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 has received accolades from local, national and international dignitaries to include US “Flight In Power and Might” David E. Robinson, IIII 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 his Waiting 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.