The HBCU Nation Radio Show

Mr. Gerald Hector talks with special guest, Coach Hue Menzies on #ItsEasySon. Mr. Hues has over 35+ Years Coaching Experience, has served as the Executive Director of Central Florida Kraze/Krush, 2012 - Present, and has over 600+ college player placements and pro leagues. His accolades also includes coaching the NY/NJ Gotham NWSL-Pro League, in 2022, serving as Head Coach of the Jamaica Women's National Team, 2014-2019, awarded the CONCACAF Coach of the Year in 2018 and Technical Director of Jamaica's Women's National Team, 2015 - 2017. In 2011, he brought ECNL to the state of Florida with Central Florida Kraze/Krush. He currently serves as a US Club Board member, US Black Soccer Coaches Executive Committee, the CONCACAF Study group member, and one of the founders and Directors for the Lonestar Soccer Association in Austin, TX. Coach Menzies is the Director of Coaching for the Warrior Soccer Association in Austin, TX and has over 15 years Olympic Development Coaching experience at the National, State & Regional level. He has won several State titles in various age groups, regional and national finalist USYSA and the former Assistant Coach at the University of Texas Women Soccer.

Tony Jenkins is the Market President for the Central Florida region where he provides strategic oversight and leads a team in developing business plans to increase and retain membership, enhance brand visibility and coordinate employee engagement. Tony was instrumental in establishing Florida Blue’s diversity efforts in 2001. Prior to joining Florida Blue, Jenkins served as Director of Diversity for CSX Corporation, the largest rail network in the eastern United States, and he spent 18 years with the Walt Disney World Company in various leadership roles, specializing in Hospitality Management and Human Resources. Under Tony’s leadership in Central Florida, Florida Blue has been recognized as a Best Place to Work, an Outstanding Diverse Organization and a Corporate Philanthropy honoree. Tony is an advocate for several causes throughout the Orlando Community. He is the past Chair for United Arts of Central Florida and The Florida Commission on Human Relations. He currently serves on the board of Florida Citrus Sports and he is a Board Trustee at Stetson University. Additionally, Tony is the current Chair for the Orlando Economic Partnership board, where he also serves as Chair for their DEI Task Force, engaging Orlando’s business leaders across varied industries. Tony has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida's Top 10 Businessmen to Watch and as CEO of the Year. Most recently, he received the publication’s Diversity in Business Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also an i4 Business Magazine Business Leader of the Year recipient. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Ga.

The HBCU Nation Radio Show with Host, Anthony Ray and Special Guest, Kenneth Simpson by TheHBCUNation

Courtesy of NASA Kelvin Manning has served as deputy director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida since July 2021. In this capacity, Manning shares responsibility with Kennedy Director Janet Petro in managing the Kennedy team of civil service and contractor employees, determining and implementing center policy, and managing and executing Kennedy missions and agency program responsibilities. Manning served as the center’s associate director for more than a decade. In that capacity, he was responsible for ensuring safe and effective execution of the center’s institutional, technical, and business functions, including establishing strategies and policies to ensure alignment of the Kennedy workforce, facilities, and operations to facilitate agency program and project goals. In 1992, Manning began his career at Kennedy and served in a number of positions within the former Shuttle Processing Directorate, including flow director for space shuttle Atlantis, chief engineer (acting) for shuttle upgrades, vehicle manager for space shuttle Columbia, and NASA test director. Later in the Kennedy Constellation Project Office, Manning was selected as the first division chief for NASA’s Orion spacecraft. More recently, he served on the last three NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection Boards. Born in Fort Meade, Maryland, as an “Army brat,” Manning traveled throughout the U.S. and has resided in Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, Hawaii, Illinois, and Maryland. After graduating from Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, Maryland, Manning went on to obtain his B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. In addition, Manning has an M.S. in industrial engineering from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and has completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. As an Air Force officer, Manning served six years as a space operations analyst, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and NORAD Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. Following his military service and prior to joining NASA, Manning was an engineer with General Electric Aerospace, Military and Data Systems Operations, in Springfield, Virginia, and McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company in Washington, D.C. Manning has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the astronauts' Silver Snoopy Award, National Black Engineer of the Year Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in Government, NASA Public Service Award, Department of Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal, and National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.

Dr. Brandy Williams is one of the youngest owners of a pharmacist in Houston. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University and has consistently provided support and scholarship efforts for Texas Southern Students. In 2022, Dr. Williams provided over $100,000 in scholarships to minorities that are interested in medicine. This April, she will open her 2nd pharmacist in Houston and provide job opportunities for students.

