Philadelphia Region's Black Men Icons 2020
Jacque P. Whaumbush, Jr. CEO, Soulful Harvest
Mr. Jacque P. Whaumbush, Jr. is closing the nutritional divide in underserved communities. By creating the urban farming initiative, Jacque farms operate hydroponically in warehouses and grow year round, which allow us to eroded and reduce, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other matters that affect our quality of life.
Jacque P. Whaumbush, Jr.
Dr. Kennard L. Herring Doctor, Nostalgic Eye Care
Dr. Herring decided to pursue his dream of opening his own private practice and opened Nostalgic Eye Care cold in July of 2017 in Mt. Airy Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Dr. Herring has also created and headed a fundraising initiative to raise money to provide an exam and glasses for the underprivileged call the Gift of Sight where he raised over two thousand dollars and provided roughly one hundred people with an eye exam and glasses. Dr. Herring has also run a fundraising campaign to raise money for the March of Dimes as well a fundraising initiative to raise money for the Bike for Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. Herring also sponsors the local Mt. Airy baseball and basketball team. Dr. Herring is passionate about his community and dedicates himself to seek and provide eye care to all.
Dr. Kennard L. Herring
Richard Washington Founder, Executive Director of Bringing Everybody Together (BET)
Richard is a Public School Advocate. His official roles have been teacher, social worker, vice principal, director, principal and others we don’t have time to list. He’s the Founder of Bet, a non-profit organization that has served 75,000+ children over 25 years and counting. I am a seed of his greatness. 12 years ago he mentored me to become a Coach that could confidently serve children. He has no salary for his community efforts, yet he makes the biggest impact. It would be a shame to ignore this nomination as he is a truly the greatest servant of God for our generation. He’s a DJ, Choir Director, Teacher, Trainer and a Drummer. This guy, truly does it all. Richard Washing is absolutely a Black Male Icon.
Richard Washington
Hershel Kennedy, Jr. Managing Director, Friends of the African Union (FAU) and the African Diaspora Directorate (AfDiDi)
Managing Director Hershel Daniels, Jr, started the Black Folks Plan of Philly around a three-year, $60 billion community benefits plan, for 2020-2022, with Truist Financial Corporation. The plan, based on a merger between the banks, NCRC and its community-based members, will increase financial resources for low- and moderate-income communities across the eastern United States, among many other actions. The plan’s specific goals include: $31 billion for home purchase mortgage loans; $17.2 billion in Community Development Lending; $7.8 billion for lending to small businesses; and $3.6 billion in Community Reinvestment Act Qualified Investments and Philanthropy. Friends of the African Union
Hershel Kennedy, Jr.
Joel Austin President/CEO, Daddy University Inc.
Among his many accomplishments; Mr. Austin is the founder of the National Fatherhood Conference whose message has reached over 58,500 individuals and groups since its inception in 2006. From just a vision the National Fatherhood Conference has become the Largest Fathers Conference on the East Coast and maybe the world. The event is a full day conference pulling in some 16 workshops, 60 volunteers, 135 exhibitors & service agencies, and over 600 males yearly from over 8 different states. Mr. Austin founded the conference, as he says, with a dollar and a dream. He is also the founder of the Tri-State Daddy Daughter Dance, in its fifth year; it has become a tradition that changes the lives of girls everywhere. Mr. Austin is also the chief facilitator and program developer for the Fathers Club; a free weekly fatherhood training group at the West Phila YMCA; he services fathers from all backgrounds and ages. www.daddyuniv.com
Joel Austin
Andre Andrews CEO, Dre's Water Ice
Andre has been serving the community of Philadelphia for years through community service as well as providing home made water ice and icecream. He provides entrepreneur tips and guidance through his social media to the black community. He is definitely a key in the black community. instagram: @dreswaterice
Andre Andrews
Dr. Samuel F. Quartey Board Member, Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs
Introducing African Education to Imhotep Institute secondary school and several of new surgical procedures in Bunion surgery of the foot which bears his name such as Quartey’s Maneuver.
Dr. Samuel F. Quartey
Frederick Shegog CEO and Founder, The Message LLC
Frederick Shegog is a soon-to-be graduate of Delaware County Community College and founder of the motivational speaking company, The Message LLC. As a student in recovery, Freddy travels the country speaking about his experience with addiction, homelessness, and mental health. Freddy is an outgoing and dedicated individual who continuously advocates for students in recovery in any way he can. His passion drives what he does, making how he delivers his message unique and effective. This is just the beginning for Freddy, and he is already making an incredible impact within our community, and nationally.
