2023 JAZZ, EGGS, AND FRIENDS SPONSOR

STAR STUDENT AWARDEES

Thomas Douglas is a 7th Grade honor roll student and attends Haynes Intermediate School in Grove City, OH. Thomas is a committed and honorable student. He loves playing the saxophone and playing Sports. He is currently participating in local basketball leagues and the traveling basketball teams. Thomas was born in Twentynine Palms, California and has traveled all around the world. Prior to coming to Columbus, OH Thomas lived in Okinawa Japan where he excelled in Wrestling, won 1st place with the Gladiators Wrestling team. Thomas is an active member at Power City church.
Joy Freeman is a 17-year-old junior who will be continuing her education at Madison Christian School for her senior year, where she will be graduating in 2024. Throughout her childhood, she could not help but to keep a busy schedule as she participated in variations of sports, junior
honor society, and many church and youth groups. She currently serves on her school’s student leadership and diversity committee where she helps plan events and reassure the student community. She enjoys playing volleyball, basketball and softball while also enhancing her musical abilities in playing the saxophone. She has spent her 17 years growing up in Union Grove Baptist Church where she has recently found an interest in working in the sound and media booth. As Joy enters college, she plans on using these skills to pursue digital marketing along with film and media production. Joy not only has a heart for people, youth, and her loving family but for God because she knows that He is the source for her being and future.
Adrianna Alexis Hairston is 11 years old and recently graduated from 5th grade. She’ll be heading to the 6th grade at Canal Winchester Middle School, in the fall. Her favorite subject is Math. However, she is in a gifted ELA class, where he shows her excellent writing skills. Her hobbies include soccer and hanging out with family and friends. Ultimately, she wants to go to Ohio State and become a pediatrician.
Danielle Hines will be a 9th grade student at Gahanna Lincoln High School in 2023-2024 school year. Danielle has been an honor student throughout middle school ending her 8th grade year as a 4.0 honor student and was awarded the 8th grade Science award. Danielle was also awarded the Rise and Shine Award in the 7th grade. Danielle was a member of the Robotics team and was responsible for programming the robot’s automation. Danielle has been a Girl Scout for 5 years and has been a part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter’s Delta Academy for 2 years learning and participating in the programmatic thrusts learning about educational and economic development, international awareness and involvement, mental health, political awareness, and social action. Danielle is a self-taught artist and has won second place in the 100 Black Women Columbus’ Skate against gun violence campaign. Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Shuri.
My name is Emily Johnson, and I am a Sophomore at Westland High School. I am the President of the Cultural Diversity Club, a member of the Chorale Choir and a member of my school’s
volleyball team. I enjoy my extracurricular activities, but my education takes priority. I am in the top 25 of my graduating class and a student at Columbus State Community College. I also work as a Swim Instructor at the YMCA. In my free time I enjoy volunteering with my church youth group and spending time with my family.
Gabrielle Jeane’ Johnson was born on February 3, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio to Charles and Dana Johnson. She attends the KIPP Columbus Middle School and is in the 6th grade. She is active at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and in her Girl Scout Troop #6372, loves collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, reading Anime, and playing on her VR headset. She swims with the Buckeye Swim Club and her favorite event is the 50 butterfly.
My name is Larry Johnson, and I am 14 Years old. I am a student at Pleasant View Middle School. I participated in the basketball and track team at school. I am also a member of the National Junior Honor Society. I began classes at Columbus State Community College last summer and I plan to continue with classes this summer. When I am not involved in school sports, I enjoy relaxing at home with my family or playing basketball.
Trinity Robinson is a senior graduating from Lincoln High School, Gahanna, Ohio and Eastland Career Center, Groveport, Ohio. The last two years I have attended Eastland Career Center with my study in Cosmetology. My goal was to complete my class and service hours to study for the
state board of Cosmetology. I have completed my studies and am now a licensed Cosmetologist. I will be continuing my education at the University of Toledo studying Business Management and minoring in Marketing. My goal is to own my own Beauty Salon. My hobbies are painting and braiding hair. The sport I love to play is volleyball.
Lennox Thompson is a 12-year-old honor student at Gahanna Middle School South where he achieved a 3.695 cumulative grade point average. Lennox plays the clarinet, percussion, plays baseball and enjoys riding dirt bikes.
Pita Yates is an honor student at Arts & College Preparatory Academy and is entering her Junior year of High School. Pita enjoys drawing, singing, dancing, and theatre.

