Hip Hop legend and cultural strategist (Poor Righteous Teachers)

• 25+ years in youth development, community arts, and entrepreneurship education.

BossUp FDN – 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

• Developer of successful programs and curriculums in youth branding, CPG innovation, and economic education

• Co-founder of HBCU college campus-based Innovation Café (Delaware State University, Lincoln University of PA)

• Co-founder of stock market investment app StockBossUp

• Co-founder of InfoVote civic engagement app

• Partnered with Rap Snacks, NFL players, HBCUs, 5 Miami-Dade County Municipalities

James Lindsay, a Philadelphia native, is the CEO and Founder of Rap Snacks, a unique snack food brand that blends hip-hop culture with flavorful chips and snacks. Known as the “Official Snack of Hip Hop,” Rap Snacks pairs popular rap and hip-hop artists with bold, distinct flavors, creating an engaging product line that connects with a younger, culturally attuned audience.

Lindsay’s entrepreneurial journey began with a deep understanding of consumer interests and a passion for connecting culture with commerce. And his love for snacks. He founded Rap Snacks in 1994, aiming to create a product that reflected the influence of hip-hop on American culture while providing a platform for artists to gain further visibility. 

Under his leadership, Rap Snacks has grown into a widely recognized brand, partnering with prominent artists such as Snoop Dogg, Migos, Boosie, Nicki Minaj, and Rick Ross. The brand has expanded to offer snacks, beverages, and other items, integrating itself into the fabric of hip-hop culture and lifestyle. With a strong background in business and marketing, Lindsay has leveraged his insights to turn Rap Snacks into a multi-million-dollar venture. He is also a speaker and mentor, frequently sharing his journey and insights on building culturally resonant brands, entrepreneurship, and brand innovation. Lindsay’s impact extends beyond snacks—he is committed to empowering communities, particularly African American youth and HBCU students, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, creating a legacy that bridges business success with cultural empowerment.

Straight out of Central New Jersey, this Trenton native is no newcomer to the hip-hop forum. Writing rhymes and producing beats since the young age of thirteen, Culture Freedom has the experience of a well-seasoned poet and the ability to captivate an audience with his powerful presence.

Through his rhymes, Culture Freedom conveys a scenario of what's going on in the inner city without all the hype of glorifying negative lifestyles and perpetuating violence.

To his credit, Culture Freedom, a.k.a. Cult-Free, has been actively working in the music business performing, writing, and producing for over 30 years as a member of the trio, Poor Righteous Teachers, one of the most revered and critically acclaimed rap groups from an era sorely missed by hip-hop fans, and also as a solo artist.  Poor Righteous Teachers is responsible for such classics as “Rock Dis Funky Joint” and “Shakiyla” and having sold over a million copies of their last four albums on Profile Records where they were label mates with the legendary RUN-DMC and worked on collaborations with artists such as KRS-ONE, Lauryn Hill, and Wyclef Jean.

Culture Freedom is also the Creator of the show, “Hip Hop’s Top Chef", formerly shown on the FoodyTV App as well as creator of his own “Put It In There!” BBQ Sauce and Rub. 

Raised in Trenton, New Jersey, he was parented by a single mother, and the middle child of three. He gained his love for cooking from his mother who was an awesome cook herself. Although he did not go right into cooking immediately, it has always been a major part of his life. Between shows, he would work at various restaurants, hotels and different eateries around town developing his skills as a Chef.

