Dr. Marlon A. Smith is a scholar-activist with over 30 years of experience in community development and outreach for education, community-nonprofit, and faith-based organizations. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Smith is the founder of Black Greeks Speak Social Justice and Human Rights Council (BGS), has held positions for local and national organizations and...
Joe Greenberg is a former educator with experience fighting for rural equity and greater student support. Through fellowships with Leadership for Educational Equity, Teach Plus, and the ACLU, he has helped craft legislative policy that centers student needs. And, as a current JD student with a master’s in education policy, Joe hopes to effect broader...
Jerald Crook, named 2022 South Arts’ Emerging Leaders of Color for his work with Higher Ground Society, is providing leadership for the Consortium’s new, transformational partnership grants program designed for our Active Member Sites and their communities. Jerald has maintained leadership roles in grants program management and grants administration at both the Alabama Humanities Alliance...
Elexia Coleman serves as the Consortium’s Birmingham Regional Organizer. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Lexi is leveraging a Master’s degree in Public Health and Business Administration merged with her political science background and practical campaign management experience. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and obtained her graduate degrees from the University of Alabama at...
Marcus January is an award-winning freelance cinematographer and filmmaker based in Birmingham, AL. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Marcus has garnered recognition for his artistic vision and technical prowess, earning him accolades in the world of narrative filmmaking. Through his dynamic approach and innovative techniques, he has brought numerous...
The Reverend Lukata Agyei Mjumbe joined the Consortium in 2023 as Executive Director. He is an honors graduate of Morehouse College and also holds a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. Lukata is a respected pastor, community organizer and a proven leader with experience dating back to the 1990s...
Jessica O’Connor (she/hers) is the Consortium’s Public History Director. She is a Cheyenne, Wyoming native. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University and University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Jessica holds a B.A. in History and M.A. Museum Studies. She also holds certificates in Inclusive Leadership, Project Management, and Cultural Heritage Preservation. Prior to joining the...
Vera Whisenton received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta in 1964 and went on to pursue a master’s in library science from Atlanta University in 1965. Her vigorous career spanned 35 years, which included serving in influential positions such as the Director of Administrative Services in the Office of the Secretary of the...
Barbara Hogue is the Executive Director of the Christ Church Preservation Trust in Philadelphia, a National Historic Landmark that welcomes 200,000 visitors each year with strategic responsibilities for guiding the education, arts, material culture, and archival programs, as well all preservation and conservation efforts across the historic campus of properties including Christ Church, The Christ...
Roy DeBerry, a native of Holly Springs, MS, recently retired as Vice President for Economic Development and Local Governmental Affairs at Jackson State University. He also served as the Executive Vice President and an Adjunct Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Jackson State University, where he taught two courses. He was also Activist in Residence-2014-16...
