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2021 Honorary Member Inductees
CONCLAVE 2021 Honorary Members
Honorary Membership has been a part of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity since the first four faculty members were invited to join at Howard University in 1914. Over the years the fraternity has welcomed into the Brotherhood, some of the nation’s most esteemed and revered leaders from around the world. This year, three stellar role models accepted the invitation to join the ranks of Sigma Men.
JOHN HOPE BRYANT
An American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and prominent thought leader on economic empowerment and financial dignity, John Hope Bryant, born on February 6, 1966, in Los Angeles California, learned his lessons on money early in life. He recognized that if you don’t understand money, you’re essentially enslaved, and that being part of a capitalist system and not knowing the rules, or how things work, means that you aren’t included.
An entrepreneur from childhood, Bryant’s awakening was triggered by the visit of a well-dressed white banker to his elementary school in Compton, California. The banker came to his class to talk about financial education for young people, but in a larger spectrum he would represent an aspiration beyond what was typical in Bryant’s reality. From that day, Bryant has been involved in business, starting his first venture at the age of 10 with a modest $10 investment from his mother.
Today, Bryant is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, Inc., a global nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA, birthed just under three decades ago in response to the despair and destruction of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. Under the banner of “silver rights”, Operation HOPE has aided over 4 million individuals worldwide, and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity for the disenfranchised—turning check cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners and minimum wage workers into living wage consumers.
Bryant is also chairman and chief executive officer of Bryant Group Ventures, founder and principal of The Promise Homes Company, the largest for-profit, minoritycontrolled, owners of institutional quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S. and co-founder of Global Dignity.
His work has been recognized by five past U.S. presidents, and he has served as an advisor to three past sitting U.S. presidents. A member of the founding class of The Forum of Young Global Leaders, and founding member of Clinton Global Initiative, Bryant is a LinkedIn Influencer, contributor to Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, and ThriveGlobal, and a member of the World Economic Forum Expert Network. His Facebook Live “Silver Rights” Straight Talk Series, and “Delivering The Memo” episodic series have received millions of views, and serve as engaging platforms to foster essential discussion in the digital space around financial inclusion and social uplift. He has received over 500 notable awards and citations for his work, including, Oprah Winfrey’s Use Your Life Award, and recognition as one of Time magazine’s “50 Leaders for the Future,” in 1994.
Bryant is the author of bestsellers The Memo: Five Rules for Your Economic Liberation, How the Poor Can Save Capitalism: Rebuilding the Path to the Middle Class, and Love Leadership: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World. His latest book, Up From Nothing: The Untold Story of How We (All) Succeed debuted as the #15 new release on Amazon. A mentor to many, Bryant is dedicated to sharing his failures and successes in life and business to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and world changers.
DR. YUSEF SALAAM
In 1989, at just fifteen years young, Dr. Yusef Salaam was tried and convicted in the “Central Park Jogger” case along with four other Black and Latinx young men. The Exonerated Five spent between seven to 13 years behind bars for crimes they did not commit, until their sentences were overturned in 2002.
Since then, they have received a multi-million dollar settlement from the city of New York for its injustice and have been profiled in award-winning films, including The Central Park Five documentary and most recently the Emmy award-winning Netflix limited series When They See. Us, written and directed by Ava DuBernay.
Over the past two decades, Yusef has become a family man, father, poet, activist and inspirational speaker. He continues to utilize his platform to share his story with others and educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality rooted in our justice system. He regularly advocates for criminal justice reform, prison reform and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment, specifically restoring “humanity” of those incarcerated and those trodden down by the spike wheels of justice.
Yusef is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama (2016) and more recently has shared his story and stance on current issues on CNN, MSNBC, REVOLT TV, NPR Atlanta, FOX and more.
SHAWN PATRICK STOCKMAN
Stockman was born September 26, 1972. In Philadelphia, PA. The singer, songwriter and recording producer is best known as a member of the award-winning vocal group Boyz II Men. He was also a judge on the television show The Sing-Off and a member of the group Black Men United.
