2012 Keynote Speaker
Plenary Speakers
Roland S. Martin
Farley Flex A humanitarian, a mentor and a social activist, Farley Flex is perhaps best known as a judge on the most watched Canadian television show in history, Canadian Idol. Flex is an emphatic speaker with a passion to discover, develop and promote the intrinsic talents of young people across the country.
Roland S. Martin is a nationally awardwinning and multifaceted journalist. A nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, Mr. Martin is the author of Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith, and Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America, and “The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.” Mr. Martin is a commentator for TV One Cable Network and host and managing editor of “Washington Watch with Roland Martin,” a one-hour Sunday morning news show. He is also a CNN Analyst, appearing on a variety of the network’s shows. In October 2008, he joined the Tom Joyner Morning Show as senior analyst. In 2009, CNN was awarded the Peabody Award for its outstanding 2008 election coverage, of which Martin was a member of the Best Political Team on Television. He has won more than 30 professional awards for journalistic excellence, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television News Directors; top reporting honors from the National Association of Black Journalists; the National Association of Minorities in Cable. and the National Associated PressManaging Editors Conference.
Flex was recently named a National Ambassador for Unicef, appointed to the Special Advisory Council to the League of Human Rights, and awarded his second Bob Marley Community Role Model award, for his work in education. He is partner in the Recess initiative, a social and organizational network platform, working in partnership with school boards and community organizations worldwide. Flex has also done extensive work motivating youth in First Nation's and other marginalized communities. Flex is the President and CEO of Plasma Management and Productions, has managed multiplatinum artists such as rap pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes, and was the founding music director and former VP of business development at FLOW 93.5, Canada's first urban radio station. He also sits on the boards of BravoFACT, ParticipACTION and the Rotman School of Business ICM Challenge and is a member of Toronto Mayor David Miller's Advisory Panel on Community Safety.
John Thomas Grant, Jr. John Thomas Grant, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of Atlanta (100) and has been a member of the organization for over 20 years. Grant has garnered a reputation among his Atlanta-chapter colleagues for his ability to obtain “blue-chip” corporate sponsors and successfully manage their investments in the organization. Under his leadership, the 100 has attained a level of visibility and prominence that underscores the importance of its philanthropic mission established by its founding members in 1986.
Grant0 has 1 a distinguished S U M M I T Mr. 2 2 history of professional success and leadership. He joined Airborne Express
He is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation’s most historic Black newspaper. He is the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine under the team of New Yorkbased Vanguarde Media, and the former founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com.
in 1979 and just two years later he was promoted to Area Operations Manager in Greenville, S.C. In 1984, he was relocated to Atlanta where he served in several areas including leading the Operations, Customer Service, and Sales organizations. His personal achievements led to numerous company awards, including several National Sales Awards, Sky Courier District Sales Manager of the Year, and the company’s first and only Humanitarian Award. John Grant is the youngest member to join 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and was voted its Man of the Year. John has served on the Board of Directors for 100 since 1990 until his selection as Chief Executive Officer in 2001.
Regional Report Central Shakara Russell This year, during the Business is Jammin’ Youth Luncheon in recognition of African Heritage Month, three exceptional young entrepreneurs were recognized for their tremendous entrepreneurial efforts and commitment to community service. Mo Handahu of Clutch Culture and Rainie Williams and Tyson Tolliver of Ruff Endz Clothing (who have all been profiled in Black to Business) shared their experiences and challenged everyone to look for unique opportunities and to not being afraid of being different. These three empowered youth to follow their passion and seek productive mentorship relationships. Thank you to these entrepreneurs for being great role models for our community. Business Bite - Beautiful Linen Rentals Congrats to Ms. Omolade Akinkunmi on the launch of her company Beautiful Linen Rentals (www.beautifullinenrentals.ca). The company is an event décor company that specializes in wedding décor rentals and set-up. They rent chair covers, tablecloths, table skirts, napkins, table runners, overlays, napkin rings, aisle runners, centre pieces and several other accessories to complement any event in a variety of colors. Best wishes on your endeavors! If you have comments, questions, suggestions, please feel free to contact me at (902) 426-6692 or email Russell. Shakara@bbi.ns.ca . 36 ...