Camp Fabulous Speakers
Edelia "Dr. Jay" Carthan
Edelia "Dr. Jay" Carthan, Camp Fabulous Founder and Director, has led a life of service. She has fought for civil rights, education, women's rights, race relations and more. Through her organization, “The Fabulous Life by Dr. Jay”, she continues to make an impact on the lives of young women state-wide as a mentor and guide. Dr. Carthan has also served as a beacon for justice, willing to step up and fight for the rights of her fellow Mississippians.
Her journey has not been without trials. As a result of her pregnancy when she was in her teens, there was a point in her life when she thought that she would never be able to fulfill her dream of helping others. But with God's help, she overcame her adversities; and now her son, E.J., is a proud student of the historic Tougaloo College, where Dr. Carthan also works as Assistant Professor in the Division of Education, Supervision, and Instruction.
Dr. Carthan has carried these lessons throughout her life, and they govern her now as she seeks your vote for Mississippi House Representative of District 71. Dr. Jay only desires to continue her life of service; and she promises that she will represent and serve you under the dome of the Mississippi State Capitol.
Tambra Cherie
Tambra Cherie is a full time media personality. Poised and personable, this radio/TV personality, entertainment news reporter, and host brings excitement to every role she carries out. This Midday personality discovered her passion for media hosting and the entertainment industry upon graduating from Jackson State University. It was during an internship at WRJH, she began to fulfill her goals within the entertainment industry. During her radio internship, Tambra Cherie embarked upon various entertainment related ventures, serving as host for the once highly anticipated #1 entertainment television show in Mississippi, Admission Granted. Admission Granted previously aired on UPN, CW, and CBS affiliates for over 4 years. Throughout her career, Tambra Cherie has interviewed a multitude of celebrities, artists, comedians, actors, and entertainment moguls including Russell Simmons, Magic Johnson, Kevin Liles, and Sean Diddy Combs.
Tambra Cherie has been featured in several publications including Boom's Magazine Most Influential Person in the City of Jackson list, and recipient of the 2014 Woman of the Year Award, alongside the Mayor of the City of Jackson as Man of the Year.
Tambra Cherie has a passion for people and helping others. She enjoys traveling, hosting, spending time with family, trying new restaurants and foods.
Guests Interviewed (Semi-Partial List): Russell Simmons, Magic Johnson, Keith Sweat, Babyface, Chaka Khan, BBD, (Bell, Biv, Devoe) Jagged Edge, 112, Tank, Avant, Keyshia Cole, Fantasia, Vivica A. Fox, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Mannie Fresh, Yo Gotti, T.I., French Montana, Gucci Mane, Mystikal, Master P, UGK, Three 6 Mafia, Kimora Lee Simmons, Brandy, Tamar Braxton, K. Michelle, SWV, Tamia, Jon B., Hootie & the Blowfish, Katt Williams, Sheryl Underwood and more.
Contact Me
For hosting, business and collaboration inquiries, please contact station at 601-345-8205.
Funmi "Queen" Franklin
Funmi Franklin affectionately tagged as Queen is a native Mississippian. Raised in Clinton, MS but reared in Jackson, Queen has attached herself to the fight to improve Jackson and Mississippi.
She's an advocate for elevating women, a dedicated community servant, a spiritualist and a motivational speaker. She is a healer who believes in working through pain to restore healthy minds and spirits for women.
She's the founder/principal of HATHOR, LLC, Thick And Proud Sisters-TAPS, Sisters Increasing Positive Progression, and Black Women: UNFILTERED. Queen is also the Chief Operating Officer of Kundi Compound in Fondren. She's a writer and Creator/hostess of "The Writer's Circle".
Queen Franklin is also a non-traditional officiant who believes in celebrating good love and is committed to supporting those who've found it.
Her most prized accomplishments include that of mother, wife and sister and servant.
Jakyrannee Phillips
Jakyrannee Phillips is a Senior Mass Communication major at the Prestigious Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. Phillips is 21 years of age from the Sportsman Paradise Monroe, Louisiana.
