BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Septimius (the Great), born Marlowe Simms on June 8th in Baltimore, Maryland, is an International award-winning music artist, fashion model, and actor. During his years of performances, appearances, and leadership, Septimius has received numerous nominations and awards, including the Executive Award at Akademia Awards and Grammy FYC nominations. His inspiration comes from the unparalleled musical styles of icons such as Prince and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.

Now residing in Los Angeles, Septimius the Great is a thriving and formidable force in the world of dance and electronic music, establishing himself as an international multi-awardwinning entertainer. He is also known for his creative spirit, and musical prowess expressed beautifully in each electric composition and has contributed massively to the music scene.

Septimius started in the Pageantry circuit during his early years of performing and became a well-known figure in the LGBTQ+ community. In 2008, he founded the Mr. & Ms. International Pageantry System, which became the first global system of its kind to be partnered and funded by a major non-profit.

In the summer of that year, while preparing to further his career, Septimius joined Meak Productions. In 2009, he became the first African-American talent to hold the title of Mr. Meak Productions 09. He also became the third recipient of the agency’s CD Single Remix Project for his single “Tell Me Now” via their record label, Meak Pro Music. He was a significant force in the agency until his hiatus in the fall of 2013.

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Dr. Jesse Sanders, Ph.D. from Columbus, Ohio, is a mental health counselor, public figure, inspirational and motivational speaker, and a best-selling author. He is also a single, gay, and co-parenting father.

Dr. Sanders is the founder of Redefined LLC and Redefining Empowerment Center, providing therapeutic and social support to individuals and families living at the intersections of multiple oppressions. He aims to uncover the root of oppression & redefine their identities through positive, inclusive & expressive means.

Being born and raised in the church, Dr. Sanders had great impartation and sound wisdom from his grandparents, Quentin and Zoma Sanders. Dr. Sanders prides his ability to counsel, coach, and mentor others, not only from his extensive education and background but from his previous personal struggles, lack of self and sexual identity, and lack of trust. Dr. Sanders has three amazing children from an earlier marriage; Vincent Wells Jr., Brianna Sanders, and Brielle Sanders. He came out as a Black gay man and father in 2017.

Dr. Sanders has been educated and trained by the nation’s top institutions to achieve his goals of being a certified therapist and counselor, such as Liberty University and Metropolitan Christian University, where he received his Ph.D. Mental Health Christian Counselor, Master Coach University: Life Coaching Certification and The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology: CBT Practitioner.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Sanders has led people to find tenacity and strength to change their circumstances through positive self-inquiry and actions. As a result, Dr. Sanders has become an extraordinary visionary and is admired by many for his outstanding integrity, drive, transparency, and teaching.

After joining Meak Productions in 2017, Dr. Sanders introduced counseling options to the registered agency talents. He was also a workshop presenter at the Georgia Department of Public Health’s “Journey To Change” Conference and a guest speaker at Atlanta Black Gay Pride. During the pandemic, he partnered with key leaders in Columbus, Ohio, to create “Cocktails & Conversations,” which is centered around professional networking and personal, financial empowerment, and mental health topics.

Dr. Sanders’s daily pursuit is to walk in authenticity. He offers a stimulating word with practicality and genuineness. He’s a dynamic dream maker who is affecting lives in many ways. Dr. Sanders has concluded that he will partner with individuals, communities, and family units to shift beyond their mental construction zone and advance in their destiny.