Attorney James J. Carter

James Jerome Carter is a nationally accomplished attorney, statesman, educator, and author. He is the Managing Partner of The Cochran Firm-Trials & Mass Torts and has dedicated his life to uplifting others. He often states that he could never thank God enough for his Parents who gave him a solid foundation. Moreover, he fervently follows the timeless words of the late great Charles Hamilton Houston’s proclamation that “a lawyer is either a social engineer or parasite on society.” Mr. Carter obtained his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Howard University. He then graduated from Howard University School of Law, where he serves on the Board of Visitors. He is a formidable trial attorney who is responsible for recovering millions of dollars on behalf of clients, both personal and corporate, and providing select criminal defense representation throughout the United States. His skillfully aggressive approach to the civil jury trial world gained him elite membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He received a prized certification in Mass Tort Multi-District Litigation from the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University School of Law and in 2021 earned a certificate in Governing for Nonprofit Excellence from Harvard Business School. He also recently became a Commissioner of The Port of New Orleans. For his accomplishments as an attorney and public servant, Grambling State University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws, and he received a second Honorary Doctorate from the University of New Orleans on May 21, 2022.

Mr. Carter is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts, all Louisiana United States District Courts, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals as well as the United States Supreme Court. He is the recipient of the prestigious 2022 Gertrude Rush Award from the National Bar Association and the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rho Phi Chapter. In 2021 and 2022, he was recognized by Law Dragon 500 for excellence and leadership in the legal profession. He is also the recipient of the 2021 New Orleans Chapter of the NAACP President’s Trailblazer Award and the 2021 Court Watch NOLA Lynne & Jerome Goldman Criminal Justice Reform Award. He has been recognized by New Orleans City Business Magazine as a Leader in Law in 2012 and 2016. He is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (Executive Committee), National Bar Association (Life Member), and Litigation Counsel of America, limited to less than one-half of one percent of North American lawyers, judges and scholars. He has also served on the Louisiana Association for Justice Council of Directors.

He is a Civil Trial Litigation Adjunct Professor at Howard University School of Law and served as an Adjunct Trial Advocacy Professor at Tulane University School of Law. For Howard University School of Law, Mr. Carter created a one-of-a-kind course, Developing A High-End Civil Trial Practice, to expose African American law students to the multi-trillion-dollar catastrophic injury, multi-district, and class action litigation arenas. Mr. Carter served as immediate past Chairman of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors (ULS)-the governing body that provides policy guidance and fiscal oversight for nine public universities in Louisiana. One of his crowning achievements while serving on the ULS board was the establishment of the Reginald F. Lewis Educational Equity Initiative. He is a life member of 100 Black Men of America and a participant in a multi-year study of leadership in divided communities at the University of Oxford-Centre for the Resolution of Intractable Conflict. He also participated in the government of France Foreign Visitors Program to foster cultural understanding. Mr. Carter has lectured in England, Canada, Panama, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and across the United States.

Mr. Carter was elected as the second African American ever to serve as a New Orleans City Councilman in District C and on the first New Orleans City Council seated after hurricane Katrina. He played the lead legislative role in establishing the first City Charter mandated Independent Police Monitor to fight police brutality and continues to fight civil rights violations committed disproportionally against African Americans. He was also the first African American Criminal Justice Commissioner in New Orleans’ history. He served as a Fellow for the internationally lauded criminal justice organization, VERA Institute of Justice, which he was principally responsible for bringing to New Orleans in 2006.

James Carter is an author who has written on issues of racial equity and economics. His timely article, Benefits of Having Diversity in Your Jury Practice, was published in the Louisiana Advocates journal, and he co-authored the book Money Matters 101: A Smart Money Guide for 18 and Beyond. Additionally, his article Transforming Policing was published in the New England Journal of Public Policy. His newest book, the legal thriller, Legal Hitman, will debut in 2022.

James Carter is married to Rene Carter who was recognized in 2016 by the Louisiana Department of Education as the Middle School Principal of the Year. They have one child, Brice.

Attorney Willie E. Gary

Attorney Willie E. Gary is living the American Dream. Once a migrant worker, now a multi-millionaire attorney, Gary earned his reputation by representing little-known clients against major corporations. Along the way he has handled some of the largest jury awards and settlements in U.S. history, winning more than 150 cases valued more than $1 million each. Gary’s amazing success has earned him national recognition as a leading trial attorney.

