Cole Bridgeforth

Ron Cole Bridgeforth, human rights activist, has been involved in social justice, literacy, and mentorship initiatives throughout the last sixty years. His work took him to Mississippi, the Bay Area, and the Midwest. As a SNCC Field Secretary in the 1960s during the struggle for Civil Rights, he was a Project Director, organizer and educator in Mississippi as well as San Francisco. As a community college counselor and educator in Michigan, he organized student development and community education programs focusing on Africa American history and culture. He continues as an educator and advocate for social justice with the Civil Rights Movement Archive, where he facilitates intergenerational explorations of social justice and human rights issues that confront us today. In Oakland, Baba Cole has served as a Mentor and Board Member with the Alameda County Court, Crossroads Mentoring Program. He continues to serve with the Brotherhood of Elders Network, on the Leadership Council, and on the Education Committee. He remains committed to supporting the next generation of leaders.

Ron Shaw

Over the last 45 years, Ron Shaw has worked as a counselor, Program Manager, community organizer, mentor and Elder serving young people and families from historically marginalized communities. "Baba" Ron Shaw's emphasis and purpose has been to educate, galvanize and encourage intergenerational collaborations that strengthens communities using the skills and expertise of all age levels. As a product of a thriving and nurturing community in Gary, Indiana, "Baba Ron" continues the tradition of being responsible for setting an example that expects excellence, a commitment that supports and uplifts community while developing responsible individuals to be future leaders of their communities. While working in Contra Costa County, CA, "Baba Ron" has been fortunate to work at the Contra Costa Youth Service Bureau (CCYSB) with the guidance and direction of Founder / Executive Director, Ms Taalia Hasan. During his time at CCYSB, "Baba Ron" has worked in various programs that are responsive**,** compassionate and holistic; meeting immediate community needs while improving long term community growth and development. "Baba Ron" has also served as an advisor to local school districts in establishing curriculum and mentorship models focusing on Black and Brown boys achievement. One of the advisory roles developed into the establishment of the "Real Men Read Program", a program where Black Male professionals read to elementary school students to emphasize the importance and excitement of reading. "Baba Ron" is a proud husband, father of three, grandfather of six and a conscious servant to his community.

Jason Seals

Jason Seals is a member of the Leadership Council. He is an African-centered educator, carrying the tradition of activist-intellectual to address critical systemic issues and empower individuals for personal and social transformation. An Oakland native, Jason has over two decades of experience serving his community locally, nationally, and globally as an educator, thought leader, speaker, and change agent. While completing his BA in Sociology at San Jose State University, Jason began his career in youth development serving in multiple roles across the nonprofit, mental health, and juvenile justice sectors. After obtaining his master’s in Africana Studies from the University of Albany, Jason leveraged his love for transformational educational practices and Africana studies in the classroom, teaching ethnic studies and manhood development courses at multiple high schools, colleges, and universities across the Bay Area. Jason went on to earn a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and began working full-time at Merritt College, where he currently serves as the Chair of Ethnic Studies and as a tenured Professor of African American Studies. Beyond the traditional classroom, Professor Seals facilitates community workshops and professional development trainings on a wide range of topics inclusive of radical healing, anti-racism, parenting/fatherhood, and systems change. Jason is often called upon to provide his expertise as a consultant, curriculum designer, and speaker. The role that Professor Seals is most passionate about is his role as a father. His love for his children is reflected in the work he does to rebuild families and communities as a means towards healing and wellness.

Abner Boles

Abner Joseph Boles, III., Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist with an impressive background in health and human services. Recently served as the Director for the African American Healing Alliance, Consultant and Advisory to Alameda County’s Adult and Aging Services, and Consultant and Facilitator of Alameda County’s Social Services Agency’s Fatherhood and Male Engagement Initiative. In addition, Dr Boles has been chosen to assist with the Implementation of Alameda County’s African American Health and Wellness Hub Complext. Dr Boles has directed and managed county level Adult Outpatient, Inpatient, Residential and Crisis Treatment Services. Prior to becoming Westside Community Services’ CEO, Dr. Boles was the Assistant Director of Planning for the Department of Public Health for the City and County of San Francisco. He has also served as the Director of Child and Youth Health Services. Dr. Boles has founded and co-founded many programs designed to help African Amercans, and disenfranchised populations, including the Family Mosaic Project, the African American Health Coalition, the Third World Mental Health Coalition, and the Critical Incident Response Team for the City and County of San Francisco. In addition, he served as the lead consultant for a national initiative focused on the child welfare and juvenile justice needs of inner-city youth, and has consulted with numrous States across the country on the development and implementation of intergrated, comprehensive, African-Centered and culturally affirmative health and behavioral health services and systems. Dr. Boles currently works to reframe health and human services such that efforts to restore and heal are understood and delivered from an African-centered perspective while regularly addressing issues of, Trauma Informed Care and Treatment, integrated service system strategies for children and families, workplace violence, harassment, discrimination and racism, and the effects of violence on inner-city children and families.