HBCU STAR STUDENT

L. B. Towns, Jr. is one of 15 siblings. This amazing young man has not let obstacles and or setbacks get in his way. In his senior year of high school, the family’s house caught on fire and they had to live in a hotel until it was repaired. Despite this major setback for the family, L.B.Towns Jr. maintained a high grade point average and won medals and honors in basketball and track at Linden McKinley High School In 2022 he was awarded the Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Association MVP award. One of his major goals was to attend Howard University. Last ast year he entered Howard University on an academic scholarship and was not able to get a basketball scholarship because of COVID. L.B. Towns, Jr. first year was challenging he had to be hospitalized and his father became seriously ill at the same time. Despite the many obstacles that L.B. Towns, Jr. faced he maintained a high grade point average and was able to raise most of the funds he needed to pay tuition for his freshman year. He is returning to Howard this year. L. B. Towns, Jr. is the first recipient of 100 Black Women Columbus HBCU award.

GOSPEL QUINTETT AWARD

Deacon Cartrell Gray, the lead singer and founder for 5 M. O. V. (Men of Vision) Plus 3, is a native of Fort Wayne Indiana. At an early age, he toured Europe spreading gospel quartet music all overseas and the 50s and 60s Golden Hits by “The Platters”. His love and compassion for gospel music was planted in him 45 years ago. Since 2019 with the prayers and support of his family and church MOV +3 (Mike, Tom, Dave, Doug, Nois, K.G. and Lee Lee) have performed in over 175 appearances. On October 14, 2023 they will host their CD &; digital release at Mt. Gerizim Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Deacon Cartrell Gray & MOV + 3 believe in one God, one Humanity, and one love. We are passionate about preserving gospel quartet music, and community interaction all over the world.

GOSPEL SINGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Phyllis Elaine Lloyd Stephens is blessed to be the mother of four gifted children: Ronald Stephens, II, John Stephens (aka John Legend), Vaughn Stephens, and (Missy) Phyllis Stephens. And again, she is abundantly blessed with 13 awesome grandchildren. Phyllis, now, at the age of 69, is still lifting her beautiful voice in song.

 

Phyllis demonstrated her singing gift at the early age of 4. She began singing at El Bethel Temple, Springfield, Ohio under the leadership of her father Pastor Raymond E. Lloyd, Sr. Her mother, Elmira Bass Lloyd, the church organist and choir director saw her gift and nurtured Phyllis’ mezzo soprano voice. She also developed Phyllis’ ability to direct the church choir at the age of 13. Both skills were used in state and local church choirs throughout Ohio.

 

Phyllis sang solos in all her school choirs, opening opportunities for more singing engagements throughout the city of Springfield. She served as the Assistant Director of The Original Springfield South High Gospel Choir. In 1972 she won the Music Award at South High. Her gift made room for her to sing solos for various church and school events. She sang locally, and throughout Ohio as well as at international events within her church organization. Her angelic voice has brought her before great men such as the governor of Ohio, The Honorable Richard Celeste.

 

Phyllis has been a gifted tailor for 58 years, making beautiful, detailed garments for customers throughout the country. She also found time to study at Wittenberg University with a goal of obtaining a BA in Accounting.

MUSIC ICON OF THE YEAR

Grammy nominee and Emmy Award winner, Bobby Floyd has had a very successful and rewarding career, his talent putting him in demand and making him one of the first-call pianists/organists for many well-known artists. He traveled the world accompanying Ray Charles on piano and organ.  He has also toured nationally and internationally as organist for the Grammy Award winning Dr. John.  He was the feature pianist occupying the chair of the great late Count Basie accompanying his world-famous orchestra for 6 years.