Brishen Miller originally hails from Kalamazoo, MI. He received a BA in Theatre from Wayne State University in Detroit in 2007. Returning to Kalamazoo, he helped establish Fancy Pants Theater from the ground up, 2010-2015, directing shows such as A Thousand Clowns and Kiss of the Spiderwoman and appearing in many roles. Brishen moved from Michigan to Pennsylvania and received an MA from Villanova University in 2018, where he gained the honor of Acting Scholar. A true Jack-of-all-trades, Brishen has held every role in theatrical production, from stagehand to producer and walk-on actor to playwright. When Brishen was hired as Passage’s production manager in July 2019, he realized Passage Theatre was his Artistic home. He was promoted to Managing Director at Passage Theatre Company in 2022 and ultimately in 2023 he was promoted to Executive Artistic Director and has restructured our programming into the Passage Pillars: TrentonPREMIERES, TrentonMAKES, and TrentonPRESENTS. He is proud to be the director to usher Passage Theatre across their 40th season, one of the most successful in the history of the company. Brishen is an adjunct theater faculty at MCCC as well as an active playwright, actor and solo performer.

Milt Sharp is the dynamic President of eHome America, a trailblazing national platform delivering online homebuyer education and housing counseling. Since 2009, Milt has been at the forefront of transforming how families access vital homeownership tools—merging cutting-edge digital learning with trusted, place-based housing counseling. Under his leadership, eHome America has grown into a trusted network of 650+ nonprofit partners, empowering over 800,000 households across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Milt oversees every facet of the program, including strategic expansion into financial literacy, foreclosure prevention, post-purchase guidance, and manufactured housing education. His leadership also guided the development of a HUD-compliant Client Management System used by housing counselors nationwide—further embedding eHome America as a critical pillar in the affordable housing ecosystem.

With more than three decades of experience in neighborhood revitalization, financial empowerment, and equitable housing access, Milt brings a deep well of knowledge and passion to his work. Prior to eHome, he served as Senior Homeownership Specialist at NeighborWorks America in Washington, D.C., where he supported a national network of HomeOwnership Centers focused on scaling services, strengthening financial capability, and building sustainable partnerships.

Earlier in his career, Milt was Vice President of Financial Self-Reliance Programs at Isles, Inc. in Trenton, NJ—where he developed and led programs in homeownership counseling, youth financial education, and adult literacy. He also brings private sector expertise from his time as a Branch Manager with Summit Bank in both Princeton and Trenton. Driven by a belief in economic justice and generational wealth creation, Milt continues to champion equitable access to housing through innovation, collaboration, and community-rooted solutions

Since 2000, Jervis B. Hough has worked in the capital markets and financial services industry in various compliance and management capacities. His regulatory background provides valuable perspective when assisting firms in the development and implementation of managerial plans and developing business.

Prior to joining the nation’s oldest African-American Investment Banking Firm Blaylock Van, LLC as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. Hough has served as Chief Executive Officer of the following entities: FundAmerica Securities; J&C Global Securities;and, Capital & Credit International, Inc. He has also served as Chief Compliance Officer for IFS Securities, Inc. Having began his career with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Mr. Hough has gone on to amass experience is various sectors of the industry including corporate investment and public finance.

Mr. Hough holds a B.S. Degree in Economics and an M.S. Degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Clemson University. He has earned the Certified Securities Compliance Professional Certification from the National Society of Compliance Professionals. Mr. Hough holds the Series 7, 24, 53, 63, 79, and 99 licenses from FINRA (Financial Industrial Regulatory Authority). Mr. Hough is a Founding Board Member of the Georgia Crowdfunding Association and Past Board Member of the U.S.A. Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.

A proud Trenton native and experienced financial operations professional, [Name] brings over two decades of administrative, accounting, and organizational expertise to the Board of Golden Era Café (GEC), a catalytic project driving cultural and economic revitalization in the heart of Trenton.

Currently serving as Staff Accountant at Spatco Energy Solutions, oversees multi-state financial operations, property tax reporting, and business licensing—skills that are directly transferable to GEC’s goal of building a sustainable, compliant, and fiscally responsible community enterprise. Her command of industry-standard tools such as SAP, Excel pivot tables, and Blackbaud Financial Edge enables her to bring both technical precision and strategic oversight to budgeting, fixed asset tracking, and vendor relations.

