King Crush Thursday - The Interviews

Coley Jones is the Business Banking Market Executive for North Florida, South Georgia and the Space Coast, where he leads local market client teams to help local companies grow, improve cash flow and invest for the future. Business Banking serves companies, generally with annual revenues of $5 million to $50 million, and companies up to $2 billion in the Space Coast by providing comprehensive financial solutions and advice. Bringing (19) plus years of experience, Coley joined Bank of America in 2017. In this capacity, his responsibilities include leading a team of specialists focused on understanding each client’s unique needs to deliver strategic financial guidance and solutions. Coley’s mission is to help local companies thrive by achieving their business goals, no matter how simple or how complex. He has also served as Vice President in the Middle Market Group for TD Bank. He began his banking career at Wells Fargo where he was most recently a Business Banking Leader in Atlanta. Throughout his banking career, Coley has served mid-sized companies throughout the Southeast United States to support their commercial banking needs. He is the Co-Chair of the Black Professional Employee Network Group (Jax), the Black Executive Leadership Team and a Power of 10 mentor. Coley is the 2020 recipient of the Leadership Jacksonville Celebration award. To help create a more sustainable future for the companies and communities he serves, Coley volunteers with several not-for-profit organizations focused on civic improvements. In addition, he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), Operation New Hope, and the Jacksonville Public Education Fund. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Coley graduated from the University of North Florida where he met his wife Nicosia. He resides in Jacksonville, FL with his wife and five kids.

WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE!

Torrence Simmons @torrencersimmons  is a country boy from Quitman, GA by way of Dixie, GA. Spending his early years on a chicken farm with his nearest neighbor was his great-great aunt and uncle (they had a 50+ acre farm with hogs, chickens, corn, and almost everything in “Hold My Mule” aka You Name It. By middle school, he moved to “town” and in high school Torrence joined a rapper group, Southbound (he says “please don’t ask me to rap or freestyle, because you will understand why I didn’t make it as a rapper”) and the Beast from the Southeast (Da Wulf) was born. He graduated with honors and was able to walk with his family arm and arm into his graduation.

Torrence left home in 2001 to attend Georgia Southern University where he received his BS in Information Technology with a second discipline in Electronic Broadcast Media.He also took up refereeing where he received many awards and national recognition in flag football and basketball (yep, they give those out to the zebras too). Torrence also earned a leadership position in the Campus Rec and Intramurals department where he spent most of his free time when he wasn’t in class.

After a short stint in Hilton Head, SC, Torrence found himself in the Metro Atlanta Area where he met the love of his life. After suing him (“I did try to kill her”), she said “I do”, and they were married in May of 2010. In 2015, he became a father to a beautiful little girl named Charlie, and even though life has thrown curveballs at him, Torrence is standing taller than ever. He is continuing to write this chapter of His life. “I am my ancestors wildest dream!”

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE!

Dr. Molefi Kete Asante is Professor and Chair, in Africology at Temple University.  Asante, often called the most prolific African American scholar, has published 95 books, among the most recent are Being Human Being.  He is considered one of the most quoted living African authors as well as one of the most distinguished thinkers in the African world. He has been recognized as one of the 10 most widely cited African scholars. Asante has been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in education. He was made a king in Ghana, a professor extraordinarius in South Africa. His works are translated in Russian, French, Spanish, Swahili, and Portuguese. Quote from Asante: "Attach yourself to your own historical experiences and you will become a genius." 

Check out the video interview HERE

 Jean-Pierre Brice, more affectionately known as "Uncle P" in his Chester, PA community, carries a story of transformation that mirrors the very essence of human resilience and hope. His journey began amidst the vibrant hustle of Brooklyn, New York, on the 22nd of December in 1979, but his narrative quickly relocated to the close-knit streets of Chester, where the roots of his family tree would deepen and where he would eventually find his true calling.

The early chapters of Uncle P's life were marked by poignant loss. The passing of his father, Jean-Pierre, in 1992, was a profound blow to the family, leaving young Uncle P and his then four-year-old sister, Arielle-Marie, in a world suddenly bereft of paternal guidance. The fabric of his life would endure further rending with the loss of his Uncle Lamont A. Givens Esq. in 2002, a man whose wisdom and teachings instilled in Uncle P a strong sense of integrity and the stoic code, "If you choose this life, you keep your mouth shut." These words would later echo in the halls of his memory, serving as a somber reminder during his most challenging times.