At the age of seventeen she graduated from Vision Academy located in Monroe Louisiana. Phillips graduated in three years and was Valedictorian of her class. While attending Vision Academy she participated in multiple organizations and held leadership roles. She was president of FCA, and captain of the Varsity Girls Basketball team, member of the Entrepreneurship Team, Prom Committee, and many more.
Phillips began writing at the age of ten and decided she would write and publish books. Writing is one of the things that she is passionate about most. She would always write about whatever she experienced, or witnessed other people around her go through. Growing up she was always the underdog. While going through what she experienced she didn’t understand what was going on, but she knew her testimony in the form of short stories would help others. She also enjoy dancing, being creative, and empowering others with her smile and wild personality.
As of now Phillips’ has her own magazine titled Broken Girls Magazine, t-shirt line, book titled Broken: The Underdog, a part of a collaboration book title “Purpose; The New Voice of Mississippi Authors, full time college student, and a licensed stylist. Phillips believe “The question is not who’s going to let me, but who’s going to stop me?” She also believes by putting God first in everything daily, ANYTHING is possible.
Instagram: @Authoress_jakyranneep
Facebook: Jakyrannee Phillips
Email/ Booking: authoress.jakyranneep@gmail.com
June Hardwick
June Hardwick is an alumna of Murrah High School, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and MC Law. She has practiced law for the last 12 years. For 4 years, she served as an Asst. Public Defender in the Hinds County Public Defender Office. In late 2011, she entered private practice. Atty. Hardwick’s office is currently located near downtown Jackson.
The late Mayor Chokwe Lumumba appointed Ms. Hardwick to the Municipal Court bench in August 2013. She served the City as a judge from October 2013 until July 2014. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba re-appointed her to the Bench in December 2017.
Atty. Hardwick's track record shows a consistent and genuine commitment to advocacy, community and education. She is featured in the Sundance-award winning, HBO documentary *Gideon’s Army*. This Emmy-nominated film features 3 public defenders including Atty. Hardwick and their work in the South.
Atty. Hardwick is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, the Mississippi Public Defender Association and New Horizon Church International. Atty. Hardwick is the proud mother of Raha Maxwell, a recent graduate of Murrah High School. He’ll enter Hampton University in August as a Freshman.
Quiana Head
Quiana Head is an Entrepreneur. Over the last 18 years, Quiana has been fortunate to walk in her unique purpose by serving, recruiting, training, developing and leading leaders to meet the needs of those whom they have been called to serve. She spent nine of those years as an Area Director for the International Organization, Young Life, and an additional seven years as a Volunteer YoungLives Director. Also, she is an Independent Representative for the financial services company, Primerica. Quiana founded B.A.B.E (Breaking All Bondage Eternally), an organization that specializes in Leadership Development and Life and Executive Coaching. She is a motivational speaker, teacher, ordained minister, life coach, mom, author, actress and consultant.
Quiana has one daughter, Qua’Niya Head and one granddaughter, Heaven Michelle Head. Quiana resides in Jackson, MS. Quiana is passionate about seeing people awakened to the life that was designed specifically for them -- that life is a life of purpose, passion, power, praise, people and promises. Quiana believes her calling is to simply point people to their power.
Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Quiana M. Head
Leadership Coach
P. O. Box 1008
Madison, MS 39130
662.897.0141 (c)
Dr. Candace Carter Stevens
Dr. Candace Carter Stevens is a tenured Assistant Professor of Mathematics in Mississippi Valley State University’s Department of Mathematics, Computer & Information Sciences. She is a mathematics educator with nearly 20 years of teaching experience in the K-12 and higher education arenas. Prior to Dr. Steven’s arrival to Mississippi Valley State University, she served as a highly-qualified secondary mathematics educator in the Canton Public School (MS) and Dallas Independent School (TX) districts.