In May 2002, he was featured in Ebony magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans.” Forbes Magazine has listed him as one of the “Top 50 attorneys in the U.S.” Gary has been featured in national media publications, such as The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, Ebony, Jet, People, Black Enterprise, Fortune, The New Yorker, and The National Law Journal. His remarkable legal career and tireless work on behalf of his clients has been well documented on “60 Minutes,” “CBS Evening News,” and ABC’s “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” He has also been profiled on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” made a guest appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and made a live appearance on CBS’s “The Early Show” with Bryant Gumbel.

But Willie Gary’s triumphant rise to the top is no overnight success story. His vast appeal stems from his desire to be the best and a passionate work ethic he learned through his humble beginnings. One of 11 children of Turner and Mary Gary, Willie Gary was born July 12, 1947, in Eastman, Georgia, and raised in migrant farming communities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. His unwavering desire to earn a college education ultimately led him to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina where the all-state high school football player would earn an athletic scholarship after being told there was no room for him on the team. Gary went on to become the co-captain of Shaw’s football team during the 1969, 1970 and 1971 seasons. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Gary went on to North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina where he earned a Juris Doctorate in 1974.

Upon earning his law degree, Gary returned to Florida with his childhood sweetheart, Gloria, - now his wife. Gary was admitted to the Florida Bar and opened his hometown’s first African American law firm with the help of Gloria, who assisted him at his new practice. Gary’s practice has since grown into the thriving national partnership known as Gary, Williams, Finney, Lewis, Watson & Sperando, P.L., consisting of 37 attorneys, a team of paralegals, a professional staff of 120 including six nurses, two full-time investigators, an administrator, a certified public accountant, a public relations director, a general counsel, human resources director, and a full administrative staff. The firm operates out of posh waterfront offices located on the St. Lucie River in historic downtown Stuart, Florida, one that oversees the Indian River Lagoon in Fort Pierce, Florida and the other in the financial district of Orlando, Florida.

Gary is a member of the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers Association, Martin and St. Lucie County Bar Associations and the Million Dollar Verdict Club. He has tried cases in 45 states and is in great demand as a motivational speaker throughout the U.S. - delivering speeches at law schools, universities, churches, chambers of commerce and to various groups throughout the country. Gary often travels on his 32-passenger, custom designed Boeing 737, which carries a full flight crew and is appropriately named “Wings of Justice II.” The luxurious jetliner facilitates Gary’s extensive travel schedule, allowing him to handle more cases, while enabling him to get home faster so he can spend time with his family.

Gary’s scope of interest extends far beyond the courtroom. He is chairman of the Black Family Channel - the nation’s only African American owned and operated 24-hour cable channel devoted to wholesome “family values” programming aimed at urban viewers. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the network’s vision is to provide intelligent, family-oriented programming that embraces values in business, entertainment, sports, ministries, and government. Gary also hosts a weekly talk show on the Black Family Channel featuring personal interviews with prominent guests.

Known as a businessman, churchman, humanitarian and philanthropist, Gary is deeply involved in charity and civic work. He is committed to enhancing the lives of young people through education. In 1994, he and his wife, Gloria, formed The Gary Foundation to carry out this formidable task. The Gary Foundation provides scholarships, direction, and other resources to youth, so they can realize their dreams of achieving a higher education. In 1991, Gary donated $10.1 million to his alma mater Shaw University. He has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the U.S.

His national television campaign, “Education is Power,” encourages children to stay in school and be the best that they can be. In addition to being a lawyer, a philanthropist, a media mogul and a motivational speaker, Gary continues to serve on the board of trustees of numerous universities and foundations. He has received honorary doctorates from dozens of colleges and universities. His extensive community activities include membership in the NAACP, Florida Guardsmen, Inc., Urban League, Civitan International, United Way of Martin County, Martin Memorial Hospital Foundation Council, and many others.