Travis L. Williams is the Founder & CEO of HBCU All-Stars LLC, a black-owned sports marketing, events, and media company in Atlanta, GA focused on “Advocating, Educating, Exposing, Mentoring, & Investing in Hard-working, Talented, Ambitious Student-Athletes & Brilliant Coaches at Distinguished Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)” from across the country. Williams founded the company in 2019 and made history by launching the “First Ever HBCU All-Star Game” on Sunday, April 3, 2022 and ancillary experiences and events surrounding the historical endeavor during the Final Four Weekend and NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament in New Orleans. He also launched the inaugural HBCU All-Stars Pro Day Combine prior to the 2022 HBCU ASG. Over half of 2022 HBCU All-Stars Alums were provided professional opportunities within the NBA, G-League, and Internationally. Coach Williams has been the head men’s basketball coach at two outstanding HBCUs, Tennessee State University and Fort Valley State Universities. Through his company HBCU All-Stars LLC, Williams has contributed over $100,000.00 to the four black college conferences (MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC), numerous HBCUs, elementary, middle and high schools, and non-profit organizations through College Admission Fairs, Legacy Court Dedication, and Kingsley House’ Community Outreach Initiatives. He’s provided real world experiences and internship opportunities to over 150 plus students interested in the sports industry through his company HBCU All-Stars LLC. Most recently, the first ever ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge was held at Morehouse College Forbes Arena on Thursday, November 17th – Saturday, November 19th. He has over 23 successful years of playing and coaching on the NCAA Division I & II and high school levels, with eight years at two prestigious HBCU’s, internationally, semi-pro, as well as academic and athletic consulting experience in both public and private colleges & universities, and high school. Over 30 of Williams’ former players made the “All-Conference Academics Team or Dean’s List”. He has coached over 25 All-Conference and Region Players, more than 25 ALL-Tourney Team Players, 4 All-American Team Players, and over 45 of his former players have played professionally in the NBA, G-league, WBA (World Basketball Association) semi-pro, and internationally overseas. Williams established the “Travis L. Williams Foundation” focused on Educating, Empowering, and Mentoring Youth & Families. In memory of his deceased mother Patricia Ann Williams, he founded “Patricia’s Blessed Closet” providing free clothes, shoes, furniture, books, school supplies, financial assistance, and Scholarship Fund for deserving Tift County High School students attending college. He serves as a board member of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and previously served on the Georgia State University Athletics Hall of Fame Committee and Georgia Sports Hall-of-Fame Committee in Macon, GA. He is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Williams was inducted in his alma mater Tift County High School Inaugural Athletics Hall-of-Fame Class. He is a loyal member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and serves as one of the “Impact Church Lead Organizers” for Kappa Scholarship, and Co-Lead for the “New” Student Center. He is married to Nikkya Williams, a HBCU graduate of Bennett College, and the couple celebrated 15 years of marriage on June 9, 2022. They have two outstanding children, a 11 year old daughter named Teagan Loure’Ann Williams (5th Grade) and a nine year old son named Travis (TJ) Jr (4th Grade). His children attend Ron Clark Academy.

Our Host, Anthony Ray, talks with Mrs. Arnika Frazier-Jackson, Director of Panda Cares Student Professional Development Programs, about the upcoming leadership conference and all things Panda Cares! For the past two years, the Panda Cares Scholars Leadership Conference powered by UNCF, has been held virtually. This March, the interactive and innovative 3-day intense leadership training will return in person in Disney Springs Orlando, Florida. Accepting scholars from various majors including Engineering, Computer Science and Public Health, UNCF and The Panda Cares foundation are excited to meet the 2023 Leadership Scholars and aid in their embarkation to the workforce. Scholars will meet and network with leaders in their desired field of interest, take part in on-site interviews, shadow professionals in non-traditional work environments and more. To learn more about the Panda Cares Scholars Program, go to UNCF.org/PandaCares.http://www.uncf.org/PandaCares This episode can be seen on HBCU Smart TV, HBCUiRadio and social media.

This week, Gerald Hector, Creator and Host of "It's Easy Son" talks with special guest, Ambassador Audrey Marks, Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States of America!

