Charles Jackson MPA, BA, BS
Charles Jackson, a seasoned agent of change with 32 years of experience in non-profit organizations across Connecticut and NYC, specializing in community improvement and youth development. During his tenure as senior staffer for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, he managed African, Southeast Asian, and Muslim affairs, while serving as a key liaison for HUD, DoD, and DoT. Since relocating to Syracuse in 2015, he’s directed the Syracuse Youth Substance Abuse Prevention initiative and served as Board President of the Community Folk Art Center, focusing on its expansion. Formerly a member of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, he now serves as a Redistricting Commissioner and contributes to the Mayor’s Reimagining Policing Committee. Charles is deeply committed to youth empowerment, coaching basketball at collegiate and prep levels, mentoring young players, and participating in the 100 Black Men of Syracuse. With degrees in Urban Planning, Sociology, and Public Administration, his dedication extends to his family and DJ pursuits.
Cjala Surratt
Cjala Surratt, advocates for restorative justice in the arts through socially engaged practices, site-specific projects, and public interventions. Her art advocacy emphasizes amplifying the work of historically excluded artists, cultural workers, and creatives. An alumna of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, she brings over 20 years of experience in public relations and community outreach for arts, culture, and social justice organizations, including : Community Folk Art Center, Redhouse, Light Work, Syracuse Community Choir and Urban Video Project. Surratt’s dedication to social justice was recognized in 2021 when she received the Interfaith Works: Racial Justice Catalyst Award. Actively serving on multiple boards and committees, including the CNY Foundation: Black Equity and Excellence Fund Review Committee, Everson Museum of Art Members’ Board, Racial and Equity Task Force, Arts NYS Commission, Gifford Foundation Board, and Community Folk Art Center Advisory Board, Surratt co-founded the Black Artist Collective. Additionally, Surratt actively participates in various juror, commission, and advisory roles, contributing her expertise to initiatives such as the Syracuse University MLK Celebration (Unsung Hero: Award Committee), Central New York Arts Decentralization Grants (juror), Creatives Rebuild New York: Central New York and Finger Lakes Region (outreach coordinator/juror), and HueArts New York State (advisory committee).
Evan Starling-Davis
Evan Starling-Davis is a narrative artist, curator, and producer. More precisely, he names himself a digital-age “griot”—a term used for traveling storytellers who maintain a tradition of oral history derived from the African diaspora’s culture and history. As a New York-based afro-surrealist, Starling-Davis is responsible for creating content that speaks truth to his experiences as a Black American. After studying under the guidance of SUNY Purchase’s writing conservatory, he spent the following years investigating storytelling within multidisciplinary art related to sociopolitical discourse, maneuvering avenues that transformed and translated his insomniac imagination into vibrant storytelling. Currently, Evan is a doctoral student of Literacy Education at Syracuse University. He was previously recognized as the inaugural Writing Our Lives Fellow via the Department of Reading and Language Arts devising and facilitating literary art programming for underrepresented voices within the Rust Belt region communities. Evan’s passions heavily reside in developing creative environments that inform reading and writing practices. His literary, visual, and staged work has been exhibited internationally in various galleries, theaters, and warehouse shows. He’s a 2018 INKTANK Fellow via Rising Circle Theater Collective, a 2018 recipient of the CNYArts individual artist commission, a 2018 Light Work honorable mention, a Van Lier New Voices finalist via The Lark Theater, and a 2019 Saint-Paul Vence James Baldwin writer-in-residence recipient.
Rochele Royster Ph.D., ATR-BC
Rochele Royster, is a seasoned artist, community psychologist, and educator who inspires people and the community. Her upbringing immersed her in the rhythms of the South—a fertile ground for creativity, where she learned the importance of the connection to land, rituals, customs, and people. Proficient in quilting, printmaking, and various dye and resist techniques, Rochele breathes new life into discarded materials, crafting narratives that echo themes of blackness and the resilience of ordinary individuals navigating worlds where patterns become as integral as the people they adorn.
Kenyata Calloway
Kenyata Calloway is a dedicated leader, educator, and entrepreneur, balancing her roles as a mother, mentor, and community advocate. Kenyata’s career in education and youth services began with her graduation from Job Corps, where she earned her GED and CNA license. She soon joined the Center for Disability Services as a Teacher Assistant, a role that sparked her passion for teaching and supporting children. While working, she pursued studies in Early Childhood Education at Maria College, becoming a Substitute Teacher at Clover Patch School in Albany. Upon relocating back to Syracuse, she began volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club, quickly advancing from Program Aide to Director Of Programming.
Kenyata continued her education in Fine Arts and Photography at Onondaga Community College, transitioning to a role as a Recreational Aide at Huntington Family Center, where her commitment to youth empowerment led her to a full-time Youth Outreach position. After five years, her dedication was rewarded with a promotion to Director of Youth Services. Today, Kenyata serves as the Youth and Family Supervisor at Syracuse Community Connection, where she channels her passion for fostering community and supporting young people.