Stockman got his singing start with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale at the age of eight. He attended the Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA) in South Philadelphia, where he met the other members of Boyz II Men. He was a vocal major.
In 1995, Stockman received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA and became part owner of Stonecreek Studios and Stonecreek Recordings in 1966. He is married to Sharonda and they have three children Ty, Micah, and Brooklyn. The couple works closely with the advocacy organization Autism Speaks and has founded their own non-profit, Micah’s Voice, which they are building into an autism community and information center a place for families to gather online.
Most recently, Stockman started his own record label called Soul Chemistry Projects.
DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE BELIEF IN A POWER GREATER THAN HE”
THIS IS: HONORABLE CHRIS V. REY, J.D., 36TH INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
If you look over the years of service that International President, Honorable Chris V. Rey has rendered to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, you could glean from the annals of Sigma, that he may have been rightfully born for the position he holds in the organization today. He clearly hit the ground serving as a collegian and now holds the distinction as the only leader to serve all three presidential positions in the history of the fraternity.
Sprinkled throughout his fraternal journey are acts of duty and service that has shaped him to be the leader whose aim is “Empowering Generations of Men to BELIEVE in Advocacy, Community Service & Engagement”, the mantra for the next four years.
Who is Chris V. Rey? He was born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands but spent his formidable years in Spring Lake, North Carolina. He graduated high school as a Track and Field All-American and attended East Carolina University on a full athletic scholarship. As a student leader, he was known for taking the initiative of addressing racial inequality on campus. He was often recognized by university leaders for working to make the campus a more open and diverse epicenter of learning. He was a charter member of the campus’ Black Student Union and the NAACP chapter. In the Spring 1996, Rey was initiated in the Xi Nu Chapter at the university. His interest in leadership surpassed his campus life, when he was inspired to run for the international-level position and elected as Second Vice President. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Information Systems.
Brother Rey enlisted into the U.S. Army as a computer information technology analyst. After two years, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School. Thereafter, he saw deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His service and leadership in the armed forces earned him numerous military awards and accolades including the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Rey began studies at William & Mary School of Law, the nation’s oldest law school, where he holds a Juris Doctor Degree. Upon graduation he worked for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) writing cyber security policy for the nation to address the global threat of cyber-attacks on America. During this time, he added to his Sigma resume by being elected as the International Director of Collegiate Affairs and later appointed the International Director of Technology.
In 2006, Brother Rey was elected the 16th Southeastern Regional Director and in 2008, he was elected the youngest member of the Virginia Delegation to the United States Electoral College, where he officially cast the ballot to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
In 2011, he was elected the youngest Mayor in Spring Lake, North Carolina’s history, where he served three terms from 2011 to 2017. At Conclave 2017 in Detroit, Michigan, Rey was elected International Director of Social Action and in 2019, he was elected International First Vice President.
Professionally, Brother Rey is Chairman and CEO of Rey Industries, Inc., a conglomerate of companies focused on healthcare, technology, transportation, and quality of life services. For the last decade he has also served as an adjunct professor where he taught classes on organizational leadership, constitutional law, criminal law, juvenile justice, criminal courts, and cyber-crimes. He has presented around the world most recently in Central America on the importance of local government.
Rey is also a graduate of the University of Virginia Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership. He currently serves on the Board of Governance for Charisma University, located in the Turks & Caicos Islands. He has served as Chairman of the Cumberland County Partnership for Children, Board Member of the Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation, and as a Board Member of the North Carolina Public School Forum.
Of all of his achievements and accomplishments, Brother Rey is most proud of his four children Jonathan 21 (Sigma Brother), Caroline, 17, Eva, 8 and Ethan, 5
Brotherhood – We must BELIEVE in a Brotherhood that fosters Fraternal Growth; Academic Excellence; Brotherhood Development; and a Strong Brotherhood Experience.
Equity – We must BELIEVE that Equity starts at the ballot box. Sigma men will generate support for local, state and national legislative agendas and initiatives that promote equity.
Leadership – We must BELIEVE in strong Leadership development. The next generation of global influencers will be Phi Beta Sigma men trained through our Sigma Leadership Academy.
