keynote:
Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson
Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He is a graduate of Dorsey High School, completed his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College with a B.A. in sociology, received his Master’s in Social Welfare from UCLA and his Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson is one of the founders and Chair of the Social Work Department at California Baptist University, serving with great distinction in the education and preparation of the social justice warriors of tomorrow. Rev. Dr. Lee-Johnson is the CEO of National Family Life and Education Center and provides consultation services locally and nationally empowering and encouraging “at-promise” individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Dr. Lee-Johnson is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, and his unique style of engagement makes him one of the most sought after preachers and presenters of our time.
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Office Phone: (951) 552-8081 | E-mail: cleejohnson@calbaptist.edu | www.thelife-church.com
panelist:
Dr. barry settle
Dr. Barry Settle currently serves as the Pastor of Allen Chapel AME in Riverside, CA. He holds a B.A. in Economics from California State University LA, a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Under his pastorate, Pastor Settle has developed thriving ministries for youth, men and marriages as well as led retreats that have spiritually transformed the lives of many who have attended. He is the Founder and CEO of In The Breach (ITB), the co-founder of the Best Man Ministry and the 5th District President of the Sons of Allen Men’s Ministry.
Click here for a list of Dr. Barry's books.
panelist:
Dr. jamal myrick
Dr. Jamal Myrick is the Director of African Student Programs at UCR. He is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, received a bachelor’s degree at Florida State University. He earned a master’s degree from George Mason University and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Azusa Pacific University. His leadership ability is forged from personal experience, critical race theory, and his own struggles through the educational system, all which equip him with the knowledge and skills to lead. In his 2020 self-published book, “Dear Black Dads: Wisdom for Your Journey to Fatherhood,” he counters the perceived notion that Black fathers are absent for their children’s lives.
panelist:
Kristy Heisser
Kristy J. Heisser is a successful mompreneur, owning 2 businesses in Southern California. Growing up in the inner city of Los Angeles, she learned early the importance of being self-sufficient and giving back to the community. Her focus has always been servant leadership and empowerment through education. Kristy is the President and Founder of Malcolm's Heart Inc., a non-profit that is purposed to support, help and embrace hurting families and patients dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other Dementias. Kristy also operates a real estate firm, Homes by Heisser, where she is a broker. Kristy received her degree from Cal State San Bernardino and her certificate in Women's Leadership from Cornell University.
panelist:
Ms. Deidre Reyes
Deidre Reyes is a self-described single mother of four, domestic violence survivor, immigrant, disabled student, transfer student, and honors scholar. Reyes experienced food and housing insecurity, forcing her to live in a motel for two months and postpone graduation by a quarter. She is now at an apartment with her daughters, making final plans for June’s commencement.
Upon her master’s graduation in 2023, she is considering running for Riverside City Council.
Spoken Word:
Dr. javon johnson
Dr. Javon Johnson is an American spoken word poet, writer, and professor. He is the director of African American and African Diaspora Studies in the Department of Interdisciplinary, Gender, and Ethnic Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the author of Killing Poetry: Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spoken Word Communities. Johnson has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, BET’s Lyric Café, TVOne’s Verses & Flow, The Arsenio Hall Show, and The Steve Harvey Show. He also co-wrote the Showtime documentary Crossover. He was on the Da Poetry Lounge slam team that performed in the National Poetry Slam in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2013, winning the NPS championship in 2003 and 2004. His academic research examines poetry communities in Los Angeles, contrasting their democratic possibilities against the experience of struggle and privilege.