Brown & Gold PAC Advisory Board

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Brother Walter A.H.L. Fields, Jr., Chairman

Bio

A native of New Jersey, for decades he was a visible presence as a journalist and advocate in the New York metropolitan region. He has spent a lifetime advocating in support of Black children and youth, and families. At age thirteen, he became the youngest person appointed to a Board in the history of his hometown. He is the founder of the Black Parents Workshop, Inc., a not-for-profit parents advocacy organization based in South Orange- Maplewood, NJ that championed a landmark federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of Black students in the local school district. He served on the Board of the New Jersey State Conference of the N.A.A.C.P. and was the organization’s political director for six years. In addition, he served on the Board and was Vice President for Programs with the New Jersey Public Policy Research Institute, the state’s Black public policy think tank. He also served on the Boards of the Bergen County Urban League, Bergen County NAACP, and the Bergen County Human Relations Commission.

As the principal of a public affairs consultancy in Trenton New Jersey, Walter represented a diverse roster of clients in the public and private sectors, and political community. For many years he was the only independently registered Black lobbyist in the state capital and the first to have an office on Lobbyist Row, across from the State House. He has consulted on projects in Japan, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Botswana, and Swaziland.

Walter previously served as Director of Public Affairs for the New York Trial Lawyers Association, and Vice President for Government Relations for the Community Service Society (CSS) in New York City. During his tenure at CSS, he established the New York Reentry Roundtable for formerly incarcerated persons and organized the first Reentry Advocacy Day in Albany, the state capital of New York. He also coordinated a monthly public policy luncheon for congressional staff in the United States Capitol and produced a televised New York city mayoral campaign debate focused on the needs of the poor. He also collaborated with Congressman Charles Rangel, then Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, to create a disconnected youth tax credit aimed at employing out of school and out of work youth signed into law by President Barack Obama.

He is the Co-Chairperson of the Advisory Council of Strong Schools Maryland, a statewide education equity advocacy organization. In addition, he serves on the Board of Child First Authority, a not-for-profit organization that sponsors in- school and out-of-school programming at twelve Baltimore City community schools. In the past, Walter was a Member of the Prince George's County (MD) Board of Education, appointed by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, and served as the Chair of the Policy and Governance Committee.

His background also includes work and experience in every medium of journalism – daily press, magazines, radio, television, and Internet news. He has received awards from the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalism, Garden State Association of Black Journalists, and the New York City Deadline Club for his writing and editorial work. He was hired by NBC News as an original political contributor on the MSNBC Cable News Channel and for MSNBC.com, contributor to National Public Radio (NPR), news anchor on WRKS “KISS-FM” in New York City, creator of the NorthStarNews.com website, Contributing Editor to New Jersey Reporter Magazine, Advisory Board Member to the PBS program The Fred Friendly Seminars, and Publisher of City Limits Magazine in New York City. Walter Fields has also been a strong advocate for diversity in media and accountability in reporting.

Walter Fields holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Morgan State University, a Master of Public Administration degree with a specialization in public policy analyses and a professional certificate in not-for-profit management from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University, where he was a Patricia Roberts Harris Fellow, recipient of the Dean’s Award and has been recognized as an Outstanding Alumni. He also received a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the City University of New York Graduate Center as an inaugural National Science Foundation Fellow. Walter is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Applied Sociology and Social Justice in the School of Graduate Studies at Morgan State University.

Brother Wisdom Cole, Co-Vice Chair

Bio

Brother Jersey McClendon, Co-Vice Chair

Bio

Brother David Boyd, Communications Specialist

Bio

David T. Boyd is the Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Admissions in the Honors College at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he is responsible for the leadership and oversight of enrollment, recruitment, admissions, and yield activities for the Honors College and special admissions programs. 

A native of Chicago’s South Side, David has worked in higher education for nearly 19 years for the City University of New York (CUNY), Purdue University Northwest, Chicago State University and UIC.