Infrastructure – We must BELIEVE in external and internal Infrastructure investments. To service an international brotherhood, we will explore new ways to conduct Sigma business.
Economics – We must BELIEVE in the power of Economics. Entrepreneurship; Financial Literacy; Real Estate Ownership; and Revenue Diversification will secure a prosperous future.
Volunteerism – We must BELIEVE in the impact of Volunteerism in our communities. We will think bigger and more strategic while reimagining our national programs community impact.
Environment – We must BELIEVE that our Environment needs our attention. Climate change is real, and we must lead all D-9 organizations in sounding the alarm in our communities.
EDUCATION
• Increase our scholarship giving to our members from $100,000 to $125,000 in the next two years.
• Develop partnerships with public and private institutions to provide academic support for graduate school entrance and support for brothers to complete their degrees.
BIGGER & BETTER BUSINESS
• Expand Black Spend initiative to reach over $3,000,000 by Conclave 2023
• Increase partnerships to encourage entrepreneurship and financial literacy
SOCIAL ACTION
• Expand our advocacy outreach at the local, state and national level
• Become a national leader on voting rights in America
SIGMA BETA CLUB
• Expand our mentoring outreach to 10,000 members by 2025
OTHER FOCUS AREAS
• Develop a Charter School Education System • Develop Health Clinics that focus specifically around Black/Brown men’s health • Purchase property around the nation to build Sigma Centers of Excellence • Expand into Affordable Housing markets in major urban areas • Develop an International focus area of service
THE CRESCENT: You were initiated in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity on October 13, 1996. Why did you desire to affiliate with Phi Beta Sigma on your campus?
CHRIS REY: I was initiated in the Xi Nu Chapter on the campus of East Carolina University. I was a full scholarship track athlete and a lot of the members of the track team were Sigma men. They had a great presence on campus, they were always doing service on and off campus and the brotherhood I witnessed from other Sigmas (while traveling with the track team) toward my teammates who were Sigma men, always impressed me before I joined. They were a positive group of guys with whom, I wanted to affiliate with.
TC: Since your acceptance into the Bond of Sigma, your fraternal resume speaks volumes to your ability to lead. When did you realize that you wanted to seek the position and serve as the International President, and why?
CR: I realized I wanted to be International President in 1999 when I attended my first conclave and was elected International 2nd Vice President. I met a brother by the name of the Hon. Sylvester Davis. He told me at that conclave when I stepped down from the Candidates Forum that I could be President one day. I took his words to heart because he was a well-respected figure in Sigma, and he became my very first supporter.
TC: When the next iteration of the fraternity’s history book is published, you’ll be noted as the first Sigma Man to have served all three international president positions on the General Board. What advantage does this offer you as the leader?
CR: Having the opportunity to serve in all three positions allow me to see Sigma at every level of leadership. As Second Vice President you focus so much on making sure that the collegiate perspective is heard on the board. We can be very alumni-focused but scream collegiate brothers are the life blood. As International President, I will never forget that collegiate voices are key to our fraternity’s success. Innovation in communicating with this generation is critical and we must figure out how to do it right. As First Vice President it’s all about the membership. The First Vice’s role is the hardest in my opinion because over 80% of our funding comes from members paying their dues. As First Vice President you must know how to connect with the members to energize them and show them the value of being a member. When you combine the two experiences and wrap them into the role of International President, you develop a tremendous understanding of your brotherhood with a pulse on where they want the organization to go. Because the prior roles require you to be in the trenches you truly learn the desire of the membership. I believe I will be a better President because of that experience.
TC: The previous two administrations made major impacts on the growth and development of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as a non-profit, community-service organization. How does your vision for the fraternity build upon the previous achievements?
