CONFERENCE SPEAKERS                                                                                              

Dr. Shawn Ginwright

Shawn A. Ginwright is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies at San Francisco State University and author. A nationally renowned expert in youth development, youth activism and youth engagement, In 2004, he joined the faculty at San Francisco State University where he works with students, parents, schools and community-based organizations and local, state and national offices on urban youth related issues. His research examines the ways in which youth in urban communities navigate through the constraints of poverty and struggle to create equality and justice in their schools. Ginwright has also been noted for his studies in hip hop academics.

Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe

Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe is founder and current Executive Director of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) Organization----a national organization with over 250 chapters in 40 states that endeavors to instill a “spirit of care” in, and enhance the experiences of, African American and Latino males in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities. Before transitioning to his current position with SAAB, Dr. Bledsoe served as Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at the University of Toledo.

He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Mississippi State University, and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Affairs Administration with an emphasis in Counseling Psychology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Bledsoe’s academic and professional prowess is underscored by his recognition as Outstanding Doctoral Student in the State of Georgia, and more recently, his honor as Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus by the University of Georgia.

Dr. Bledsoe is a contributing author to the book African American Men in College, and his scholarly contributions were further solidified through his appearances on several talk shows to include Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s talk show, “Perfect Union”, where he discussed issues pertaining to African American and Latino males. Further, his expertise was requested for an international research team that addressed issues affecting men of color in Europe. In 1999, he was invited to serve as guest lecturer at the Oxford University Roundtable Institute in Oxford, England to discuss his work with the latter. Dr. Bledsoe is highly recognized by several professional associations for his research, publications, presentations, and scholarly work. Because of his many contributions to Student Affairs in higher education, his membership with the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) led to his being distinguished as a Diamond Honoree. The University System of Georgia recently awarded him with the “Impact Award” for his contributions to the State of Georgia. He was recently featured by Black Scholar.

Dr. Bledsoe was born and reared in Grenada, Mississippi. He currently resides in Toledo, Ohio. He is a distinguished member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc and the Rotary Club of Reynolds Corners. The thousands who have heard him speak have deemed him one of the most gifted and dynamic motivational speakers in the country. He is very spiritual; thought-provoking as a charismatic leader and lecturer, but most importantly, he is the father to 25-year old Tyrone, Jr.

William Allen Young

Young rose from an inner-city housing project to become an award-winning actor, inspirational teacher, national orator, and humanitarian. His illustrious acting career includes starring roles in the Academy Award-nominated film, A Soldiers Story, Women of Brewster Place, The Atlanta Child Murders, Simple Justice, Sins, Lock Up, and In the Belly of the Beast, and the award-winning Lifetime series Any Day Now. Millions of viewers still recognize him as Frank Mitchell, the tough-but-loving father, on the hit TV show, Moesha, or as Chief Judge Ratner on CSI: Miami. William has received critical praise for his stage performances in New York and L.A., and he has performed abroad in London, France, Italy, Austria, Sri Lanka, Russia and Africa. His latest film project, District 9, filmed on location in South Africa, was released in August 2009. He also guest starred on the 6th season of Sister, Sister

Young was born in Washington, D.C. but grew up in South Central, L.A., during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. One of seven children, he was inspired by his mother, a high-school drop out who worked as a maid before going back to school at night to get her diploma and a nursing license which led to a distinguished 20-year career in the medical profession.

He is a distinguished USC graduate and former #1 College Speaker in the Nation for two consecutive years when he led the Trojan Debate Squad to a National Championship. He holds a Masters degree in Sociolinguistics, a Bachelors degree in Rhetoric & Debate, and has lectured at major colleges and universities nationwide.

As Founder/President of the non-profit Young Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment, Mr. Young works to inspire a new generation of ethical leaders, critical thinkers and engaged citizens to create solutions to the challenges facing our schools, our communities, and our nation.

DeVon Franklin

DeVon Franklin is a rarity: an African-American studio executive at the forefront of Hollywood. He currently serves as Vice President of Production for Columbia Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment where he oversaw the remake of one of the summer's biggest hits, The Karate Kid, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, which grossed over $350 million worldwide. He also worked on The Pursuit of Happyness and Hancock starring Will Smith, the faith-based hit Not Easily Broken, produced by Bishop T. D. Jakes and the upcoming romantic comedy, Jumping the Broom starring Angela Bassett and Paula Patton.

He was formerly a studio executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and got his start as an intern for Will Smith and James Lasstier. In addition to his entertainment industry pursuits, DeVon is also a preacher and motivational speaker. He will become a published author when Simon & Schuster releases his first book entitled, Produced By Faith, in May of 2011. It's a how-to-guide about pursuing your career without compromising your faith. He's appeared on CNN, Fox-11 Morning News and featured in Essence Magazine, LA Focus and IAE Magazine.

He was recently named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 35 executives under 35 and one of the top 10 industry impact players by the NAACP. He sits on the board of Film Independent and American Black Film Festival. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.A degree in Business Administration and a minor in Cinema-Television. He's from the San Francisco Bay Area and lives in Los Angeles.