She previously held the role of Controller for the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, where she developed and implemented streamlined budgeting systems, internal controls, and financial reporting structures, while supporting a multi-million dollar nonprofit mission rooted in community impact. Her leadership ensured fiscal accountability and program alignment—values that will help guide the development of GEC’s operational foundation.

In addition to her finance and accounting acumen, she brings deep experience in administrative coordination, customer service, and systems optimization. From managing convention logistics for 900+ attendees to spearheading digital transitions in SharePoint and MS Access, she has a proven ability to manage complexity with grace and precision.

A recent graduate of Thomas Edison State University with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, she exemplifies lifelong learning, civic commitment, and professional excellence. As a Board Member of the Golden Era Café, she is dedicated to ensuring GEC thrives not just as a cultural hub, but as a sound and enduring business that uplifts the Trenton community.

Known as an “out of the box”, entrepreneurial thinker, Michael H. Casson Jr. has utilized his expertise and insight to engage, inform and support the citizens of Delaware and our global community. Specifically, Dr. Casson’s present and past activities include Dean of the College of Business at Delaware State University (DSU); Founding Director and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Delaware State University Center for Economic Development and International Trade (UCEDIT), a U.S. Economic Development Administration University Center charged with leveraging University resources for economic development initiatives throughout the State of Delaware; Associate Professor of Economics at Delaware State University; Principal of Oyate Solutions, LLC, a corporation focused on helping clients develop sustainable economic growth strategies and business solutions that accelerate GDP growth, trade, investments, and employment; PI of U.S. Virgin Islands GIS Asset Mapping project funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration; President and Co- Founder of the Delaware Multicultural and Civic Organization (DEMCO), a non-profit corporation focused on spurring economic, community and educational development in Delaware’s local communities; Co-PI and lead economist for USAID's West Africa Analytical Support Services and Evaluations for Sustainable Systems (ASSESS) program in Agriculture, Environment, Energy and Trade- supporting economic development for twenty-one Western African countries; Founding Director of the Economic Development and Leadership Institute at DSU; Economist for the State of Delaware Department of Finance conducting cash-flow

and input-output modeling; Owner of Nationwide Flagging Corporation and; author of a financial literacy and business development children's book series titled, “Enwan the Entrepreneur.”

Dr. Casson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Florida A&M University, a Master of Arts in Economics (specializing in Mathematical Economics and Econometrics) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Ph.D. in Agriculture and Resource Economics (specializing in Econometrics, Linear Programming, Public Finance and Industrial Organization) from the University of Connecticut.

Genevieve Carvil-Harris is a wife, author, philanthropist, community developer, business consultant and Assistant Pastor at The Living Word Family Enrichment Center.

A graduate of the University of Miami with a prelaw degree Genevieve developed a passion for community development and decided to pursue business development coaching. Genevieve reached back into her community to create classes and training events to empower others to create generational wealth through her Built By Gen & Moments into Millions brands. Genevieve has been able to coach hundreds of entrepreneurs using capacity-building & entrepreneurship strategies to help guide her clients to their fortunes and increase their revenue to over $20 million. She has also implemented successful programs in low-income areas through grants, fundraising, and crowdfunding initiatives. She proudly serves as the BossUp Entrepreneurship Program Director (South Florida) where she connects youth to legacy building outlets such as brand building, authorship and educational enrichment. 

In 2026 she will graduate with her Masters degree in Organizational Leadership (Nova Southeastern University) and pursue her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership as well.

Sam Williams, Ph.D. holds his doctoral degree in business and master’s degree in business administration (specialty in marketing) as well as a second master’s degree in science information systems (specialty in enterprise resource planning). Dr. Williams is a business and society scholar whose work focuses on the marketing of Hip Hop culture to millennials. He examines the ways in which Hip Hop has moved from a largely underground cultural force to a multi-billion-dollar industry. His dissertation, The Business Aspect of Hip-Hop Culture is an ethnographic study wherein he captures the perspectives of key Hip Hop cultural gatekeepers who have successfully marketed the culture, including its products, services, and lifestyle to the world. His research chronicles the perspectives of gatekeepers and their role in the worldwide economic growth of Hip Hop culture, specifically the unrecognized and indirect influence of Hip Hop on other industries and their marketing strategies. 

