DC Grad Grooves

Happy 61st Founders Day to all Fellowmen across the globe. Gs up!

In 14 days, those smooth, suave and debonair brothers of Groove Phi Groove are descending upon NOLA for our 61st Annual International Conclave.

Loyalty.
Integrity.
Greatness.

This weekend, several Mid-Atlantic chapters and leaders sat down with local black men and boys for our My Brothers Keeper men's group, hosted by the Northern Maryland Graduate Chapter (), to listen and share our varied experiences in a safe space at the Groove Phi Groove SFI International Headquarters.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

To close out our 2023 Notable Fellowmen campaign, today we celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of Fl. Ahmad McDougle (.prez.1962)! As the 12th International President of Groove Phi Groove SFI, he oversees the management of the administrative body of the Conclave and The Directorate, and serves on the Executive Board.

With a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Masters in Public Administration from Grambling State University () he now also serves as the Assistant Division Director for the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

As a Charter member of the Northern New Jersey Graduate Chapter, he's held numerous leadership positions, including Assistant Regional Director and serving on the National Community Service Committee and International Membership Committee. Recognized as the 2016 Fellowman of the Year and 2017 Presidential Award winner, Fl. McDougle continues to inspire and uplift those around him.

Most recently, he was awarded the 2022 East/Hampton Visionary Award and facilitated the "Groove Feeds America" initiative in partnership with Feeding America () which resulted in over 100,000 families being fed in 100 days. His dedication to serving others and making a positive impact on the community is truly remarkable. We are proud to follow his leadership and support Fl. Ahmad Mcdougle!

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

From political science to urban planning, Dr. Fl. Abdul Haleem Muhammad has accomplished it all and today's honoree! With a Bachelors from Hampton University and a Masters and doctorate from Texas Southern University, he's become a published author and researcher with writings appearing in newspapers, textbooks, and academic journals.

He's also served as a past board member of the Gulf Coast Rail District and founded NTE Planning Consultants, LLC. As the Mobility and Transportation Committee Chairman for the Greater Southeast Management District, he's making a significant impact in the Houston area. Plus, don't miss his Connect the Dots Radio show on KPFT!

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Today we are honored to spotlight Fl. Craig Perry. Fl. Perry, professionally known as DJ Chazon (), is an Iona College alum and the proud owner of Chazon Music, LLC (); the premier DJ/MC, Dance, Lighting, Entertainment & Events company in Rockville, MD. 💿🎤🎉

Additionally, Fl. Perry is one of the top Game Day DJs for the NFL Washington ! 🏈 He's also made history as a founding charter member of both the Big Apple City Chapter and Westchester Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove SFI. 🎓🕺🏽

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

We've got our flowers ready for today's honoree, Fl. Edmond Davis (.prodigy97)! With a Bachelor's from Grambling State University () and a Master's from Louisiana Tech University (), Fl. Davis has been making incredible strides in academia and beyond.

As the founder and CEO of Aviate Through Knowledge Productions, Fl. Davis is leading the way in innovative and thought-provoking media. Not only that, but he is also the Director of the Derek Olivier Research Institute, the first HBCU research institute dedicated to preventing black male homicide.

And as a co-author of Amazon's #1 New Release book, Growth Mindset: Developing a Growth Mindset to Respond Responsibly, Fl. Davis is inspiring people everywhere to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances. With 20 years of experience as a college assistant professor of history, Fl. Edmond has dedicated his career to educating and empowering students.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Today we recognize Fl. Law Watford, Co-founder of Tyler Street Films. Since graduating with his Bachelors from Hampton University and Masters from Regent University, Fl. Watford has been making waves in the film industry.

From working on iconic projects like I Am Legend, The Good Shepherd, and Law & Order SVU, to directing his own short films including A Christmas Wish starring the beloved James Avery, Fl. Watford's talent and dedication to his craft are truly inspiring. And that's not all, Fl. Law also serves on the board of the Child Development Support Corporation, a non-profit organization committed to helping low-income families achieve a better quality of life.