Mr. Anthony Ray talks with Coach Eric Strothers, head basketball coach of the Tougaloo Bulldogs. Coach Strothers is no stranger to the basketball court or coaching. He spent three decades as an assistant coach at Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State Universities. While currently holding the record for most wins at Tougaloo as a first time head coach, Coach Strothers cares more about his players winning in life than on the court. He ensures they earn degrees. Strothers enacted academic study hall for each player to make sure his players are excelling in education. In addition, Coach Strothers recruits ‘young’ athletes to nurture and develop their skills throughout their tenure at Tougaloo to build a winning team. It’s a life lesson, he learned through his own experience. Strothers was a walk on at Jackson State University where he made a great impact. He was the team's most valuable player, both as a junior and senior. In 2018, Coach Strothers was inducted into Jackson State University's and SWAC's Hall of Fame. Strothers had a professional stint in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and overseas. Afterwards, the criminal justice graduate decided to go back to his alma mater and earn a master's degree in physical education which he credits for creating his coaching path. A large portion of his coaching experience took place at JSU where he spent 20 years as an assistant. His expertise as a coach was also a contributing factor in the Tigers three appearances in the NCAA Tournament. He later left for Mississippi Valley in a similar role and added to his legacy. Coach Strothers also worked on the coaching staff at Tougaloo College where the team won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) titles with an appearance in the NAIA Tournament. In addition to his college coaching duties, Coach Strothers is also a founder of the nonprofit, Percy Strothers Foundation which helps send students to college. Strothers also holds a Camp Strut Basketball Camp each summer to develop players. Plus, Strothers mentors elementary students at several Jackson area schools teaching them early life coping skills through obedience to elders, teachers and coaches plus the importance of team building and working as a team.

Gerald Talks with Gary Harrell on #ItsEasySon!!! "Gary Harrell joined Jackson State in November of 2020, after serving as running backs coach for a season at Alabama State. In the Fall 2021, Santee Marshall and Peyton Pickett combined for nearly 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Prior to joining ASU, he served a two-year stint under Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic. He joined the Florida Atlantic staff in January of 2017. His attention was given to the wide receivers who rotated throughout the season seeing the quarterbacks utilize a total of nine receivers. Senior Kalib Woods was named the Conference USA Championship MVP, and Willie Wright, just a freshman, was the team’s most consistent wideout and led the Owls with 56 catches and a total of six scores. Following the year, Wright earned a spot on the C-USA All-Freshman team. Prior to his stint at Florida Atlantic, his alma matter came knocking on his door and asked the Miami native to return to the program, but as the head coach in 2011. All told, Harrell served as Howard University’s head coach for five seasons. During his Howard tenure student-athletes worked under the premise that athletics and academics were evaluated equally. In 2012 he was honored by the D.C. Touchdown Club as the Local College Coach of the Year at its inaugural awards dinner. During his time at Howard, he finished with a 20-36 overall record including a 7-4 mark in 2012. Before going to Howard, Harrell spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator for Bowie State, from 2009-10. Harrell began at Morgan State in 2008 where he remained through 2009 before seizing the opportunity to move from a position coach with the Rattlers to an offensive coordinator position at Bowie State. He was a part of a team that finished 6-6 in 2008 and 6-5 in 2009. While at Morgan State he also served as the wide receivers coach for Team Michigan, a member of the All-American Football League (Feb. 2008 - May 2008). Harrell got his start in coaching at his alma mater, focusing on Howard’s wide receivers from 2002-04. Howard posted a 6-5 record in 2002, a 4-7 mark in 2003 and a 6-5 mark in 2004, including splitting two overtime games. He moved away from his alma mater to gain collegiate coaching experience in another environment. He served as a Texas Southern assistant coach, for wide receivers, from 2004-06.Harrell returned to the east coast as an assistant coach in 2006. His two-year stint was made easier due to his familiarity with the MEAC. Harrell, affectionately known as “The Flea,” played two NFL seasons, seeing action in four games in 1994 and '95, with the New York Giants. He also played one season (March 1996-June 1996) for the World League’s Frankfurt Galaxy and two seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes (1996-97). He was a four-year letter winner as a wide receiver and punt return specialist. He started every game for Howard’s undefeated 1993 team and was a member of the MEAC Championship team that same season. Harrell holds the Howard record for most receptions in a game (13) and in a career (184). He was inducted into the Howard University Hall of Fame in November 2005, and also received a proclamation from the City of Miami declaring it Gary “Flea” Harrell Day. Prior to attending Howard, he was a varsity athlete for Miami’s Northwestern High School. A native of Miami (Fla.), Harrell earned his degree in Marketing from Howard in 1994. He and his wife (Tenika) have two children, a daughter – Jasmine – and son – Gary, Jr. – who is a member of the Howard football team." Courtesy of GoJSUTigers.com

Mr. David Oliver is the former 110 meter hurdles champion winning the gold medal at the World Championships in Moscow in 2013 with a time of 13 seconds. He share his upbringing and lessons learned along the way with Author and Host, Mr. Gerald Hector.

