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.
Ex-Officio: Tanisha M. Jackson, Ph.D., Executive Director