Rodney Brooks

Rodney Brooks has been effectively working in the Bay Area’s political and community organizing arenas since 1985. Before joining the Brotherhood, he occupied numerous leadership roles including managing local political campaigns, implementing dropout prevention initiatives, and staffing County Supervisor Keith Carson for 22 years; the last 12 as Chief of Staff. Currently, as the Executive Programs Coordinator, Rodney is the liaison to various communities, provides inter-governmental communications and budget analysis for the Alameda County Public Defender. As a result of his tenure, Mr. Brooks is cognizant of how poorly conceived county government programs disrupt the fabric of our communities of color. A problem which is often amplified by not centering community leaders in the planning and evaluation processes. As Co-Chair of the Politics Committee, Rodney is the architect of Real Talk About the Town, a political forum sponsored by the Brotherhood of Elders which reaches beyond traditional boundaries and requires candidates running for office to address the deeply rooted issues facing the African American Community. A graduate of the prestigious Hunter College High School in New York City and the University of California at Berkeley, Rodney has spent much of his professional career “unlearning” the lessons of his formal education and has developed a thirst for bringing indigenous community solutions to the chambers of local government. Feeding his passion for New York and Bay Area sports teams, playing tennis, and enjoying various genres of music is how he likes to spend his free time.

Kweli Tutashinda

Dr. Kweli Tutashinda is a member of the BOEN Leadership Council. He works with healing generations and is the author of 8 books. He is a founding member of BOEN, has been active since [its start in 2009], and has served on its Leadership Council since its inception. He has a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California. He has practiced Chiropractic since 1989, and owns Imhotep Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Berkeley, California. Also a teacher, he taught English and led workshops in health, science, and technology in the Upward Bound programs of the University of California at Berkeley and Mills College for 31 years, beginning in 1984. Additionally, he taught at Life Chiropractic College West for ten years as well as New College of California and JFK University.

Howard Pinderhughes

Roward Pinderhughes is a member of the BOEN Leadership Council. Howard Pinderhughes, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Pinderhughes is the author of Race in the Hood: Conflict and Violence Among Urban Youth which examined the dynamics of racial violence in New York City and his forthcoming book, Dealing With Danger: How Inner-City Youth Cope with the Violence that Surrounds them, examines the production of youth violence and how urban adolescents think about, experience and make decisions about the use of violence. Howard is also a consultant with The Prevention Institute. Additionally, he served as the Co-Principal Researcher for the Center on Culture, Immigration and Youth Violence Prevention, one of the CDC’s Academic Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention.

Greg Hodge

Gregory Hodge is a social change activist and organizational development consultant with Khepera Consulting. Working as a strategist, meeting designer, racial equity trainer, facilitator and coach, Gregory works with a range of groups from small non-profits and foundations to public agencies, particularly school districts and foundations. Greg served as the Executive Director for the Executives’ Alliance for Boys and Men of Color and currently as the Chief Executive Officer for the Oakland-based Brotherhood of Elders Network. He is a coordinating partner in designing the Healing Generations Institute with the National Compadres Network. His clients include the Association of Black Foundation Executives, The California Endowment and Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. As a leader in his community, Gregory served two four-year terms as a member of the Oakland Unified School District Board of Education beginning in January 2000, including a year as president of the board. Greg is a Fulbright-Hayes Fellow, recipient of the Gerbode Fellowship and board chair of the Rockwood Leadership Institute. He is a proud father of five, active gardener and lives in Oakland, California.

