Leadership - Black Legacy Advancement Coalition

Board of Directors

Dexter Sullivan

President

For nearly two decades, Dexter has engaged hundreds of platforms around the world as a public speaker. To date, his career has afforded him the opportunity to canvas the majority of the United States, and more than 20 nations abroad. With a proven capacity to inspire and connect with people, his relatability is certain to make one think that he knows no strangers.

Originally a native of Detroit, Michigan, Dexter attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he completed a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. He was elected Student Body President of ORU for two consecutive terms, representing their 4,000+ student constituency nationwide.

Dexter is the founder of DSE Enterprises, with subsidiary organizations including Forerunner Consulting, Dexter Sullivan Ministries, and The Man to Man Project. DSE Enterprises serves as a clearing house for his consulting services, ministries, innovative projects, and other profitable business endeavors. He is currently partnered with the Michigan Mobility Institute in Detroit where he is tasked with leading the Mobility On-Ramp Collaborative, a state funded initiative to create long-term talent solutions for the mobility and autonomy industry. The collaborative is comprised of partner companies including Ford Motor Company, Bosch North America, and May Mobility.

The broad scope of Dexter’s career-leadership has served numerous contexts. His work has measurably impacted communities globally with educational reform, government policy, leadership development, financial empowerment, and spiritual enrichment. His reputation has established him as a credible voice and thought leader, positioning him as a sought after advisor for global shapers around the world.

Today, Dexter speaks both locally and internationally, teaching principles that practically enhance the lives of everyday people. He frequently partners as a consultant with businesses and individuals for the purpose of adding value to their leadership, ethics, planning, and development.

Dexter is a proud resident of his hometown Detroit, where he Chairs the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition, a national policy think tank diversely comprised of leading African Americans and allies that are invested in creating systemic strategies that secure the future of black communities through reform. Dexter is an active member of his local church, and faithfully serves as a mentor, as well as a youth mentor-advocate in his community.

His life mission is simple: reach people, love people, build people.

David S. Walker

Vice President

David S. Walker is a gifted communicator, brilliant visionary, and an incredible leader. An award winning speaker, David is committed to motivating families on the power of investing to take full control of your financial future and own your tomorrow. As a Wealth Management Specialist, David works for one of the largest wealth management and advisory firms in the nation with over $4 Trillion in AUM. His responsibilities include supporting the overall business practice which includes, asset development, portfolio management, sales execution, operational effectiveness, and client experience.

Prior to working in Wealth Management, David spent over 7 years with Christians United for Israel (CUFI). During his tenure, he helped build out the campus division–CUFI on Campus–developing strong Christian student leaders on college campuses in the US. As the director of CUFI on Campus, David along with his team launched over 300 officially recognized CUFI on Campus Chapters at top universities across the nation. His efforts aided to change the narrative on college campuses regarding Israel and the conflict in the Middle East. David has also traveled extensively across the U.S. and internationally speaking at over 450 conferences, universities, churches, and synagogues as well as lobbying elected officials on Capital Hill on the importance of Christian Support for Israel.

Prior to working with CUFI, David worked on several local and national political campaigns as a Campaign Manager and Senior Advisor. His emphasis on developing strong economic opportunities in urban areas is a strategy he believes can reduce crime and uplift poverty stricken communities. He is also passionate about Education and Criminal Justice reform.

David graduated with a B.S. in Finance & Political Science from the University of Detroit Mercy. He is a man devoted to his family and invested in his church and community of Austin, TX. David is married to Bri Walker and together they have three beautiful daughters. As a couple, they serve together as leaders at Celebration Church. They open their home to host and lead Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. In his free time, David volunteers at the Texas Food Bank and serves as a personal male mentor to many, helping young men successfully navigate the complexities of adulthood and leadership.

Colten Barnaby

Treasurer

Growing up as the child and grandchild of community leaders and activists in the Kensington section of north Philadelphia Colten had a white hot burning desire for justice imprinted on his heart at a young age. From as early as he can remember he would tag along from meeting to meeting with his father, Rev. Joel Barnaby. Rev Barnaby served on the board of directors for the Community and Police Interracial Taskforce, the Youth Violence Reduction Program, the Community for Mental Health (COHMAR), and also founded and ran Cross Connection Family Services, a day treatment facility for violent juvenile offenders to receive mentorship and rehabilitation. Sitting in meetings like these through his childhood and teenage years would inculcate in Colten a passion for civic justice that has stayed with him throughout his life.

Colten attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he received his B.S. in Historical Theological Studies and went on to pursue his M.A. in the History of Christian Theology. During his time in Tulsa he worked as a youth pastor at Sanctuary Tulsa and served as the Vice President of Racism Stinks, a local non-profit focused on fighting against systemic racism and healing racial divisions in the Tulsa community.