CR: The previous administrations gave us the foundation to truly lift off. Hon. Bro. Jonathan Mason gave our fraternity the exposure we desired and deserved. I will always credit him for kicking the door open for Sigma men to be in the room because we knew we deserved to be there. Hon. Bro. Micheal E. Cristal’s administration showed us how to stay in the room by having a strong balance sheet, expand our partnerships, and deliver on the brotherhood experience. My hope in my administration is that we own the room. This can only happen by expanding what is possible and showcase our abilities. I talk of affordable housing in other markets, our own men’s health clinics and our own hospital, and our own charter schools. The only reason why I can have a BOLD vision for Sigma is because of the foundation laid by previous presidents.
TC: Your theme for this administration is “Empowering Generations of Men to BELIEVE in Advocacy, Community Service & Engagement.” What is your inspiration for this mantra and how do you relate to its call to action?
CR: This goes back to your earlier question about being a Second Vice President and First Vice President. I recognize as president that Phi Beta Sigma is a multigenerational organization, and you must build a Fraternity that works for everyone. Every brother in each generation needs to feel like this is HIS Fraternity and there is a place for him to serve. Advocacy is the business we are in. Economic empowerment, social justice, and leveling the playing field are all advocacy priorities we must continue to champion. Community Service is what we do. If you want to get something done in your community, you call a Sigma man. Service is our cornerstone of who we are. Engagement is the energy necessary to advocate, do service in our community and create the value added to keep our membership at the table. Sigma men must always engage one another, and their communities at all times.
TC: This past fraternal campaign election season, like many times before, was extremely challenging, especially for you. Your administration has instituted a Campaign/Election Reform. What do you hope to accomplish through this reform?
CR: I believe that it’s time for Phi Beta Sigma to institute a brotherhood code on how to campaign. We also need guidelines on when to start campaigning, and how to campaign. We don’t have these policies in place and it’s high time that we begin.
TC: Your administration’s program focus under the Bigger & Better Business program features Black Spend Initiative, where you seek the support to reach $3,000,000 by Conclave 2023. What motivated you to select this cause?
CR: This started before my presidency, but it will be my administration to kick it up to the next level. Economics makes the world go around. We need to showcase
the power of our dollar as a collective and educate our brothers around what can happen when we combine our capitol. It’s hard to see your impact when it’s just you, but when you see the power of our brotherhood it sends a different message. We have not even scratched the surface of how much we are spending with black/ brown companies. My hope is to find out.
TC:You’ve created and appointed a new position to the board titled Sigma Fathers. What prompted this and what do you expect this office to address and impact?
CR: I’m very proud of this new committee. We have an obligation to help our brothers who will take on the greatest role of their life, being a father. Not all will be, but many will. We must give tools and point our brothers to resources that will help them prepare for fatherhood and be the best fathers they can be. Not all children will be biological, some will come through adoption, or becoming a stepfather. We brothers need to know how to deal with these new dynamics. How do you have crucial conversations with your children on and around tough subjects? We owe our members this and I’m committed to providing it.
TC: Your oldest son, Jonathan, is a Sigma Brother. What part of your fraternal legacy do you hope that he exhibits?
CR: I hope that my son will always want to stay active and financial with Sigma. He does not have to run for office and do as I have done, but I hope he will always want to be a part of moving our fraternity in a positive direction.
TC:When July 2023/2025 arrives, what do you hope will have been accomplished under your leadership?
CR: My hope when it’s all said and done is that I left our Fraternity even more financially sound, our membership will have increased, our impact through our programming will be felt globally, and the brotherhood will feel like they’ve contributed to the long-term strategic direction of Phi Beta Sigma. I’m sure there is a whole lot more I want, but leaving Phi Beta Sigma better off than I received it is my ultimate goal.
INTRODUCING THE GENERAL BOARD OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. 2021 – 2023
Hon. Brother Chris V. Rey, J.D. Brother David L. Turner
Brother Maxwell McDaniel
Brother William Frasier
Brother Kennedy Barnes Brother Joshua A. Busby Brother Shawn Adams
Brother Jared L. Jackson
Brother Terrance Gibson
36th International President
International First Vice President
International Second Vice President
International Treasurer
International Legal Council International Director of Collegiate Affairs Collegiate Member-At-Large 1 Collegiate Member-At-Large 2 International Director of Bigger & Better Business International Director of Education
Brother Malwan Johnson
Hon. Brother Theoplis Woodard Brother J.L. Reeves
Brother Charles Jones
Brother Howard Redmond
Brother Dr. Lawrence Rouse
Brother Dr. Errick Farmer
Brother Michael Murry Brother Kedric Nalls
International Director of Social Action
Distinguished Service Chapter Representative Eastern Regional Director Great Lakes Regional Director Gulf Coast Regional Director Southeastern Regional Director Southern Regional Director Southwestern Regional Director Western Regional Director International Executive Director
My hope in my administration is that we own the room. This can only happen by expanding what is possible and showcase our abilities.”
