Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee is a group of prominent influencers in Chicago’s African American community committed to using the transformational power of photography to inspire and motivate action for good.
Associate Professor of Urology, Endowed Professor of Health Equity Research, Northwestern Medicine
A proud South Side Chicago native, an African American father, a urologist, and a community-engaged prostate cancer researcher. My work is deeply rooted in reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Black men, and I am committed to ensuring that our stories—our struggles, triumphs, and culture—are seen and valued. This project is an opportunity to share an authentic and beautiful depiction of Black culture in Chicago, one that reflects our resilience, intelligence, creativity, and contributions to the city and beyond. It is important that this narrative not only reaches Black Chicagoans but resonates with all Chicagoans and all Americans, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our community’s impact on the broader cultural landscape.
Founder/CEO, The Right Source, Inc.
A thought leader, a game changer, and a way-maker who stands on the shoulders of amazing ancestors. She launched The Right Source, Inc. in 1989 to contribute her voice and skills to the transformation and support of neglected urban communities. She recognized then and now that leadership development would be an area of focus and a continuing passion. As an organizational development specialist, Deborah enters spaces to nurture peak performance for organizational leaders – emerging and seasoned. She brings her gift of facilitation to support leadership training, coaching, and professional development. Partnering with leadership teams to build organizational fitness, capacity, and social impact is her specialty. Deborah is a graduate of the Gestalt International Organization & Systems Development (IOSD) program where she provided consultation to organization leaders in Budapest, Singapore, Cape Town, SA, and Portugal.
Producer/Composer, Musician
I am a songwriter.
“I am a songwriter, so “words” are important to me. To express the thoughts, or feelings, or emotions, with a canvas to draw a picture with words. But then, I realize that those words, you know, those words, it is oh so easy, it was lost. And now… I have to find it.”
I wrote that on an essay, Lost and Found. In 1999 I had a stroke and now I have Aphasia: Difficulty speaking, understanding, spoken language, reading, or writing; and Apraxia: Difficulty producing speech sounds correctly. But life goes on simply because I have another 50 years plus and I’m living it. — Paul David Wilson
President, Local 110, Projectionist Union; RBS Drone Technologies, Inc.; Chicago Chapter ‘DODO’ Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
I am the President Emeritus, after serving in that capacity for 17 years, of the Projectionist Union, I.A.T.S.E. Local 110. In 2023 I was awarded an honorary Lifetime Gold Membership Card for 50 years of membership in good standing. In February of 2024 I was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the F.A.A. for 50 years of accident-free flying. My passion is being a pilot with an Airline Transport rating, type rated in the DC-9, Flight Engineer on the B-747, Certificated Flight Instructor with Instrument rating, Multi Engine rating, Glider rating and Unmanned Ariel Systems rating. I am presently the President of the Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. and serve as the Chapter's Chief Pilot. As such, I have used my personal aircraft, a Piper Cherokee, to give over 1250 youngsters their introductory flight with the E.A.A. Young Eagles program since 1994. Flying is a joy that I share with youngsters as I give back to our community and with my fellow aviators as I conduct F.A.A. Aviation Safety Seminars in an effort to make our skies safer.
Educator (Retired)
A retired educator and administrator, served as a principal at St. Sabina School and a founding principal of Alain Locke Charter Academy. She later mentored educators across 20+ parochial schools as a Schools Team Consultant for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
With over 36 years in leadership, she held roles with Chicago Public Schools, the University of Chicago, Changing Worlds, the Comer Science and Education Foundation, and the Archdiocese of Chicago.
An entrepreneur, she co-founded CMS Trophies and Plaques, Inc. in 1989. Since 1993, she has been a professional storyteller who shares folk, cultural, and historical narratives.
Patricia remains active in the community, serving on boards, including Xchange Chicago, and is a lifetime National Association of Black Storytellers member.
Director Corporate Relations at the Greater Chicago Food Depository
Deborah Clair has 20 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience. She has worked for a world-famous cultural institution and a Catholic School on the northwest side of Chicago, where she specialized in corporate and foundation fundraising, and grant writing. Ms. Clair has raised more than $10 million dollars over her career. Deborah received her bachelor’s from Columbia College Chicago where she majored in Radio/Television Production. She received her master's in nonprofit management and fundraising and this year she will receive her doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership with a concentration in Nonprofit and Social Entrepreneurship from Governors State University.
Deborah is the Founder and Executive Director of CAMP 1302. Located in Chicago's Englewood community. Camp 1302 has become a vital resource to families by providing academic enhancement and creativity through reading, arts and crafts, field trips, and team sports. Since its founding, Camp 1302 has served more than 400 Campers and will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary this year.
Deborah was born and raised on Chicago's southside and is an advocate for and product of the Chicago Public Schools. She has been married 20 years and has three adult children who were all campers at various residential summer camps.
Senior Education Consultant; Author, A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919
Commissioner, West Side Expanded Mental Health Services, Jazz Entertainer
Affectionately known as Jazz Lady Robin, Robin Watson is a world-class vocalist whose rich, soulful performances have captivated audiences across the U.S., Caribbean, and South America.
A Chicago native and Spelman College graduate in vocal performance, Robin's early career highlights include solo performances at President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration and the United Nations. She then moved on to acclaimed work in musical theatre. Robin has also performed at venues such as Navy Pier, the United Center, and the Peninsula Hotel.
Beyond the stage, Robin is a dynamic Administrative, Training, and Management Specialist with over 30 years of experience developing impactful programs for institutions like Malcolm X College, National Able Network, and Northwestern–US Renal Care. She serves as a Commissioner for the West Side Expanded Mental Health Service Program.
