BHM 2024 Presenters

Victor E. Hughes

signatureImage Victor is a Bay Area native with a passion for helping individuals and families protect their futures and unlock the secrets of wealth creation. He’s committed to providing tailored solutions that fit the needs of his clients.

Dr. Calvin Monroe

A person wearing glasses and a suit

Description automatically generatedDr. Calvin Monroe has 14 years of experience in various positions in K-12 and higher education. After earning his A.A. degree from a CA Community College, Dr. Monroe transferred to an HBCU where he earned his B.A. from Morehouse College, and M.A. from Georgia State University, both were in African-American Studies.    Dr. Monroe completed his doctorate from Saint Mary’s College of California in Educational Leadership. His dissertation focused on how professionals can foster success for Black men in California Community Colleges. Dr. Monroe taught English in K-12 schools, and Philosophy and Ethnic Studies courses at both the community college and University level.

In his free time, Calvin enjoys playing the piano, playing pickup basketball, or having random dance parties with his 3-year-old son!

Bocafloja

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Description automatically generatedBocafloja is a Mexican born interdisciplinary artist of Afro-Indigenous descent based in the US. Music, documentary filmmaking, literature, and photography are some of his mediums of creation. His body of work addresses topics such as the Global South, Decoloniality, Immigration, Critical Race Theory, and the African Diaspora in Latin America. Rolling Stone magazine and Billboard named his as part of the 50 most relevant Hip Hop artists in the history of Spanish language Hip Hop.

Dr. Khalid White

Who We Are – Pipelines2PossibilitiesDr. Khalid White (He/Him/His) is an award-winner in the fields of Education, Film and Literature. A career educator, Khalid began educating California’s youth and young adults in 2004. Presently, he is an African American Studies Professor at San Jose City College, located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley.

As an entrepreneur, Khalid owns the multi-media company Blkmpwr (Black Empower), LLC. The company focuses on education, empowerment, and equity.

A proud HBCU alum and CA Community College advocate, Khalid is a co-founder of the Pipelines to Possibilities (P2P) program, connecting the two systems of higher education to increase faculty diversity.

Khalid continues to serve in the intersections of education, public health, and community, advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Abrea Tillman

Abrea Tillman - Online Beauty Advisor - Beautytap.com | LinkedInAbrea is the current Treasurer for the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce. The NVCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of black-owned businesses in Sonoma County, California. They provide business development services and support that helps black entrepreneurs thrive and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.

Abrea is also the owner of LA Beauty & Hair in Santa Rosa, California. Her shop is an in-store wigs shop, which provides expert service and products to clients seeking to improve their physical appearance and emotional wellness. Ms. Tillman is licensed as a Cosmetologist in the state of California. In addition, she is also certified in wig making, braiding, and natural hair care.

Dr. AK Sterling

Dr. AK Sterling is an accomplished public speaker, consultant, and educator known for uncovering capacity through spoken word and public speaking. With expertise in African American literature and rhetoric, he advocates for recognition and protest strategies, emphasizing the use of love as empowerment. As a dedicated teacher, he combines composition, literature, film, and critical thought with Black feminist theory to inspire and empower students. Dr. Sterling's inclusive teaching philosophy promotes collaboration, transparency, and critical engagement, while his spoken word performances and consultancy work touch hearts and address complex issues. With extensive education and a commitment to positive change, he strives to expand historical narratives and foster transformative learning experiences.

Rubin Scott

Rubin is the former Santa Rosa–Sonoma County Chapter NAACP President and current Executive Director of the Community Equity Foundation. He is an Oakland native who moved to Santa Rosa when he was thirteen and spent much of his early career devoted to social services and helping children in need. Rubin’s commitment to uplift all people, not just NAACP members or the Black community, separates him as a leader. He is a prominent figure in efforts to address systemic racism.

Joseph Hancock

Joseph, a native of San Francisco, has supported diverse students from private and public colleges and universities, including Merritt Junior College, University of Virginia, San Francisco State University (where serves as a lecturer at the Graduate School of Social Work) and Middlebury College.

As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, his training and experience inform his practice to address the unique social and emotional aspects of navigating the college journey. Joseph is well-versed in nurturing students to overcome obstacles, manage stress, and make well-informed decisions. He is committed to fostering an environment of curiosity, self-exploration and love, encouraging students to navigate their options and make informed decisions that align with their emotional well-being and aspirations.