ADVOCATES OF CHANGE: SIGMAPAC1914
The Rey administration has assembled a cadre of skilled leaders, aptly prepared to advance the programmatic focus for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Four strategic arms will be and serve as a major focus critical to the organization’s advocacy, community service, mentoring and financial empowerment. The four arms of outreach are The National Sigma Beta Club Foundation, PBS Impact Foundation, PBS Credit Union and Sigma PAC1914.
SigmaPAC1914, under the Sigma Political Action Committee, will advocate for change in our communities by actively participating in the political process.
FORMED IN 2017
As the United States was in the grips of a political change in power from the Democratic leadership of President Barrack Obama to the newly-elected President Donald Trump, we witnessed a great division in America. Many members of Phi Beta Sigma were not accustomed to seeing this political landscape.
During this time, we were assembled as a body of brothers at The Renaissance Hotel in Detroit, Michigan participating in our very own transition of power from Honorable Brother Johnathan A. Mason, Sr. 34th International President to Honorable Brother Micheal E. Cristal, 35th International President, which was a very familiar part of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity history. At this same Conclave, Brother Reginald Browne introduced the idea of establishing a political organization coming off the heels of the Supreme Court decision of Citizens United v. FEC. In Citizens United v. FEC, the Supreme Court asserted that corporations are people and removed reasonable campaign contribution limits, allowing a small group of wealthy donors and special interests to use dark money to influence elections. This simple court case allowed for the creation of political action committees.
From that conversation between Honorable Brother Mason and Brother Browne came the idea of establishing a political action committee that would give Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity the ability to engage in actions that we, in our 107 years of existence, were limited in the political engagement process.
A gathering of brothers worked together to create the bylaws and constitution of SigmaPAC1914. This organization would be the first Super PAC and hard money PAC (Hybrid PAC) established by any member of the Divine Nine organizations. The committee took a deep dive into studying Political Action Committees formed
By Brother Kendrick Faison
by National Pan-Hellenic Council affiliates, and other multi-state and international fraternal organizations to determine which formation seemed right for our august body, state by state or federal level.
Given the various inherent regulatory burdens for either a Federal PAC or State PAC, an individual state by state registered PAC seemed the right fit for the mission the committee wanted to accomplish based on the committee’s preliminary adopted mission statement.
TAKING SHAPE
In August 2019, International President, Hon. Micheal E. Cristal reached out to Bro. Kendrick Faison to reengage the team with the intent to represent Sigma PAC1914 to the General Board. Sigma PAC1914 contribute much of its financial resources to candidates running for elected office on all levels of government. The Sigma PAC1914 is intentional in supporting candidates who are strategically and intentionally focused on solutions to complex public policy problems such as, enhanced gun control/gun rights legislation, improving public education, expanding economic development opportunities for African Americans and communities of color (or particularly historically disadvantaged communities), equality for all, healthcare, improving public transportation and helping to provide HOPE of an American Dream where all are on a level playing field.
The SigmaPAC1914 organization shall educate their respective communities on current candidates who’re running for office, and how to support candidates through political advocacy and community support programs, while holding them accountable to faithfully serve on all levels. The organization believes that education is the primary focus of its purpose because individuals cannot be motivated to take action without knowing what is important to them and who will best represent them.
SigmaPAC1914 shall promote candidates whom we believe will positively impact all Americans and particularly the African American and/or communities of color. The organization understands that in order to make significant progress we must identify and select leaders that will represent our interests and we will work actively to support them.
