Jeremy Sullivan
From fatherless, prison, and gang banging to fatherhood, speaking, and repping Christ I’m a testimony to God’s Grace. How he’s taken a seed and turned what many considered a hopeless grave into what has now become a garden of promises. I now seek to sow into others through the spoken word, my writings, and the voice of the goodness waiting for those who have faith. Who invest and prioritize like a farmer in the things unseen like their character and dreams; instead of being preoccupied like a hunter-gatherer in the things seen with their retweets or a number of followers.
Shafar Massenburg
Shafar Massenburg (aka TheSpacePoet) is a multifaceted artist with a passion for acting, poetry, and photography. Driven by a mission to spread peace and love, he uses his creative work as a medium to inspire and connect with others. Through his art, he aims to bring a sense of harmony and compassion to the world.
Contact:
Email: shafarmass3@gmail.com
Instagram: @thespacepoet3
LinkedIn: Shafar Massenburg
Facebook: Shafar Massenburg
Milan Lee
Milan is an IT leader based in the Raleigh, NC area with a strong focus on building strategic partnerships in the media and entertainment industry. He has held key roles at prominent organizations, including Xbox, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Salesforce. Driven by his passion for gaming, Milan serves on the leadership team for Black in Gaming, a group dedicated to supporting Black game developers through resources and advocacy. Milan is also a co-founder of “i am dad.,” an initiative that promotes the importance of fatherhood through clothing and community engagement. Outside of work, Milan is a committed father and husband. He volunteers as a coach for his son’s youth activities and actively participates in local community service projects.
Megan Macpherson
Megan is a life coach and founder of Yes GOD Wellness, specializing in guiding individuals toward transformation through holistic practices and mindset shifts.
With a passion for empowerment and inner growth, Megan developed the ACE Framework—
Awareness, Clarity, and Experience—as a structured approach to help people heal, reframe triggers, and embrace their highest potential.
Through this framework, Megan continues to help countless clients gain clarity, align with their goals, and cultivate a purposeful life. She brings wisdom, compassion, and practical insights, offering an engaging experience that inspires lasting change.
Antoine Medley
This dynamic keynote speaker, philanthropist, mentor, author, and entrepreneur, advocates for a life dedicated to service, inspiring adults and youth to embrace the call to action. He believes in the inevitability of choice, urging individuals to confront their destiny courageously.
In 2011, Antoine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has become an advocate for African American men with this debilitating disease. He is a highly functional MS patient and does not allow his health situation to slow his calling to serve others. He uses this condition to motivate himself and others. “I view my diagnosis as a challenge to live an excellent life of service with a sense of urgency.”
Antoine expanded his reach with the launch of “theforcedpivot Podcast”, accessible across all major podcast platforms. The podcast is a platform that delves into the unexpected turns life can present, and it revolves around the theme of adaptability and resilience. The motto of the show is “No life is lived in a straight line.”
In 2022, Antoine formed “Sankofa Innovations, LLC.” to provide workshops, innovation training, publishing, and speaking services. His company launched “blackVOICESnow” which provides a stage for African American, minority, and underrepresented speakers to gain experience and exposure as they move into the world of public speaking.
Antoine Medley’s life is a beacon of service, illuminating the path for others to discover their journey toward making a difference.
Carlos Mims, Sr.
Carlos C. Mims, Sr. is a partner at Trapp Insurance Group, Inc., where he specializes in offering Lifestyle Protection Plans to individuals and families. With 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, Carlos is committed to empowering clients with the knowledge they need to take control of their financial futures, helping them move from financing their lifestyle to owning it.
In addition to his work in financial services, Carlos is a best-selling author, sharing his expertise and insights on wealth-building and financial literacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Fayetteville State University, his hometown of Fayetteville, NC.
Currently residing in Raleigh, NC, Carlos is deeply engaged in his community, particularly through his active involvement with his church. He enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife of 26 years, their three sons, and four grandsons. Outside of work and family, Carlos is an avid golfer, enjoying the game whenever time permits.
