WELCOME Frontline Community Services, Inc./VET22 Program, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization, would like to thank you for observing our 1st Annual Present Black Veterans Virtual Ball, “Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry.” Headquartered in Metro-Atlanta Georgia, Frontline Community Services is grateful for you taking time out of your schedule to support our honorable “Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” initiative. We ask for you to become a vital partner by paying tribute to our Saturday, February 27, 2021, 7:00 PM least recognized citizen, “The American Black Veteran.” The history of these African American veterans is not sufficiently taught and is seldom recognized, resulting in omission of their contributions and service to this country. This event highlights and profiles how African American veterans, singlehandedly or as a part of their various military units, helped safeguard the United States and its Allies in the past and present. We ask you to partner with us by donating or becoming a sponsor as we endeavor to honor these great men and women. Your continued support will allow us to produce events worthy of their service and sacrifice, and assist us in partnering with notable organizations to help homeless veterans receive job training programs and other needed assistance. Our 1st Annual Black Veterans Ball celebrates the unselfish resolve of African American veterans who answered the call to serve America when needed, at the risk of family hardship, extreme injury, and the ultimate sac- DIGITAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM rifice of loss of life. To access live stream links, please go to: www.Vet22.vet. In closing, we ask you to sit back and enjoy this wonderful accolade to our black veterans. Mark your calendars to join us in February 2022 for our next

tribute which guarantees to be even bigger and better.

Sincerely,

http: facebook live stream link http: youtube live link Alycia Robinson, Executive Director

“Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” “Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” Saturday, February 27, 2021, 7:00 PM PROGRAMME PERSONAL PROFILES Opening/Welcome Casual Cal feat. Gen. Charles Hood, Army (Ret.) “Casual Cal” Dupree ~ The Ringmaster

Sinfo-Nia Orchestra “Get Ready” by Temptations Casual Cal is the first African-American ringmaster and co- Smokey Robinson/Arr. David E. Robinson III creator of a touring circus that was started in Atlanta in 1994 known as the UniverSoul Circus. Along with Cedric Walker, the Invocation Dr. Kevin B. Lee, Berean Christian Church (Gwinnett) promoter, their aim was to start a multicultural family circus U.S. National Anthem “Star Spangled Banner” Debra Killings, guitarist with emphasis on showcasing African-American talent and uplifting people. Thousands have attended shows in the U.S. Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” d’Nessa Perry, vocalist and in South Africa. In 1999, HBO featured the circus as a television special. Dupree and the show continued the tradi- Ballethnic Dance Company “Can’t Stop the Rain” tion of entertaining, teaching and inspiring Urban-Americans Adam L. McKnight, vocalist not to give up on dreams, goals, the community or our youth, despite the growing chal- Welcome Alycia Robinson lenges facing us as a people. Prior to becoming “Lord of the Ring,” Dupree was an Atlanta radio personality at WCLK-FM, WIGO-AM, WVEE-FM and WALR-FM. His career Sinfo-Nia Orchestra “Black Butterfly” Deniece Williams/Arr. D. Robinson III also includes work in nightclubs, concert tours, pageants and as an entertainment feat. Cambridge Academy dancers

director and host of Black Expo USA. His famous quote is, “We’re all one and the same, History of Black Veterans Lt Colonel Charles E. Jenkins Army (Ret.) regardless of our clothes or our skin color. Soul is not a color-it’s an experience.” feat. Cambridge Academy Scholars

Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. ~ Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra Black Veterans Appreciation Tribute Cambridge Academy Thespian Club Sinfo-Nia Orchestra, founded in 1990, celebrates 31 years of Sinfo-Nia Orchestra “Summertime” George Gershwin/Arr. D. Robinson III instructing thousands of instrumental and dance students, as feat. d/Nessa Perry and Rev. Thomas Rhyant Jr., vocalists well as providing over 500 performances ranging from Atlanta, throughout the USA, to Africa and Jamaica. Sinfo-Nia is under Soldier “Oldies” Musical Tribute Casual Cal the artistic direction of David E. Robinson, III, a 5th generation, 36-year retired string feat. Joseph T. Barker, Maj Derrick Barker Sr. and Carl Brown, veterans teacher of DeKalb County, Georgia. Performing multicultural music, most of which are

arranged by David himself, Sinfo-Nia’s fundamental purpose is to promote proficiency in Swans of Blackness “El Shaddai” John Thomson/Arr. Michael Card musical performance, travel, meet other young artists, prepare to earn college scholar- Special Guest Speaker Col Hattie LaFay Richardson ships, and consider careers in the music/dance industry. Sinfo-Nia classically archives music of black composers such as William Grant Still, and is a tribute to their works. In Closing Remarks Casual Cal 2017, Sinfo-Nia’s Exchange Program was endorsed as a component of Jamaica’s 55th Year of Independence. The Orchestra has collaborated with Grammy Award winners 22 Virtual Violins for OPERATION DECONTAMINATION U.S. Military Fundraiser including 50 Cent, After 7 and Yasmeen Williams of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Sinfo-Nia “Flight In Power and Might” David E. Robinson, IIII has received accolades from local, national and international dignitaries to include US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater and President John Kufour of Ghana, West Africa. featuring Honorary Grand Maestro Ken Ford “King of Strings

“Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” “Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” PERSONAL PROFILES PERSONAL PROFILES General Charles McKinley Hood, Jr. Debra Killings

After 35 years of military service, Gen Charles M. Hood, Jr. Debra Killings is one of the most admired and gifted vocalists in the retired in May 1995 following his tour as Adjutant General industry. Her angelic voice has been featured on releases by platinum of the United States Virgin Islands National Guard, trio TLC, OutKast, Aretha Franklin, Maddona, Toni Braxton, Monica, and appointed by President George H.W. Bush. He also per- Da Brat to name a few. Her musical skills have made her one of the formed duties as the EXDIR of Emergency Management music industries most in-demand musicians. Her extraordinary bass for the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands, while simultane- playing can be heard on recordings by Jay-Z, Nelly, OutKast, Carlos San- ously holding position as Adjunct Professor in the Gradu- tana, LL Cool J, and Curtis Mayfield. She’s worked with some of the top ate School of the University of the Virgin Islands. He was a producers in the world such as Dallas Austin, Diane Warren, BabyFace, member of the faculty of the Army War College at Carlisle LA Reid, Jermain Dupri, Andre 3000, and Fred Hammond. Debra is a Barracks, Pennsylvania, teaching courses in management and leadership. A few of his Grammy-Award recipient and Stellar nominated. She is also a songwrit- key assignments include: Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Second United States Army, er with credits on recordings by Pebbles, Paula Abdul, Will Smith, and Ft McPherson, GA; Chief War Plans Division, J5, U.S. Forces Command, Ft McPherson, George Clinton to name a few. She also appears on the blockbuster soundtracks of GA; and Commander, 210th Field Artillery Brigade, VII Corps, Europe. Some of hisWaiting to Exhale, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Home Alone, Nutty Professor, Boomer- military decorations include: the Army Commendation Medal, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ ang, Drumline and Idlewild. She’s toured and worked with some of gospels best such as Distinguished Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal, First Class. Fred Hammond, Deitrick Haddon, Virtue, Tonex, Lisa McClendon, Byron Cage and more.

D’Nessa Perry Dr. Kevin B. Lee Duke Ellington’s highest compliment for someone was Dr. Kevin B. Lee is the Sr. Pastor of Berean Christian “beyond category.” d’Nessa belongs to this class. Born to Church (Gwinnett). He served as the Assoc. Pastor at musicians, d’Nessa’s introduction to life was through song, Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia for performing contemporary to classical music. She also com- three years and as the Youth Paster for nine years. He poses lyrics and vocal arrangements for commercial jingles, served in youth ministry for over twenty five years in Ft record projects, and TV/movie soundtracks. These works are Worth, Texas; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Stone heard throughout Asian television and radio. She has promot- Mountain, Georgia. He earned a DMIN from United Theo- ed brand names such as Sony, Nescafe, Fuji Flim, Pokemon, logical Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, a M.R.E from South- Kirin Fire Coffee featuring Stevie Wonder, book readings, CD western Theological Seminary and a M.Div. from South- soundtracks for Tiki & Dodo adventures and more. She is an western Theological Seminary in Ft Worth, Texas, as well as a B.A. in Criminal Justice in-demand vocalist for various recording projects with from Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. He has authored five books, all Japanese artists such as TRF, Speed, and Morning Musume to geared towards youth ministry. Dr. Lee is also the Founder of KBL Ministries. The name a few. d’Nessa has performed with the legendary Cab Calloway, Theodore purpose of KBL Ministries is three-fold: to ENHANCE parents with effective parenting Marcus “Teddy” Edwards, Von Nash and Grammy winner Roy Hargrove. In her heart, skills, to EMPOWER adult leaders with creative teaching skills and to EQUIP young d’Nessa is gospel but with a classical presence. On the cusp of boundless stardom, people to live victorious spirit-filled lives. d’Nessa is an artist that delivers and is ready to embrace mass appeal.

“Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” “Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” PERSONAL PROFILES PERSONAL PROFILES Ballethnic Dance Company, Inc. Cambridge Academy

Ballethnic Dance Company, Inc. (pronounced \bal- Cambridge Academy is an accredited private eth-nik\) creates access for dancers who in spite of school for students who are highly academically proper training are overlooked. Elite training motivated and in need of a supporting and nurtur- taught in the tradition of Dance Theatre of Harlem, ing learning environment. Cambridge Academy Ballethnic creates and produces original Ballets relevant to it’s community. Increasing has been educating students from ages 2 years to artistic opportunities and outlets for the community, Ballethnic Dance Company, Inc. is 7th grade since 1960. Cambridge Academy enhancing cultural diversity. The organization is comprised of two components, Balleth- welcomes students of all races, creed, and nic Dance Company and Ballethnic Academy of Dance. The Company is a classically religions, and strives to create a school environ- trained, culturally diverse performing company, while the Academy provides profession- ment that allows the students to develop a strong al training for children and adults. It is their mission to involve the community, especial- sense of self that will serve as the foundation for ly youth and those who are financially disadvantaged in an appreciation of their unique effective learning and success. art form. Their purpose is to inform, educate and entertain through dance, using dance as a vehicle to impact the community by offering programs that act as a catalyst for social change.

Colonel Charles E. Jenkins Rev. Thomas Rhyant, Jr.

Charles E. Jenkins is a graduate of the University of Rev. Thomas Rhyant, Jr. is a national evangelist of the Northern Iowa and the first black ROTC graduate of Church of God in Christ Worldwide. He has traveled the class of 1986. He is a Commissioned Field Artil- in the field of evangelism for over 34 years, preach- lery Officer with 28 years of experience in operations ing more than 1,400 weeks of revivals all across the management, liaison operations, strategic planning, U.S. and abroad. He has preached for pastors such as program analysis, executive management, and Shirley Caesar of Raleigh, North Carolina; the late organizational leadership in a variety of positions Pastor Rance Allen of Toledo, Ohio; Rev. F.C. Barns of with the U.S. Army Field Artillery Corps. With the Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Rev Clifton Davis of Los proven ability to organize, direct, coordinate and Angeles, California; Bishop J.W. Macklin of Oakland, execute complex organizational projects, he served California, Bishop George McKinney of San Diego, as Combat Veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Colonel and the late formerly presiding Bishop Chandler Owens of Atlanta, Georgia. Rev. Rhyant Jenkins has been a member of New Life Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia for 23 is also a singer, composer and accomplished lead guitarist. He has played and sung with years, serving as an ordained elder. He is founder and president of CSM Angels Refuge, such artists as the late Timothy Wright of New York, Dorothy Norwood, the late Willie established on Jan 12, 2021. Its mission is to provide resources, protection and shelter Neil Johnson, the Gospel Keynotes of Tyler Texas, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and the late to military veterans and the homeless in metropolitan Atlanta. Colonel Jenkins is a Life Robert Blair of The Fantastic Violinaires of Detroit, Michigan. He is currently a member Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and was awarded the 2020 Omega Psi Phi of The Fantastic Violinaires. Rev. Rhyant studied Theology at Trinity Bible College in Fraternity Founders Award for the State of Georgia. Newburg, Indiana.

“Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” “Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” PERSONAL PROFILES PERSONAL PROFILES Joseph Thibodeaux Barker, Sr. Sergeant Carl Gregory Brown

In 1955, Joe Thibodeaux Barker, Sr. joined the Army Sgt Carl Gregory Brown was inducted into the United States four days before the GI Bill ended. He was assigned to Marine Corps on January 16, 1973. He attended Boot Camp at the 11th Airborne Division and served in Germany for the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina in the two years. Upon being discharged, he enrolled into Prai- 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. His military occupational special- rie View A & M to double major in Engineering and ties include: Advanced Electronics (Twentynine Palms, Califor- Mathematics. Upon graduation, he was hired as the first nia); Survival Training (Twentynine Palms, California); Recon- Black Engineer for NASA in Houston, Texas in 1962. He naissance Specialist Training (Camp Pendleton, California); and was assigned a $3.5M project to select a contractor to Advanced Hand to Hand Combat Training (Sharp edged weap- develop a Chest Pack that would provide oxygen to the ons) Cavite City, Phillipines. Sgt Brown was deployed to Pleiku, Spacesuit in the event of an emergency, and an Umbili- Vietnam on March 14, 1973; Quang Nam Provience, Vietnam cal Cord as a primary source of oxygen and Telemetry (Attached to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion); and Que Son Valley, Vietnam. He was trans- when the Astronaut is outside of the Spacecraft. In ferred stateside for medical reasons on September 26, 1974 to the Antisubmarine War- three years Joe was promoted through the glass ceiling. fare Base in San Diego, California. His active duty ended on November 3, 2976. Sgt Later he resigned and was hired at IBM in 1969. In 1981 he started a successful Contract Brown received an Honorable Discharge on December 14, 1979 due to a service Programming/Consulting firm. connected disability.

