power Couples
50/50 Love – hosted by Kevin Nash
12:15p-1:30p [Ballroom C]
Meet the Panel
Van and Aja began their life-changing adventure together 23 years ago. Two weeks into their romance, Van confidently proclaimed to Aja that she was destined to be his wife. Though taken aback and surprised by this pronouncement, Aja sought guidance from the Lord through prayer. That very night, she received a confirming dream, revealing that Van was indeed her future husband and God revealed many of the plans He had for their lives.
While Aja was finishing her final year of high school with her eyes set on attending the University of Southern California (USC), Van was at a community college, striving for a football scholarship. His hard work paid off, and two years later, God graced him to join Aja at USC, later to become a two-time national champion.
The couple formalized their union in 2003, and after Aja obtained her graduate degree, they celebrated their commitment in an intimate ceremony surrounded by loved ones in 2005. Baptized together in 2007, Van and Aja dedicated their lives to glorifying Jesus Christ. Aja advanced quickly in the field of government community development, while Van thrived in the energy sector.
Directed by divine intervention, God directed their paths back to Compton, where Aja’s family originated, to serve as youth pastors and contribute to local government. Several years later, God spoke to Aja again and shared His plans for her to become the next mayor of Compton, a decision Van wholeheartedly supported. Through unwavering faith and divine direction day-by-day, Aja secured a groundbreaking electoral victory in 2013. For the next eight years, the couple passionately served the Compton community, launching transformative initiatives that enriched the lives of its residents.
Best friends for 23 years, Van and Aja remain humbled and grateful for God’s amazing grace and mercy that has sustained their marriage with endless love, joy, laughter and many adventures. They expanded their family with the birth of their first daughter, J’ael, in 2018, and welcomed their second daughter, Sarai, in 2021. The family continues to reside in Compton, fulfilling God’s purpose for them through various professional and ministerial engagements across the globe.
Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer served as pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church for over 41 years. He is presently Senior Advisor on Community Reconciliation to the President of Biola University. He and his wife, Togetta (To-gotta) have been married for over 46 years. They are the parents of four children and six grandchildren.
Sports: Esports & Broadcasting
Meet the Panel
Nick Hamilton: 15 year media industry personality, Nick Hamilton is a dynamic media personality best known for his work on SIRIUSXM, NBC, AP, iHeartMedia, and BBC News. He has covered everything from CFB National Championships,NBA All-Star Games, NFL Super Bowls, NHL Stanley Cup Finals, ESPYs, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, The Oscars, D23, Film Premieres and more. He hosts a weekly radio show “The NH Experience” on SIRIUSXM 145. A member of AAFCA (African-American Film Critics Association), PFWA (Pro Football Writers Association). 2023 National Media Voter with the WNBA.
Rahshaun Haylock is a proud husband to Crystal and father to Summer. He currently serves as the play-by-play voice of the Los Angeles Sparks and South Bay Lakers. Additionally, Haylock is a sports reporter at KTLA. Prior to that he spent seven seasons as a sideline reporter and host for the CIF-Southern Section High School Football Game of the Week on the former FOX Sports West/Prime Ticket. He also spent time as a sideline reporter and play-by-play announcer for ESPN3 covering the Big West conference. Haylock’s initial on-air opportunities began at SportsNetUSA.net under the tutelage of Ed Ford and Hawthorne/Lawndale City Cable. He began his career working as a production assistant at KCBS/KCAL. The self-proclaimed foodie is always down for a good meal. He enjoys inspiring the youth. Haylock loves the Lord and serves on the Deacon Board at his church.
Derrin Horton has been covering professional and college sports for 35 years. He has written, hosted, anchored, reported, and called play-by-play for some of the largest Networks in America. It’s a career that has taken him to Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, The Stanley Cup Final and The NCAA Final 4. He’s covered legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Jim Brown, Muhammed Ali, Derek Jeter, Wayne Gretzky, and Tiger Woods among others. The Syracuse University Newhouse School Alum is also a professional voice-over actor who spent 10 years as one of the voices of NFL Films. For the last 25 years he has done most of this based here in Southern California, the last dozen years as the Main Sports Anchor at KTLA-TV.
The seven-time Emmy Award winner is also committed to giving back to his community in Los Angeles. From Coaches of Influence, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bridge South Bay, American Martyrs Church, Special Olympics Southern California and many other organizations, ministries, schools and churches, as well as his personal mentoring of student interns and aspiring media novices, Horton uses his platform to inspire, encourage, and share about the transformational power available to those who exercise their faith.
Kevin Buchmiller is currently serving as the Director of Esports at California State University, Dominguez Hills. At CSUDH, esports is a strategy, not an outcome. Kevin has been building a robust and well-rounded CSUDH Esports program that aims for student success. In Spring 2023, CSUDH officially opened their Toro Esports Academy, which is the esports lab space dedicated to gaming on campus.
Prior to CSUDH, Kevin served as an Operations Manager at the Esports Arena for the University of Arizona, where he oversaw all in-person operations and helped build their esports program, student gaming club, and campus community from the ground up. Kevin places a strong emphasis on the aspects of gaming beyond competition, such as career development, networking, and engagement. This is now his 8th year of experience in the esports and gaming industry, and he even played at a semi-professional level.