David earned a BA in English from SUNY Empire State University, an MFA in Creative Writing from the City College of New York and an MA in Urban Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.

Presently, David is finishing his PhD in Educational Leadership, concentrating in

Higher Education Administration, at DePaul University. He completed his coursework in June of 2021 and anticipates his doctoral defense will be completed by Spring of 2025.

David became a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated during the Fall of 2013. He entered the “BRO” Chapter (Beta Rho Omega - Long Island, NY) with his ship, Jeff Wright, on “I.S.S.M.O.K.E.” After returning to his hometown of Chicago in 2018, he became a member of Beta Sigma Omega Chapter (Evanston, IL).

Since becoming a Brother, David has served the fraternity in various capacities, including Chapter Secretary, Vice-Polaris and Polaris. He also served during the Manson-Housen Administration as the National Director of Communications, led an undergraduate training seminar at the 2016 IOTA Leadership Conference and was

twice named chapter delegate during National Conclave business meetings.

Brother Dwayne Dixon

Bio

Dwayne Dixon is a seasoned Technology Executive with over 25 years of corporate experience in digital transformation and financial services. He has held key leadership roles at globally recognized companies such as IBM and Xerox and currently serves as Financial Services Executive Director at Microsoft, where he helps Fortune 500 clients adopt AI-powered solutions to drive innovation and business growth. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to foster meaningful relationships, Mr. Dixon has a proven track record of delivering value in highly competitive markets.

In addition to his corporate career, He is a Licensed and Ordained Baptist minister (National Baptist Convention, USA). He serves bi-vocationally as an Associate Minister at Progressive Baptist Church in St. Paul, MN, where he leads the technology ministry. He is also an active member of the National Clergy Council of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., contributing to the spiritual guidance and development of its membership.

Brother Dixon’s leadership extends into several esteemed organizations is a Life Member of both Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and a dedicated member of 100 Black Men of America. He is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Omicron Boule). His passion for mentorship and community service underscores his commitment to empowering others.

Brother Dixon holds a B.S. degree from Southern Illinois University and is an M.A. candidate at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, where he continues to deepen his theological understanding.

Brother Michael Frisby

Bio

Brother Frisby, an award-winning journalist, is primarily recognized as a media strategist. His expertise extends to counseling clients on marketing, crisis communications, media affairs, political strategy, messaging, litigation communications, and minority outreach. 

In 2003, Brother Frisby started his firm, Frisby & Associates, after spending four years at Porter Novelli Washington as a Senior Vice President and Director of the Public Strategies & Outreach Practice. For multiple years, Mr. Frisby represented the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust. Today, the firm’s clients include the National Collaborative for Health Equity, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, STEM Global Action, and Vital Strategies.   

Brother Frisby led a PR campaign resulting in a significant public affairs victory for the power wheelchair industry, saving companies $1 billion a year after CMS limited Medicare coverage of power wheelchairs.  He orchestrated a barrage of media coverage focusing on victims of the new policy, including in the New York Times, Denver Post, and Cleveland Plain Dealer. In March 2004, after the backlash, CMS rescinded the restrictive policy.

His journalism career spanned 22 distinguished years.  He was the White House Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal for six years. He also covered four presidential campaigns, Congress, and the White House. He covered state and federal courts, health, and local school systems. His insights have been featured on Face the Nation, Meet the Press, Inside Politics, and numerous other TV shows. 

In 1998, Brother Frisby was honored with the Aldo Beckman Memorial Award from the White House Correspondents Association, one of the top journalism honors in the country. This award recognized his outstanding coverage of the presidency, a testament to his journalistic excellence. 

Brotjher Frisby graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, where he pledged to Iota Phi Theta. 

Brother Zemira Jones

Bio

Zemira Jones is a distinguished media executive and business strategist with decades of experience driving growth and innovation for top-tier organizations. As the President/General Manager for ABC/Disney/ESPN Chicago and Vice President of Operations for Radio One, he led transformative efforts that expanded market share and operational success. His contributions earned him recognition as one of the "8 Best Managers in Radio" by Radio Ink Magazine and nominations for "News Talk Executive of the Year" and "General Manager of the Year" by Radio & Records Magazine.