Dr. Stevens earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Jackson State University, her Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Jackson State University and her Doctorate Degree in Science Education with an emphasis in Mathematics Education from The University of Southern Mississippi. Her research interests include investigating the use of technology, culturally relevant teaching practices, and the Praxis Core Math & Praxis II Mathematics Content Knowledge exams, all in an effort to increase student achievement in STEM education, specifically at HBCUs and in the Mississippi Delta. Married to Aaron Stevens, Dr. Stevens enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at community events, shopping, reading, cooking, and traveling with their son, Caleb, to his various sporting events.
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Salmeilia J. Stewart
Salmeilia J. Stewart is a native of Leland, Mississippi. She is a graduate of Jackson State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration.
Salmeilia is a writer and actress on the rise. She has starred in the movie and play Soul Damage. When she is not working in front of the camera she is working behind the scenes. She has worked on the production team for reality T.V shows such as Lifetime’s Bring It, Bravo’s Southern Charm, Comedy Central’s Hart of the City 2, Netflix and so much more. She currently serves as Project Manager for Phoenix Rising Entertainment. When she is not working she is spending time with her son Jaden Whittington.
Salmeilia believes in working with community organizations like the Geneva Foundation and Woman With Woman with Joanne that focus on empowering women beyond their circumstances. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson. Salmeilia believes in using the creative arts to provoke thought and change in the world. She is dedicated to being on the right side of change for the state of Mississippi. "It's imperative that we as Mississippians create a pathway for the next generation of artist, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers in our beloved state.
Together we can change the narrative of Mississippi from being last to first, from racism to cultural diversity, and from stagnation to innovation."- Salmeilia
Ty Patterson
Ty Patterson is an author and entertainer from Jackson, MS. She was born and raised in Kosciusko, MS (the birthplace of Oprah Winfrey).
She is a graduate of Jackson State University and has a Master's degree in Management. Through writing, she took an interest to acting and is currently touring in a stage play. Ms. Patterson was also in the movie Girls Trip.
Her main interest is mentoring others in purpose and vision. She firmly believes that a Pretty Personality will take you far because "Beautiful people have beautiful minds."
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Yolanda Singleton
After 27 years in the entertainment business, concert promoter Yolanda Singleton says she feels like she has finally carved out a niche in the male-dominated industry.
Yolanda Singleton, 48, owner of Xperience Jxn, is a Callaway High School graduate who attended Tougaloo College a year before transferring to Hinds Community College, where she received her associate's degree in nursing 1989. She then enrolled the University of Mississippi, receiving her bachelor's degree in nursing in 2002. She has also taken additional business and real estate course work at Jackson State University.
Yolanda first got into event promoting in the 1990s after serving as a percussionist with local bands and performing as a deejay under the stage name Madame DJ. She started putting together small shows and events for other people, using the network of musicians and artists she had built while working with another promoter, Kavin Stokes of Family Affair.
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is not the only issue that she faces as an event promoter in Jackson, though. Often, she says that people overlook Mississippi in comparison to cities such as New Orleans and Atlanta, which are known for drawing larger African American crowds and A-list artists. She attributes this in part to issues with the state flag, income disparity and the lack of a musically diverse audience in Mississippi.
Recent Xperience Jxn concerts have included Soulabration in December 2017, and Tamela and David Mann's performance at Thalia Mara Hall in February 2018. The company will also present the Soul City Blues Fest, featuring artists Willie Clayton, T.K. Soul, Bigg Robb, Carl Sims and L.J. Echols, as well as Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Monica's
Singleton says that her desire is to bring quality entertainment to the city, serve and invest in the African American culture, and have a lasting economic impact in Jackson. By bringing in larger events, she hopes to draw people to the various hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses in the area. The name of her business comes from her love of the capital city, she says.
Singleton wants to be a driving force that inspires other women in Mississippi to enter the promotional and technical sides of the live-entertainment industry, working not only as ushers but as audio engineers, lighting technicians and all other facets of the field.
"I'm from Jackson and have lived here most of my life," she says. "I've had great experiences growing up here, and when I went to other places, people always wanted to know about Jackson, so I thought, 'What better business name than ... Xperience Jxn?'"