Loida N. Lewis

Loida N. Lewis is Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC, a family investment firm. A lawyer by profession, admitted to practice in the Philippines and New York, Mrs. Lewis was the first Filipino woman to pass the New York bar without attending law school in the United States. Having won her discrimination case against the US Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1987, she integrated the agency, now called Citizenship & Immigration Service (CIS). She coauthored “How to Get A Green Card,” now in its 12th edition and a bestseller in its genre. Mrs. Lewis served as Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice International, a $2 billion multinational food company with operations across Europe, from 1994-2000. She assumed its leadership after the death of her husband, Wall Street financier Reginald F. Lewis who, in 1987, engineered a leveraged buyout for $985 million of Beatrice International Foods, thus becoming the 1st African American to create a billion-dollar company. Mrs. Lewis is Chair of the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, which is a benefactor of Harvard Law School, Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, Virginia State University, and the Lewis College in Sorsogon; her hometown in the Philippines. A building has been named at those institutions in Mr. Lewis’ honor.

The foundation is also a major donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Board of Directors of Children’s Orchestra Society, US Philippines Society, and the Apollo Theatre Foundation. She is co-founder of several advocacy organizations: Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund, National Federation of Filipino-American Associations, US Pinoys for Good Governance and Global Filipino Diaspora Council. She speaks several languages: Filipino (Tagalog), English, French and Spanish. Mrs. Lewis has two daughters, both cum laude A.B graduates of Harvard University: Leslie is an actor, writer, and producer. Christina is a former Wall Street Journal reporter and philanthropist who founded and chairs All Star Code, a non-profit organization designed to empower young men of color with the skills, networks, and mindset to create a new future through technology. Mrs. Lewis has four grandchildren.

Kim Coles

Kim Coles is an Actress, Comedian, Author, Speaker and Coach whose showbiz career has spanned over 35 years. She has appeared on many television shows, including Frasier (where she became known for playing "Dr." Mary Thomas), Six Feet Under, Celebrity Mole and The Geena Davis Show. She is perhaps best known for her roles on two FOX series; first as an original cast member of the sketch comedy series In Living Color, then as Synclaire James on the sitcom Living Single and as the mother of Spirit on One on One. Coles is a published author; her book is called “I'm Free But It Will Cost You”, ISBN 978-0786883226, Hyperion Books, 1998.

Coles appeared on Celebrity Mole: Hawaii and was the first contestant to be eliminated. At the reunion of the show, she was one of two celebrities (the other was Michael Boatman) to correctly guess that Frederique van der Wal was the series' saboteur, Kathy Griffin was the winner, and Erik von Detten was the runner-up. Coles also joined other celebrities for a weight loss journey on the VH-1 reality show, Celebrity Fit Club. As a speaker, she brings authenticity mixed with humor and heart which allows people to truly see themselves and take inspired action. Coles believes Authenticity and Diversity are what drives company growth. 

She has taken her experiences as an actress and comedian to speak life into company culture so others can create an environment where employees can shine and grow. Having spoken at organizations such as the American Heart Assoc, Bank NY Mellon, Cisco and more, Kim Coles brings her experiences and tools into the workplace by connecting people to the heart and mission of the organization through laughter while celebrating each person. She is highly passionate about supporting and training entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders on the incredible power of mining their own signature story and life lessons to captivate and connect with their customers, clients, and the world.

Pastor Shirley Caesar

After hearing the voice of God during a college exam, Shirley Caesar believed it was her duty to spread the Gospel. This "calling" has developed into more than 150 concerts per year, volunteer work for the poor, speaking engagements, numerous Grammy awards, and over 30 record albums.

Better known as the 1st Lady of Gospel Music, Pastor Shirley Caesar performed with the Caravans in the '60s before pursuing a professional solo career in 1966. Born in North Carolina, Caesar is powerful minister of music, pastor, and inspirational speaker. At the age of 10 she began singing and performing for family and friends. She graduated from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984. She also received honorary doctorates from Shaw University and Southeastern University. Shirley Caesar performs with an energetic and soulful style. She believes that with all the suffering and hardships in the world people will listen to her music and inspirational speaking style and be encouraged. Her live album, He Will Come, is a testimony to her philosophy of life. The album was recorded with the choir, band, and congregation of her church. In the title song "He Will Come," Shirley Caesar transcends the message of hope, that although society is getting worse, the Lord will save us and is coming. Her other gospel hits with inspiring messages include "God Is Good," "Revive Us Again" and "Time to Be Blessed." Shirley Caesar's hope is that her messages will be listened to, and people will be encouraged to lead good lives. Her 1987 hit, "Hold My Mule," was written to encourage people to "fight the good fight." All her songs combine music with ministry to convey her messages.

