The Black Wall Street Black Business Expo
As a result of the social injustices that the African American community has been experiencing, many are wondering what can be done to affect change. Our proposed solution – re-placing the black dollar.
We’ve seen a plethora of companies make diversity and inclusion statements to show their solidarity with the African American community. However, it is ultimately in OUR hands to create opportunities for ourselves.
The Black Wall Street Black Business Expo (BWSBE), hosted by our charitable arm, The Financial Literacy Institute, Inc., was such an impactful event, we brought it back June 4, 2022 at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta from 12pm – 6pm EST as an annual event that pays homage to African American heritage and highlights the excellence of African Americans that was exemplified through the existence of Black Wall Street. (Check out BWSBE 2021)!
2022 Panelists
JASMINE S. YOUNG - EVENT CURATOR
Jasmine S. Young is the founder & CEO of Southern Heritage Financial Group, a CPA firm she established in 2014 in efforts to spread financial literacy around the globe. She is also the executive director of her CPA firm’s charitable arm, The Financial Literacy Institute, Inc. which provides educational courses and resources to underserved communities. A certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner, she has 7 years of experience providing clients, both individuals and businesses, with tax, bookkeeping, payroll, financial consulting, estate planning, and various other financial solutions. Jasmine also has 10 years of experience in government accounting having served as an auditor for three different government agencies.
Southern Heritage offers a variety of accounting solutions across several industries including, but not limited to the professional service, trucking, and sports and entertainment industries. As one of the Global Conference for Insurance and Finance’s 2020 Top 100 Global Leaders in Finance, Jasmine empowers all she encounters to establish and build generational wealth.
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DR. UMAR JOHNSON - OFFICIAL HEADLINER
Dr.Umar Johnson is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Certified School Psychologist who is considered an expert on the education and mental health of Afrikan and Afrikan-American children. Dr.Umar, as he is known to friends, is kinsman to both the Great Abolitionist Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) and the late Abolitionist Bishop Alexander Wayman (1821-1895).
Dr.Umar is former Minister Of Education for the Honorable Marcus Garvey’s UNIA-ACL, and a direct descendant of formerly enslaved civil war veterans who served in the 9th & 19th Regiments of the United States Colored Troops of Maryland. As a member of the USCT 19th Regiment, his 4X Great Grandfather Stephen Henry Bailey was likely present in Galveston(TX) when General Gordon Granger read Special Field Order #3 which legally emancipated all enslaved Afrikans in Texas giving birth to the Juneteenth Holiday.
Dr.Umar has appeared on the Breakfast Club, Fox Soul, Cannon’s Class, Rickey Smiley Show, Bev Smith Show, News One Now, Tom Joyner Show & the Real Housewives of Atlanta. He is the only scholar in Breakfast Club history to garner one million views for his interview in less than 24 hours. One of the most recognized social scientists of the 21st Century, his book, articles and lectures are included by college and university professors across the country within their required course materials. Few, if any, other Afrikan-American scholars have the intense international following and global support base that Dr.Umar has attracted. His ability to successfully engage mainstream media has drawn comparisons to El Hajj Malik El Shabazz.
DR QUIN BROOKS - MODERATOR
Dr. NaQuindra Brooks (Dr. Quin) is an assistant dean and currently heads ATU’s Department of Diversity, Inclusion, and Contemporary Student Services. She is a southern girl at heart. Originally from Jackson, Alabama, Dr. Brooks came to ATU by way of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. While there, she served as a coordinator of student leadership and academic wellness and worked closely with first generation and underrepresented students within residential life in addition to facilitating diversity & inclusion programming while serving on her department’s social justice committee.
At Arkansas Tech, she currently oversees the diversity programming initiatives, facilitates workshops and trainings on inclusion, social justice, cultural competency, equity/equality, and is the primary support for ATU’s minority student populations and marginalized student groups including commuter and post-traditional students. She has been pivotal in developing and leading the university through its first Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence, establishing an inaugural diversity and inclusion Living and Learning Community (LLC), creating and hosting a Minority Mixer to foster mentorships between minority faculty/staff and minority students, and developing an Institutional Retention Plan for various underrepresented student populations. Dr. Brooks and the departmental full time staff collectively hold national certifications in Identity, Allyship, Advocacy and Activism. She has also earned a Professional Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.