Plus, as the owner of the film/television rights to The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr Comes of Age and the founder of Divine Write Pictures & Divine Write Digital, Fl. Watford is leading the way for a new generation of filmmakers. 🎥🎬👏

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Meet todays honoree, Fl. Ernesto Clarke II, a true mastermind behind successful digital, supply chain, and finance transformation engagements. With over 25 years of leadership experience, he is the CIO of TGR Group Inc. and holds a patent in Mergers & Acquisitions Divestiture Software.

His impressive clientele includes industry giants such as Microsoft, Accenture, and even the Department of Defense. With a Masters in Finance from John Hopkins University and Masters in Information Management from Arizona State University, Fl. Ernesto Clarke II is truly a force to be reckoned with in the world of business and innovation.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

From serving his country in the USAF during Desert Storm to becoming a successful entrepreneur and certified life coach, today's honoree Fl. Harold Reed () has accomplished so much.

With a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Thomas Edison State University, over 10 years as a law enforcement officer and a second-generation member of the legendary Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Incorporated, he has made his mark on the world.

As a devoted husband, father of two sons, professional keynote speaker, accomplished author, martial arts instructor, and current International Parliamentarian of Groove Phi Groove, Fl. Harold Reed continues to inspire and mentor youth.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Celebrating the trailblazing career of Fl. Michael Williams, the Village of Freeport Police Department's first black deputy chief and an accomplished attorney.

With a law degree from St. John's University School of Law and a Bachelor's of Science in engineering chemistry from Stony Brook University, Fl. Williams has dedicated over 30 years of service to the village of Freeport police department.

A true inspiration and role model for generations to come.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

When Jay-Z said "I will not lose!" he spoke to the spirit of fellow New Yorker, Fl. Ron Taylor (), today's honoree. This Vassar () grad is a results-driven broadcast and application solutions engineer with over 20 years of experience. He's currently the Senior Solutions Engineer at Reuters.

But that's not all! He's also the co-owner of , a custom apparel fashion line. As an entrepreneur and creative, he's created work for Vice, Sports Illustrated, Latchkey Records, DJ Sus One and the legendary DJ Red Alert.

During the pandemic, Fl. Taylor volunteered his time, engineering expertise, and counsel to a number of churches to livestream services across NYC. He's even on the Board of Advisors for Veronicas Way, a non-profit committed to building computer labs in the Caribbean and African diaspora. We are truly inspired by Fl. Taylor's career achievements and dedication to making a difference in his industry and community!

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Today's Notable Fellowman, Fl. EJ Jackson (), has made his mark in the business world and beyond. A proud Hampton University alum, he's spent 20 years at AT&T in various roles, from sales and operations to training, leading to his current role as the Client Solutions Manager driving AT&T's mobility business for the US Army and US Air Force.

Not content to rest on his laurels, Fl. Jackson was selected to stand up and lead a Culture Council with a focus on positively impacting culture and DEI for AT&Ts National Security business unit. A Service of Excellence Award and Diamond Club winner, he's also co-owner of Jaxion Manor Experience (), a service specializing in floral arrangements, intimate event planning and decor serving the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area

But his impact extends far beyond the corporate environment; Fl. Jackson is a three-time champion football coach and as the father of a medically complex child, he's an advocate for special needs children. Fl. Jackson's accomplishments are truly inspiring, and we're proud to call him a notable Fellowmen on the rise.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Today, we honor the accomplished career of Fl. Thomas Hasty, Senior Executive VP & Chief Regulatory Risk Officer of TowneBank (). This Hampton University () graduate and former football player has always been driven to succeed.

His achievements extend beyond the world of banking as he has served on numerous boards, including the Urban League of Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay Academy. He was also appointed by the governor to the Board of Directors of the Virginia Resources Authority.

Fl. Hasty is a true community champion, having served as the former Board Chair of the United Way of South Hampton Roads. In 2022, he made history as the first Black chair of the American Heart Association’s Heart of Hampton Roads Heart and Stroke Ball.

We salute you, Fl. Hasty, for your remarkable contributions to the business and social sectors. Your leadership and dedication have inspired us all!

