Previous Classes
2021 Inductees
Dr. Barbara Gaba
Dr. Barbara Gaba was appointed the ninth president of Atlantic Cape Community College in January 2017, becoming the first female and first African American president …
Dr. Jacqueline Dougé
Jacqueline Dougé, MD, MPH, FAAP is a pediatrician, speaker and writer. Dr. Dougé holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School …
Dr. Michael David Whitt
Dr. Michael D. Whitt is currently instructing in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. His academic …
Dr. Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede
Dr. Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, is a professor of global affairs and politics. In addition to being a Professor, she is a policy advisor, author, entrepreneur, global speaker, and …
Julienne R. Cherry
Julienne is a results-driven nonprofit director with over 20 years of experience developing innovative programs. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of her …
Matthew Barry Johnson Ph.D.
Matthew Barry Johnson is well known as scholar, activist, and expert witness. He is an associate professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal …
Maurice Russell Grey
Maurice Russell Grey lives by the credo, “to whom much has been given, much is expected”. It’s a motto passed down to him through his …
Natasha L. Hemmings
Natasha L. Hemmings, MPA, is the Chief Executive Officer for the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey and is the first African-American women in the …
Otis Rolley III
Otis Rolley III is the Senior Vice President, U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative (US EEO) at The Rockefeller Foundation. Otis leads The Rockefeller Foundation’s …
Shawna V. Hudson, Ph.D.
Dr. Shawna V. Hudson is a medical sociologist who has committed her career to conducting community-engaged, health equity-focused research and cultivating trusted community partnerships. A …
2020 Inductees
Anton L. Lender
Anton L. Lendor is a partner at DeCotiis and involved in the firm’s redevelopment, land use, commercial real estate, and municipal law practice areas. Mr. …
Dr. Beverly Lynn
Dr. Beverly Lynn was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Programs for Parents, Inc. in January 2008. Programs for Parents (PfP) …
Dr. Claudia V. Schrader
Dr. Claudia V. Schrader took the helm as president of Kingsborough Community College (KCC) of The City University of New York (CUNY) in September 2018. …
Dr. Leah Hollis
Leah P. Hollis, Ed.D., Associate Professor at Morgan State is a noted national and international expert on workplace bullying. Her most recent book, The Coercive …
Dr. Teri E. Lassiter
Dr. Teri E. Lassiter is the Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion and an Assistant Professor at the Rutgers University School of Public Health. She …
Frank B. Hundley
A native of Ewing, NJ, Frank B. Hundley has been involved with Rutgers for the past four decades. Upon arrival On the Banks as a freshman in 1982, Frank fell passionately in …
Julius W. Robinson Jr.
Julius W. Robinson Jr. is an extremely talented and successful executive with nearly three decades of experience in sales, marketing, operations, revenue strategy, and brand …
Marshall Jones III
Since 2002, Professor Jones has taught Theater to the next generation of theater artist at his alma mater – Rutgers University. He has 35 years of producing theater and live entertainment experience …
Vesta Godwin Clark
Vesta Godwin Clark is the Executive Director of St. James Social Service Corporation (SJSSC) located in Newark, New Jersey. She has served in the position since 1999 …
2019 Inductees
Denniston Bonadie
Live it, not language it nor languish in it. do so Eagerly and energeticallyalways giving with a Glad and generous heart,Accountable, affirming through our actionsfor …
Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps
Dr. Linda J. Caldwell Epps has been a leader dedicated to public service. She is President and CEO of 1804 Consultants, an organization dedicated to …
Eugene Armstead
Eugene E “Gene” Armstead, Jr. is the current President of the New Jersey Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogy Society (AAHGS-NJ). As a Co-chairperson …