As if the tapestry of his life hadn't been tested enough, the death of his guiding light, his grandmother Delia Johnson, in 2005, cast a long shadow over his spirit. Yet, it was the memory of her unwavering strength and the enduring love of his mother, Deborah J. Brice, that would eventually lead him toward the light. Supported by his Aunt Bernadette Givens and his god sister, Kenya Isaac—both pillars of strength and wisdom in their own right—Uncle P began to piece back together the fragments of his once shattered world.

In 2007, Uncle P found himself within the daunting walls of SCI Dallas, a place that would challenge him to his core but also serve as a crucible for change. It was there, amidst the quiet introspection and the solitude of his cell, that Uncle P decided his past would not define his future. With the memory of his father's and uncle's lessons whispering to him, he resolved to forge a new legacy—one of positivity, resilience, and community upliftment.

Emerging from SCI Dallas imbued with a newfound determination, Uncle P sought the healing power of therapy in 2016. It was a pivotal year that marked the beginning of his rebirth and a journey toward inner peace. Therapy unlocked the shackles of his inner sixteen-year-old, the boy who had never fully grieved his father's death, and freed the man ready to embrace his second chance.

In 2017, with the clarity and passion of a man reborn, Uncle P launched CMPRadio.Net, an internet radio station that would become a beacon of unity and hope in Chester. This venture was more than a business; it was the embodiment of Uncle P's desire to give back to the community that had seen him through his darkest hours. His subsequent professional endeavors—as a Community Resource Manager at the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and a Community Program Manager at PA Humanities—were not mere titles but were manifestations of his commitment to serve, to empower, and to bridge gaps within his community.

The role of fatherhood took on a new meaning for Uncle P as he raised his seven children—Taylor, Pilar, Jean-Pierre II, Zaria, Jurnie, Janai, and Jordyn—with the intention to pass down the values and lessons that his father, uncle, grandmother, and mother had instilled in him. He became a living testament to the virtues of community, resilience, and the enduring power of a positive outlook.

Today, Uncle P stands as a symbol of hope in Chester, his life a rich narrative that continues to inspire and encourage. His story, from the challenges of Brooklyn to the triumphs in Chester, from the reflective solitude of SCI Dallas to the bustling airwaves of CMPRadio.Net, serves as a powerful testament to the fact that life's trials do not define us; rather, it is how we respond to them that shapes our legacy. It's a story that Uncle P proudly shares, a story that resonates with the beats of perseverance, love, and an unwavering commitment to others—a story that assures us all that it is never too late to change the narrative and make a difference in the world.

Watch the interview video HERE

Dr. Owen Brown, Jr. @TheOwenValentine @TheVocalScientist Is a renowned expert on Vocal performance, technique, health, maintenance, and injury treatment. He has worked with a whose who of celebrity performers including Teddy Pendergrass, Mary J Blige, Chic, EWF and many others. He is also the inventor of the SMT formula and has been responsible for saving many careers with his innovative approach to Vocal injury treatment.

He is also a Naturopath, Herbalist, Enzyme and Nutrition Educator and Martial Artist. Dr. Brown combines Naturopathic training, Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, the Martial Arts and Eastern medicine and philosophy with a natural sensitivity to the human condition. Dr Brown seeks to first "ask the right questions to get you the right answers".

Under the name Owen Valentine, this London born Vocalist/Violinist/Multi-Instrumentalist has been touring major venues around the World, since the late 80’s. His Performances are marked with Scat Vocals, Bluesy Violin , and Musical Shape Shifting on dozens of Instruments.

Owen Valentine’s wide musical palate includes elements of Jazz, Soul, and World Music. His extensive performance background includes soloist work with Sun Ra, Gil Scott Heron, George Duke, Teena Marie, Stanley Jordan, Parliament-Funkadelic, Jason Samuels Smith and Kamasi Washington. 