HOLLY REID TOODLE, CPA
Holly Reid Toodle is an award-winning author, speaker, and Financial Education Instructor
dedicated to helping her audiences manage their finances as responsible stewards. She is the founder of The Master Playbook, a financial education and wellness company which has educated thousands of people through her book, Teach Your Child to Fish: Five Money Habits Every Child Should Master, Money Camps for Kids, and curated workshops for teens, parents and adults using sound financial principles, practical tips and her personal experiences. As a personal finance advocate, Holly is on a mission to motivate, inspire, and help families break the cycle of paycheck to paycheck living and create a legacy worth leaving.
Holly’s philosophy is grounded in the basic principles of living debt-free, saving for the future, and investing wisely. She believes each person has the
power to create a healthy financial future and is equipped to meet people where they are on their financial journey.
Holly is a Certified Public Accountant and finance professional with over 15 years of experience. She has been quoted in major publications including Forbes, Parent Circle, AARP, Go Banking Rate, Conde Nast Traveler, and more. She enjoys peach cobbler, Motown Classics, and traveling with her husband.
CAMERON DANGERFIELD - MASTER CHEF
Camerron Dangerfield is a chef that has dominated as a Food Network Champion two times, and is taking the Food Industry by storm as Georgia Chef of the Year. He has participated in Master Chef Season 9 & 10 hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsey and most recently Food Network's Chopped. Camerron has been featured in countless news presses and articles highlighting overcoming adversity, success, HBCU advocacy, and wealth in the African American community. Camerron is not immune to current issues, and is always thinking of others during hard times. In 2014 & 2015 while in college he donated Thanksgiving meals to the homeless as well as retail workers who could not be with their families on the holiday. As he began to thrive after college the news of the government shut down prompted Camerron to feed the families adversely affected by loss of wages. That same year he also did a back to school drive to help Atlanta’s inner city youth with school supplies.
Camerron is a proud Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Alumnus without hesitation he is always serving his University. He participated in the Global Employee Health and Fitness Month presenting a series of virtual cooking classes for the University. He also gave his time in the Community Health Fair presented by the University as well as teaching two Hospitality Management Food Labs to help further the Food Science programs. He strives to always lend a helping hand during times of food shortage, which sparked the idea of his latest work Chefs for Change. Chefs for Change focuses on providing meals to those that were in food deserts during the protest when grocery stores were not on regular schedules. This initiative also provided food for families who are experiencing loss of income due to COVID-19 stay in place orders.
Camerron challenged other chefs around the country to join in on the relief efforts impacting even more families beyond his reach. Camerron also believes health is wealth so we have to be aware of what we put in our bodies. This year he was noted as an influencer for the cause with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Camerron spent time facilitating a cooking class showcasing recipes that would benefit those looking for a meal that would fit within their dietary restrictions. All the proceeds from the class went to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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MAYOR EVELYN WYNN-DIXON
Dr. Evelyn Wynn-Dixon, an Atlanta native and proud mother of four adult children, seven grandchildren and one great grand., , Mayor of the city of Riverdale, earned her post-secondary and post-graduate education in Social Work and Gerontology. The Honorable Dr. Evelyn Wynn-Dixon has earned a reputation as a hard-working leader who values innovation, collaboration, and citizen engagement. Dr. Evelyn Wynn-Dixon serves as Mayor of the City of Riverdale. Riverdale is a metropolitan suburb of Atlanta with a diverse and dynamic population; and is located approximately 5 miles south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports.
Mayor Dixon’s most recent appointments were to Governor Nathan Deal’s Transit Governance Task Force. Additionally, she serves in an executive capacity on the American Red Cross Minority Recruitment Board and the Securus House Executive Board—just to name a few. Mayor Dixon has been recognized for her exemplary leadership; as such, she is the recipient of countless awards and special honors. In May 2011, she was awarded the prestigious designation of, ‘Businesswoman of the Year’ by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce.