 

Floyd currently makes guest appearances with Maceo and is also featured with Byron Stripling, collaborating with some of the most distinguished orchestras, including The Boston Pops, Rochester Philharmonic, and Detroit Symphony.

 

The prestige associated with Floyd’s worldwide appearances has also been witnessed at home where Floyd has been recognized as central Ohio’s number one “Favorite Musician” for more than 10 years (2010-20) according to Columbus Monthly’s “Best of Columbus”.  In his hometown, Bobby has been feature pianist & organist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra where he has performed with a large number of major artist for many years.  He is occasionally featured with The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and other arts organizations and venues throughout Ohio.

 

Floyd has taught at The Ohio State University, Otterbein University, at the world-famous Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops and in his own private studio. His critically acclaimed CD’s, demonstrate his ability to electrify audiences and have received the highest praise from critics and musicians alike.

 

Purchase Bobby’s music at amazon.com, iTunes, and cdbaby.

LORNA BONNER FEMALE JAZZ SINGER

Lorna Bonner, a resident of Xenia, Ohio, began her musical endeavors at an early age as a member of the children’s choir in the baptist church. She received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education, on full music scholarship from Central State University. And a Master’s degree in Teaching Leadership from Antioch/McGregor;with additional coursework from The Ohio State University and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

 

Her first teaching position was with the Middletown Board of Education, at McKinley Middle School, and completed her teaching career as vocal/band director and head of the music department in Xenia Community Schools. She is a member of ASCAP.

 

She began her professional singing career in the opera field with performances with the Springfield Symphony as “The Queen of the Night” in The Magic Flute; the Dayton Symphony as Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor; principal lead in “Porgy and Bess” under the direction of James Levine, conductor of the NYC Opera. And a finalist in Chicago’s Lyric Opera Guild.

 

Upon moving to Los Angeles, she began singing for radio and television commercials and was a session singer for Motown Records and other performers.

 

She has worked with Gerald Albright, Byron Miller, Brian Dozier to name a few.  She has performed in Germany and several cities across the US.  She is founder and director of “The Voices of Truth “ , her family’s gospel group. Currently she is a principal vocalist for Dean Simms’ “The Satchmo Show”

 

She is the mother of two musically gifted sons, an amazing daughter-in-law and three precious grandchildren, continuing to teach and share the love and the gift of music!

2023 HOUSE BAND FOR JAZZ EGGS AND FRIENDS

The Urban Jazz Coalition is one of the most popular bands in central Ohio.  Their energetic live performances generate a lot of excitement  The Urban Jazz Coalition  music has been featured on network television programming, international film soundtracks, national advertising campaigns, and as part of an eclectic group of artists on a Gospel/Jazz compilation project released by Capitol/EMI Records.

LA SKY – RHYTHM OF THE CITY

LA is an accomplished instrumentalist and vocalist who has toured the globe spreading special blends of musical talent.  The roots of his musical education started at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio under the tutelage of Director Ray Eubanks.

 

In the 80’s & 90’s LA  recorded professionally in Los Angeles under the labels of Warner Brothers Records and Motown.   Highlights of his career including recording and touring with numerous artists including:  Steve Wonder,Teena Marie, Rick James, Chaka Khan, and Smokey Robinson.

 

Now based in Columbus, Ohio LA  operates an entertainment company, performs live engagements and participates in many community activities.   LA  Sky’s Stone City Band is currently performing the Rick James Show, keeping the funk legacy alive!

 

To inquire about the availability of LA Sky’s Stone City Band performing for your functions please call (614) 403-7703 or (937) 559-9190.

COMMUNITY AWARDS

ROOTT

ROOTT is a Black-family led, community based health and wellness organization, dedicated to specifically addressing Black health inequality as it relates to maternal and infant mortality.   ROOTT’s reproductive justice philosophy emphasizes and re-empowers the inherent agency Black families have in making their decision to determine when, where, how and if they decide to have children.