Frederick Shegog
Kevin Brown Neighborhood Advisory Committee Manager, People's Emergency Center
For over a decade, Kevin Brown has worked as a Project Manger in the national non-profit arena. He began collaboration with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. As a Project Manager, Mr. Brown has cultivated innovative strategies – to efficiently creative a diverse array of community based projects. Mr. Brown has produced numerous joint multimedia projects – that have educational and therapeutic value. As Manager of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the People’s Emergency Center, Mr. Brown started the monthly Men’s Coffee Talk Program. Men get together each month and receive job resources, health care resources, and support.
Kevin Brown
Ronald K. Felder Higher Education Access Partner, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Mr. Felder consistently goes above and beyond in helping my students fill out their federal and state applications for financial aid for college. He personally has come to our Philadelphia high school in the evening once a year and with great patience, helps student after student. In addition, he helps my students with very complicated issues, such as Foster Child Chafee Grant Applications, Verification Problems with unusual home life/family situations, etc. He is an excellent role model and is inspirational to me and to my students.
Ronald K. Felder
Samuel H. Jones, Sr. Founder and Senior Pastor, United Assembles In Christ, Worldwide
In addition to performing his job at an exemplary level, Chief Apostle Jones demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to his colleagues, ministerial community, as well as to the general public. Plans weekly fellowship services, facilitates prophetic training workshops, revivals, national conventions. Establishing several churches from Philadelphia and other cities, across states. NJ. MD. NC. and more. As an entrepreneur, operates, Exclusively Yours Men’s Wear. Adding several years as a PA Licensed Independent Insurance Agent. Now, owning his own company, serves as the President/Captain Police Clergy of the 19th District under Commanding Officer Joe Bologna; Also, advises the 12th, 16th, and 18th District; With every effort and available resource provided to him to keeping the faith and seeing others go past him, Not to worry about being first to finish the race, but to finish the race.
Samuel H. Jones
David Pulley PhD/ Executive Director, Dr. Dave Pulley
African American Psychologist involved in a variety of endeavors to help the black community resolve issues of mental illness. Also offer soul mate relationship services in group sessions. Sits on the board of Women Against Human Trafficking in Philadelphia and contributes his insight to the phycological implications of human and sex trafficking to black and brown communities.
David Pulley
Sherman McLeod President & CEO, Philadelphia Technician Training Institute
Mr. McLeod contributes to the lives of young adults in the community by helping them unearth their talents. He gives them the tools to help prepare them to adequately fit in the ever-changing global workplace. He equips his students with the right social and technological skills necessary to become effective and competitive in the job market. The personal guidance he gives his students motivates them to be successful and productive future employees and business owners.
Sherman McLeod
Jamal Elliott Principal/Educator, Ad Prima Charter School
Jamal has consistently had one goal his entire life: give back to those who gave him. He has been an educator and a leader for more than 20 years in Philadelphia, and prides himself on being from the inner city. He has shown young black students that they can be more than what society has already labeled, and he continues to be an inspiration to those he encounters.
Jamal Elliott
Lavon Michael Howard CEO and Founder/Author/Mentor, Path to Greatness
Lavon is a mentor to many youth and young adults. He is a game changer, motivator, and inspirator. He is a man that is loyal and committed to be the SOLUTION and not the problem to the youth and adults, he serves. www.path2great.org
Lavon Michael Howard
Anthony Baker, Jr. Founder, Helping The Homeless Changing Lives Making Others Smile
Anthony started his organization in 2015 and has served the homeless communities all over Philadelphia. Him and his team also did numerous events with homeless shelters. A Big Brother Mentoring Program, Street cleanings , Thanksgiving basket giveaways and so much more. @HelpingtheHomeless
Anthony Baker, Jr.
Thomas Butler Higher Education and Success Advocate/Director of Advancement and Operations, ThomEducates/The Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable
Mr. Butler is a college access and success expert and strategist. As a consultant and trainer, his teachings have trained the college access and success professionals who work directly with students. As a result, his results have resulted in positive educational outcomes for our collective communities.
Thomas Butler
Earl Weeks Civil War Reenactor/ TV Editor, 3rd Regiment US Colored Troops Reenactors/ PhillyCam
Earl Weeks is making an impact by reenacting both Civil War and Revolutionary War history. He also helps teach it to all that will listen from Philadelphia, to Connecticut and as far as Virginia. Earl is also a TV Editor and Producer at PhillyCam where he crews on at least eight shows and edits three of them. Earl also makes contributions to the radio station at PhillyCam every month. Earl is a sponsor for the Diamonds and Pearls Princess Pageant and he is the creator of the 11th Annual Family Music Festival, which provides a free, kid friendly, venue for artists of all ages to perform for kids and their families.
Earl Weeks
Mark A. Cooper II Author, Brave Voyage
Traveling around the world to learn about different cultures and bringing that information back to his community for improvement. Created a website and wrote a book to share how anybody can travel around the world and grow as a person by budgeting and planning. Organized a school program which aims to help the youth think beyond their neighborhood and city at a young age. bravevoyage.com
Mark A. Cooper II
Dennis Davis CEO, Trap Door Inc.