She received The President Mayor’s Award for Excellence and Opened a state-of-the Art building in Riverdale. For the last 8 year hosted the Women’s History Bruch for the trouble teens and the homeless. Several new businesses were opened in the city of Riverdale. Advocacy for new enrollment voters.
Since taking office in January 2008, Mayor Dixon and the City Council have pursued policies that have dramatically improved the quality of life in Riverdale. Nicknamed, The People’s Mayor, early in her political career for her high accessibility, tireless work ethic and attention to the basics, Mayor Dixon is working to inspire a generation of public officials who are rooted in the belief that citizens are the best civic entrepreneurs.
Best known for forging partnerships to revitalize Riverdale’s communities, strengthening the economy through workforce investments, and smart growth initiatives, Wynn-Dixon’s vision for Riverdale is based on strong, welcoming communities that provide unlimited opportunities for success. In one of the most tumultuous economies the country has ever faced, the City of Riverdale constructed a state of the art, 20,000 square ft. city hall, a distinctive multi-purpose center, and an outdoor Amphitheater. Under her leadership, Riverdale has proven that it will continue to be a true model for smart growth.
CRISTYL KIMBROUGH - "LADIES WHO LIST ATLANTA" STAR
Cristyl Kimbrough is an entrepreneur, attorney, and advocate. She is the founder and managing attorney of Kimbrough Law, LLC - a real estate law firm located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Her professional journey has led her to conduct over 50,000 closings and counting helping to directly impact the socioeconomic state of families across the state of Georgia. She is a proud double HBCU graduate having received her Bachelor's degree from Albany State University and her J.D. from Southern Law. Her studies and relentless pursuit of education led her to be appointed as a federal extern under a judge appointed by President Barack Obama. She has served in highly coveted summer associate positions including Geiger, Laborde and Laperouse, LLC, The Coca-Company and
Thomas, Kennedy, Sampson and Tompkins, LLC.
As a closing attorney, Ms. Kimbrough represents lenders, developers, builders, agents, purchasers and sellers in many types of real estate transactions including mortgage financings, construction loans, lease transactions, project financings, acquisitions and dispositions of real estate assets and other real estate
related transactions.
Cristyl utilizes her work as an attorney to directly support her community both internally and externally. She has taken the initiative to continue relationships beyond the closing room with the introduction of her series, Coffee with Counsel. Here she donates her time to a team of real estate professionals and teaches them contract law and settlement statements, ensuring the continuation of knowledge is being passed down. She also has taken the initiative to combat unemployment rates amongst black men through her law firms. Kimbrough believes anyone can be qualified with the right experience and support. She is passionate about ensuring this support is extended to local black males. When she is not conducting commercial and residential closings, Ms. Kimbrough leads an adventurous
personal life that includes spontaneous travel, animal encounters with chimpanzees, sky diving and jumping off 20 feet cliffs in beautiful tropical islands.
Despite the pandemic, Cristyl Kimbrough has managed to build a real estate law firm that is continuing to spread throughout the Southeast. She is available for speaking opportunities on real estate law, entrepreneurship, and management skills. Her nonprofit, Kimbrough Connects, will be launching later in 2022 and will serve the Atlanta community through various initiatives.
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DR KEVIN JAMES - PRESIDENT OF MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE
Dr. Kevin James serves as the 19th President of Morris Brown College, a historically Black college located in Atlanta, Georgia founded in 1881. It is the only HBCU in Georgia founded by African Americans. In this role he leads as the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the leadership and management of all aspects of college operations. He is also responsible for the development and execution of the vision and strategic direction for the college, in concert with the Board of Trustees.
James has a career that spans over 22+ years as a higher education administrator, professor, executive business leader and motivational speaker. As President, he helped re-brand the institution and successfully regained Morris Brown’s accreditation candidacy by the United States Department of Education. Under his leadership, he has stabilized finances; increased fundraising; expanded and revised academic offerings; and led the college in reaching record-breaking enrollment increases from over the past 20 years.