 

Since 2015 ROOTT has achieved and sustained a 0% Black infant, and maternal mortality rate and currently serves as a subject matter expert for White House staff, Congressional leaders, state and local governments, central Ohio hospital systems, and various national and local community stakeholders, ROOTT is a founding member of the national Black Mamas Matter Alliance, and a recent recipient of the 2021 Publishers Award from the Ohio Minority Business Enterprise Media Group.

 

Both Jessica Roach and Dorian Wingard have extensive multidisciplinary experience in public health and public policy creation, development and advocacy, academic and clinical research, and professional development and training of clinical and non-clinical personnel,k Jessica serves as ROOTT’s Chief Executive Officer and Clinical Director with Dorian serving as ROOTT’s Chief Operating Officer and Policy Director.   Together they bring over four decades of integrated, multi-faceted experience to the challenge of Black family health inequity.

JIM CLEAMONS

Only four men have won 10 or more NBA Championship rings, and Coach Jim Cleamons is part of this elite group. With over 44 years of professional and collegiate basketball experience, Cleamons has played with or against most of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Basketball Players. Few have seen the evolution of the game or the NBA from inside. Cleamons’ personal mission is to enrich, mentor and teach girls, boys, and teams on-court and critical thinking skills.  The Jim Cleamons model builds champions in all aspects of life.

 

“I love to teach. I have been blessed for so many years to be in a gym and pass on key elements of the game,” says Cleamons. “I joke about what it takes to be a competitor in the NBA. Kids coming out of school now are in such a hurry to acquire the finer things in life, but to become a true champion, it ultimately comes down to experience.”

 

Jim Cleamons was born in North Carolina and grew up in the Linden area of Columbus, Ohio. At The Ohio State University, Cleamons averaged 18.5 ppg and 7.3 rebounds, and he was honored as an Academic All-American his senior year at OSU. Unsurprisingly, Cleamons was the first-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1971. The ’71 Lakers still hold the winningest record of 33 straight wins.

 

Speaking on experience Cleamons says, “There is no substitute. It is hard to get in the league; it is harder to stay there. It’s a job. My passion is to teach the next generation what is required to be that champion.”  Cleamons honed his extraordinary basketball IQ playing nine seasons in the NBA. His journey is nothing short of spectacular. After one season with the Lakers, Jim earned his first Championship ring. He was then traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers where he played for five seasons with the Cavs and was instrumental in helping the Cavaliers capture the Central Division title in the 1975-76 when Cleamons was named to the All-Defensive team. He then played with the New York Knicks for the 1977-78 season, where he first teamed up with Phil Jackson.  Cleamons was then traded to the Washington Bullets where he finished the 1979-80 season, and  his playing career.

 

“How do you maintain excellence, year after year? What I want these kids to strive for is leading a productive and fulfilling life, with or without basketball,” says Cleamons.  Upon hanging up his jersey, Cleamons successfully made the difficult shift from player to coach and took his extensive knowledge to programs everywhere from Furman University to Youngstown State. Jim joined the Chicago Bulls staff in the 1990s during the Michael Jordan heyday. The experience and expertise Cleamons brought to the staff was an integral part of Jackson’s six NBA titles with the Bulls.

 

The Dallas Mavericks is Cleamons sole NBA head coaching experience was where he finished with a 24-58 record. Soon after, Phil Jackson called upon Cleamons’ expertise as the duo ushered the Lakers into a new era. Their winning formula led to another five championships seasons in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010.  Cleamons now resides in Columbus with his wife.

MARCIA CONLEY

Marcia Lynn Turner Conley was born in Columbus, Ohio. She is the daughter of the late Iva and Ted Turner. Marcia’s parents were both educators so she decided to go to The Ohio State University to become a teacher earning a BA degree in Psychology and Education. After teaching several grade levels and many subjects, Marcia, a lifelong learner, went back to school earning her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ashland University and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University.