Melissa Fanning
Melissa Fanning is a dynamic Training Coordinator with a heart for helping others flourish, following in the footsteps of her father, a Navy instructor. With nearly three decades of dedicated service to the City of Hampton, Melissa brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University.
As the founder of Birthing Purposes LLC, Melissa is committed to empowering youth and showcasing her literary works, including "Sea Lessons with Daddy" and its companion workbook, as well as the creative coloring book "Melissa and the Moroccan Chameleon" and "Fix Your Crown, Remember Who You Are."
Recognized as Employee of the Year and awarded the Meritorious Service Award in 2019 by the Virginia Community Corrections Justice Association, Melissa has trained thousands of criminal justice professionals. Her expertise in diversity and communication ensures that every training session is impactful and rooted in best practices.
Residing in the beautiful Tidewater area of Virginia, Melissa is the proud oldest sibling of four and an enthusiastic aunt to nine nieces and nephews. Her passion for personal growth drives her mission to equip and inspire everyone willing to elevate their lives. Join Melissa on her journey to make a difference, one training session, and book at a time!
Sean Ingram
Sean Ingram is an Author, Motivational Speaker, Inspirational Spoken Word Artist, and Founder of The Sean Ingram Academy.
Sean’s Mission and Ministry is to Engage, Enlighten, and Elevate Youth to stay in school and out of the prison.
Sean Ingram’s Testimonial Journey “From Poverty to Prison to Prosperity” has served as beacon of hope and encouragement for many, young and old, to survive their struggles, overcome their obstacles, and persevere their process during their journey towards success.
Linsey Mills
Linsey Mills is a trailblazing entrepreneur, celebrated author, and financial strategist whose journey from humble beginnings to national recognition is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and excellence. Recognized with the prestigious Small Business Administration Entrepreneur of the Year award, Linsey’s story is one of breaking barriers and elevating others along the way.
His latest book, Currency of Conversations: The Talk You’ve Been Waiting For About Money, is more than a bestseller—it’s a movement toward financial empowerment and literacy in communities often underserved. Linsey’s words don’t just educate; they transform. His earlier works, Your Business Venture: The Prep. The Pitch. The Funding, and Teach Your Child About Money Through Play, are blueprints for financial success, from the boardroom to the family room, fostering a mindset of wealth and opportunity for future generations.
Beyond the books, Linsey lives by his mantra of “Simply Outrageous” living, bringing passion and joy into every endeavor. As a former leader at American Express, where his contributions led to five JD Power Customer Service Awards, he understands the importance of service excellence. This commitment to helping others thrive extends into innovative educational programs like Colors of Philanthropy and TRADER$: Stock Market Experience, where he brings the intricacies of finance to life through hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
With over 30 years of expertise guiding clients toward their financial aspirations, Linsey Mills is not only a powerhouse in the financial world but a beacon of inspiration. His impact reaches beyond dollars and cents, redefining success as a journey filled with purpose, joy, and generosity. Join Linsey as he empowers others to dream big, act boldly, and live fully.
Jujuan Mitchell
JuJuan Mitchell is a passionate community leader and social justice advocate who has dedicated her life to empowering others. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008, JuJuan channeled her experience into raising awareness about the disease within her community. In 2023, she co-founded the A Balance for MS Foundation, which provides support to individuals navigating the emotional journey of MS, with a focus on grieving, understanding, and thriving. In addition to her work in mental health advocacy, JuJuan serves on several boards, including the Wake Forest Community Table and the Doris Jean Carmichael Baynes Foundation, both of which promote equality and justice for marginalized communities. A graduate of Saint Augustine’s University, JuJuan was raised in Kinston, NC, and is a member of Watts Missionary Baptist Church. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Capital Area Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Through her work and positive mindset, JuJuan strives to uplift and connect those around her.
Get Tickets: "blackVOICESnow" Raleigh Event
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