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.
Stephen Chandler – Pastor, Union Church
Stephen Chandler Is the senior pastor of Union church based in Maryland. Since 2011, Union Church has grown from a group of fifty to thousand of people in weekly attendance, with tens of thousands joining live online every week. Stephen’s obsession with people systems and culture resulted in Union Church, being named the fastest growing church in America by outreach magazine. assault after international speaker, he is unapologetic about helping leaders, maximize their God-given passion.
He is the author of the best selling book stop waiting for permission, Harness, your gifts, find your purpose, and Unleash your personal genius.
Jemar Tisby – Writer / Historian
Dynamic, significant, and prophetic, Jemar Tisby is a public historian with the ability to explore racial justice solutions and cultural conversations that compel listeners to action. Tisby is the founder of The Witness, Inc. and a Professor of History at Simmons College of Kentucky. He is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church’s Complicity in Racism. He is also the author of How to Fight Racism, which won the 2022 ECPA Christian Book Award for Faith & Culture and is an Editor’s Pick for “Best Nonfiction” on Amazon. His latest book, How to Fight Racism Young Reader’s Edition: A Guide to Standing Up for Racial Justice, was published in January 2022. In addition, Tisby is a co-host of the Pass The Mic podcast, and writes the Footnotes Substack newsletter, and helps audiences across mediums become lifelong advocates for racial justice.
Tisby received his PhD in History at the University of Mississippi studying race, religion, and social movements in the twentieth century, and in his sought-after engagements he brings history to bear with contemporary relevance. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New York Times, among others. He is a frequent commentator on outlets such as NPR and CNN’s New Day program. Tisby provides audiences with richly-informed explorations, unflinching moral insight, and clear paths forward to meaningful conversation and action for more anti-racist workplaces and communities.
Jalen Smith – Mayor of Earle, AK
Jaylen Smith a native of Earle Arkansas for 19 years is the newly elected Mayor of the city of Earle, AR. elected in December 2022. Prior to becoming mayor, Smith served as President of Earle High School’s Student Government Association; class president; a member of career and technical student organization Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, and acted as President of Student Voice.
He is currently known and globally recognized as the youngest African American mayor in the history of the United States Government and this momentous achievement has opened doors for appearances on the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Towanna Murphy Show, and the Roland Martin’s show, amongst others.
Mayor Jaylen Smith lives in Earle, AR where he is surrounded by the love, respect, and support of his family and a team of governmental colleagues. Faith and focus are priorities for Mayor Smith therefore he believes that individuals are always young enough to want to make a difference in their communities and looks forward to working on building a better chapter for Earle during his term.
Timothy Bowman Jr. – Worship Leader
Timothy Bowman Jr. Is an American Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award-nominated gospel artist. Bowman, born in Detroit, is the son of the famous jazz guitarist Tim Bowman and the nephew of gospel recording artist Vickie Winans. Bowman started his music career in 2012 with the release of Beautiful by Trippin’ N’ Rhythm Records. The power of Tim’s music resonates with truth and radical believers. Through God’s divine timing and an official ordination, Tim and his wife, Brelyn, we’re honored to be ordained Pastors at Spirit of Faith Church under the leadership of Dr. Mike and Dee Freeman. Tim brings an exciting energy to every church, every stage, and every recording studio no matter the occasion.
His current release “Welcome to Faith City” has been described a unique worship moment. With songs that are solemn, introspective, and celebratory tribute to the encompassing joy received from a relationship with Christ.
Howard Clay – Screenwriter/ Director/ Producer
Howard J. Clay, Jr. is an award-winning Screenwriter and up and coming Film and TV Director. Writing is truly his passion.
After experiencing success in his field in 2006, his screenwriting career was delayed until 2018, but he never gave up nor became discouraged. During those 12 years, Howard has lived an amazing and interesting life which provided him with a variety of experiences that fueled his passion for storytelling and film. “The best storytellers are the people who have lived and I’ve truly lived.” Before pursuing screenwriting professionally, Howard was the Founder and Publisher of a very successful, nationally distributed magazine.“B.O.S.S. Magazine” was the premier educational and entrepreneurial resource magazine for minority young adults and became a catalyst for Howard in pursuing his independent storytelling journey. However, even with great success with his publishing company, Howard felt the film industry calling him. Immediately after signing with a Hollywood agency in 2018, Howard moved to Los Angeles to pursue his film career. He started working in writing rooms for industry executives, developing movie scripts for indie producers, and completing writing assignments sent to him by his agent. To maximize his opportunity, Howard launched Howard Clay Films and decided to write, direct, and produce his first projects – three thriller genre short films: “Laundry Room,” “Bedside Conversation,” and “The Package.” The Package” went on to win several festival awards.
After that success, Howard was ready to film his debut feature. With COVID-19 looming, an ultra-low budget, and a limited crew, Howard persevered and filmed “Mile 19,” a feature thriller/mystery that went on to be the #1 Psychological Indie Film on Amazon Prime in November 2022. Howard teamed with other LA filmmakers and wrote the pilot episode for the sci-fi series, “Anita,” which is currently in pre-production. His portfolio continues to expand as Howard is writing and plans to direct a Christmas feature called, “Melody from Heaven: A Christmas Story” starring Kelly Price as the lead. This film is currently also in pre-production.