Backed by a sixty-person choir, rocking like a tempest, she is a bundle of fireworks on the Fourth of July. The gospel style of song and sermonette, singing that involves both the spoken word and dramatic acting, was developed primarily by Shirley Caesar. She journeys all over the world, sometimes traveling all night to return to her pulpit in Durham, North Carolina, the town where she was born.

Shirley Caesar has received numerous awards for her gospel albums. She has received Grammy Awards for Stand Still, Shirley Caesar Live...He Will Come, Sailin', Rejoice, Celebration and He's Working It Out For You. Between 1981 and 1995 she has received seven Dove Awards for Black Gospel Album of the Year for Live at the G.M.W.A., Live...In Chicago, Celebration, Christmasing, Sailin', Go and Rejoice. Two Black Gospel Song of the Year Awards for "He's Working It Out for You" and "Hold My Mule." If you were beginning to worry that no significant traditional gospel albums made a mark in 2007, Shirley Caesar's After 40 Years … Still Sweeping Through the City is sure to lay those fears to rest. The title is self-explanatory. This is the gospel matriarch's 40th anniversary as a solo recording artist; a career she began in 1966 after a leap of faith. A call to ministry led Caesar to leave The Caravans, arguably the most popular all-female gospel group of the 1950s, and from there she soared to new heights. Celebrity-minded gospel luminaries would use this occasion to roll out the red carpet and make this more about the guests and the creators than about the Creator, but not Caesar. This album was recorded live at Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church—the congregation she co-pastors with her husband—as the culmination of a week of seminars and training for church leaders. Besides being the minister of her church in North Carolina, speaking across the United States and Abroad, and performing concerts nationwide, Shirley Caesar has performed on Broadway. Her Broadway performances include roles in Born to Sing: Mama 3, Mama I Want to Sing and Sing: Mama 2. She made a guest appearance at the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World with fellow artists Peabo Bryson, CeCe Winans, Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. Her activities include performing for President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton at a campaign function. Despite her busy schedule, Shirley Caesar constantly finds time to get her messages of encouragement, hope and peace to the world.

The Lady, the Melody, & the Word: The Inspirational Story of the First Lady of Gospel

By the time she was ten years old, Shirley Caesar had already made a name for herself. The tiny singer in pigtails and bobby socks was known throughout the Carolinas and Virginia as "Baby Shirley," and her foot-stomping, bring-down-the-house style was in demand for church services and revivals. To date, Shirley Caesar has had an astonishing career spanning four decades. The Lady, the Melody, and the Word is Shirley's own story of those years, told in her intimate and passionate style.

Pastor Shirley Caesar moves her audiences with her powerful motivational and inspirational speaking style. Make your next event memorable by contacting us today to have Shirley Caesar grace your event. Any event can benefit from an inspiring keynote address, so contact a WCP Communications Speakers Bureau consultant to be matched with the perfect inspirational speaker. 

Attorney Rosalind R. Ray

Attorney Rosalind R. Ray, a former D.C. Superior Court Law Clerk, is a graduate of Howard University School of Law. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston University, while also attending Harvard University’s Health Career’s Program. With more than 25 years of legal experience, she is a member of the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania Bars, U.S. District Court of Maryland, and the U.S. Supreme Court. She has past & present professional affiliations with The National Bar Association, The American Bar Association, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her volunteer and community service affiliations include Board Member - Education, Goals, Opportunities & Sports (EGOS); Member of Board of Directors for Pennvisions - Challenged Kids; Member of Board of Directors for The Howard Theatre (DC) Revitalization; Volunteer Editor-National Bar Association Magazine; Volunteer National Council for Negro Women Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast; Volunteer-Rainbow Push Coalition.