Most recently, James announced Morris Brown’s $30 million partnership with Hilton Hotels Worldwide and CGI Merchant Group to develop a hotel on the college’s campus that provides students with hospitality training in the hotel and restaurants industries.
Prior to his position as Morris Brown President, James served as interim CEO of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. He previously held academic administrator roles at Claflin, Strayer, and Herzing universities as well.
The Columbia, South Carolina, native has been featured on several news outlets including CNN, NewsOne, Forbes, Black Enterprise, The Root, HBCU Times, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Inside Higher Education as well as a number of Atlanta-based media networks.
James was named 2021 College President of the Year by the Georgia Greater Black Chamber of Commerce and one of Atlanta’s Most Powerful Leaders by Atlanta Magazine in 2022. In 2020, he received the Winthrop University Alumni Professional Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to higher education. Additionally, he received the 4 Brighter Futures Foundation, Inc. Chairman Award, was a Georgia Leadership Character Award nominee, Mentor of the Year for 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., and Morris Brown College was named Top 10 Smaller HBCU that is Rising #4 by the HBCU Campaign Fund. Moreover, he was selected and completed the Higher Education Leadership Foundation/United Negro College Fund Presidential Leadership Institute.
Among his memberships are Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Golden Key International Honor Society, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.
James attended South Carolina State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and Social Sciences from Winthrop University; a master’s degree in Business Management, Leadership, and Organizational Effectiveness from Troy State University; and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership from Nova
TERRICA WRIGHT - TOP SELLING REALTOR
Terrica is a native of Atlanta, GA, a graduate of Tuskegee University and a successful entrepreneur and business owner for 10 plus years. She is the Founder and CEO of Terrica Wright Real Estate Group affiliates of Palmerhouse Properties where she is recognized among the top 10% of Realtors in Metro Atlanta. She's the owner and founder of online clothing store -The Look By Terrica Wright, and a dynamic Professional Speaker. Terrica's heart is to empower others to live the life of their dreams and to fulfill the purpose of God for their lives.
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2022 MEDIA CORRESPONDANCE
ELIZABETH "LIZI" SMITH - RED CARPET CORRESPONDANT
Smith has been an on-air personality for Atlanta’s hip hop and R&B station, V103, written for a number of publications like 21Ninety and Bossip, and she has modeled for several brands, creating some of the most breath taking photos. Better known as @liztwotimes on IG, she shares a piece of her story as an entertainment journalist, personality, producer and #endostrong survivor. She details her experience climbing up the entertainment ladder.
"I'm passionate about journalism because I’ve always enjoyed giving a voice to those who feel voiceless. As a kid my pops always had us in front of a camera and with my mom being a teacher in the arts, I was always on stage hosting things, narrating conversations and it was just natural for me to go into this industry..."
"Being a black woman from North Nashville I didn’t see anyone who looked like me doing what I’m doing. I always say my mission is bigger than me. I want to not only inspire those back home in my community but women all over. We truly can achieve anything we put our minds to and it may not happen over night but I know in my heart I’ll reach all my goals with the help of God. He didn’t place these desires on my heart for no reason"
RAINY 'COUNTRY CUTIE' CATES - MEDIA ROOM CORRESPONDANT
Rainy "Country Cutie' Cates is a media personality, radio co-host, and podcast curator who resides in Atlanta, Ga. She has worked on platforms such as WTNT Radio, Highly Unique, World Star Hit Radio, and Power 108.9. She's hosted/co-hosted on Q in the streets, The Wolf of E, Michael and friends, The Black Detour, and Campus Lately podcast/ talk radio just to name a few. Rainy, better known as Cates, is a graduate of the illustrious Alabama A&M University. She recently curated her own podcast/ talk radio named "Snack Time" where she has had the honor of interviewing celebrities such as Wild N' Outs Pretty V, Love and Hip-Hops Rich Dollaz, and Netflix Aida Rodriguez. Through her wide range of experience entertaining, educating, and interviewing she has become known as your favorite country cutie stapling the phrase everybody wants a piece of Cates.
When asked to describe herself, she doesn't hesitate to say "I am supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Any other questions?"