Dennis devotes his time to countless youth programs serving various youth throughout the community. His commitment to Young Boys is selfless, going above and beyond to show our youth a different path and challenging them to stay off the streets and think big! instagram: @trapdoorinc
Dennis Davis
Michael A. Griffin CEO, Ashanti Produce International
Michael is working to improve local grain production in Ghana in an initiative call Reclaiming the Grain. Working to improve domestic production of grain is vital in this Cov-19 environment. According to the World Bank Report on Africa, Cov-19 has the potential to create a severe food security crisis.” Initiatives on food security and local production will go a long way in hedging against severe food security. linkedin
Michael A. Griffin
Jalil Pines Educator, Germantown Friends Private School
Jalil is a strong leader for his African American community. He is big on social justice and supporting his people. Jalil’s personality is unmeasurable, he is the epitome of a genuine human being. Everything he stands for is equality and and human rights.
Jalil Pines
Michael Rice Consultant, Author, Educator, Department of Human Services
Michael Rice is the modern day father of many nations to our youth here in Philadelphia.He uses his phenomenal leadership and strength to mentor thousands of youth and their families throughout the tri-state in the areas of: leadership development, entrepreneurship, public speaking, self esteem, economics, graphic design, marketing and networking. He has thousands of youths who have gone on to college and secondary educational institutions and graduated. He has taught thousands on top of thousands how to fish for themselves and how to have pride and integrity. He doesn’t expect mediocrity from others but enhances their experience to grow and soar beyond belief. He is our champion that gives without hesitation. He is an outstanding mentor, educator, friend, leader, advocate and teacher. As the CEO of Broken Wings Literacy he is our community partner and philanthropist of resourceful information he distributes freely. connectornetwork.com
Michael Rice
Vaughn Coleman Certified Financial Planner, VC Financial
Vaughn J. Coleman, CFP, ChFC is a self employed financial planner who has been serving clients throughout the Philadelphia and surrounding tri-state area for 21 years educating his community on the importance of personal finance and economic empowerment. He also regularly volunteers his time to visit schools and teach kids various aspects of financial literacy.while serving on the board of CEFN, an organization focused on the health and well being of our senior community.
Vaughn Coleman
Kevan L. Turman Founder and Creator, The Brothers Brunch
Kevan makes an impact not only in the states but global as well. This organization has visited twelve plus universities. When Kevan goes to the schools he conducts a men’s session where he discussed topics that affect men such as absent fathers, the importance of mentors, being business minded, overcoming obstacles as young men and changing the narrative of the young black men. Another way that he makes an impact is on a Global aspect. Each year there is one International Experience and two Community Give Backs. The Brothers Brunch has a partnership with The Mission of Grace in Carries Haiti and TeacHaiti in Port-Au- Prince where they serve the underserved population.There is also a partnership with both the City of Philadelphia where the Founder was born, and The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, where the Founder currently resides. Service is another vital component to the fabric of this organization. Without it, all things fall apart. https://thebrothersbrunch.com instagram: @the_brothers_brunch
Kevan L. Turman
Alain Duroseau Business Performance Advisor, Insperity
Alain has always used his success, to help newer advisors within our organization. He wants to make sure that they are embodying our mission statement, “Helping businesses succeed, so that communities prosper”. And that is truly where Alain makes an impact that he is out there every day trying to help businesses succeed, because he knows the ultimate result. linkedin
Alain Duroseau
Youth Chess Coach, Chess Chat
Rakeem coaches & mentors youth throughout the city and online by teaching them not only the skills needed for chess but correlating those skills to teach our youth how to apply critical thinking skills to advance in life. instagram: @rock_uncut
Rakeem Jeter
Mister Mann Frisby Author/ Journalist/ Producer, Renaissance Mann Inc.
Mister Mann Frisby makes an impact in Philadelphia with supporting and advocating for young men through high school and seeing them off to and through college.