The Law Offices of Rosalind R. Ray was founded in 1998 to provide clients with high-quality, cost-effective legal services. Along with contracted litigators, Attorney Ray’s firm has a proven success record in trial and appellate representation in many areas of law, including Entertainment & Sports Law, Auto Accident Liability, Educational Contract Liability, Employment Law, Tort Law Insurance, Contract Interpretation and Claim Disputes. The Law Offices of Rosalind R. Ray also provides representation on personal injury claims. The Law Offices of Rosalind R. Ray & their Litigators has represented individuals on matters involving: Automobile, Cycle, and Pedestrian Accidents, Slip and Fall Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Long-term and Permanently Disabling Injuries and Severe Injuries, Probate - Trusts and Simple Wills.

The Law Offices of Rosalind R. Ray - Clients (Past and Present) include; Dick Gregory - (Activist/ Comedian); Sam Jones, - Boston Celtics, NBA Retired; Lamont Robinson – Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame; The Estate of David Ruffin; The O’Jays / O’Jays Gigs, Inc.; The Dramatics, Enchantment, John Johnson’s Delfonics, Sly Slick & Wicked; Desi Hill; Phillip Michael Thomas; Dionne Warwick; Ernie Isley; Teddy Pendergrass Non-Profit Organization; Muggsy Bogues - Always Believe Foundation; Education, Goals, Opportunities and Sports, Inc. (EGOS, Inc.); Rod Strickland, NBA Retired; Raymone Bain – Publicist; Clarke & Associates, LLC – Publicist, Kris Kross – Artist, Arrested Development – Artist, Walter I. Ray, Jr., - Writer, Kidd International, Inc., T.T.E.D. Records (Maxx Kidd), Jeff Malone, - NBA Retired, Moses Malone - NBA Retired,, Walter L. Williams, Sr. (Solo Project), Al Johnson of The Unifics - Writer and Producer / Artist, Kevin Anthony – Comedian, Chris Thomas – Comedian, The Fonics - Artists, Eddie and Gerald Levert, (Auto Case), Sean Levert, Stage Actor; Ron Tyson of The Temptations, and Black Radio Exclusive Magazine where Ms. Ray is Vice-President of the Mid-Atlantic Region & General Counsel. The firm has also worked with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jerome Benton of Morris Day & The Time, Jan Gaye, Evander Holyfield; Rainbow Push; Joe Coleman; Johnny Gill and Vivica Fox.

The Law Offices of Rosalind R. Ray, headed by Attorney Rosalind R. Ray, strives for excellence on a daily basis. The Firm’s goal is to achieve the best possible results for our clients. We believe that preparation is essential.

Joe Louis Dudley, Sr.

(May 9, 1937 – February 8, 2024)

We honor the legacy of Joe L. Dudley, Sr., a remarkable entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and humanitarian whose impact reached far beyond business. Known internationally, Mr. Dudley dedicated much of his life to giving back to the community and uplifting those around him. His words and actions inspired countless individuals to pursue their potential and lead with purpose. Though he is no longer with us, his contributions and his spirit of generosity continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Joe Louis Dudley, Sr., Co-Founder of the DudleyQ+ brand, is one of the world's most sought-after entrepreneurial masterminds. Born May 9, 1937, he is the fifth of 11 children born to Gilmer L. and Clara Yeates Dudley. Joe grew up in a three-room farmhouse in the rural community of Aurora, in eastern North Carolina. Joe was retained in the first grade, labeled mentally retarded, and suffered a speech impediment. Throughout it all one very influential person, his mother, never stopped believing in him and is responsible for his overcoming these obstacles and becoming a role model for many. This journey to success began in 1957 when he invested $10.00 in a sales kit and began selling Fuller Products door-to-door while still a student at North Carolina A & T State University (Greensboro, NC). One of Mr. Fuller's goals, and one that Joe Dudley actively pursues today, is to help people to maximize their potential and achieve success. From 1967 through 2008, Joe L. Dudley, Sr. & Eunice Dudley led Dudley Products Company to a significant level of sales. The company has been listed in the top 50 in Black Enterprise Magazine's Top 100 Black Owned Businesses. Throughout his tenure, Dudley Cosmetology University in Kernersville, NC and 4 strategically located schools in the Dudley Beauty School System (DBSS) were created. Through dedication, hard work and persistence, Joe L. Dudley, Sr. has indeed become the role model his mother always knew he could be. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. is much more than just a successful entrepreneur. He is known nationally and internationally as an inspirational speaker and humanitarian who spends much of his time identifying needs and giving back to the community and mankind. In 2009, Joe L. Dudley, Sr. & Eunice Dudley were featured in a national movie, Good Hair, a Chris Rock documentary about the hair care industry.