In 2020, SigmaPAC1914 was asked to endorse then candidate Joseph Biden for President of the United States. This was the first official action of the organization. The Board of Directors met Biden’s campaign team to ensure that his campaign’s objectives aligned with the principles of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and SigmaPAC1914. We voted to endorse the candidates Biden and Kamala Harris because we felt they both were the best candidates to hold the highest office. We also encourage brothers of Phi Beta Sigma to support Sigma Brothers who were running for of-
fices in their local elections. We’re proud to say several of those brothers were successful in winning their campaigns.
PRIMED, POSITIONED AND READY
When SIGMAPAC1914 was establish our goal for the organization was to build a true pipeline of elected officials consisting of Men of Sigma. Our signature program was first delivered during Conclave 2021 in Myrtle Beach, SC. We honored the legacy and political power of the late Honorable Brother John R. Lewis by naming the political Bootcamp in his name. Fourteen alumni and collegiate brothers were successfully trained in a two-day political boot camp instructed by Ms. Jessica Byrd. We brought an instructor who has experience running and winning major election campaigns. There’ve been great and immediate returns from our efforts. The boot camp will be available at every future Conclaves.
The board of directors is composed of the fraternity’s International Director of Social Action, seven Regional Directors of Social Action, Past International Presidents and six additional members with varying degrees financial and political experience. The important part of the SigmaPAC1914 is the ability to raise funds to support the political engagement of Phi Beta Sigma. The cost of a political campaign averages over $80,000 on the local level and increases significantly for state and federal levels. Candidates most often lose as a result of being out spent more than on a count of low voter turnout. It’s our mission to have an operating budget of $1 million+ dollars. We all know that politics are local but we must also know that it cost money to win elections. We are currently working on a Five-Year Strategic Plan that will help shape the direction and advocacy of the this great organization. We need the help of not just Men of Sigma, but from our sphere of influences to help us get more brothers elected into office. We cannot tackle this huge task alone and without your support. Please consider donating to SIGMAPAC1914 on the website www.thesigmapac1914.org. “Little becomes much.”
THE IDEA
It all began with an idea. The SigmaPAC1914 leadership team had a vision of highly trained individuals ready to fulfill any role from door knocker to candidate in any political race, anywhere in the United States. The vision became reality in 2021 with the creation of the John R. Lewis Social Justice & Political Leadership “Boot Camp”. For two intensive days, the inaugural cohort engaged in a non-partisan, candidate-focused curriculum developed, and led by campaign experts from various backgrounds. Participants learned proven strategies and developed skills that are critical to running and winning campaigns; thus, forever changing the trajectory of Phi Beta Sigma in the political arena.
The SigmaPAC1914 has charged the inaugural cohort to get into “Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble.” This mantra coined by our late Brother Honorable John R. Lewis, set the tone for the Bootcamp experience. The selected candidates answered the call to apply to this dynamic training program. They were then interviewed by The SigmaPAC1914 leadership team, sent notification of their acceptance to the program and finally oriented and prepared for the Conclave Bootcamp experience. The cohort was led by expert campaign managers who have managed campaigns for Black leaders and issues across the country. The inaugural Bootcamp took place virtually on August 3-4, 2021. The core of this boot camp is building solidarity and connection to our brotherhood. The belief is that, by working together and supporting each other we can build Black political power starting at the local level and strengthening our national political networks.
THE EXPERIENCE
As the SigmaPAC1914 leadership team promised, the two-day Bootcamp experience was robust. The first day was, coincidentally, the first day of the historic Conclave 2021 Myrtle Beach. The was first Conclave where there were two participant experiences: in-person and virtual. The inaugural cohort was welcomed by the leadership team and greeted by Honorable Brother President Micheal Cristal, who expressed his high hopes for this team of brothers. Shortly after the brothers were asked to buckle in and get ready to jump right into the transformative Bootcamp itinerary, the cohort was then greeted by the lead facilitator, Ms. Jessica Byrd.