Watch the interview video HERE

Cameron Mitchell is a photographer and multimedia producer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in event, wedding, corporate, editorial, and sports photography with an emphasis on creative portraiture. He is also an award-winning short film producer and contributor, and has taught photography master classes as a guest professor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

He brings exceptional knowledge and enthusiasm to every project with a style consisting of unique and energetic imagery. A client-friendly, service-oriented business, he is committed to delivering promised results and capturing each project with versatile visual style. He has produced content for clients such as Nike, Lululemon, New Balance, NATAS Southeast Emmys, Slutty Vegan, The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, The Atlanta Hawks, The Atlanta Braves, and many more.

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Donald Robinson is a GRAMMY-nominated record producer/ songwriter/ keyboardist who loves helping indie artists about the music business,  both on the creative and business -side. Donald says: “I am a God fearing man who understands is purpose in life. To use my God given gifts to bless people through the music He has given me.” Donald works with artists in the genre of Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. A cancer survivor, he has 3 beautiful children and 4 certified Gold Records.

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Marlowe Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and attended St. Athanasius Catholic School from K-8 grades. He is a proud graduate of Central High School in Philadelphia (250).  After High School, he continued his education at Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with an Emphasis in Finance.  After starting his professional career, he earned a MBA in Management from Penn State. He is currently a Senior Legislative Specialist with the PECO Governmental Affairs team and has worked for the company for the last 11 years with numerous specialized roles and increasing responsibilities.  Prior to PECO, he worked for other Fortune 500 companies including Mobil, ExxonMobil, Sunoco, BP Castrol and Kellogg’s in a variety of positions.

He is a community leader as a member of his hometown of Delran Township, NJ for the last 18 years.  He is an elected Councilmember for Delran Township, NJ for the past year and previously served for 8 years on the Delran Zoning Board and has contributed as an Assistant Coach for his son’s Delran Athletic Association teams.  

Marlowe is passionate about mentoring young people. He assists them in discovering their gifts, their purpose, setting goals, milestones and executing a plan to propel them towards future success.  He puts his passion to work by being a leader as a Big Brother to two different Little Brothers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization (Julian & Jamir).  He won the Exelon 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award where Big Brothers Big Sisters was awarded $5,000 based upon his dedication to mentoring. 

In addition, Marlowe is a Youth Leader at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Edgewater Park, NJ, is a volunteer mentor for the Young Men of Destiny at Restoration Station Church in Edgewater Park, NJ and successfully leads a college seminar designed to provide high school students and parents with the college preparation process.  

Marlowe is a devoted husband to his wife Andrea of 20 years and has two children (Maya 18 and Aaron 14) who are in college and high school respectively. Marlowe enjoys politics, reading, sports, traveling and spending time with his family.

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Kyle Hobson, also known as Kyle the Jukebox, is a multifaceted professional, creative, and an active alumni of Morehouse College. A proud product of New York, Kyle has built himself as a multifaceted artist, being a musician, writer, journalist and poet while remaining to work in his community. Morehouse developed his poetic ability and opportunities. He was able to participate in various performance opportunities while  serving with Next Great American Poet on campus, performing for entities such as Killer Mike, Vince Carter, the Atlanta Hawks and performing on shared staged with poets like Common. During his time in Atlanta, he has involved himself in many working parts of the music industry, in the areas of talent management, managing singer Kaylan Arnold, live production, music consulting, experiential marketing, and creative strategy. However, his true passion is art. As a poet, photographer, and artist manager, Kyle the Jukebox looks to creative spaces for likeminded creatives to freely explore and pursue their passions through the means of collaboration, community, and creativity, while creating and maintaining their sense of individuality. Kyle simply believes “In everything you do, make it art.”

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Dr. William C. Luff or “Doc”is an enthusiastic leader, educator, professional counselor, consultant and lecturer. William has enjoyed a 35 year career in the events industry working as an entrepreneur, production manager, audio engineer, lighting designer, and operations manager. He has had the great fortune of lighting and mic'ing three seated Presidents of the United States. William has been an influential production and technological force in major motion pictures, television, and theater, honing his craft in sound, lighting, photography, videography, staging, and management. William owns and operates a psychology practice, an audio/visual company, an artist management group, and is an adjunct Professor at Rowan University and Lancaster Bible College.

Watch the interview video HERE