Dr. Williams is both an academic and an industry insider working on collaborative projects and musical initiatives under his Bestcore Entertainment, LLC. Bestcore Entertainment is a production company and consulting firm that manages various artists produces all genres of music and advises other entertainment companies. Dr. Williams has also managed platinum-selling artists. 

He is currently a professor of Business and Entrepreneurship Studies at Lincoln University. He also created the Williams Dadson Entrepreneurial Center (WDEC) at Lincoln University. Dr. Williams also adjuncts at Cheyney University in the School of Business and Professional Studies program. Dr. Sam Williams Research Interests expands Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship, Relationship Building, Business. Dr. Williams Professional Experience includes, Founding Partner Bestcore Entertainment LLC 1997-Present, Founder Bestcore Arts & Technology Innovation 2016-Present, Founding Partner Art Avengers LLC, 2020-Present

Partnership Marketing Executive | Strategic Partnerships | Culture + Experiential 20+ years of experience crafting brand partnerships that drive revenue and deliver measurable results

Kristian Buchanan is an award-winning brand strategist and integrated marketer with a broad range of experience and expertise in several sectors including sponsorship procurement, event production, public relations, media relations, sponsorship activations and community relations.

Specialties: Event Sponsorship Strategy and Activation, Digital Marketing, Integrated Marketing, Event Production and Public Relations

National Urban League (NUL) 9 years 6 months. Strategic Partnership Advisor, VP Partnerships & Advancement. Develops integrated marketing strategies for the organization which simultaneously increases brand awareness and generates new revenue. 

Spears Group 2015 - Responsible for providing strategic counsel, developing new business opportunities and creating customized marketing solutions for new and existing clients

National Urban League (NUL), Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Strategic Partnerships

Oversee the development of integrated engagement plans including events, digital and promotions for media and corporate partners.

Experienced strategic communications leader with over twenty years of expertise in operations, communications, and stakeholder management. Passionate about amplifying organizational narratives and enhancing community engagement, I seek to leverage my background in journalism, digital marketing, and public relations to support mission focused agendas. Dedicated to driving transparent messaging, effective stakeholder engagement, and impactful community outreach, I aim to contribute to the success, prosperity, and cultural recognition of like-minded organization’s and their initiatives. Eager to apply my skills in a role that fosters collaboration and advances organizational goals.

Professional Profile: Danielle P. Jeter is a seasoned executive leader with over two decades of experience in government relations, public relations, media relations, event management, and communications. With a proven track record of curating over 372 impactful events, countless communications campaigns nationwide and advising notable figures including Governor Tom Wolf, E. Steven Collins, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Rev. Herbert H. Lusk III, Commissioner Omar Sabir, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Donald Generals (President of Community College of Philadelphia), Black Enterprise Magazine, James Lindsay (Owner of Rap Snacks), Rolling Out Magazine, DTLR, and Randall Lane (Founder of Forbes 30 under 30), Ms. Jeter brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She has directed robust communication strategies for successful campaigns, notably those of Black Enterprise Magazine, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and City Commissioner Omar Sabir, enhancing digital presence and securing extensive media coverage. As a Special Events Assistant at the Community College of Philadelphia, she orchestrated high-profile events with notable appearances by then-Vice President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, and Hillary Clinton having to assist and work with U.S. Secret Service as well as Presidential Whitehouse Advance Planning Teams. Ms. Jeter's commitment to serving the community extends to her role as an Appointed Commissioner on Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's Commission on African American Affairs, where she influenced critical policies for Pennsylvania's African American community for six years. With a passion for strategic communication and a proven ability to drive impactful strategies, Ms. Jeter is poised to make a significant contribution in a leadership role such as Public Relations Director, Management, VP, Director, EVP, Deputy Chief of Communications, External Relations, Government Relations, Special Events, or any related position within an values driven organization.