Today Colten lives in Chicago, IL with his wife Natalie who is in her final year at the Northwestern University School of Law. Colten is the Founder and CEO of Barnaby and Associates Financial and a Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services, a Publicly traded financial firm on the NYSE and recently added to the Fortune 1000. Colten and Natalie attend City Church Chicago where Colten serves as the Life Groups Director.

Colten is a Team builder, DREAM releaser, RELENTLESS believer in people, leadership and self development fanatic, lifelong learner and lover of freedom and opportunity.

Adam Arrington

Secretary

Equipped with lessons from the past and plans for a better future, Adam Arrington, strives to serve his community, under God’s direction, by helping African Americans to gain empowerment through Government, Finance, and Human Rights. Preparing for his abilities in this role, Adam attended Oral Roberts University, where during his senior year, he was elected president of the student body. Gaining valued experience from this time, he went on to complete his studies at Oral Roberts University in 2008, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration.

With his degree in tow, he gained the position of Southeast Territory Manager with his Alma mater. Following this position, he held several roles in the financial industry which included his time as an Insurance Adjuster, Banker, and Wealth Management Financial Advisor. Today, and utilizing these past experiences, he now serves as an Officer and Wealth Management Banker with Merrill Lynch Bank of America.

Alongside this and his previous roles, he has held several dedicated positions in the fields of politics and advocacy. Influenced by the work of leaders such as his grandfather, Dr. Richard Arrington Jr., the 1st African American Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, Adam used his time outside of his work in finance to aid his community by serving as the Chairman of The Jefferson County Citizens Coalition. He has also served as a Lobbyist and Delegate for AIPAC, Vice-President for the Jefferson County Millennial Democrats, and was a member of The Committee to Save Jefferson County.

No matter where he is serving, Adam has stayed committed to allowing God to use his life to help others as he draws inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Deval Patrick, Bishop Vanable H. Moody II, Dr. Cornel West, Senator Bernie Sanders, and many others. Just as he is focused on his mission to advance and advocate for policies that support and empower African Americans, Adam also commits the best parts of himself to his family. He and his wife of 11 years, Denise, are the proud parents of 7 year old, Leona Diane. When he is not spending his free time with his girls and the rest of his family, he enjoys serving in his church, reading and continuously increasing his knowledge in finance and politics.

Chenelle A. Jones, Ph.D.

Board Member

Dr. Jones is the Assistant Dean of Community Engagement, and Chair of the Public Safety Programs at Franklin University. She also oversees the Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education (CPSCE), and the Global Center for Healthcare Education (GCHE) at Franklin University. Dr. Jones received her Ph.D. in the Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Her research interests include race and crime, policing, and juvenile delinquency. She is particularly interested in issues of police/community relations, disproportionate minority contact (DMC), mass incarceration, and the intersection of race and gender in the criminal justice system.

Dr. Jones currently serves as the National Director of Research for the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy, a federally funded program designed to reduce social distance between police officers and youth. As the Director, she is responsible for establishing the research agenda, analyzing data, and serving as a consultant for best practices in improving relations between teens and the police. She has written numerous articles and book chapters on public perceptions of the police, race, and the administration of justice. She is also the co-editor of A Critical Analysis of Race and the Administration of Justice.

Dr. Jones is a highly sought-after speaker, and has conducted several presentations, keynotes, and media appearances on issues of race, police/community relations, and disproportionate minority contact. She is a reviewer for the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and several academic journals including the Journal of Juvenile Justice, the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, and Race and Justice. She is a crime analyst for TV One’s hit show “For My Man.” She was appointed by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther to serve on the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission. She is a member of the Juvenile Detention Facility Assessment Team for Franklin County. She is an ambassador for the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services’ Change Starts Here campaign. She is featured in “An Unfinished Documentary…Change Starts with You” which highlights law enforcement and community-wide efforts to improve police/community relations. Dr. Jones founded Come Together Columbus, which is a loose collective of organizations and individuals committed to racial justice, community empowerment, and police reform in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Jones is the recipient of numerous awards including Franklin University’s Dean’s Award Recognizing Excellence, the Central Ohio Social Justice Award for Education Advocacy in Higher Education, Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 Award, the Conley Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Sankofa Award for Education, and the Visionary Award by Columbus City Council and the Create Columbus Commission. Dr. Jones is the 2018 recipient of the Emerald Literati Award for Most Outstanding Author Contribution for her book chapter The New Jane Crow: Mass Incarceration and the Denied Maternity of Black Women. She serves on the Board of the Grant Foundation for Grant Medical Center, the Columbus Impact and Inclusion Advisory Board for Columbus Young Professionals, and the Advisory Board for the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition (BLAC), which is a national policy think tank organization established to advance and defend African American interests for life and legacy. Dr. Jones is also a member of several community and professional organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Create Columbus Commission, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the American Society of Criminology, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and the Racial Democracy and Criminal Justice Network.