Ransom Miller, III is the founder and chairman of Project GiveBack, a community service organization based in Washington DC. Project GiveBack’s primary program is The Annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution which has provided over 23,000 grocery baskets since 1995. Other programs coordinated by Project GiveBack include: The Children's Book + Toy Drive, which provides books and toys for children; The Computer Sponsor Program, which has assisted schools and community organizations in the acquisition of Computers; The Annual Back 2 School Supply and Backpack Drive, which provides grade appropriate supplies to at risk children; The Support Effort which provides food and supplies to those dealing with homelessness; and the Children’s Easter Celebration, which provides a provides a safe and fun activity for local children. The target demographic for all programming is low income, underprivileged families with a specific focus on children. In other community service efforts, Ransom impacts his hometown community of Oklahoma City through a partnership with Bethlehem Star Baptist Church via The Ransom Miller, III Scholarship Fund a college scholarship for graduating high school seniors. Since its inception, the scholarship fund has awarded over $40,000 in scholarships. Ransom has served in the deacon ministries at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Washington, DC and Refuge Baptist Assembly in Beltsville, Maryland. He an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Omega Chapter. Ransom also served on the board of directors for the Washington, DC Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants from 1996-2002. Professionally, Ransom is a proven executive with over 29 years of professional services and industry experience. He is currently a Managing Director with Ernst & Young, a global consulting firm, leading client services in Finance and Business Transformation. Prior to his current role he held multiple leadership positions at Fannie Mae including Director of Finance Transformation, Director of REMIC and MBS Tax Reporting, Director of Procurement Operations as well as leading some of the company's largest strategic initiatives. Prior to his employment with Fannie Mae, Ransom served in the KPMG Structured Finance Group, matriculating from consultant to Director. Ransom is a proud alumnus of Howard University where he excelled in academics and athletics being named to the Academic All-America Team, Golden Key National Honor Society, 1992 Sheridan All-American (Third Team) and All Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (First Team). Ransom resides in Washington, DC with his wife HarDisha and sons Ransom IV and Harrison.

"Jay “Sky” Walker was born in Los Angeles, California on January 24th, 1972. He was drafted out of University High School to be a pitcher for the California Angels organization’s minor league team. Eventually, Jay realized that his passion was football, and was recruited to play for the Howard University Bison. ​As a quarterback, Jay led the Howard Bison to their only playoff berth in the school’s history and an 11-0 season in 1994. He was named I-AA football player of the year by Sports Illustrated in ’94, placed in the Howard University Athletics Hall of Fame in ‘05, and placed in the MEAC Hall of Fame in ‘17. He continued his football professionally for four seasons in the NFL: two years with the New England Patriots in ’94 and two years with the Minnesota Vikings in ’96 and ‘97. True to his Political Science degree from Howard University, Jay has been a member of the House of Delegates since January 10, 2007. He is a member of the Economic Matters Committee. He was the Vice-Chair of Ways and Means Committee from 2018 - 2019, Treasurer of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland from 2010-2012 and the Vice-Chair of Rules and Executive Nominations Committee from 2012 – 2018. He is also an involved member of his district, with membership on Prince George’s County Central Committee from 2002-2006; Board of Directors of Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation; Prince George’s Black Chamber of Commerce; Tantallon North Area Civic Association; and the Coalition of Concerned Black Christian Men. He is formerly the President of Walker Financial Services, in Oxon Hill, MD. In addition, Jay is a member of Shelton D. Redden lodge 139, Prince Hall free-masons. Finally, he founded the Prince George’s County, Maryland-based Sky Walker Flight School Football Camp in 1999-2013, as a free life skills camp to young men. ​ Jay has worked for BET Sports, ESPNU, NFL Network, and as the Host of the Black Family Channel’s weekly Sports Desk. While the accolades have been rewarding, Jay has always remained humble in the fact that “it’s always better to give than receive.” ​

Eric Watson recently joined Southern California Edison as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion within People, Culture, & Strategy in HR. Eric is both a visionary and business strategist, bringing to the table nearly two decades of experience developing, implementing, leading, and supporting enterprise-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives for large, multi-site organizations. Most recently, Eric was an executive consultant with the Kaleidoscope Group and before that served as president and CEO of Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC). Eric has held various executive positions in diversity and talent acquisition at Food Lion and managed supplier development for Delhaize America before his role at CVMSDC. Eric will lead the design and execution of the company's comprehensive business diversity and inclusion strategy and will partner with other areas of HR to enhance our processes and will reinforce and build new external partnerships to continue our journey as a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, Eric leads our Culture Congress, a cross-corporate team of individuals dedicated to building a maintaining a culture of excellence, equity, and belonging for all of Edison’s 13,000+ employees.