Terrance Holliday

Terrance Holliday began his career in education during the 2010-11 Academic school year as an after-school instructor teaching media production in Continuation Schools. Prior to this, he worked as a music producer and artist business manager in Houston, Atlanta, and Northern California. Teaching music production became a pivotal skill that allowed him to redirect his path from the streets. Despite being a high school dropout with no prior teaching experience, Terrance’s journey led him to Rudsdale High and later Ralph Bunche Continuation High School in Oakland, CA., where he taught media production and music business. In 2013, he was promoted to After School Programs Director with Bay Area Community Resources. By 2015, he joined the leadership team responsible for transforming Ralph Bunche into a Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation Academy. In 2016 he was hired as the Work-Based Learning Liaison, a role he helped create within Oakland Unified School District, focused on guiding students in their personal growth, career readiness, and internship placement. Terrance’s commitment to youth empowerment is evident through his work advocating for students' voices and rights, ensuring they have the resources to succeed both personally and professionally. In 2019, he supported 10 young Black men on a life-changing trip to South Africa with the Ubuntu Leadership Institute. Active in his community, Terrance contributes to many Bay Area organizations, including the Brotherhood of Elders Network, Imani Community Church, and the African American Latino Action Alliance. In 2023 Terrance was awarded Educator of the Year by Junior Achievement of Northern California. Terrance is currently the Director of Youth Programs for the Brotherhood of Elders Network. Originally from Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, Terrance now resides in Hercules, California, with his wife, Tayari, and their children, Lillie and Brandon.

King David L. Walker, Jr.

David L. Walker, Jr., known as King David, is a strategic analyst, community activist, mindfulness advocate, and spiritual leader. He holds a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology/Pre-Med from Emory University and an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Washington University. With nearly two decades of experience, King David has built strategic partnerships across various industries, including technology, healthcare, publishing, and government. He specializes in cross-functional training, group facilitation, C-suite consultation, and organizational strategy. As BOEN Network Engagement Director, King David leads project implementation, systems development, and the expansion of an intergenerational network, using data-driven strategies to drive growth. His commitment to people-centered values enhances the experience for individuals at all stages of life. King David is also the President and Co-Founder of BlackFULLness, an app designed to bring mindfulness practices to the African diaspora. He secured a $1.5M grant from the NIH to develop a method for offering personalized support to underserved communities. Strategic partners include Roots Community Health, UCSF, and the Black Teacher Project. Additionally, King David serves as a DEIB Consultant, OAXXANDA Land Group Lead Investor, and Advocacy Chair of the Alameda County Oakland Community Action Partnership Board, focusing on economic empowerment for Oakland communities. With expertise in strategic planning, project management, and DEIB strategy, King David excels in partnering with individuals and organizations to create lasting change. His mission is to serve, collaborate, and leave a legacy of empowerment for future generations.

Olafemi B. Akintunde

Olafemi B. Akintunde currently serves as Director of the Ubuntu Leadership Institute. Olafemi’s work focuses on healing centered engagement, curriculum development, and differentiated learning. A graduate of California State University, East Bay with a B.A. in Sociology and an emphasis on social services, Olafemi is a multi credentialed teacher who continues to serve many different communities throughout the country. With an extensive background in teaching, facilitation, program development, and social service delivery, Olafemi’s focus has been geared towards the healing and education of boys and men of color. Through his work with Flourish Agenda, Inc, Alameda County of Education, Juvenile Hall, and the African American Male Achievement program over the last several years, he has created opportunities for individuals to explore toxic social constructs while providing a comprehensive lens needed to heal self and community. As an educator, he has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Ubuntu Leadership Academy, and the African American Male Achievement Documentary, “Kingmakers.” In addition, his work has been published by the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, which featured his unique approach to educating young black males, as his engaging and charismatic approach reflects his background in performing arts. His interactive teaching is spoken from a place of absolute understanding of the Black male experience through education. He sees the education and healing of black men and boys as his life’s work and looks forward to continuing the legacy of great African educators.

Marc Anthony Robinson

No Bio on file.

