Constance Banks Simon
Rev. Dr. Constance Banks Simon, the middle child of the late Ebie and Johnsie Banks. From a family of educators she holds a BS in Elementary Ed, a MEd. in curriculum and Supervision, an EdD in Administration and Supervision; a Master of Divinity, MDiv., and a Doctorate in Ministry, DMIN, as a Jeremiah A. Wright Scholar in African Religious Thought and Ministry.
Nell Hearns
Nell Hearns is a native Detroiter and a Lead Organizer with Michigan Liberation where she serves as Bail Program Administrator. She is a devoted advocate and champion of the under-served communities. Nell oversees the Michigan Black Mama’s Bail Out (MBMBO) and the End Cash Bail Campaigns. The tireless efforts of Nell and her Team have resulted in reuniting many families.
Tahira Khalid
Tahira Khalid was blessed to be born in Detroit Michigan, She has worked to address the disparities and injustices in this society which reduce our fellow citizens abilities to develop the gifts provided to them by their Creator. Tahira has been privileged to work in major social institutions including Wayne State School of Medicine, University of Michigan and Wayne State University, the Institution of Population Health and the National Healthy Start Initiative.
Stacey Johnson
Stacey Johnson has been writing professionally since December 2011. She launched her company Stacey J Productions LLC soon after retiring from the Inkster Police Department as a Road Patrol and Community Relations Officer. She has written plays and a movie with topics such as teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, Alzeihmers, more recently Human Trafficking and soon Fentanyl. She considers herself an “Artist with a Cause.”
Sheila Mcleod
Shelia is a native Detroiter, educated in the Detroit Public school system. Shelia retired from Ford Motor Company. In 2002 she received her BA in General Studies from Madonna University.
Kim Sherobi
Kim Sherobbi is a lifelong learner and community practitioner. She is the founder and director of Birwood House; a community space where she is a listener, visionary organizer and active community member who is committed to local sustainability.
Deborah Barnes
Deborah Barnes is a life-long native of Michigan. Her current title: Bail Program Specialist, is another step in making changes to improve things in the community. She studied Accounting at Wayne County Community College. Raised 5 children and spent most of her life running and managing in the restaurant business. Successfully guiding family and a career is a huge accomplishment.
Darlene Allen
For 35 years, Nurse Allen has primarily focused on providing Detroit mamas quality, respectful maternal care. Her devotion to centering mamas in her practice has solidified her reputation as a leader in the birthing community. Darlene is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of mamas and families in Detroit. She is a school nurse with the Detroit Public School Community District and serves as a nurse midwife at Hutzel hospital and the Institute of Population Health. She has an accomplished history of serving as a nurse, educator and mentor in the midwifery community.
Desiree M. Ferguson
Desiree M. Ferguson is self-described native Detroit mother, grandmother, wife, homeowner, social justice warrior and soon-to-be-retired attorney. She currently serves as Special Legal Counsel for the Detroit Justice Center. Before joining DJC, Desiree retired after serving for over 26 years as an Assistant Defender at the State Appellate Defender Office, where she specialized in handling criminal defense appeals on behalf of indigent persons convicted of felonies, in both State and Federal courts.
Freda G. Sampson
Freda G. Sampson is an advocate for justice and equity. She is the CEO and lead DEI strategist for the Freda G Sampson, LLC a certified women’s owned business. Freda consults, strategizes, and facilitates with businesses and organizations throughout the region on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Freda was formerly the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Elaine Steele
Elaine Eason Steele and Mrs. Rosa L. Parks co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development in February, 1987 to help children reach their “highest potential.” Under Steele’s direction, the Institute’s flagship program, “Pathways to Freedom,” enrolled and mentored over 9000 children who crossed the nation, Caribbean and Canada to study the civil rights movement, social activism, and community leadership.
Lottie V. Spady
Community Educator, Wellness Media Maker, and Practicing Herbalist is the founder of Earthseed Detroit.
Earthseed Detroit centers social justice, community empowerment, health, local access and affordability through healthy media making, herbalism for healing, medicinal plant identification, foraging, gardening and the creation of wellness supports such as tea blends, tinctures, elixirs and salves.