Honorable Dana Redd
Dana Redd is a graduate of Rutgers: The State University – Camden Campus with a B.S. degree in Business Studies. She earned a Master of …
Jerome L. Harris
Jerry Harris is a graduate of Rutgers College (1969, BA Sociology) and the Rutgers Graduate School (1972 MS Urban Planning). Since graduation he has had …
Judge Gregory Sleet
Gregory M. Sleet, a native of New York City, is a graduate of Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia and Rutgers University School of Law at Camden, …
Judge Victoria Pratt
“An idea to transform criminal justice: caring. Hope all courts can learn from this brilliant judge.” — Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Driven. Innovative. …
Paul Leroy Robeson
Ms. Susan Robeson, granddaughter and Executive Director of the Paul Robeson Foundation Paul Robeson was a famous African-American athlete, singer, actor, and advocate for the …
Vaughn L. McKoy
Vaughn is well known in New York and New Jersey for his 25 years of leadership of corporations, communities, and people. His experience spans federal …
2018 Inductees
Brenda Hopper
Brenda B. Hopper is the Chief Executive Officer/ State Director of the New Jersey Small …
Carolyn V. Chang
Carolyn V. Chang is an exceptional attorney who practices family law in Burlington County New …
Dr. Kendell R. Sprott
Dr. Kendell R. Sprott is the chief executive officer of the Matheny Medical and Educational …
Racheal Ankrah-Fosu
Racheal Ankrah-Fosu has moved the New York Stock Exchange from measuring trading critical applications in …
Regina Belle
Her songs are anthems and her singing captivates! Grammy Award winner Regina Belle is an …
Rev. Derrick Green
Reverend Derrick L. Green, a native of New Jersey earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers …
Richard Roper
Richard W. Roper, a public policy consultant, retired in 2010 as director of the Planning …
Valerie Anderson
Valerie L. Anderson is the Executive Director of the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College (AADC), …
2017 Inductees
Inez Phillips Durham
“We must remember that service is the rent we pay for living.” (Antonia Novello) A …
Kathryn Finney
Kathryn Finney is the founder and Managing Director of DIDTECHNOLOGY/digitalundivided (DID), a groundbreaking social enterprise …
Kendall Hall (“Keepers of the Legacy” Medal)
As an all-volunteer organization, our most cherished assets are our people. This award represents the …
Mildred C. Crump
Mildred C. Crump was sworn in as Newark’s first African-American Councilwoman on July 1, 1994 …
Shawn Austin
Shawn Austin has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry in leadership, management, …
Thomas Ashley
Generous of his time, wise, and with a career’s worth of accomplishments, Thomas Ashley has …
Vickie Donaldson
Vickie Donaldson is a product of the Civil Rights front lines. At age 14, growing …
2016 Inductees
Dr. Nyeema Watson
Dr. Nyeema C. Watson is the Associate Chancellor for Civic Engagement at Rutgers University-Camden where …
Frank McClellan
Frank M. McClellan is Emeritus Professor of Law of the Beasley School of Law of …
M. Wilma Harris
M. Wilma Harris, the only child of the late Gladys and William Harris, was born …
Marty Gillis
Margaret A Gillis, affectionately known as Marty, graduated from Delsea Regional High School in Franklinville, …
Michele Meyer-Shipp
Michele C. Meyer-Shipp joined KPMG LLP as Principal and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer in …
Olivier Quinn
As Senior Counselor at Taft and Partners, Oliver Quinn advises clients on compliance and ethics, …
Veronica A. Bethel
As an all-volunteer organization, our most cherished assets are our people. This inaugural award represents …
2015 Inductees
Anthony Culpepper, Jr.
For over thirty years Anthony C. Culpepper Jr. has served as a Mentor, Community Leader, …
Bill Davis
William Davis Jr., more popularly known as Bill Davis and also affectionately called Brother Black, …
Dr. Robert Curvin
Bob Curvin is a civil rights leader and world-renowned expert on urban politics, economic development …
Lisa “Sister Souljah” Williamson
Born in the Bronx, New York and raised in the projects, Souljah is a fighter …
Senator Ronald Rice, Sr.