Tysha Stewart
Tysha Stewart known as the Oliva Pope of business and events, Tysha Stewart is a successful serial entrepreneur and a well known Brand Developer and Event Designer.
Over the course of her career, she has worked with numerous celebrity clients and her work has been aired on major networks such as NBC, VH1, Lifetime, ABC, FOX and most recently featured in Essence Magazine as the Lead Designer for LeToya Luckett's beautiful wedding; just to name a few. Before starting her successful event decor company, Premier Events, Tysha owned numerous businesses. Working was her way of dealing with the pain from a dark secret from her past.
In 2012, Stewart appeared as a guest on Oprah Winfrey's Lifeclass with Iyanla Vanzant. Tysha openly inspired the nation with her story on the OWN network in 2012 and now spends her days living out her purpose by bringing joy into the lives of others through helping business owners climb their way to the top of the entrepreneur ladder and through event design.
Colendula Green
An alumna of Jackson State University, Colendula Green began her path in law enforcement with her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a focus in Criminology and Corrective Services. She continued her studies in graduate school by completing the course work in Elementary Education.
She a mother of two sons.
During her 14 years in law enforcement, she has garnered respect, earning the title of Best Local Cop two years in a row, and has shouldered many responsibilities, serving as Coordinator for NAMI, Crime Stoppers, MAPP, and Mississippi Blood Services. She serves as a mentor for Public schools throughout Hinds county.
She has also blazed a trail as Green became first female Public Information Officer.
She has served as the Director of Police Security at the Jackson Convention Center, worked major investigations in areas of both property crime and background investigation. She is Crisis Intervention certified and she is a Crisis Intervention instructor for mental illness. She also is a telecommunications instructor. And she has even served as the face of Crime Stoppers program.
She’s also a candidate for Hinds Sheriff Candidate. She’s also the first African American female and first female cop to qualify to run as Hinds county sheriff candidate.
Dr. Roshunda Harris-Allen
Dr. Roshunda Harris-Allen is a native of Detroit, Michigan and currently resides in Byram, Mississippi with her husband Dorian Allen and three children, Dorian, Donovan and Dalis. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, and Specialist Certification in Infant and Toddler Development. In May 2015, Dr. Allen earned her Doctorate of Education in Early Childhood Education at Jackson State University.
Currently, Dr. Allen is an Assistant Professor of Education and Coordinator of Child Development and Master Degree Programs at Tougaloo College located in Tougaloo Mississippi. While at Tougaloo College, Dr. Allen participates in analyzing, designing, producing, and teaching instructional materials from approved curricula; motivates students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process; and oversee all graduate studies activities. She also serves as an educational consultant for various private and public organizations. Dr. Allen has worked in the field of education since 1999 and has an extensive background in PreK-16 education. Currently, she serves on the Board for Autism Mississippi and Lifestyle, Education, and Resource Services; is a member of Junior Auxiliary Byram-Terry and the Mississippi Association of Educators; and is an At-Large Board Member of the Higher Education Literacy Council.
Prior to Tougaloo College, Dr. Allen had the opportunity to obtain positions with Jackson Public Schools, Hinds County Human Resource Agency, Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, Star Healthcare, and Danya International. Dr. Allen has experience in developing partnerships and working with non-profit organizations, government and city businesses, school districts, foreign exchange students, and traditional and nontraditional students. She also has experience in marketing, outreach, and recruitment; creating syllabi and planned course activities; teaching courses face-to-face, hybrid, and online; serving on department committees; providing professional development to educational staff; writing for specialization courses; developing curriculum for Certificate/Degree Programs; and grant writing and publishing.
Dr. Allen research interest focuses on how to provide effective professional development to early childhood educators, those enrolled in a preK-16 academic setting, families, and the community in efforts to improve the quality of life for young children and help to demolish the “cradle-school-to-prison pipeline.” Focusing on Social-Emotional Development/Restorative Justice Practices and Early Literacy, her goal is to do develop a comprehensive curriculum for educators of young children to improve social competence and to enable children to become active learners and productive citizens.