Jessica Byrd is the Founding Partner of Three Point Strategies and the former Deputy Campaign Manager for the former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. While navigating the different topics, the brothers were given the unique opportunity to converse with a lawmaker who was on the ground doing the work. U.S Representative Brother Adriano Espaillat took the time to speak about his work in the U.S. House of Representatives, and described how it directly related to the work of The John R. Lewis Social Justice and Political Leadership Bootcamp. Brother Espaillat discussed components of the program, and took a few questions from the cohort brothers before signing off. After this insightful conversation, the brothers bonded over ideas for the SigmaPAC1914, the Bootcamp experience, and their individual political aspirations. After completing all modules, and participating in each of the carefully constructed assignments, the brothers geared up for graduation and the next steps. Armed with new tools, and brothers who are empowered to believe in advocacy, community service, and engagement, the inaugural cohort is ready to get to work.
THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)
Since the Bootcamp experience in early August, brothers of the inaugural cohort have been moving steadily toward their goal of being politically active in their communities in a myriad of ways. Some have won races in their cities and communities, while others have used their new set of tools to help build the political landscapes in their home states. First, a quote from SigmaPAC1914 Chairman Brother Kendrick Faison:
“The vision and goal of the John R. Lewis Social Justice and Political Leadership Bootcamp are to establish a pipeline of brothers of Sigma, to equip, train, and encourage them to seek elected positions.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is the only Divine 9 organization to have this type of political training; our goal is that this program is a springboard for our other Divine 9 family to follow suit. The ability of our organizations to rally around the political leaders within our ranks is an essential next step in strengthening our collective voice. The Board of SigmaPAC1914 is committed to using the future funding for Cohorts of trainees to become candidates and political leaders to better serve their communities.
We are hopeful and confident that the training acquired will be put to use to move the mission of our Brotherhood in a forward direction.”
INAUGURAL COHORT MEMBERS’ TESTIMONIALS
BRO. WILLIAM WATKINS
The First Black Board of Selectman for the Town of Holbrook, MA As a young man growing up in Boston public housing, I knew that it was essential to change the conditions of those less fortunate. In Boston, you hear the stories of the Black freedom fighters like Crispus Attucks, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Prince Hall, and others. At the age of ten, I volunteered for the Mel King for Mayor campaign holding signs on the corners. A legendary figure in Boston politics, he became the first Black man to run for the corner office at City Hall. I found the meaning of authentic leadership during the historic campaign and saw how important it was to connect to the people for whom you wish to serve and make their message your mission for change. I received a Bachelor’s degree in political science and two minors in public administration and international relations from Bethune-Cookman University. I established a great friendship with Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, the late president of the university, who connected me with his good friend, the late Congressman John Conyers. Congressman Conyers gave me a position in his Detroit office, where I handled his constituent affairs. I have been blessed to be mentored by Black leadership that cares genuinely for the people. The Fraternity has played a significant role in my development as a leader in my community, from showing me how to run an effective meeting, parliamentary procedures, raising funds, organizing people, and planning events. The culmination of these relationships and opportunities led me to be selected for the first cohort of the John R. Lewis Social Justice and Political Bootcamp. The training provided a framework for developing a compelling candidate and campaign, drawing from my relationships and experience. As a result, I became the first Black Selectman in the Town of Holbrook, MA’s 149-year history. I cannot thank Brother Faison and Brother Hamilton enough for their guidance and advice throughout my campaign. In ten thousand tongues, thank you for SigmaPAC1914 and the first cohort.