 

Marcia has worked as a classroom teacher, teacher mentor, reading specialist, gifted and talented specialist, and summer school principal during her career.  Marcia is a people person. When not working, she loves to entertain and travel. She also enjoys jazz, classical music and line dancing. Marcia is a spiritual person and is an active member of Mt. Vernon AME Church where she sings in the church choir. Marcia is an active member with her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, President of the Jaquananas, and is a member of the Columbus Chapter of Carrousels, Inc.

 

Marcia, the mother of two children; Hilary and Donald II is also the proud grandmother of three grandchildren; Jaylin, Donnie III and Soraya and a great-grandmother of two, Jayla and Alaya. Marcia has worked for the Columbus City Schools for a total of 48 years and is currently working at Salem Elementary School.

 

Marcia has received several awards during her career, The Good Apple Award, Teacher of the Year Award and The Young JC Award for outstanding achievement. Marcia was currently featured on the Columbus City Schools District page for Teacher Appreciation Week.

KEVIN L. DIXON, PH.D.

Dr. Kevin Dixon retired as vice president of community and cultural engagement at the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) after 34 years. He was responsible for developing community-based initiatives that address a wide-range of behavioral health issues that include launching school-based services, racial and ethnic services, faith-based, immigrant/refugee services, city recreation center services, legal aid and other key partnerships and collaborations. In the early 90s Dixon directed the ADAMH Board’s innovative Afrocentric Training Project, culminating in a successful series of national conferences. Numerous national scholars and leaders participated, including Maya Angelou, Randall Robinson, Kwanzaa Founder Maulana Karenga, Ivan Van Sertima, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Iyanla Vanzant, and activist Dick Gregory. He also served as interim CEO at ADAMH prior to new leadership.

 

Dixon is originally from Philadelphia, where he was assistant director for Temple University’s Pan African Studies Community Education Program. While in Philadelphia, he co-hosted and produced weekend talk shows on WDAS radio for eight years to address social, cultural, political, health, and key issues impacting the tri-state area. His many interviews include filmmaker Gordon Parks, playwright Charles Fuller, musicians Grover Washington Jr., Gil Scott-Heron, James Brown, and religious leader Mother Divine. In 1986 Dixon was named team historian and reporter for paralyzed skydiver Jim McGowan’s historic English Channel swim in Dover, England. This event was covered by news agencies worldwide, including China and Russia’s Tass News Agency; a Philadelphia parade was held in honor of McGowan’s Project Aquarius team.

 

Dixon was former station manager and DJ for WIXQ-FM radio at Millersville University where he received his undergraduate degree. He has a master’s in administration and doctorate in organizational behavior. His dissertation title is “African Americans Referencing Their Axiology in the Workplace: A Phenomenological Investigation.” Dixon serves/ed on numerous boards and advisory committees, including Columbus Commission on Black Girls, Ohio State LiFEsports, Foundation for Psychology Board, Multiethnic Advocates, OSU College of Nursing, former board chair of PrimaryOne Health, and WBNS-10 TV Jefferson Awards Blue Ribbon. Dixon currently teaches a graduate course at the OSU College of Social Work. The ADAMH Board recognized Dixon’s esteemed cultural competence work by creating an annual Champion of Diversity Award in his name; and Millersville University in April named Dixon as one of its “Marvelous Marauders” inaugural group of top 40 graduates for their service to the community and university. Most recently he was honored to have his Philadelphia talk show broadcasts on WDAS radio to be inducted into Temple University’s Charles Blockson Afro-American Collection in his name.

MICHAEL ROBERTS

I would like to thank President Linda Thomas, Toni Robinson, and 100 Black Women Columbus Chapter for consideration of nominating me to be honored during this year’s Jazz & Eggs and Friends Signature Breakfast.

 

Born in 1939 in Columbus, Ohio, the fourth child to Otis L. & Freda L. Roberts, I grew up with three older sisters and a younger brother. I attended Columbus Public Schools, starting with Highland Elementary and continuing to West Jr and Sr High School, completing high in 1956. After High School, I entered the United States Air Force, served 3 years 11 months, and was Honorably Discharged in 1959. I returned to my parent’s home on the west side of Columbus, known as the Hilltop. I enrolled and attended the Ohio State University (OSU).

