We salute the men listed in our annual list of INFLUENITAL BROTHA’S not only for the exceptional in work in their related fields but also for their commitment to uplifting of our people and community.
Zantino Kimmons – Entrepreneurer
Zantino M. Kimmons has established himself as one of the music industry’s brightest rising stars as an accounting professional, ministry administrator and music executive who started his own production, marketing and management company One Voice Media. He has now added philanthropist with the founding of Ester’s Place Foundation. The foundation is a place of LOVE, HEALING, & UNDERSTANDING and education to the African American community regarding Ovarian Cancer also known as the “whispering disease.” It’s very important that we make our communities aware of the signs and symptoms that currently bring harm to the women we love and cherish. Don’t let this disease catch you off guard.
Robb Armstrong – Creator of JUMPSTART
Created 1989, JumpStart details the life of Joe and Marcy Cobb and their family in Philadelphia, where Armstrong was born and raised. In the strip, the father, Joe, is a policeman who is presented here alongside his much older white partner, who is struggling to relate to Joe. Joe’s response to his partner’s question embodies the optimistic spirit of JumpStart.
At just three years old, Armstrong became inspired by the work of cartoonist Charles Shulz; the values presented in Schulz’s long-running comic strip Peanuts are reflected in Armstrong’s work. In a 1991 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Armstrong explained, “Joe and Marcy Cobb represent the behavior of black people. I avoid any negative stereotypes. The characters are black, but they have universal appeal. Human behavior is human behavior. I key in on humorous things people do day to day that people recognize and laugh at—mundane things funny to everybody.”
JumpStart is syndicated in more than 400 newspapers.
B. Chase Williams – Musician / Artist
B. Chase Williams and Shabach are among the nation’s most notable choirs. The Atlanta-based league of singers and musicians has delivered melodic anthems and soul-stirring contemporary Gospel hit songs for thirty years. Choirmaster and founder B. Chase Williams calls himself a true “choir head,” and he has trained and mentored his singers into atmosphere changers who desire to build community, fellowship, and a passion for worship. Dedicating himself to Gospel choir music for over three decades, B. Chase Williams has established himself as one of the nation’s most notable choirmasters.
From their debut hit album TAKE A TRIP (1995), which landed and stayed on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for multiple weeks, to their recent viral hit single “The Birthday Anthem,” B. Chase and Shabach are one of the most consistent and pristine choirs, who have a playful personality but are serious about saving souls.
Williams started the ministry of ShaBach, a group of remarkable, anointed, skilled, and unique singers who love God but had faced some of the same issues he had in times past. He began to see that God not only had him here for His purpose but also for the purpose of others so that they would reach their destinies.
B. Chase Williams and Shabach currently have a top 40 Gospel radio single, “POWER OF GOD,” written by Jason Clayborn. “Power Of God” is a dynamic choir anthem that immerses the listener in praise and the confidence of God’s promises. B. Chase vocally leads the song and activates an uplifting and praise-driven atmosphere for listeners. The single is from their album CHASing THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Williams continues to advocate and promote the genre to ensure that it remains a thriving element of music beyond its sacred foundations. He has grown his gifts of singing, directing choirs, and playing the piano to being an award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, playwright, and director of stage plays. He is an extraordinary creative visionary. For the Cincinnati, OH native, B. Chase Williams, choir music will always be the foundation of his faith which he unapologetically shares through his music ministry and award-winning choir SHABACH.
Jemar Tisby – Author / Historian
Tisby is a Christian historian, podcast host, author and speaker whose goal is to propel Black Christians forward. He is passionate about bearing history with contemporary relevance by pursuing racial justice solutions and cultural conversations.
Jemar Tisby also founded The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, a multimedia platform about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also the co-host of the Pass The Mic podcast and has spoken nation-wide at conferences. In addition to his books, The Color of Compromise—a New York Times bestseller—and the upcoming How to fight Racism, his writing has been featured in the Washington Post, CNN, and The Atlantic.
His current book: The Spirit of Justice reveals the stories of the people who fought against racism and agitated for justice—and what we can learn from their example, their suffering, their methods, and their hope.
How is it that people still work for change after continuously seeing the worst of humanity and experiencing the most demoralizing setbacks? What keeps them going? It is that spirit of justice that rises up “like a war horse,” as Myrlie Evers-Williams famously said. It is a sense in the hearts of people who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Rufas Johnson – Educator / Recording Artist
Nationally acclaimed artist Rufus Johnson is a Stellar-nominated singer-songwriter whose infectious tone and melodies are reminiscent of Soul and R&B crooners of the past. Rufus is also a multi-talented musician, vocal arranger and producer. In 2014, He joined Gospel group “G.I.” and co-wrote and sang on two top 20 Billboard singles, “Pray and Don’t Worry” and “I’m Ready,” as well as the well-received full-length album “Winning.” In 2020, Rufus remerged as a solo artist with the smash single “Thank You.” With hard hitting drums and funk rhythms, it harkens to the emotion-driven sounds of quartet gospel groups of the 1950’s. His current hit single is entitled “So Good”.
Johnson is also an elementary music teacher and along with is his wife founded KR Scholars. Both proud HBCU graduates who experienced the transformative power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities firsthand. Amidst the pandemic and following the George Floyd tragedy that swept the nation, Rufus and Kristen were moved by a shared mission: to promote positive change within their sphere of influence. Initially driven by their personal commitment to philanthropy, they set out to make a difference with their own resources. In 2021, the foundation formally evolved into a nonprofit, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of their remarkable journey. Since 2020 the organization has grown exponentially, awarding over $50,000 in scholarships to over 20 HBCU students.
The foundation’s focus extends beyond scholarship support, by also emphasizing financial literacy and workforce readiness for HBCU students. Looking ahead, they aspire to guide high school students in their transition to HBCUs through their innovative program, “The HBCU Bridge.” As our mission and impact continues to thrive, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating the future of higher education at HBCUs.