Chris Darby

Chris Darby is a learner and educator passionate about supporting people to increase their capacity to communicate, cooperate, and lead across differences. Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Chris began working in education when he was a junior at Berkeley High School—for over two decades, he has worked in different corners of the education field, supporting learners ranging from September Kindergarteners to Fortune 500 executives. His practice is informed by compassionate curiosity, a growth model of learning, and a belief that positioning informs strategy. Chris studied the African Diaspora and Colonial Americas at Columbia University, graduating magna cum laude with a BA in history in 2009. In 2015, Chris was awarded the Urban Scholar Fellowship to attend the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he earned his MA studying community engagement, peace education, and curriculum development. The following year he was a Scholar in Residence at the MindKind Institute for Mindful Leadership in New York before returning home to the Bay Area. Currently, Chris serves as the Co-Chair of the Education Committee at The Brotherhood of Elders Network, organizing towards educational equity for Black students and families in Oakland and beyond. He is also the director of Not Much But Good (NMBG), a small arts and education think tank based in Oakland.

Quinton Sankofa

Quinton Sankofa is a change agent, activist, organizer, planner and non-profit management consultant. He was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. A strong work ethic with a loving and supportive family helped him navigate the challenges of racism and poverty. He studied Urban and Regional Planning at Michigan State University and received an M.A in Community Development and Planning from Clark University. Determined to continue his social justice work, Quinton and his soul mate moved to Oakland in 2009. Since then the Town has become the place they call home and the birthplace of their first child. Now, with over 20 years of community-based social justice experience, Quinton brings an array of skills to his work, such as community organizing, organizational development, strategic planning, meeting facilitation, and fundraising.

Kevin Hill

Originally from Cleveland Heights, OH, Kevin Hill has been rooted in the Bay since 2000. The son of a social worker, he is inspired to use his ancestral gifts towards community development efforts. He firmly believes that educating our young people is the best investment we can make in building a healthier, safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive community for everyone. With 30+ years of volunteerism and 25+ years of experience in the technology and public sectors, he has built meaningful expertise in research, quantitative analysis, consulting, project management, higher education curriculum design & teaching, tutoring/mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community organizing. He earned a BA in Finance from Ohio University and an MBA from UC Berkeley. Through Akoben Organizing, he manages Operations, Finance, and Marketing for the Brotherhood of Elders Network in Oakland, CA. He also serves as Co-chair of BOEN’s Education Committee, where he co-authored the Black Education Vision, and produced the BYD Book. Other recent work includes founding the Black Lives Voter Guide, serving on Oakland Unified School District’s Reparations for Black Students Task Force, community development through the 40x40 Council of Deep East Oakland, and the Rise East plan. He accepts his responsibility to be an active participant in the liberation of systemically marginalized people, and is intensely motivated to continue the good work laid down by our ancestors.

Stephanie Daniels

Stephanie Daniels is CEO of We Heart Finance LLC, an organization that provides finance management and accounting services to nonprofit organizations. Stephanie, a graduate of Mills College, received her MBA in finance and worked previously as a Director of Finance and Administration for nonprofit organizations. The desire to train more women/people of color in finance, led her to establish We Heart Finance LLC (WHF). WHF assists organizations that outsource their finance department or provide finance training to existing organizations. Stephanie and her team work with the administrative team to improve their financial infrastructure to comply with GAAP, and their Foundation and/or Government contractors. We Heart Finance LLC specializes in helping executive directors design organizational budgets, work with staff to create internal control processes ensuring that organizations are prepared for both internal/external audits, and provide bookkeeping services. Stephanie understands that improving their financial infrastructure will allow more time to return to the mission of the organization.

Randy Seriguchi Jr.

Randy Seriguchi Jr. supports school districts, community-based organizations, and philanthropic leaders to build creative packages of support for Black teacher recruitment and retention. As the former executive director of Urban Ed Academy in San Francisco, built a national model for recruiting, training, and housing new Black male teacher candidates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He is an active member of the New York State Bar Association, holds a JD from the American University Washington College of Law and received his BA in English from the University of Michigan.

