Shefik presents Invocation

Charisse Arrington is a R&B singer who was signed to MCA Records in the 1990s. Her biggest success was with the single "Down With This" which peaked in the top twenty of the Billboard Dance singles chart and top five of the Billboard Dance breakout chart.

Tony Lindsay is a producer and director, known for "Where Hearts Lie" (2016). The film features such notable actors as Clifton Powell ("Ray", "Rush Hour", "Next Friday"), Malik Yoba ("Empire", "Why Did I Get Married?"), and Taral Hicks ("A Bronx Tale").

Gerald Alston is an American R&B singer, and the lead singer with The Manhattans. Between 1988 and 1995, he left the group to record five albums (later recording his tribute to Sam Cooke in 2008) and ten solo singles.

Matthew Decker is a recording artist from New York. He started his own label Matteo Mafia Records in 2012. His music is very different from today's popular music, with a vintage 1960s style aesthetic, combined with modern day pop, hip-hop, and trap.

John Howard, Ph.D. is a Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Purchase College, State University of New York. He received his doctorate in sociology from Stanford University and a law degree from Pace University School of Law.

Leaveil Degree is a member of The Whispers. The group scored 15 top-ten R&B singles, and eight top-ten R&B albums, with two of them, "The Whispers" and "Love Is Where You Find It", reaching the #1 spot. They have earned two platinum and five gold albums.

Dr. Hassan Tetteh is a board-certified surgeon specializing in thoracic surgery, critical care, heart and lung transplantation, research and education. He is a member of the Washington Regional Transplant Community.

Charisse Arrington is a R&B singer who was signed to MCA Records in the 1990s. Her biggest success was with the single "Down With This" which peaked in the top twenty of the Billboard Dance singles chart and top five of the Billboard Dance breakout chart.

Perri Gaffney adapted her debut novel, "The Resurrection of Alice", into a one-woman play that won the 2014 African-American Arts Alliance of Chicago Outstanding Actress Award, and the 2014 Black Theater Alliance's Best Lead Actress Award (Chicago).

Jason Stuart has a major role in the historic bio film "The Birth of a Nation". He has worked with heavy hitters George Clooney, Faye Dunaway, Angelina Jolie, Damon Wayans, Drew Carey, George Lopez, David Spade, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Neddy Smith is a professional musician and CEO at NedGJean International. He composes and writes his music, not only in a traditional style, but also by incorporating his vast international experiences. This is apparent in each of his releases.

Neddy Smith is a professional musician and CEO at NedGJean International. He composes and writes his music, not only in a traditional style, but also by incorporating his vast international experiences. This is apparent in each of his releases.

Doreen Bazile is a social worker. She sees many different patients with distinct needs and issues, regarding spirituality and religion, family conflict, loss, grief, bereavement, and more.

Dr. Hassan Tetteh is a board-certified surgeon specializing in thoracic surgery, critical care, heart and lung transplantation, research and education. He is a member of the Washington Regional Transplant Community.

Doreen Bazile is a social worker. She sees many different patients with distinct needs and issues, regarding spirituality and religion, family conflict, loss, grief, bereavement, and more.