Kevin currently has a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Arizona, and is currently working towards a Master’s of Science in Management of Information Systems from the same school.
Sports: News and Entertainment
Meet the Panel
Timothy Parker has been in the Los Angeles market with Spectrum News 1 and Spectrum Sportsnet since January 2019. He’s been nominated for an Emmy for the coverage on the death of the late great Kobe Bryant.
He was the lead reporter covering the legacy of Nipsey Hussle following, his death. He has covered two Rams Super Bowl appearances, two Rose Bowls, and a host of postseason action of the Lakers, Dodgers, Chargers, LA Kings, and Clippers.
Before joining Spectrum News 1, Timothy graduated from Temple University and later served as a sports producer in Atlanta. Prior to that, he reported in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. While there, he covered the Philadelphia Eagles first Super Bowl championship.
For much of his career, Timothy worked behind the scenes, producing content for ESPN and NBC Sports Philadelphia, where he earned an Emmy for his work.
Evan Jackson is the CEO and Editor-In-Chief of the entertainment media news brand Young, Bold, and Regal. He curates culture through an intellectual /analytical lens. Being a freelance writer based in the Pasadena area of Southern California in 2013 he established Young, Bold, and Regal as an entertainment news outlet with an emphasis on highlighting Black women showcasing them in editorials, photo shoots, event write ups, and interviews. At Young, Bold, and Regal Evan Jackson has curated multi-media content to highlight artists, authors, actresses, creatives, filmmakers and much more. Through his experiences he had sharpened his skills as a professional writer of entertainment news, being an enthusiastic entertainment personality and produced many short form and long format content that has excited and educated his audience.
Kevin Buchmiller is currently serving as the Director of Esports at California State University, Dominguez Hills. At CSUDH, esports is a strategy, not an outcome. Kevin has been building a robust and well-rounded CSUDH Esports program that aims for student success. In Spring 2023, CSUDH officially opened their Toro Esports Academy, which is the esports lab space dedicated to gaming on campus.
Prior to CSUDH, Kevin served as an Operations Manager at the Esports Arena for the University of Arizona, where he oversaw all in-person operations and helped build their esports program, student gaming club, and campus community from the ground up. Kevin places a strong emphasis on the aspects of gaming beyond competition, such as career development, networking, and engagement. This is now his 8th year of experience in the esports and gaming industry, and he even played at a semi-professional level.
Kevin currently has a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Arizona, and is currently working towards a Master’s of Science in Management of Information Systems from the same school.
Bill Chang (Moderator)
Caring for Your Loved Ones
If you are taking care of a loved one and have questions about the best options for care, the right questions to ask, understanding Medicare, Medi-Cal and so much more, this session is for you. Learn about case management, assisted living waiver programs and enhanced care management. Discover available resources to save you time and money. When you leave this session, you will have necessary information and insight to make informed decisions confidently for your loved one.
Meet the Panel
Channon Watkins partners 18+ years of experience with her compassion for helping people to achieve extraordinary results. She is cognizant of the importance of learning and understanding the psychological aspects of aging within the parent and child relationship. To meet needs of her client’s psychosocial challenges that affect aging adults, Channon decided to pursue her second Master’s in Social Work and completed it in 2022. . Combining her experience, education and personal perspective, Channon is now offering her wisdom and guidance with consulting services. With her persistent motivation to empower minority communities, she is looking forward to continuing to service the LA county area while expanding to all of Southern California counties.
Bamba Ramos is the Business Developer, Marketing & Admission Coordinator of Westchester Villa since 2013, a facility that is Senior Retirement, Assisted Living and Memory Care. She has extensive experience in Health Care. She used to work as Social Worker in Skilled Nursing Home and Administrator of Board & Care.
Bamba advocates individuals and family members in transition of care to the appropriate medical & non-medical facilities. Her objective is assist & guide them in appropriate care, placement and connect with government programs that are available. Bamba is an active member of Los Angeles Residential Care Association (LARCA), Dept of Health Services – Enhanced Residential Care (DHS-ERC), program for the homeless and advisors to Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP) Coordinators.
Reparations Panel: We’re Coming to Get Our Check
Natalie Champion serves as the Project Manager at California Black Women’s Health Project forging partnerships and facilitating capacity building for Black-led initiatives, leadership and organizations throughout the state. She leverages her 17 years of professional experience in government, private and nonprofit sectors to inform and operationalize CABWHP maternal, mental and reproductive health work, civic engagement, advocacy and reparatory health justice.Legacy is a guiding value informing her role as a community leader serving as a board member for the L.A. REPAIR Advisory Committee and an alumnus of the Los Angeles African American Women Public Policy Institute. She earned her BA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Politics from Occidental College, graduating Cum Laude and with honors.
Marcus Champion is a native of Inglewood, CA, currently residing in South Central Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Occidental College in Los Angeles with a degree in Economics and a minor in Film. He has served the state of California and five other states as a Life Insurance Broker and Retirement Specialist since 2011.