Howard is a Design Professional with over 39 years of proven experience as, Project Manager, Project Architect, Senior Designer, and BIM (Building In- formation Modeling) Specialist with both a large international architectural practice and various small progressive multi-disciplinary design firms. Howard is currently employed as a Independent Consulting Project Architect in-collaboration with various Design Firms located in Lawrenceville NJ, Newark NJ, and Washington DC. 

Currently, Howard is serving as the Project Architect for a fire damaged Din- er renovation located in Montclair NJ.  Howard’s Project Experience (see attached list) includes Commercial, Cultur- al, Educational, Parking, Religious, Hospital, and Residential projects. Over Howard’s career he has served as the Project Design Lead for The New- ark Public Library proposed two major collections relocation project in New- ark NJ. Project Architect/Designer for the Assemblies of God Church plaza and entrance addition in Newark NJ. Project Architect for the successfully completed Trenton Parking Garage in Trenton NJ. Other Notable successful projects included the University Medical Center at Princeton, Princeton High School, John Witherspoon Middle School, various residential projects including, 43 Halsey St. façade renovation in Newark NJ, Wise Residence kitchen addition located in Newark NJ and multiple corporate office buildings located at the Monmouth Shore Corporate Park in Wall, NJ.  Early in Howard’s career at The Hillier Group, he served as key project team member for the 33 West State Street office building located in Trenton NJ and The New Jersey State Aquarium (now named the Discovery Passage Aquarium) located in Camden, New Jersey. 

Howard’s additional career accomplishments included leadership positions such as Information Technology Leader, Corporate Studio Cad Leader, Of- fice Design Lead, and Office Manager to name a few. Howard received a Bachelors of Architecture from Howard University’s School of Architecture and Planning. He was also the Gold Medal Design recipient of his graduating class. 

Howard was inducted into a nationally recognized service fraternal organiza- tion in the spring of 1981 - Omega Phi Psi - at Howard University.  Howard interest include: Home renovations, flea market shopping and spend- ing time at his place of birth, the New Jersey shore town of Cape May. 

Michael Ford, AIA, NOMA, NCARB is an award-winning architect, educator, and cultural strategist who is reshaping architecture through a cultural lens. Known as The Hip Hop Architect, Ford is committed to designing spaces that reflect the identity, energy, and lived experience of the communities who use them. His work centers culture as a catalyst for justice, access, and representation in the built environment.

Ford is the founder of The Hip Hop Architecture Camp, a groundbreaking initiative that uses hip hop culture to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture and design. The camp has become a national model for culturally relevant pedagogy, operating in cities across the United States, Canada, and Kenya.

His innovative approach has been featured by the Oprah Winfrey Network’s Super Soul Sunday, The TODAY Show, Rolling Stone, Architect Magazine, and Vibe. Ford is a frequent keynote speaker at universities and major design conferences, including the AIA National Conference on Architecture, the American Planning Association’s National Planning Conference, the Interior Design Show Toronto, NeoCon, and TEDx, where his talk “Hip Hop as Modernism’s Post-Occupancy Report” continues to influence audiences globally.

As the founding principal of BrandNu Design Studio, Ford leads projects that celebrate Black culture and community, including The Hip Hop Museum in The Bronx, The Bronzeville Center for the Arts, and The Memphis Hip Hop Museum. His design work has earned honors from NYCxDESIGN and NeoCon, recognizing his ability to fuse storytelling, cultural memory, and spatial design into impactful built environments. He was named Wisconsin’s Young Architect of the Year by the American Institute of Architects in 2022.

At the heart of his work is family. Ford is a devoted husband and father to his sons, Mason and the late MJ3.