Dr. Timothy Bradford, Jr.

Board Member

Dr. Timothy Bradford Jr. (T.J.) is the Lead Precision Agriculture Instructor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University. He is responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in Precision Agriculture, as well as upper level & graduate courses in Precision Agriculture and Vegetable Production. He oversees the MSU Agronomy Club which seeks to disseminate agronomic knowledge and provide students with networking opportunities with industry leaders and professionals. He is also a committee member of the Mississippi Youth Institute for The World Food Prize where high school students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Mississippi and around the world. Dr. Bradford is currently conducting research pertaining to the practical use of UAV’s and various remote sensors for agriculture production within specialty crops.

Before his current faculty appointment at Mississippi State University, Dr. Bradford was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service as a Soil Scientist and Soil Scientist. His duties included mapping and classifying soils, utilizing GIS technologies to map and implement conservation practices, determining optimal recommendations for fertilizer, water, and seed for southern row crops, and conducting laboratory experiments assessing soil productivity. He has been stationed at various duty stations in Mississippi; as well as duty stations in Harrisburg, PA, Crestview, FL, & Saratoga, WY. Dr. Bradford is also the Owner & Senior Agronomist of Bradford Agricultural Consulting where they specialize in commercial and residential construction of greenhouses and high tunnels, as well as provide comprehensive consulting for specialty crop producers throughout the Southeastern United States. He also serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Bradford Farms, located in Isola, MS where he is involved in production operations for vendors such as Wal-Mart.

Tiffany Johnson

Chief of Staff

Tiffany Johnson commits her life and energy to the upliftment, connection and joy of Black folks. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, her family instilled the values of legacy, ancestry and service in her from a very early age. She went on to graduate with a dual degree in Anthropology and African & African-American studies from Washington University in St. Louis. While pursuing her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to serve as both a mayoral and congressional intern, which provided her with her first experiences shaping and understanding public policy. Upon graduating, she joined Teach For America and taught middle school English while simultaneously pursuing her master’s degree in Education. This experience solidified a lifelong passion and commitment to educational equity, social justice and youth empowerment.

Tiffany later transitioned to New York City and developed her leadership and skillset in various teaching and leadership roles throughout the city, including some time as an Assistant Principal at one of the highest performing schools in the city. In 2014, Tiffany was appointed to one of Brooklyn’s Community Education Council’s by the Borough President, a role that involved partnerships with parents, school and community leaders to enhance students’ experiences. In addition to allowing her to build coalitions with numerous families and community organizations, Tiffany’s experiences in NYC schools caused her to question the role of school in shaping the identity and ideology of Black youth. She also recognized the importance of mental health and wellness practices for both students and teachers. She then began to hone her expertise in socioemotional learning and emotional resilience coaching in response to those needs. Eventually, she transitioned to KIPP in Newark, NJ, serving as a leader, teacher and equity strategist.

Tiffany currently works for Teach For America’s New York Region as a Director of Program Design & Implementation. In this role, she designs and execute diversity and inclusion programming while simultaneously partnering with school and network leaders to train and support teachers early in their careers. Here, she is exploring her loves of coaching and contributing to the personal and professional development of others. When not working, Tiffany loves to read, cook, dance, write and spend time with loved ones. One of the quotes that grounds her and helps her love and lead through her core values of love, freedom and authenticity is: “Transform yourself to transform the world” by late Detroit activist and heroine Grace Lee Boggs.

Partner With Us

Help us in our vision to:

Close disproportionate disparities for African American communities through policy reform advocacy.
Foster realized equality for African American communities by centralizing solutions to those areas.
Secure the African-American human right to life by partnering in solidarity with champion organizations already engaged in the fight.
Craft and lobby local, state, and federal policies that protect African American rights that better serve black values.

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Ways to Get Involved

Commission Members are those individuals that commit to partner with one or more of the sector initiatives to research and develop policies that will accomplish our goal of protecting and enriching the will of African American communities nationally.

Apprentices support the Board and the Commissions administratively, while also being facilitated through a leadership development program that will ready them for effective community service in their respective future.

Allies are advocates of the work, and support the cause in their activism, organizing, and fundraising. No official financial commitment is required to become an ally at this time.

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