Senator Ronald L. Rice, who is one of the senior ranking Senators in the state …
2014 Inductees
Deborah Walker McCall
Deborah Walker McCall is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the Academic Foundations Center …
Dr. Eve Remsen Sachs
Dr. Eve Remsen Sachs – When Opportunity Knocks, First Say a Prayer and Then Just …
Emmet Dennis, Jr.
Mr. Dennis was appointed Chief Marketing Officer and partner of Sundial Brands in September 2007. …
Frederick L. Tyson, PhD.
Frederick L. Tyson is the son of the late Rev. A.D. Tyson, Jr. and the …
James I. Plummer
For almost thirty years, James I. Plummer, as an administrator, director, counselor,and friend was known …
2013 Inductees
Dr. Diane Hill
Dr. Diane Hill is Assistant Chancellor at Rutgers University-Newark. She has been a member of …
Jennifer Jones Austin, Esq.
Jennifer Jones Austin is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Federation of …
Justice Cheri Beasley
In December 2012, Justice Cheri Beasley received an appointment from Governor Beverly Perdue to serve …
Justice Michael Shipp
Judge Michael A. Shipp was appointed to the federal bench as a United States District …
Wayne Abbott
Mr. Abbott graduated from Hightstown HS in 1986. He was part of the National Honors …
2012 Inductees
C. Maxene Vaughters-Summey
C. Maxene Vaughters-Summey has been associated with the Rutgers community since 1966 and has been …
Dr. Don N. Harris
Dr. Don N. Harris, is a proud 1951 graduate of Lincoln University, where he currently …
Khai Harley
Entering his sixth season with the Saints and 13th in the NFL, Director of Football …
Rev. Ernestine Winfrey
As an inspirational guiding force, Mrs. Ernestine Winfrey fosters a therapeutic and loving community at …
Rev. Tiffany Williams
The Rev. Tiffany Williams is fulfilling her calling as a minister, lawyer and philanthropist, believing …
2011 Inductees
Dr. Leon Green
Dr. Leon Green is the Associate Chief of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences for Psychology …
Evelyn Sermons Field
Evelyn S. Field is a native of Somerville, New Jersey and a graduate of its …
Jacqueline Young
Dr. Jacqueline A. Young has been an educator for more than 30 years. She received …
Judith Aidoo
Judith Aidoo is Chief Executive of Caswell Capital Partners, LLC, (“Caswell”), a New York based …
2010 Inductees
Brian Crockett
Throughout the course of his varied and accomplished almost three decades in business and institutional advancement, Brian S. Crockett has approached each challenge and every …
Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa
Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa is an entrepreneur, inventor, technologist and educator. He invented the Universal Search Operating System software (Search OS) and is currently working on …
Nina Moseley
Nina Moseley is the Senior Director of the Division of Minority and Women Business Development in the New Jersey Department of Treasury. Under her leadership, …
Rev. Dr. Fred N. Clark
Honorary Life Member: Former Dean of Student Affairs, Faculty member, student advocate and advisor
Rey Ramsey
Rey Ramsey is President and Chief Executive Officer of TechNet. TechNet is the preeminent bipartisan political network of Chief Executive Officers and Senior Executives of …
Senator Nia H. Hill
Nia H. Gill began her career in government and law over 20 year ago – first, as a Legislative Aide to the late Senator Wynona …
2009 Inductees
Beverlyn Grisson
Although Beverlyn grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, she frequently traveled via plane to see her father in Atlanta. It was from the prism …
Dr. Allison Frazier Jackson
When Olivia Cox-Phil searched the world for 10 outstanding women to model for career and motherhood, in her book, For Our Daughters: How Outstanding Women …
Dr. Leroy Hones, Jr.