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

From Buffalo State College () to the New York Film Academy (), Fl. Darius "KhamenLenz" Stephens () is making a name for himself in the worlds of film & music.

Proud to have directed and edited content for NBA champion Iman Shumpert and collaborated with the likes of Teyanna Taylor, Benny The Butcher and Sosa Geek. Fl. Stephens not only creates magic behind the camera. He's also a musician with 2 popular EPs to his credit.

Keep an eye out for what's next from this rising filmmaker and musician 🎥🚀

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

In the spirit of yesterday's epic game, it's only fitting that today's honoree is 4-time Super Bowl champion, Fl. Donnie Shell.

Although undrafted, Fl. Shell was signed by the and played in over 200 games for the franchise while carving out an impressive Hall of Fame career.

A 5-time Pro Bowler, a 4-time All-Pro selection, and Steelers team MVP in 1980, Fl. Shell received the nod to the as part of the class of 2020. This former South Carolina State Bulldog ( ) was a force on the gridiron and helped shape the way the strong safety position is played today.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Fl. Richard Jones is our honoree for our Notable Member spotlight today. Fl. Jones' career spans over 3 decades and his ability to create strategy, drive a plan and achieve results are a testiment to his longevity and leadership.

His empathetic leadership style serves him well in his current role as Director of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at Dell Technologies where he is tasked with serving as the Talent Acquisition teams liaison driving efforts to attract, hire and retain the best in the field.

This proud Eastern Illinois University graduate is also a McKinsey Black Leadership Academy alum. His dedication and hard work contributed to him receiving the prestigious Dell Change Maker Award. Always looking forward, Fl. Jones dedicates time to effectively mentoring, advocating and sponsoring young people with interest in pursuing careers in technology and finance.

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Today's honoree breaks down barriers makes history! 💪🏼 From earning First Team all-CIAA to winning the Pettis Norman Award, Fl. Chet Grimsley ()has left his mark on the football field while attending Johnson C. Smith University. ()

Named Eastern Airlines Player of the Year in 1976, an All-American and Mr. Football, he's proved himself as a true champion. Add to that his title of US Military Intelligence School graduate, All-Army wrestling champion, co-owner of Brokers Realty, and his service on the board of directors for Mountain Shelter North Georgia Humane Society, and it's clear that this man has the heart of a bull!

For a deeper look into his life and journey, check out his autobiography, "The White Golden Bull."

2023 Black History Month Notable Member Spotlight:

Meet todays honoree, Fl. Manny Montilla . A visionary leader paving the way in the advertising, media and fashion industries. As the VP of Publishing Development at Cafe Media and Co-founder of FlyDad Gear , he's making a lasting impact on the world of ad tech and fashion for dads. And that's just the beginning!

As co-owner and host of the popular Father Hoods podcast, host of the Dribble N’ Dimes podcast, and co-owner of 62Kings69Queens , Manny is showcasing his creativity and expertise in across multiple industries.

With a Bachelors in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and over 10 years of experience as an innovative and results-generating sales executive, he's a true thought leader in the ad tech space. Manny is making waves in the industry and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

Overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and pushing limits - that's the story of today's honoree, Fl. Troy Conquest. From a full scholarship football player to a Marine Corps veteran and multi-medal winner in the Wheelchair Games and CrossFit, Troy shows us that with determination and faith, anything is possible.

Diagnosed with Lupus Transverse Mylelitus Rhabdomyolysis Rheumatoid Arthritis and losing the ability to walk would crush the drive of an ordinary man. Fl. Conquest is no ordinary man. His fire sets him apart and it shows in his spirit, how he faces challenges today, and the numerous medals he earns dominating his competition like he dominates his diagnosis. Fl. Conquest embodies "Semper Fi".

Everyone is invited to our toy drive party at Nipsey's Restaurant & Grill tomorrow 12/10 from 4p-8p.

Admission is FREE when you bring an unopened toy ($15 w/o). All toys and donations will bring joy to families via our partnership with Randall Memorial Methodist Church and My Sisters Place.

Come on out for a great cause and for a great time!

And we are on to the next......

Cheers to the next 60 years.