As the co-founder of Championship Photography and Media, he oversees media services, with notable clients including the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, California Black Women’s Health Project, and The Center for Popular Democracy. He has been a champion for our youth and has worked in collaboration with LA Commons serving as Youth Mentor on public art projects including Fremont High School and King Drew Magnet High School. Marcus is a staunch reparations advocate and a founding member of The National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants Los Angeles (NAASD LA) and The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) where he serves on the Advisory Boards of both organizations.
Reverend Hozell Francis ll is a father of three, an entrepreneur, and a minister serving children, youth, and young adults in La Puente, CA. Rev. Hozell is a member of the board of the National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants (NAASD-LA) and a founding member of the National Coalition of Churches for Reparations (NCCFR). His wide variety of lived experience and desire to help people be uplifted have impacted individuals from all walks of life.
Chad Brown, a native of Jackson, MS, and an alumni of Tougaloo College in Mississippi, was mentored by former mayor of Atlanta, Maynard H. Jackson as a young adult. He is a Reparations activist, sits on the advisory board of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants Los Angeles (NAASD-LA) and is the Spokesperson for the National Organization. Chad is also a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), a statewide coalition dedicated to the mission of reparative justice for African-American Descendants of Persons Enslaved in the U.S.
Chris Lodgson is a lead organizer with CJEC, the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California, and ARCC, the American Redress Coalition of California, which are grassroots, California-based organizations working for Reparations and Reparative Justice for descendants of US Chattel Slavery living in California. CJEC is one of seven Community Organizations selected by the California Reparations Task Force to conduct community outreach and engagement for Reparations. CJEC helped write the final version and was instrumental in the passage of AB3121, the law that created California’s first-in-the-nation Reparations Task Force.
CJEC also recently celebrated the passage of SB 189 (Section 14) which, authored by CJEC, makes California the first state in the nation to require its agencies to collect data specifically for descendants of US Slavery, starting with state employees. Originally from New York City, now living in California, Chris has organized and advocated both independently, and with local community-based organizations, as well as with national nonprofit organizations, for over 13 years on both the East Coast and West Coast. In addition, Chris is also a political advocate for Sacramento Black-Owned businesses, as well as an entrepreneur who runs Sacramento County’s largest directory and digital marketing platform for local Black-Owned businesses.
Josiah Williams has a background in Business Management and Security Administration. Lead Organizer for American Redress Coalition of California (ARCC Bay Area). Founding member of Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC).
Kieran Smith is a technology executive with 15+ plus year experience in Data and Analytics, with deep roots in the Los Angeles technology community. He is a passionate advocate for expanding opportunity in technology to Black American Youth with his long time support for Black Girls Code and the Hidden Genius Project. He is also a staunch advocate for Reparations for African Americans who descend from persons enslaved in the US, and currently sits on the Advisory Board for the National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants – Los Angeles (NAASD-LA), and a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC). He believes through steadfast purpose, principle, and perseverance we can individually and collectively achieve the prosperity our country has and is meant to offer.Male-To-Male Mentoring Brings Brother Together to Serve
Marvin Espinoza is the Chief Operating Officer at the Girls Club of Los Angeles and adjunct faculty at East Los Angeles College. Mentoring has been instrumental to Marvin’s success, and he continues to pay it forward by mentoring others. Espinoza holds degrees from Los Angeles Southwest College and undergraduate and graduate degrees from California State University Dominguez Hills.
Espinoza is completing a doctoral degree at California State University-San Bernardino, focusing on males of color and their college transfer experience. He credits males in the community for providing guidance, discipline, and love for community service.
Marvin Espinoza has received commendations from the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles and the Community Leadership Award for his engagement and leadership in the lives of children, youth, and families.
Rudolph V. Richardson (Rudy) is a seasoned and dedicated human services professional. As an elementary school teacher in Compton, CA, in the late 70s and a youth development administrator in Clearwater, FL, more recently, Rudy brings a combined 29 years of experience in youth and early childhood development, intervention services, and curricula design in the non-profit sector to the Girls Club of Los Angeles. Rudy’s mother introduced him to the piano at the age of 11, and he found his passion.
For the last 30 years, Rudy has also enjoyed a professional career as a performer, songwriter, and composer. He also translates his love of music into arts education as an effective tool for strengthening youth development and the family unit. Rudy has found that integrating music education and mentoring is directly linked to self-awareness, self-efficacy, and academic improvement. Rudy obtained a Bachelor of Science in Youth Development and a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership at Springfield College. He is a trusted servant leader and loving father.
Christopher Thomas is the community outreach coordinator at Girls Club of Los Angeles and assistant to the Executive Director. He plays a critical role in ensuring our families receive food weekly. As part of our Youth Development Program, Christopher also works with youth as part of our Project LEAYD (Leaders Enriching Adolescent & Youth Development.
Before joining the Girls Club of Los Angeles, he worked at the Department of Rehabilitation and Los Angeles Southwest College in the Business Department as Assistant to the Business Department Chair. He also attended Los Angeles Southwest College in Computer Science. In his spare time, Christopher enjoys reading, the beach, and spending time with his children.