BROTHER THOMAS NIXON
My name is Thom Nixon and I have been a member of this brotherhood since Spring 1986. Currently, I serve as the Scholarship Chair for Zeta Rho Sigma Chapter. in Southern New Jersey. I have been waiting for the brotherhood to reposition ourselves as a group of predominantly African American males dedicated to improving our communities and aggressively aligning with people who support our causes. As a member of the inaugural John L. Lewis Bootcamp, it was an honor to work with these brothers where we understand that participation is power and engaging voters centers the voter, not politics. One of the highlights of the Bootcamp was the facilitator Jessica and the SigmaPAC1914 leadership who brought so much passion, political knowledge and historical examples of how our people have endured in this nation despite great obstacles. They really challenged the brothers to understand our vision both individually and collectively for our communities One of the challenges Jessica shared with us was to know “why” we wanted to run for office or assist with a political campaign. As a novice in the political field, she challenged me to get more involved in my community by starting small with the local school district or other community organizations. I’m taking her advice and in the next political cycle I plan to run for the school board in my local community. I need to plant the seeds for my campaign by getting involved. To that end, I have become a part of the Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCOL), an environmental justice group fighting for black and brown people in Delaware County, PA. This Fall, I was selected to serve on the Delaware County Library Committee representing over 23 library branches. Also, after a lengthy interview process I was selected by Renew U.S. to be a part of their inaugural Campaign Manager Training. This is an 8-week program to assist with getting progressive candidates elected to office. Renew US is a nonprofit dedicated to progressive, multi-racial governing majorities at the state level in over a dozen states nationwide. I hope to use my experiences to help candidates that align with the fraternity’s initiatives. As I lay the framework for my political run, I will continue utilizing the tools I learned at the Bootcamp to increase voter turnout, advocate for change and share my compelling message of being an advocate for the people. As I strategize my plan to pursue a political career, I will apply the information that I learned at the Bootcamp and continue to network with other cohorts and the rest of the SigmaPAC1914 because I strongly believe that “Iron sharpens Iron”.
BRO. KEVIN E. JONES
2022 Candidate for Durham County District Court Judge in Durham, NC I accepted the call to run for political office after much inner struggle and debate. In full transparency, I have to say that my biggest hurdle in accepting the call was my own fear. Having never run for any type of political office, I was intimidated by the whole process. My prayer, after accepting the call to run, was that I would find proper instruction, mentorship, and guidance to help me develop a playbook to reach my goal. Within weeks of submitting that prayer, I received notification of the inaugural John R. Lewis Social Justice and Political Bootcamp. The two-day virtual boot camp gave me exactly what I needed to begin my journey: a framework for fund raising, a strategy for selecting my support team, and a connection with Men of Sigma who were also committed to affecting change in their community through political engagement. By using the tools provided and skills gained during the Bootcamp, I have built a viable campaign team and developed a social media strategy that has sparked a significant amount of campaign contributions. Again, I will be transparent and say that I still experience moments of doubt, confusion, and fear during my campaign. However, the connections that I have made with Sigma Men who are fighting this Good Fight and getting into this Good Trouble right along with me pushes me to fight through those moments and continue to strive toward the ultimate Goal: Victory in 2022.
BRO. JUSTIN ARTENANT, MPA, CPM
Vertreese Team 2021 Re-Election Team- Director of Social Media and Digital Communication, Township of Hillside, NJ Politics is something that I have always been very interested in. Recently, I have been approached to run for a couple of local offices. Before doing that, I knew that I wanted to have practical experience working on a few campaigns before throwing myself into a campaign with my name on the ballot. As a political science major at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, I have always been a true admirer of the Honorable Brother John R. Lewis and the work that he has done. The announcement of the boot camp seemed like a perfect opportunity to get the experience that I needed while growing with a group of brothers dedicated to the same causes. Since the Bootcamp, I have been fortunate to work with Soror Mayor Dahlia Vertreese of Hillside, NJ. I worked as her Director of Social Media and Digital Communication for her Re-Election campaign for Mayor of the Township of Hillside, NJ. I was able to take all of the operative experience that we discussed and directly turnkey it to aid in her inevitable successful re-election campaign against “the machine.” Soror Vertreese is one of the first ever re-elected Mayors of the township. The Bootcamp gave me the extra confidence to take on this leadership role for this tough re-election. I am so grateful for my Bootcamp experience, and to have been one of the Inaugural cohort brothers of this program. Let our cause continue to speed on its way.
These are the reflections of only a few brothers from the inaugural cohort. All of the brothers are motivated to push their communities forward using the information learned while participating in the Bootcamp. The brothers continue to support each other, their individual political endeavors and reinforce the spirit of our fraternity’s motto of “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity”.