 

While attending OSU, I was employed by the State of Ohio as an Assistant Recreation Director at the Juvenile Diagnostic Center (JDC), working with Delinquent Girls and Boys under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation Corrections. Later all juvenile correction facilities became the Ohio Department of Youth Services.  I was transferred to Training Institution Central Ohio (TICO) at the request of Jerry Hammond, Cottage Life Supervisor, and Maceo Mormon, Cottage Life Director. I served as the Recreation Supervisor. This was during a time of numerous unfair administrative practices, so I was elected president of a union representing cottage leaders and non-administrative staff members of Ohio Youth Services. Later, I became a local Staff Representative and was employed by the American Federation of State County Municipal Employees Union AFL-CIO, charged with organizing underserved state employees. I was assigned to organize political legislative action committees within all departments of the state of Ohio.

 

After successfully organizing the political action committees within many state government departments, it was necessary to lobby elected state officials to pass a COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL that would become law for all State, County, and Municipal Employees. I was assigned to lobby the members serving in the Ohio House of Representatives in favor of Collective Bargaining: House Member C. J. McLinn, Speaker of the House, Vern Rife, Otto Beatty Jr., John Thomas, Ike Thompson, and those on both sides of the aisle of the House of Representatives. I worked on the campaign committee of Richard Celest for governor and lobbied for him to sign the Collective Bargaining Bill into law when he became governor — which he did. After working for the International Union headquarters in Washington DC, I returned to Columbus and became a small business owner in the entertainment industry owning and operating a Night Club. A short time after, I met lovely Veronica E. Sowell. We moved to Portage, Michigan, where we were married and have been together for 32 years. While in Michigan, I became an owner of a Merchant Service business, allowing business owners to accept and process credit cards.

 

In 2005, we relocated back to Columbus. I became a Thursday Noon Lunch Club member in 2009 and was elected Treasurer. Now, 17 years later, I still maintain the Merchant Card Service business, even though my wife and I are both retired and enjoying life with our children and grandchildren.

 

Currently, I volunteer as the Chairman of the 12-member Board of Directors for the James Preston Poindexter Foundation, which is creating a Museum and Cultural Learning Center to preserve the rich Black History of our African American Community in Columbus, Ohio.

TONYA KERRIN

Tonya is a self determined person, who has accomplished amazing success in her life.  She is currently a leader in her field as a teacher, practitioner and instructor.  She advocates, and promotes for a healthy lifestyle.  She will partner with you on your journey to wellness.  She believes Wellness is a Choice, Choose Life, Choose Health, Choose Wellness with TanktheNurse.   She still serves people every day with her holistic approach to wellness providing classes, webinars. wellness retreats and more.  She is available for in-person presentations, one=on-one consultations, training events and wellness evaluations.

STEPHEN INGRAM

Stephen Ingram is the band director of the Linden-McKinley Unstoppable Mighty Marching Panthers in Columbus, OH. He is a native of the South Side of Chicago and a graduate from Central State University. He also holds a Master of Music Education from Capital University. He has been the band director since 2017 and has grown to program to being one of the best in the entire city. The Linden-McKinley band won numerous awards and received various accolades in the last seven years, including first place in the Music Through the Streets Battle of the Bans and the Classic for Columbus Battle of the Bands. We have also been able to send several kids to college on Band scholarships by them being involved in the band program. Mr. Ingram has built a program of success by student, staff and parent living by the motto “Keep raising the Bar until excellence becomes a habit” and this motto is the motor behind the success of the program. Stephen Ingram is member of Mu Phi Epsilon International Music Fraternity Inc., the Negro Philharmonic Society and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

CLAY ROBINSON

Clay Robinson is an avid supporter of 100 Black Women Columbus – particularly the OSU Michigan game party. Clay has actively sought out ways to support 100 Black Women Columbus through selling tickets, ads sharing resources and personally contributing to many of our programs. Clay is also very active in his church One-Way Christian Ministry. Clay is a prayer warrior; he often visits people who are in the hospital and gives care packages to families who are suffering from the loss of their love ones. 100 Black Women Columbus recognizes Clay E. Robinson as one this year’s Men of the Year.