Mister Mann Frisby
Solomon Boyd III Gospel Inspirational Artist, So'Lo: 3,2,1 Project
Solomon Boyd III has used his gifts and talents to write and sing music worldwide, that inspires people to stay free, live a life of worship, healing and deliverance. He encourages others to find their passion and pursue their purpose for God’s glory! https://solosalmusic.net/
Solomon Boyd III
David D. Simons CEO & Mediapreneur, Kingdom Social Media
David D. Simons, a FunTimes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 nominee, continues to be recognized for helping leaders to market their journeys and successes using social media. With family roots in Ghana, he is an active entrepreneur in Accra and proud to represent a part of the African Diaspora along with other leaders in the Philadelphia Region. David is public speaker, author, and trainer also. His work and creativity has attracted the likes of Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, churches and high-profile entrepreneurs. As the Mediapreneur, he uses his online and offline skills to promote brands, increase businesses, support causes, and build relationships
David D. Simons
Father Jordan Casson Father, St. Michael's Episcopal Church of Yeardon, PA
Father was able to revive an African/Caribbean immigrant congregation with his charisma, wit and love. https://www.stmichaelsyeadon.org/
Father Jordan Casson
Quandell Iglesia Founder & President, SNJ Millennials
Partnering with individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, organizations, and nonprofits to enhance their brands, bring their ideas to life and allowing them to reach their goals. snjmillennials.org
Quandell Iglesia
David A. Jones CEO, Bethlehem Of Deliverance Church/Real Deal Food Ministry
Bishop David Jones is the Pastor of Bethlehem of Deliverance Church and CEO of The Joshua Achievement Center for the past 21 years. The JAC ministry rehabilitates men and women from across the country, recovering from, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and prescription medications. He resides as Chaplain of the Philadelphia 22nd Police Department and the Philadelphia’s Sheriff’s Department. Since January 2019 to present, he has given away over 2 million pounds of food, feeding over 50,000 families. The Real Deal Food Ministry has been on the front lines since the outbreak of the COVID19 and he has delivered 40 to 50 lb boxes of groceries to over 12,000 families. He has been recognized by the Asian Business Association an outstanding award of achievement for providing large amounts of food to families in need. Bishop David Jones received the Shining Light Award in 2019 by Radio Station Power 99 FM for being a Pastor who is making a difference as a community leader in the City of Philadelphia.
David A. Jones
Taj Mahal Murdocm CEO, BARBER, The Empowermemt Achievement Movement
Taj, is a great asset to the community. He spends countless hours spending time with the youth to make them men and to keep them off the streets exposing them to the better things of life and teaching them life skills via trips, workshops and other social and educational activities. He is a father figure to many. He also provides jobs to many within his community.
Taj Mahal Murdocm
Christopher K.P. Brown Creative Curator, Poet, Poetry247 Philly
Chris is originally from Arkansas moved to Philly and started one of the most impactful poetry events in the city! In addition to that he is an amazing poet, with an online platform by the name of Poetry247, that has been in business for the last 7 plus years. Poetry247 Philly is a platform for poets and event host to promote their work/events. Chris has contributed to this community in such an amazing way. @kpsince1984 @breedlovephilly @poetry247philly
Christopher K.P. Brown
Richard "Sonny" Driver Founder and Publisher, The SCOOP Newspaper
Sonny passed away Dec 28, 2017 at Chestnut Hill Hospital. Sonny had a long and illustrious career as Publisher of SCOOP News. and other business ventures. He was also the driving force behind the renaming West River Drive to Martin Luther King Drive. I knew Sonny for years but we became friends shortly after I began publishing the Black Yellow Pages, Directory and Resource Guide. He thought what I was doing was admirable and beneficial for the Black community. He took me under his wing and shared knowledge, resources, but most importantly I experienced his wisdom. His help in my personal growth was invaluable and I will be eternally grateful. If he hasn’t been nominated in the past, NOW might be a good time to do so.
Richard "Sonny" Driver
Andre Young CEO/Author/Motivational Speaker, Philadelphia Women's Network Connection
Andre Young’s mission is to to be of value and impact to organizations, leaders, teams, employees, and individuals; enhancing Leadership & Work/Life Harmony skills. EVOLVE with Andre Young’s Speaking Engagements, Trainings, and/or 1-on-1 Virtual Programs!
Andre Young
Darral Addison Founder, torpedopot
This person invented a way to feed the world. www,torpedopot.com
Darral Addison
Greg DeShields Executive Director, PHL Diversity
Greg is a longtime Tourism and Hospitality professional, native Philadelphian with a passion for his work and dedicated to giving back to the next generation of hospitality leaders. www.discoverphl.com
Greg DeShields
Samuel Graham Jr. Chef, Merck & Co.
This is my father the most gentle human being on this planet he’s a cook/Primary Chef and has worked for almost 40 years he’s a tough guy but very sincere and loving coming from South Carolina to Pennsylvania almost 40 years ago and still made it to the top my daddy proved that being an Middle Age Heavyweight in the workforce never backs down from opportunities for future promotions and awards to come and beyond.
Samuel Graham Jr.
Dr. Jones is making an impact in the West Philly area and beyond by sharing his time and love. From his family, to the Church, to the elementary schools, to the community, and juvenile prisons. He shares his wisdom and stops at nothing to help everyone if he can, even while being sick. Unconditional love and support for the community that our church is placed in is extended all though-out the year under Dr. Jones leadership. Dr. Damone B. Jones Sr. has a purpose that he has passed on to us as well, and that is to “Prepare Disciples to make an IMPACT for the Kingdom of God everywhere!” biblewaybaptist.org