Dr. Allen is an advocate for children and students of all ages and always finds opportunities to serve the community. Dr. Allen is the Cheer Coordinator and a Cheer Coach for the Byram Jr. Bulldogs; a mentor for the Byram-Terry Crown Club; a leader in hosting restorative justice peace circles at various schools and community organizations; and supports her family as a “soccer, football, track, baseball, and cheer mom.” Her favorite quote is: Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possible be.-Rita Pierson.
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Inez Denise Doe
Inez Denise Doe is a thirty-four year old native of Detroit, MI. Doe is the Owner of Ufancii Beauty Bar in Jackson,MS and Co-Founder of women's organization "Beauties Who Network". Inez Doe is the creative visionary for the beauty and barbering showcase The Hair Exhibit. Since 2012, Doe serves as a PAC. Member for Delta Technical College of Cosmetology. In 2014, Doe established Ufancii EDU scholarship program for future cosmetologist in the state of Mississippi.
Inez Doe thrives as a credited hairstylist for Lifetime Network's show Bring It! Her bi-cultural background and focus on community collaboration has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles. Doe received her Bachelor of Science in English at Jackson State University and a Secondary degree in Spanish at The Institute of Culture and Language in Costa Rica. Doe is a proud graduate of Virginia College of Cosmetology 2012.
As an entrepreneur, Doe is deep-seated in the belief that, " Chances MAKE CHAMPIONS!”
Joshua Quinn
Joshua Quinn is a native of Jackson, MS. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. He received his Master’s in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is the founder and CEO of BARS Institute Inc. BARS is education intervention, youth empowerment, and exploratory learning program for boys of color. After graduating from college, Joshua enlisted into the US Army as a Mental Health Specialist. His job was to assist soldiers in combat who may shows signs or are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. While in graduate school, he was a part of a research team that studied Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome; a term coined by Dr. Joy Degruy that relates to the history of generational traumatic experiences of African Americans stemming from slavery. Through a partnership with Prevail Health Solutions, he worked as a Military Mental Health Researcher to provide online referral services to US Veterans. Joshua was also able to gain international experience in Bahrain and Nepal where he researched how religion and social politics affect the mental health of young learners. As an educator, he has taught English and other subjects to students in China, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Nepal, and Haiti. Joshua.
After returning to Jackson, he continued his work in the mental health field by working with young students in Head Start programs and young men living with HIV. As one of the few males and males of color that are Behavioral Therapist in the state of Mississippi, he used innovative approaches and culturally responsive methods to merge with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA Therapy) to improve the social, behavioral, and cognitive skills of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s. In 2015, Joshua started DrJSapio.com, a blog centered around the global black experience and intellectual perspectives. One of his original post, “There Will Never Be A N**** In SAE; Why Black Greeks Don’t Care,” went viral and received the attention of a few celebrities and national news stations such as CNN and MSNBC. His response to a racist white fraternity not allowing black people into their organization spoke to the reason for, importance of, and the prestige of Black Greek-Lettered Organizations. Joshua is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
In 2016, Joshua started BARS Institute to empower young boys in Jackson that are often labeled uneducable, overly aggressive, or are misdiagnosed. His program focuses on blending culturally specific methods stemming from African Rites of Passage for young boys and Military and Applied Psychology to increase their academic, social, and cognitive skills. These young boys have had the opportunity to engage in exploratory learning around Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Washington, DC. BARS also created a partnership with Apple Inc to provide media, technology, and robotics courses to its members. Joshua is also a former English and History teacher at Powell Academy of Military Science and Psychology and Sociology at Murrah High School.
As an educator and mental health professional who can speak to his own experiences with a mental illness, he promotes the importance removing the veil of silence regarding mental health in the black community. He has hosted think tanks, panel discussions, and family group therapy sessions to encourage young people and adults of color to heal themselves via Liberation Psychology. He also promotes the power of traveling to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression that black people experience in America due to constructs such as racism, police brutality, poverty, etc. He collects art work from all the countries he has visited to remind himself of that strength gained from those experiences. Joshua’s recent empowerment excursions to Mexico and Cuba allowed him to study and experience the power of traditional African spirituality, music, dance, and how it improves the mental health of those living in the Diaspora.