LADY HOLLY N. AARON

Lady Holly N. Aaron is a native of Sandusky, Ohio. She accepted Christ at a young age and was spiritually nourished under the Pastoral Leadership of the late Pastor Eddy N.  Henry of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church.  Lady Holly loves and adores her family. She is married to high school sweetheart Dr. Scottie L. Aaron, a God-fearing preaching machine. They have been blessed with five wonderful children, Jalen, Brooklyn, Braylon, Alayla, and Sedric.

 

Lady Holly sees herself as a servant of God who has a willing heart. Having a passion to listen to and give Godly counsel Lady Holly sought to learn how to empower people through God’s word. Lady Holly began her theological studies at the Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, Georgia, where she received her Associates in Theology and also earned her Bachelor of Ministry in Christian Counseling and graduated Cum Laude. She is currently in the Master of Ministry program in Christian Counseling and working on her certification at National Association of Christian Counselors.

 

Lady Holly serves whenever and wherever she can. She currently serves as an advisor to the PULSE Women’s Ministry of Friendship and she is a facilitator for the MATCH Couple Ministry.

 

Lady Holly currently works at Children’s Hunger Alliance which is a non-profit that helps provide meals for after school and summer programs throughout the state of Ohio. She was instrumental in getting Children’s Hunger Alliance to partner with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in their summer food program which will provide meals for those who are going through food insecurities.

KERRY CHARLES

Kerry Charles is a weeknight anchor for NBC4. He joined the station after working as an anchor/reporter in Atlanta. Before that, he spent seven years as a morning news anchor in Greensboro, North Carolina. Kerry began his on-air career in Shreveport, Louisiana. He also worked as a newscast producer at stations in Columbus and Cincinnati.

 

Central Ohio is home for Kerry. He attended Columbus City Schools and graduated from Linden-McKinley High School. Kerry studied communication at the University of Cincinnati.

 

Kerry believes in giving back to the community. He helps organize and execute an annual Thanksgiving dinner giveaway, which has fed countless central Ohio families. Kerry is a Board of Trustee for St. Stephen’s Community House and a member of the Fort Hayes High School Film/TV Advisory Committee. He also engages in service projects through memberships with Phi Beta Sigma and the National Association of Black Journalists. During his time in North Carolina, Kerry helped launch an ongoing effort that gives kids free haircuts, lunches, grooming lessons and access to financial literacy workshops. For his work in the community, Kerry received the 2023 Pillar of the Community Award from the UC African American Alumni Affiliate.

 

In 2018, Kerry was inducted into the Morehouse College MLK College of Ministers and Laity. The honorary college honors professionals who, in part, use their platform to better the lives of others. He was also named a UC Communication Alumni Champion (2014).

 

Since joining NBC4, Kerry has worked on projects that have been recognized by the Associated Press, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), as well as the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy).

 

You can watch Kerry weeknights on NBC4 at 6, 7 & 11.

NATHANIEL JORDAN II

BOBBY THORNHILL

Bobby Thornhill is a seasoned professional with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the food service industry. With a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences, Bobby has honed his skills through diverse roles and experiences.

 

Bobby is the proud owner of Champions Foodservice, a thriving enterprise based in Columbus. Under his guidance, Champions Foodservice has become a reputable provider of nutritious meals, serving an impressive volume of 2,000 meals per day. In addition to this, Bobby also supplies meals to the Army National Guards through government contracts.

 

During his educational journey at Columbus State Community College, Bobby pursued various food service certifications, solidifying his knowledge and expertise in the field. Equipped with a strong foundation, he ventured into different sectors, including health care, event catering, and directing food service operations.