Robin is also the proud mother of three—Dexter, Amber, and Ryan—and continues to inspire through music and service.
CEO & President, CMS Trophies & Plaques, Inc.
Martin W. Redd, a Dunbar Vocational High School graduate, served as an aircraft hydraulics specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Leveraging his electronic training and mechanical drawing skills, he established a thriving manufacturing business, later expanding into the awards industry.
For 36 years, Martin and his wife have owned and operated CMS Trophies & Plaques, Inc., serving Chicago’s South Side from their Woodlawn location and contributing to community stability. He has mentored youth, provided job training, and launched CMS’ first high school internship program in 2024.
Married for 47 years, Martin is a dedicated father, grandfather, and community supporter. He donates to businesses and organizations, is an active member of the Apostolic Church of God and serves on the 4th Sunday Hospitality Team and Brotherhood ministry.
Finance Director and Executive Board Member
I am Trudy Hobfoll, a seasoned financial professional with expertise in finance, accounting, and HR. As the founder of Abra Financial LLC, I help nonprofit organizations with cash management, tax preparation, payroll, benefits, and HR services.
Born and raised in Chicago, I earned a BA in Theater from the University of Illinois and an MBA in Business Management from Webster University, where I also became a CPA.
As a resilient breast cancer survivor, I embrace life by spending time with family, traveling, and riding my beloved scooter.
Operations Manager, Department of Conservation and Experiential Programing, Forest Preserves of Cook County
I am a proud native south side Chicagoan, first generation of the Great Migration from the South to the North. Professionally I am Operations Manager with the Dept of Conservation & Experiential Programming, Forest Preserves of Cook County. I became affiliated with 'Who We Are, National Project' about 6 years ago when I was approached due to my affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America. They were looking to photograph a black Boy Scout troop here in the city. After the photo shoot, I knew I had to be a part of the 'Black Culture in Chicago' project. It is how I am contributing to the telling of OUR story from OUR perspective. I am hopefully that this exhibit will be compelling to ALL.
Owner, Creative Director / Ja Griff Productions
I’m James Griffith, a seasoned Creative Director with a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. I currently live just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with my family. Born in the Bronx and raised in Brooklyn, New York, my creative journey began at the High School of Art and Design in NYC, where I built a strong foundation in fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and advertising.
With over 40 years in the advertising industry, I’ve had the privilege of crafting impactful campaigns for major pharmaceutical and consumer brands, including Jell-O Pudding, Merrill Lynch, Chrysler, Merck, BMS, and Wyeth.
In 2017, I discovered a profound passion for photography, filmmaking, and YouTube—expanding my creative expression beyond traditional advertising.
Growing up in the inner city taught me the power of resilience and the importance of lifting others up. That’s why I believe so strongly in paying it forward—helping others grow in their careers, just as others once helped me.
Bilingual Storyteller, Speech/Language Therapist, Educational Consultant
Being a speech and language pathologist over 40 years ago prompted my infusion of original storytelling and music into my children’s lesson plans. This was done to teach them pride in their own cultures, sorely lacking, especially for all cultures that identified as Black. Performing for schools and universities across the country; for arts festivals and clients, such as Chicago’s DuSable Museum and The Art Institute; and serving as a Founding Co-Chair of Ase: The Chicago Association of Black Storytellers helped me to teach history and the potential of the future through the arts. Pioneering the use of storytelling and music to address matters of DEI in the early 90s, with companies such as Argonne National Laboratories and Inland Steel; providing workshops at national events, such as the National Black Child Development Conference; and providing bilingual storytelling and music in African countries, Mexico, the Caribbean, India and Iraq have helped me to build bridges, to heal wounds and to guide audiences and clients to recognize the natural beauty and genius within them, and the enormous potential in the power of their words.
Diversity & Inclusion Practitioner
I am an accomplished leader with a unique blend of corporate, creative, and community experience. I bring a deep commitment to inclusion, connection, and culture-building in every space I lead. With a background spanning operations, finance, and diversity strategy, I have successfully guided large-scale initiatives that drive engagement, inclusion, and impact across organizations.
I am a lifelong mentor and advocate, passionate about developing others and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Outside of my professional work, I am active in the arts and education communities, serving on nonprofit boards and supporting youth through mentorship. My career reflects a belief in the power of purpose-driven leadership, creativity, and human connection.
CPS Teacher
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, I have always felt a deep calling to serve others—especially the youth. With a master’s degree in early childhood and special education from National Louis University in Chicago, I’ve dedicated my life to empowering young minds and creating inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.
My passion for service extends beyond the classroom. I am an active member of my church, where my son and I serve together, and I proudly contribute to the work of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., a service organization committed to supporting senior citizens and mentoring teens.
Everyone has a story worth telling. While our paths may differ, each carries wisdom and experiences that can inspire and uplift others. This belief fuels my dedication to education, community, and connection.
WGN Photographer and Editor
Following a decades long career as a news photographer in both Detroit and Chicago, I shuttered my lens in December of 2024 and retired.
Throughout the years I’ve covered stories that have shaped history. It’s funny, but as you go through these moments while rolling your camera, you have no way of knowing what an indelible mark the events will have oj your life and the world.
From following Nelson Mandela’s visit to America in the 90’s to being one of the myriad photojournalists to capture the inauguration of the country’s first Black president in 2009, you ultimately reflect on your life and how important and downright amazing its been to be a part of social change.
Although my job as a photojournalist over these years has been to present the world through an unbiased lens, I can’t help realizing how lucky I’ve been. To whom much is given, much is expected. I’ve been committed to teaching youngsters about past events that have shaped our history, particularly those of African Americans, through a different perspective.