The Swans of Blackness Major Derrick G. Barker, Sr. The Swans of Blackness comes under the direc- Maj Derrick G. Barker, Sr., began developing as a military tion of Pumkin Byrd. Born Likesa Kayonda Harris, officer when he joined the JNROTC Drill Team in high school. Ms. Byrd is a native of Atlanta who has danced Upon graduating, he enlisted in the US Navy for a 14 month all of her life. She is trained in jazz, modern, bal- long BOOST officer program. Upon completion he enrolled let, African and self-taught in hip-hop. She used at Morehouse College as a Banking and Finance major. Maj her hip-hop, jazz and contemporary training as Barker spent his first three years as a commissioned officer an instructor at the Georgia Dance Conservatory onboard the Anti-Air Warfare Aegis Guided Missile Cruiser, and Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance. She is head USS Leyte Gulf CG-55; where he earned his surface wings in of the dance ministry at her church, Atlanta Met- record time and was awarded the ships plaque for being the ropolitan Cathedral, where she says, “Dancing first officer to be designated onboard the USS Leyte Gulf CG- combined with praising God is priceless.” Pumkin’s talents have taken her around the 55 as a Surface Warfare Officer. In 1989 Maj Barker qualified world, from South Africa to Japan. She has toured with many recording artists as a cho- to become a Naval Aviator and earned his aviation wings reographer and dancer for Ciara, Mary J Blige, Kandi, Keith Sweat and more. When after completing two years of Naval flight training. He later Pumkin is not in the dance studio, she is in the recording studio working on her album retired and now runs a small start-up record label. with her alternative rap group “The Gang of Roses,” as well as promoting her Christian Rock clothing line, Designs by Fe.

“Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” “Honoring Veterans of African Ancestry” PERSONAL PROFILES PERSONAL PROFILES Colonel Hattie LaFay Richardson Ken Ford “King of Strings” Brigade Commander Defense Logistics Agency-Central Command/Special Operations Command A wonder to behold on stage, U.S. Army Colonel Hattie LaFay Richardson received Ken Ford’s evocative playing and her Reserve Officers Training Corps commission in the passion for strings on the electric Transportation Corps as a Second Lieutenant in June violin have enthralled fans of all 1996. She holds an Associate in Applied Science from ages, as well as peers from diverse genres, from jazz to blues, R&B to Georgia Military College, a Bachelor of Science in Po- hip-hop and more. With a soul- litical Science from Augusta State University, a Master stirring style that highlights all the of Art in Management from Webster University, and voices of the violin, from sensuous a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy and genteel to dramatic and muscular, Ken’s talents have earned him the ultimate from The Dwight D. Eisenhower School, National De- honor of playing for the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and brought fense University. She commanded Headquarters and him on stage and in terms of the recording studio with a range of superstar artists Headquarters Company, Task Force Victory Brigade at Ft Jackson, South Caroli- including Bruno Mars, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Brian Culbertson, the na. She served as XO to the Dir of Force Projection and Distribution, and Dir of late Barry White, Cee-Lo Green, Erykah Badu and more. Promising to take fans to a Strategy and Integration, Asst Chief of Staff, G-4 Headquarters, Dept of the whole other level on this fifth album, Eleven, with a new edge and energy, Ken plants Army, Pentagon. She also served as the Sec of the General Staff, Army and Air- the seed for any music lover to discover violin on a whole new journey. force Exchange Services, Dallas, Texas; Battalion Commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Anniston, Anniston, Alabama; and Strategic Plans Officer to the Commanding General, Army Material Command, Huntsville, Alabama. Col Richardson assumed command of the Defense Logistics Agency-Central Com- mand/Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, on January 17, 2019, where she mission commands five battalions located in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Bahrain providing logistical support to more than 120,000 U.S. CashApp - $FrontlineCommunity Military and Civilian personnel throughout the Middle East Region. She deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, serving Kuwait as Inte- Text2Give: (844) 339-8219 gration Operations Branch Chief, Mobility Division, Operational Sustainment, Army Central/Coalition Forces Land Component Command. Her awards and www.Vet22.vet decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Her badges include the Parachutist (Airborne) Badge, Defense Logistics Agency Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.