This August, Joshua will be moving to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) where he will be teaching AP Psychology and Sociology to middle and high school students in Dubai. Through this venture he will be able to make BARS Institute an international program that provides educational travel opportunities for students of color in Mississippi. While Joshua may be many miles and an ocean away from Mississippi, he still believes in taking care of home.
Councilman DeKeither Stamps
DeKeither Stamps is an Iraqi War veteran, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, farmer, father, and the City of Jackson Ward 4 Councilman. At an early age, Councilman Stamps faced several health and medical challenges, but these negative experiences served as the catalyst leading him to a life of public service. For over twenty years, he has served people, and he hopes to continue bringing positive changes and improving the quality of life for citizens of the Capital City.
Councilman Stamps has traveled around the world from the United Kingdom to Switzerland with the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, but his origins begin in Jackson, Mississippi. Born on November 21, 1976 Stamps grew up in the tight-knit Cedar Hills Community and on his family’s farm in Learned, Mississippi. After graduating high school, he had to answer a calling, and that calling was to join the military.
During the next three years, Stamps traveled around the world as a Presidential Security Guard to almost every state in the union and eighteen countries overseas, with former President of the United States Bill Clinton. In 2005, he re-enlisted to join the Army and requested to be sent directly to Iraq. He credits his experience as a patrol leader for a seventeen-man unit and four-vehicle ground patrol in Iraq as the catalyst which strengthened his role as a leader.
Councilman Stamps brings proven leadership, experience and a strong work ethic to the Jackson City Council. Under his leadership as Council President, the council passed several ordinances which are designed to bring a better quality of life to the citizens of Jackson. His passion for education, economic development and community revitalization continues to form the foundation of his work in the Ward 4 area and beyond.
Most recently, his dedication towards improving education led him to develop Books in the Barbershop, a community-oriented initiative that strives to improve the literacy skills of youth. Councilman Stamps joins civic leaders, educational organizations, local business owners, and other elected officials in an effort to increase male engagement and to encourage youth males to read by providing local barber shops with books for accessible and convenient reading.
In response to growing concerns over how hate crimes are reported nationwide, Councilman Stamps sponsored an ordinance requiring local law enforcement officials to undergo training to accurately report and document hate crimes committed in the city. The ordinance requires officers to complete training on the nature of hate crimes, identifying victims and perpetrators of hate crimes, and the procedures for recording hate crime statistics. It also requires the police chief to develop guidelines for collecting and documenting hate crime data.
Extending his entrepreneurial spirit, Councilman Stamps remains active on his family farm and hosts the highly anticipated Agritourism Day. Each year, hundreds of enthusiastic students from local elementary schools participate in a day of education and fun while learning about agriculture and technology. As a farmer, he knows firsthand how beneficial growing and producing fresh food can be to the health and welfare of a community. He stands strong in increasing awareness and support for programs that promote healthier eating habits of citizens.
Councilman Stamps will continue to be an advocate of the people and fight for equality, education and the improvement of the quality of life for citizens across Ward 4, the city of Jackson and our great state!
He is the proud father of three daughters: Jasmine, Kristian and Kennedi and is a Democratic candidate for Public Service Commissioner, Central District.
Zakiya Summers
Zakiya Summers, a community activist, communications professional, and civil rights advocate, needs your support and vote for Mississippi House of Representatives District 68 on August 6.
Zakiya has dedicated her professional and personal life to the service of others. As a former Hinds County Election Commissioner, Zakiya Summers led with integrity, ushered in a higher level of customer service and better training for poll workers, increased voter education and engagement, and created opportunities for students by engaging with constituents and stakeholders.
As the next State Representative, Zakiya Summers says she will use her 10 years of community advocacy experience, hard work ethic, and leadership to execute a vision of transformation for District 68 by working alongside constituents to implement solutions that benefit children and families and improve our community.