Todd Cooley

Todd Cooley spent his childhood exploring the Oaks and Coastal Redwoods of Northern California. At age 19 he began his journey into nature connection through a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School, followed by a growing season with the Permaculture Institute of Northern California. The power of the natural world, and it's deep importance to human development quickly became central to his path. After being the only Black participant in one too many nature education programs, he set out to gain the knowledge to become an educator and help build the relationships between Black Folks, Folks of Color and the natural world. Beginning his professional work as Program Manager for Bay Area Wilderness Training, Todd led backpacking trips and other educational programs aimed at elevating the wilderness skills of adults working with youth. To further develop his nature connection skills he spent several formative years as a student, apprentice and staff at the Wilderness Awareness School. Since then, Todd has worked in nature with youth and adults through a variety of avenues on the West Coast, from Seattle Parks and Rec, North Cascades Institute, and Exploring New Horizons Outdoor School. Along with being an educator, Todd has been a student as well, obtaining a BA in Environmental Studies from Prescott College, and later earning an MA in International Environmental Policy and an MBA from Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Professionally, Todd's path has led him out of full-time nature education work. Currently, he works at a federal credit union focusing on special projects aimed at lessening the racial wealth gap in the United States. Todd loves making music with other humans, exploring new ecosystems through the lens of wildlife tracking, most things basketball, and figuring out how to be the best parent he can while enjoying time with his family.

Kevin Butler

No bio on file.

Mosheh Milon, Sr.

Baba Mosheh Milon, Sr. is known as a master drummer, percussionist, folklorist and drum maker with over 50 years of experience. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Mosheh demonstrated a natural inclination towards music even though he was not born into a family of musicians. He began playing drums at age 6 shortly after watching professional drummers perform at Daniel Haile Williams Elementary School in Chicago. He continued playing drums each year in school and in a host of neighborhood bands. Following graduating high school from Paul Laurence Dumbar (1972), Mosheh began his life as a professional drummer and craftsman making, maintaining and repairing all types of drums (1972-present). He became a member of the Sun Drummer Company (1972-84) in Chicago and seized the opportunity to become a drummer for the Darlene Blackburn Dance Company (DBDC) (1972-80) in Chicago. It was with the DBDC that he traveled to Lagos Nigeria, West Africa to perform at “Festac” (1977) the International Arts & Cultural Festival of the Diasporas. In 1974 Mosheh Co-Founded the Muntu Dance Theatre where he was also the Music Director until 1984. He studied Music Theory and Composition at Malcolm X College (1973-74) and Kennedy King College (1975-76). Mosheh also drummed for Katherine Dunham’s African American Dance Company (1978-79) at Southern Illionis Unveristy in East St. Louis, Illinois under the direction of Mortham from Senegal, West Africa. He studied African Arts, Culture & Drumming (1986-2003) with the West African Jali Ba’s by traveling there yearly. Because of the frequency of his visits he built a compound in Talinding Kujang The Gambia in West Africa (1995) to immerse in the culture and to contribute to the improvement of the community. The mid 80’s brought about some changes including a move to California were he accepted a contract to train the Mory Nimba African Dance Company (1984-85) and trained drumming to their companies musicians to perform at the 1984 Olympics and beyond in Los Angeles. The next stop was the Bay Area which came with many more contracts such as The Learning Center (1985-87) in Marin where Mosheh taught Montessori Drum Basics & Counting to preschoolers and at risk youth. During the same period he facilitated African Drum Workshops at the Concepts Cultural Gallery (1985-87) in Oakland and drummed with Dimension Dance Theatre (1985-88) at Alice Arts Center in Oakland under Deborah Vaughn, Artistic Director as a teacher and drummer. Then he coordinated drum classes for the City of Oakland, Parks & Recreation Center’s, Cultural Enrichment After-School Program (1986-88) in Oakland. Mosheh has worked with Piedmont Middle School as a Drum instructor (1998-2002), Chabot Middle School (2002-2005), and Mountain View School of Music (2003-07). He has and continues to coordinate and perform educational and music based presentations for school age children throughout the Bay Area.

Politics

The Politics Committee produces electoral forums and engages community and civic leaders to advance the position of the Brotherhood of Elders in the development of policies and practices, in the City of Oakland and Alameda County which allow African American boys and the entire community to thrive.

Education

The Education Committee works to ensure that all Black people have culturally affirming, holistic educational journeys, with the experiences, supports, and personalized pathways needed to live well and contribute their ancestral gifts to our communities. Black Education Vision

Health & Education

The Brotherhood Health & Wellness Committee works towards the vision of all Black people having culturally affirming, holistic educational journeys, with the supports, experiences, and personalized pathways needed to live well and contribute their ancestral gifts to the world.

Events

The purpose of the Special Events Committee is to plan, coordinate, and facilitate core BOEN events including the Annual Kwanzaa celebration and the Speaker’s series.

Emergency Preparedness