 

With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the food service industry, Bobby Thornhill continues to make a positive impact through his exceptional culinary skills, ensuring that every meal he prepares is a delight for the taste buds.

GREG HOBBS

Gregory Hobbs was born in Tacoma, Washington. He later moved to Germany due to his father being a Colonel in the Army. So of course he moved around a lot. Gregory is a humble individual and when called upon to do a task, he does it with no complaints.

 

Greg became interested in Music and started playing the Saxophone. He was a member of the Brothers of Peace band in Chicago, IL. and the Unity of Soul band which performed on television.

 

Gregory attended Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland where he received an Electrical-Mechanical Drafting Certificate. He later attended DeVry Institute where he received his Associates Degree.

 

Gregory is currently the Saxophonist at Smyrna M.B. Church in Columbus, OH., married and the Father of six kids.

PEGGY BURKE

Peggy J. Burke was born in Dayton, Ohio and baptized at Bethel Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio.   She is a member and disciple of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. where she is a Christian Board of Education member, 30 year Sunday School Teacher and a Christ Centered  Disciples Ministry Teacher, a member of the Church Building committee and former Director of the Church Sunday School.

 

She retired after 30 years of service to the State of Ohio and now she is an active agent with USA-1 Real Estate Company of Reynoldsburg.   She is a member of the Columbus and Ohio Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.  Peggy is a licensed nurse and a member of the Lambda Zeta Chi sorority.  She chairs the Church Women United of Columbus and the Franklin County Ecumenical Action Planning group.

 

Peggy was an active participant and member at all levels of the American Baptists Association USA, the Columbus Baptist Association Board of Trustees and coordinator of the Board of Trustees Personal Development for American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABW).   She is a former member of the ABC Churches of Ohio, USA Board and the International Ministries Board.   She has chaired the North East Asian Japan Ministry and Executive Committees.  She was elected to the National Board of the ABW Ministries, Coordinator of Church and Community and is a member of the Regional Ordination Council of the ABC of Ohio.   She is a Bible Study Leader.   She has been a regional, national and international conference speaker at churches throughout Ohio USA and many continents.   She has been an international interviewer throughout Europe, many African countries, India, USA and Central America.   Peggy was called by God to Missionary Service and Commissioned by the Baptist Global Mission Bureau, USA National Progressive Baptist at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and Life Line Christian Missions, Westerville.    God has opened the door and a few of the places include:  Hatti, Honduras, South Africa, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 

Some of Peggy’s recognition includes awards for Faithful Service in Foreign Missions, dedicated service and leadership, Improving the Quality of Life for All Humanity, Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club outstanding political achievement; Ohio House of Representatives Awards; American Red Cross for Volunteer Efforts in Hurricane Katrina; Christian Mission for Disaster Relief Work in Honduras and Haiti following several hurricanes and flood disasters; Governor’s Award for Representing the State of Ohio in UNCF; Exemplary Human Service job performance — Tax Match Audits exceeding $45,000,000 for the State ofOhio; and outstanding service from USA–Real Estate Company.

 

Peggy is the mother of two daughters, grandmother to three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  She knows that God still opens doors for her to care for the sick, teach His word, proclaim His word at churches, schools, camps and various organizations.    She recently went on a mission trip with Lott Carey Missions to Ghana, Liberia and West Africa.    She has been empowered, provided for and inspired through the power of His Holy Spirit to use her skills to Glorify Him.

DANIELLE MICHAELS

Danielle Michaels is the first attorney in her family.  She is committed to serving the needs of her clients and community.  Danielle has served in the courts of Ohio and Illinois as well as providing peer mediation training to local high schools.  This includes conducting “Constitution in the Classroom” free of charge to any middle or high school classrooms.  While attending UIC John Marshall Law School, Danielle pursued Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods and since 2018 has mediated a number of cases ranging from small claims to domestic relations.  Danielle is well versed in many areas of law.  Her company primarily focuses on business law, contract law, traffic violations, criminal defense and domestic relations cases. Danielle successfully represents clients in all phases of legal dispute making sure the voice of her clients is heard.