Born in Baltimore, MD in 1954 to the parents of LeRoy & Dorothy Hines, LeRoy Jr. was the third child born, of what was to …
Raquel Bristol, Esq
Raquel Y. Bristol, Esq. is a 1992 graduate of Rutgers College and a 1997 graduate of Rutgers Newark Law School, where she received her Bachelor …
2008 Inductees
C. Regan Almonor
Counselor Almonor is a man of many converging paths: Professor, Lawyer, Writer, Speaker, Legislative Advocate, …
Dr. Francine Essien
Dr. Francine B. Essien received her B.A. degree from Temple University and her Ph.D. in …
Dr. Jeffrey Robinson
Jeffrey A. Robinson is a business scholar, an entrepreneur and an advocate for community economic …
Dr. Joyce Harley Wilson
Joyce Harley is an attorney specializing in community development, economic development, and public policy initiatives. …
Dr. Kamal Khan
Dr. Kamal Khan is the Director of Success in the Sciences (SIS)/Project Beck; a Rutgers …
Dr. Lois Green
Lois V. Greene is currently the Assistant Vice President of Oncology/Hematology Services for the Cathedral …
Dr. Terry Whitt Bailey
Dr. Terry Whitt Bailey is admired as a community activist, arts administrator and advocate for …
Lawrence Hibbert
Lawrence M. Hibbert is a dedicated and impassioned leader, entrepreneur, and community servant who seeks …
2007 Inductees
Cheryl Washington
Cheryl Washington is a television and radio personality, magazine columnist, public speaker, media coach, voice-over …
Colonel Janmichael Graine
Colonel Janmichael S. Graine is a 1980 distinguished military graduate of Rutgers University. He received …
Dr. Walter Gilbert Alexander, II
The first black man to graduate from the College of Engineering in 1943, Walter Gilbert …
Wally Torian
Wally Torian is currently the assistant dean for Student Development for the Educational Opportunity Fund …
2006 Inductees
Cheryl Wilson
Cheryl F. Wilson is the Director of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and …
Dallas Grundy
Dallas A. Grundy is a leader and a teacher of individuals, and teams. A champion …
Dr. Leroy Darkes
Dr. Leroy S. Darkes is a native of Atlantic City, NJ and is a second-generation …
Dr. Robert Atkins
Dr. Robert Atkins is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, Rutgers University where …
Dr. Treena Livingston Arinzeh
Dr. Treena Livingston Arinzeh is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at New Jersey Institute …
2005 Inductees
Alfred A. Edmond, Jr.
Alfred Edmond is a Senior Vice President and the Editor-in-Chief of Black Enterprise …
Denniston Bonadie
Mr. Denniston Bonadie is Co-Founder and Vice-President for Program Development of the Global …
Dr. Ilene Rosen
Director of the Office of Student Development – School of Engineering Honorary Lifetime …
Dr. Leonard Bethel
Dr. Leonard L. Bethel is a professor in the Africana Studies Department who …
Dr. Olubayi Olubayi
Dr. Olubayi Olubayi is an associate professor of microbiology and the chair of …
Dr. Randal Pinkett
Dr. Randal Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, scholar, community servant and …
2004 Inductees
Alonzo Adams
Alonzo Adams is a critically acclaimed artist whose work has been featured in solo …
Arrigo Rogers
During his tenure at Rutgers College as a student and a professional, the late …
Dr. Clement Price
The Late Dr. Clement Price is a professor of history in the African-American Studies …
Dr. Ivan Van Sertima
The Late Dr. Ivan Van Sertima is an author, literary critic, anthropologist and linguist …
Dr. Prosper Godonoo
Dr. Godonoo is the Director of the Paul Robeson Center, located on the Rutgers …
Jennifer Lewis
Network television journalist, motivational speaker and author Jennifer Lewis-Hall has built an exceptional career …
Marcia Brown, Esq.
Marcia Wilson Brown has over 25 years of leadership and community service experience in …
William Payne
Assemblyman William Payne (29th Legislative District) began his professional career as an Essex County …