“I believe that District 68 can be a community where families can grow and thrive in a safe environment, where all of our children receive a state of the art education, and where every single person has equitable access to good-paying jobs, healthcare, and the ballot box,” said Summers.
Zakiya’s Legislative Agenda includes the following priorities:
● Increasing access to quality education
● Economic growth and infrastructure improvement
● Expanding healthcare and voter access
● Restoring justice in the criminal legal system
As a mother of three sons, Zakiya understands the importance that education plays in the wellbeing of a community and in our children.
“Education is the civil rights issue of our time,” said Summers. “I believe by increasing access to free, quality education, Mississippi will be positioned to improve all other facets of life. I will fight for equitable funding, early education, teacher pay and retention strategies, an advanced curriculum, and student safety.”
Zakiya currently serves as the Director of Communications and Advocacy for the ACLU of Mississippi, where she executes campaigns that support the affiliate’s legislative priorities and litigation strategies. She works to elevate reforms that impact the criminal legal system, expand voter access, promote policies and practices that ensure equal treatment and protection, champion educational opportunities, and defend the civil liberties and civil rights of all Mississippians.
“I know that real systemic change is rooted in policy change. I am committed to strengthening District 68, and doing the necessary work to create and support policies that improve us now and into the future,” she added.
An entrepreneur, Zakiya owns her own corporate event planning and public relations consulting company, Lady Godiva Productions. Mississippi Business Journal selected her as one of the top 50 Business Leading Women of the Year in 2017. She serves as co-chair for the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation, secretary for the Jayne Avenue Neighborhood Association, and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Her sorority chapter awarded her the Social Justice Award in 2018. She is also a W.K. Kellogg Foundation 2019 Fellow.
Zakiya is a lifelong resident of West Jackson and product of Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Jim Hill High School as salutatorian of her class. She received her Bachelor's in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Zakiya is the daughter of Leonard and Veniti Williams and Marvin Summers, Esq. She is married to husband, Andra Harlee, and they have three sons – Marvin, Mason, and Mathis. Mississippi Families for Kids recently named Zakiya and her family the 2019 Family of the Year.
The Summers-Harlee family are members of Greater Mt. Bethel Church of Christ Holiness USA in West Jackson, MS.
Kenneth "K. Marsh" Marshall
Multi-talented, hardworking and driven, Kenneth II is a 24 native of Jackson, Mississippi. Fashion is a part of Kenneth’s DNA. From styling, branding & development, model coaching and events production, he is entangled in the world of Fashion.
At age 15, Kenneth began modeling in local/surrounding area fashion events, styling for photo-shoots, and assisting in production for fashion events. Understanding his talents in multiple areas, Kenneth was adamant about creating a brand that allowed him to everything he loved, fashionably. In 2012, Kenneth partnered with Sandra Howard & Company, as the Fashion Events Producer and produced two successful fashion events. Understanding his vision for the fashion world, Kenneth’s networking systems grew elaborately allowing him to style for a plethora of fashion events, co-produce fashion events, cast and coach models for events and most importantly, learn & gain hands on fashion knowledge. Though Kenneth had been working in fashion for a while, it wasn’t until May 2013, that he launched fashion company, K. Marsh II. The company made its debut with sold out fashion event, Made for A Runway I. Kenneth II invested in the brand and set the bar for Fashion Events in the state of Mississippi. In 2014, Kenneth produced Made for A Runway II: Fashion Weekend, the state capitol’s first fashion weekend.
Kenneth’s has developed a diverse clientele portfolio over the years. His most recent business venture is #KMarshII’s Style House, Mississippi's luxury, one stop branding & fashion powerhouse, which opened in April 2018. In the summer of 2018, Kenneth introduced his branding & development services, managing over 30 clients within the last year.
Fabulous Speakers
Thank you so much to all of the Fabulous Speakers. If you would like to be a Camp Fabulous Speaker, email Dr. Jay at drcarthan@yahoo.com.