Beyond her work in education and community services, Kenyata is an entrepreneur with two thriving businesses. Her first venture, Fabulous Events, combines her talents in photography, event planning, and custom party favors. Her second enterprise, Ninety-Two Incorporated, is a grassroots organization committed to empowering women. The Girl Empowerment Mentoring Society (G.E.M.S.), a program within Ninety-Two, was created to address the challenges young women face in today’s society, providing them with mentorship and guidance.
When not working in the community or running her businesses, Kenyata treasures time with her two adult children and three grandsons. She is also an active member of Zeta Amicae of Syracuse and is known for her culinary skills. Kenyata is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in Fine Arts and Photography at OCC, continuing her lifelong dedication to growth and creativity.
Yolanda Seegers
Yolanda Seegers is a seasoned community engagement professional with extensive experience in youth development, family support, and community outreach. Currently serving as the Community Engagement Coordinator at OnCare/CCSI, she oversees strategic planning and implementation of family engagement programs, collaborating with community agencies to ensure effective services. Yolanda has a strong background in program development, data analysis, and implementing best practices, having previously held key roles at Peaceful Schools, Huntington Family Center, and the Center for Community Alternatives. With expertise in restorative practices, youth development, and family-driven care, Yolanda is dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for youth and families. She is also a certified trainer in youth development, anger management, and restorative coaching.
Malik Abdoulmoumine
is a marketing strategist with a commitment to community engagement and a proven track record in operations, strategy, and digital marketing. With a Master of Science in Marketing from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and a BSc. in Business Studies from Lancaster University in Ghana, Malik combines strong academic credentials with practical, hands-on experience. Currently, Malik serves as an Operations and Strategy Intern in the Division of Marketing and Communications at Syracuse University, where he contributes to market research, campaign development, and the enhancement of digital user experiences. Previously, Malik worked as the Marketing Manager at Global Mamas, where he exceeded fundraising goals and increased engagement as an Associate Marketing Strategist at Magna 5 Group, where he drove brand growth and client satisfaction. Malik’s expertise spans a variety of marketing tools, including Google Analytics, Google Ads, Adobe Creative Suite, and Tableau, with certifications in project management and analytics. Fluent in both French and English, Malik is about bridging cultures and connecting communities through innovative marketing strategies.
Kofi M. Addai
currently serves as the Associate Director of Bias Education and Response at Syracuse University, leading initiatives to disrupt bias and foster a more inclusive campus environment. His work ensures that Syracuse University remains committed to addressing bias and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. As the Associate Director at North Side Learning Center, he oversaw programs that provided academic support and workforce training to students, particularly focusing on New American families. He also served as Dialogue Coordinator at InterFaith Works CNY, where he organized and facilitated community dialogues on racial equity, collaborating with local schools, law enforcement, and community organizations. His work has made a significant impact in bridging gaps in understanding and promoting social justice in Syracuse. Kofi is also deeply committed to global community development through his non-profit, People in Action for Community Enhancement, which focuses on education and literacy in Ghana. A recognized leader in his field, Kofi has received numerous awards, including the Syracuse Rotary Club Community Service Award and the Onondaga Human Rights Award.
Tamika Galanis
is a Bahamian-American documentarian and multimedia artist whose work explores the intersection of Caribbean history, cultural preservation, and climate crises. Through photography, film, sculpture, and new media, she challenges traditional representations of the Caribbean, focusing on overlooked aspects of Bahamian life. Her work has been showcased internationally at the Trinidad and Tobago International Film Festival, The Bahamas International Film Festival, and the Smithsonian African American Film Festival, among others. Tamika holds an MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts from Duke University and has received several fellowships, including the Jon B. Lovelace Fellowship for the study of the Alan Lomax Collection at the Library of Congress. She has exhibited solo and collaborative works at institutions like the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and collaborated with international organizations, including the Penn Center and the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts. In 2021, she created a public artwork for London’s World Reimagined project, now permanently installed at the University of Greenwich’s Maritime Campus. Tamika joined Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts as an Assistant Professor of Film in 2023, splitting her time between The Bahamas and Upstate NY
Christopher Montgomery
is a dedicated advocate and leader with a strong focus on workforce development, community engagement, and education. He currently serves as the Director of Business Affairs for the SUNY Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), managing administrative functions that support the center’s mission to provide education and workforce development to underserved communities. Previously, Christopher was the Director of Syracuse Build at CNY Works, Inc., where he played a critical role in diversifying Syracuse’s construction industry by creating pathways for job seekers from marginalized communities. His efforts facilitated collaboration between local government, union apprenticeship programs, and industry leaders to build a coordinated workforce pipeline to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in Central New York. With a background in workforce development, Christopher also served as a Program Coordinator at SUNY Syracuse EOC, where he managed initiatives to connect residents to career opportunities in construction, healthcare, and
Ex-Officio: Tanisha M. Jackson, Ph.D., Executive Director