Over the past 40 years through dedication, hard work and persistence, she has helped take the DudleyQ+ Brand from very humble beginnings to a respected and world-renowned position in the Beauty Industry. In June 2008, Joe & Eunice Dudley restructured the Dudley conglomerate and turned over all day-to-day responsibilities over to their daughter, Ursula Dudley Oglesby who began Dudley Beauty Corp, LLC.

He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the following: President George Bush's 467th Point of Light Award for Dudley Fellows and Ladies Program The Direct Selling Association (DSA) Vision For Tomorrow Award (Dudley Fellows & Ladies Program), Maya Angelou Tribute To Achievement Award, Inc. Magazine's North Carolina Master Entrepreneur Award, and was a 2005 Trumpet Award Winner. Dudley Sr. has also been inducted into The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (Business/Industry), elected to The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, and was inducted into the DSA Hall of Fame.

Joe Dudley, Sr. discusses his successful principle-centered and highly effective entrepreneurial recipe. His philosophy, actions, beliefs, successes, and failures are presented to reveal his secrets to success. In straightforward, easily understood prose, Dudley uses his own life story to show you how to walk by faith and make your dreams come true.

Michael Victor Roberts, Sr.

Entrepreneur Michael Victor Roberts, Sr. was born on October 24, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri to Delores Talley Roberts and Victor Roberts. He grew up the first of four siblings. The Roberts family was educated in the St. Louis Public School System, and Roberts began working as a youth, earning money doing chores around the neighborhood and delivering newspapers. Roberts heard St. Louis’ Dick Gregory talk about the Civil Rights Movement and was inspired. Graduating from Northwest High School in 1967, where he played the trombone and tennis, Roberts attended Central Missouri State University and Forest Park Community College. He met Jack Danforth at Camp Minnewanka and finished Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri as a Danforth Fellow. He began his first business selling dashikis and other African merchandise to area bookstores. Roberts studied law at St. Louis University School of Law, and in 1974, earned his J.D. degree and began Roberts-Roberts and Associates, a business and construction management firm headquartered in St. Louis. In 1976, Roberts worked as St. Louis campaign manager for Jimmy Carter, and after Carter’s election as U.S. President, he was a regular guest at the White House. One year later, Roberts was elected the youngest alderman in St. Louis. His brother, Steven C. Roberts, would claim this title two years later, serving along with Mike Jones, Virvus Jones and Wayman Smith. Roberts was the chief sponsor of the St. Louis Center and Union Station developments, and he was involved in major redevelopment efforts for the City of St. Louis. In 1981, Roberts and his brother began Roberts Broadcasting. After establishing WRBU-TV in St. Louis, the Roberts Brothers would build eleven more television stations across the country, from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Mobile, Alabama. While building these stations, the Roberts Brothers founded Roberts Construction Company in 1989. This additional business enterprise supplemented the commercial and residential developments the brothers had established in 1982 known as Roberts Brothers Properties. In 1999, the Roberts Brothers opened the first Sprint PCS-affiliated wireless store in Jefferson City, Missouri. It was the only PCS-affiliated company owned by African Americans. The Roberts Companies include a $460 million thirty-four-company organization, with an aviation division, a gated Bahamas community and other real estate developments. Roberts serves as chairman of the board, while his brother Steven serves as president.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Roberts began speaking to several businesses, schools, and organizations about his success and ways for others to become successful. He also wrote a book, Action Has No Season, Secrets to Gaining Wealth and Authority. He stated in his foreword that he wrote his book for his children, because "in order to ensure their success in this ever-changing global business world, they would need the advice and counsel of a visionary capitalist such as me."

Karen Canion

Karen Canion is a Comedienne, actress, and life coach. She has been entertaining and empowering people for over 20 years. She has devoted herself to helping women know their self-worth and growing to their maximum potential. She has recently made a transition from adult comedy to clean comedy. She knows that her ability is a gift from God and she wants to use this gift to heal the world. SimpliNet is the perfect addition to any church event, because her clean style of comedy "doeth good like a medicine"!