A key milestone in his career was spearheading the launch of ESPN Radio’s 24/7 network for Disney, which now reaches over 300 markets. Zemira’s expertise extends beyond broadcasting; he has provided executive consulting to CEOs worldwide and advised global leaders for the U.S. Information Agency across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Committed to service and leadership, Zemira has served on boards spanning commerce, healthcare, journalism, philanthropy, and entertainment. Notably, he was a member of the Board of Directors for Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s media company, YMF Media LLC. Zemira specializes in helping business owners achieve exponential growth by managing and marketing their reputation. His approach transforms teams into high-performing, results-driven organizations that eliminate inefficiencies and boost the bottom line.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business from the University of Maryland. Zemira’s skill set includes expertise in corporate management, traditional and digital media, sales and advertising, leadership, public policy, and advocacy.

For more information,  contact zemira@zemirajones.com.

Brother Keenan Saulter

Bio

 “An apology for someone’s negligence or misconduct is not justice.”

For relentless Personal Injury and Civil Rights Trial Attorney Keenan J. Saulter, justice is served when his clients are rightfully compensated and the likelihood of the wrongdoing happening to another is decreased. 

At Saulter Law P.C., each case is not only an opportunity to obtain justice for clients, but is treated as an opportunity to stop cycles, open eyes, set new standards, and contribute to the greater fight against injustice running rampant in our country. Clients get more than a competent and compassionate attorney when they hire Keenan. Clients have a tactical advocate fighting for them who is renowned for his commanding courtroom presence and ability to make the truth undeniably plain and obvious to Juries.

Keenan gets results for his clients and is aggressive when it comes to holding negligent people accountable for the injuries they cause. Keenan has obtained more than $15 Million for his clients, and he has successfully tried several cases to verdict.

In 2018, Keenan was recognized for obtaining one of the Top 50 Jury Verdicts in the State of Illinois, and the 6th largest Civil Rights Verdict. In 2022, Keenan (led his team at Saulter Law P.C.) to obtain one of the largest Civil Rights Settlements in the State of Illinois in the amount of $2.9 Million. This Settlement was also featured in Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s 2022 Settlement Survey which examines the top reported settlements and verdicts.  

This year’s rankings are based on 393 Illinois settlements of $500,000 or more—Saulter Law P.C.’s $2.9 Million Settlement ranked number 57 on this list, which is filled with many of Chicago’s preeminent personal injury law firms.

With more than 20 years of trial experience and consistent results, Keenan has proven to be a tireless and compassionate advocate for Justice, often continues to be a major threat to police departments, insurance companies, hospitals, and negligent corporations and individuals.

Keenan has handled cases throughout the state of Illinois and has successfully tried and resolved cases in multiple states including California, Texas, and Mississippi.

Brother Esset Tate 

Bio

Brother Tate is a seasoned public servant with over 30 years of experience at the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), where he has excelled in economic research, strategic planning, process improvement, policy development, and operations anagement across both Headquarters and Field Office components.

He notably developed a strategic marketing and outreach plan for the U.S. Small Business  Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program, which supports socially and economically  disadvantaged small businesses.

A passionate advocate for equal opportunity, Brother Tate served as National Chairperson of SSA’s Black Affairs Advisory Council, promoting equal employment and access to SSA programs within African American communities. He effectively directed over 40 nationwide chapters across all 10 SSA regions.

In addition to his SSA contributions, Brother Tate has held leadership roles in Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., serving as Polaris (president) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, he is a national officer responsible for program management and compliance, overseeing more than $1 million in grant funding over three years for National Council of Negro Women and National Council on Aging initiatives. He also serves as Vice-President of the One Iota Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity.

Brother Tate earned his B.S. and M.A. degrees in Economics from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he also pledged Iota Phi Theta.