This week, Gerald talks with Dr. Ford, the eighth president of Dillard University this week on #ItsEasySon. Rochelle L. Ford, Ph.D., APR is the eighth president of Dillard University. Prior to leading Dillard, she served as the dean of the School of Communications at Elon University, the second to serve in that position in the university’s history. There, she led more than 80 faculty and 1,500 students with six undergraduate major programs of study and one graduate program. President Ford is recognized nationally for her work in public relations. In 2021, the Arthur W. Page Society presented President Ford with the Distinguished Service Award for her service to the public relations profession and her commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the field in 2021. That same year, ColorCOMM listed her as one of 28 Most Influential Black Females in Communications. In 2019, President Ford received the Public Relations Society of America’s Outstanding Educator Award; and, in 2018, she was inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Fame. Prior to her role at Elon, President Ford served for four years as a professor and the chair of the Public Relations Department at the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, helping the program to win the PRWeek Education Program of the Year. Through a provost faculty fellowship, President Ford co-chaired Syracuse's successful Middle States Commission on Higher Education re-accreditation; and she initiated a university-wide required common first year experience. President Ford also taught as a professor for 16 years at her alma mater, Howard University, in the School of Communications, where she served as the associate dean for research and academic affairs for six years and as the former director of the Preparing Future Journalism Faculty Program. Her last assignment at Howard was to lead the university's initiative to establish a campus-wide Center for Academic Excellence. A native of Gahanna, Ohio, President Ford earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations from Howard, her master’s degree in journalism with a specialization in public relations from University of Maryland, College Park, and her Ph.D. in journalism from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She also earned a graduate certificate in higher education administration from Harvard University. Active in both her discipline and her community, President Ford is a member of PRSA and the Arthur W. Page Society. She is also a member of the National Black Public Relations Society, the American Advertising Federation, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

Gerald Hector talks with Super Bowl Champion and his former teammate at Howard University, Mr. Billy Jenkins.

Barbara L. Peacock, D. Min. Author: Award Winning - Soul Care in African American Practice Chair Biblical Studies at Chun University Founder Peacock Soul Care - Institute of Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Leadership 704-608-4803 Book Info: https://www.ivpress.com/soul-care-in-african-american-practice Press Kit: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Press-Kits/4671-press.pdf BIO: https://www.ivpress.com/barbara-l-peacock Website: barbaralpeacock.com Website: peacocksoulcare.com Website: chununiversity.info linkedin: Barbara Peacock

Humanitarian, social-entrepreneur, activist, and concerned citizen of our global community. These are some of the descriptors most commonly used when referring to Ronnie Lott, a four-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer. Lott’s accomplishments beyond the football field have exceeded his superb career as one of the most distinguished and identifiable defensive players in NFL history. Lott’s commitment to serve others -- a trademark of his humanitarian efforts -- began during his NFL playing career when he learned that the success he had in football could feed his passion for helping others. In 1989, Lott and his wife Karen founded “All Stars Helping Kids,” (ASHK) a San Francisco Bay Area-based non-profit organization that supports underserved youth. ASHK, has raised more than $30 million with a mission of disrupting the cycle of poverty by increasing the effectiveness of non-profits that focus on education, career readiness and the health and wellness of Bay Area youth. Additionally, ASHK has assisted in funding start-up businesses owned and operated by young people of color. It was named outstanding charity by Catholic Charities in 2008. In addition to his work at All Stars Helping Kids, Lott co-founded Champion Charities in 2004 with former teammate Harris Barton after Barton lost both his parents to brain tumors. Brain tumors are one of the most lethal forms of cancer for children under the age of 15 and are also the leading cause of cancer-related death for adults 35 years and under. Champion Charities has contributed a significant amount of money for researching brain tumors as well as supporting patients suffering from the disease. Lott lent his name to the Lott IMPACT® Trophy in 2004, one of the nation’s most prestigious awards given annually to the college football defensive IMPACT player of the year. IMPACT is an acronym for: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. To date, the Foundation has donated over $1.5 million to charities and scholarship funds. Lott continues his activism while serving on a wide range of boards including Hall of Fame Health, SuRo Capital, Sutter Rock Capital, Multiplying Good Bay Area, Palo Alto Advisory, The Golden Heart Fund, True Capital Management, GSV Capital, and the Santa Clara University Board of Trustees, The Basic Fund and Tipping Point Community, a grant-making organization aiming to break the cycle of poverty.

Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins is the Executive Program Director of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI at CAU).

Gerald Hector has a special segment where he is the guest on the show, FRIENDS TALKING with host, Chris Ashman!