Karen has traveled internationally entertaining audiences. She has shared the stage with many greats such as Gerald Albright, Anthony Hamilton, Fred Hammond, The Great Dick Gregory and was a featured artist on the Tom Joyner Cruise. She showed her versatility as she was featured on Lifetime channel reality show Atlanta Plastic, TVOnes’s hit show By Any Means, and Fatal Attraction. She landed a principal role in a national Geico commercial with Montel Jordan. She is the author of the new book: I Am Simpli Net: Be Simply You.

John Raye

John Raye is the president and CEO of John Raye & Associates, a business consulting firm specializing in entrepreneurship training and professional development. Clients include Dudley Products and ComproTax, the nation’s largest Black-owned income tax preparation firm. As a highly acclaimed professional speaker, writer and entrepreneur, Raye is self-employed and well known for his inspirational seminars, workshops and dedication to teaching individuals how to start, manage and operate their own businesses­— helping them become, in his words, "job makers and not just job takers.” He has delivered his powerful business message throughout the country and abroad in countries including England, South Africa, Liberia, Zimbabwe and Korea to name a few.

He is the author of, Make Yourself Great…Inspiration For Dark Days And Long Nights, co-author of The ABC’s of Starting Your Own Business; and executive producer of Dreamtime; Finding Success In America, one of his most popular audiocassette programs. He is also host of the “21st Century Underground Railroad: A Video Magazine”, a nationally syndicated television program available only by subscription.

Prior to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Raye worked as a journalist for 12 years, anchoring major television news programs for broadcast affiliates in Seattle, New York and Washington, DC. He launched his first business using a public pay phone and the trunk of his car as office space. A long-time advocate of Black entrepreneurship, he is currently spearheading a nationwide drive with Dudley Products, the MATAH network and his income tax preparation firm, ComproTax, Inc. to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop core distribution networks in the global marketplace.

Dr. Derek Greenfield

Derek Greenfield is the founder and CEO of VOICES (Visions for Organizations and Individuals to Create Effective Solutions), a consulting firm that has worked with professional sports teams, world-class universities, Fortune 500 companies, and a host of conferences across the globe.

Possessing over 15 years of experience, as a dynamic educator with innovative ideas and a sense of humor, Derek has become a highly requested speaker, addressing enthusiastic audiences. His keynote presentations and workshops have been featured at events such as the International Conference on Cultural Diversity, National Dropout Prevention Network Conference, Black Issues in Higher Education Conference, National Youth Professionals Institute, National Association of Campus Activities National Conference, and Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference, as well as several colleges and universities including MIT, University of Washington, and Michigan State University. He has also served as motivational consultant for organizations such as McDonald's Corporation, Hilton Hotels, Progress Energy, United Airlines, and the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.

Derek currently serves as a Teaching Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. As a testament to his talents as an educator and dedication to students, Derek has been named six times to the list of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. His innovative course, "Hip-Hop and American Society," has been featured twice in Source magazine. He also spent seven years as an award-winning youth worker in inner-city Chicago. Derek has published several academic papers and is author of the widely acclaimed motivational book, The Answer is in Your Hands. In his powerful and entertaining book, Derek outlines proven strategies for helping you to empower yourself to achieve your best. Using a series of meaningful real-life examples, Derek operates as a guide on your side to offer the ideas and inspiration that lead to success. Derek received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Sociology from Northwestern University, earned his Doctor of Education degree from Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa, and is currently conducting research towards his PhD in Cultural Studies at the University of Washington.

Joe Dudley Jr.

Joe Dudley Jr. is the President of Dudley Direct, Inc., a direct marketing & small business consulting firm. For over 30 years, Joe has worked in his family business, Dudley Products, Inc., one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and distributors of ethnic hair care and personal care products. He has worked in numerous positions in the company including VP of Marketing & VP of Finance. As a second-generation entrepreneur, Joe has not only observed hundreds of successful entrepreneurs, but he has helped to guide and counsel successful business owners over the past three decades. From his widespread exposure to business, including retail sales, direct sales, maintenance, accounting, production, marketing and finance, he has gained a great appreciation for the diversity and the potential that entrepreneurship offers. 

Joe is certainly committed to young entrepreneurs. He co-led the development of a $25,000 Essay Scholarship Contest and a two-day Entrepreneurial Leadership Conference. Over one hundred college students attended each of the three annual business conferences held at the Dudley Products headquarters. The students were able to interact with over twenty successful entrepreneurs and executives. Each year, the conference received rave reviews from all participants.Joe recently published What’s My E-Style?, which challenges entrepreneurs to discover their entrepreneurial personality for outstanding business success. In this book, Joe makes it simple for entrepreneurs to define their business style and achieve success.

 He also is a certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instructor and is certified to administrate Predictive Index, a workplace assessment tool.

Kim Welcome

She was born in New York and grew up in The Bahamas. Smooth, warm, sultry yet tantalizing is what many have said about Kim Welcome. A soloist since the age of 15, this songstress, motivational speaker and trainer travels the world entertaining and inspiring diverse audiences. Her debut album Welcome Kim Welcome features her hit single “No More Life Living Me”. Her message is one of inspiration and she uses her life experiences to encourage others to give birth to all they have inside.

She has delighted audiences from The Bahamas to the Philadelphia Tri-State area with her smooth jazzy style that spans Pop, R&B and Easy Listening. Influenced by the sounds of Nancy Wilson, Anita Baker, and Sade, she has performed for entertainment companies, dinner cruises and the like. She releases her first single No More Life Livin’ Me, as an introduction to her Debut Album. This project is a compilation of songs that celebrate life and encourage living with determination despite tough times and disappointment. 

Overall, the message is one of inspiration. She says her single is autobiographical and has become her Personal Anthem, Theme Song and Mantra. Apparently, it has struck a chord with many, becoming the same for scores of listeners.

Henry Pankey

Energetic, witty, dramatic, entertaining, yet passionately serious about issues impacting American society & our schools. Nationally acclaimed education consultant Henry Pankey is a highly respected school improvement expert, published author, motivational speaker, turn around school specialist, and success coach. “The author of Standing in The Shadows of Greatness”, is credited with revitalizing some of the nation’s most difficult schools. 

The former New York City principal is the recipient of over 200 awards for his work as a principal, educator and turn around school specialist. Pankey’s awards include Principal of the Year, Administrator of the Year, induction into the National Alliance of Black School Educators’ Hall of Fame, Safe School Awards, etc. During Henry Pankey's tenure as principal of Southern High School in Durham, the school went from low performing to exemplary status within one year. Consequently, the school was the site for the Seventh Annual State of American Education Address delivered by United States Education Secretary Richard Riley. 

Henry Pankey is best known as a tough love effective urban principal, but he began his career as a comedian, writer, impressionist, and Shakespearean actor. After graduating from high school Pankey won an undergraduate scholarship to the North Carolina School of The Arts, then, a graduate scholarship to the University of Maryland. Henry Pankey has attended 10 universities and has a total of 12 licenses in the education-administration field. Henry was one of the chief architects of Dress for Success in New York City schools as early as 1981. Dress for Success has been duplicated across the country.

Felton Wooten

Felton Wooten is a native of Greensboro and an author, workshop presenter, licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and a licensed Assistive Living Administrator. He holds a BA degree in Public Administration. He was also selected Administrator of the year for NC in 1997. Entrepreneurial experience includes owning and operating a retail uniform store from 1990-93 and owning and operating a transportation company for the handicapped from 2004-07.

His passion focuses on how to improve the lives of others within the healthcare profession and providing information on Abuse prevention of elders. He recently wrote a book "My Daddy the other Parent", a series of sixteen letters or inspirational words of wisdom to his daughters. Friends encouraged him to publish the letters. As a result of the book, he now encourages other fathers to write their daughters (and sons). Men have a lot of advice that is taken to their grave and he would like to encourage other men to share their wealth of information. Felton has also authored 25 Critical Points to Growing a Successful Business in a Recession, which is published in downloadable e-book format. He has co-authored an Abuse Prevention for the Caregiver Manual, developed a training DVD on elder abuse prevention and published an article in the Values Realization Journal on "Making a Career Change".