America’s Next Great Voice for Justice

Acknowledged by PresidenAcknowledged by President Barack H. Obama as a National Emerging Leader, and the 2010 recipient of the “Nation’s Best Advocate” award by the National Bar Association and IMPACT, Christopher M. Chestnut, Esq. is America’s next great voice for legal justice. Mr. Chestnut, a native of Gainesville, Florida and graduate of Florida State University and University of Florida Levine College of Law, served on the Florida finance team for then presidential candidate Obama, which helped lead to a convincing victory in the battleground state. One of the most accomplished young attorneys in the country; he founded the Chestnut Firm, with the motto “Justice Because You Deserve It.” Simply stated by Mr. Chestnut, “We help people when they need help the most”.

In four years, the Chestnut Firm has grown to a multi-million dollar law firm, with three Florida locations, and a staff of 18. Although Mr. Chestnut prefers serving individual clients who have been seriously injured or are victims of wrongful death, the firm most recently participated in an $800 million class action against big tobacco and presently represents clients throughout the country in a multi-million dollar lawsuit for Avandia, a drug that caused heart attacks and death to diabetics (predominately African Americans). m’s legal presence nationally by giving a voice to those perceived to be silenced. He has embarked upon a journey to bring a higher standard to the legal profession by focusing on professional, ethical, and successful representation. More than an attorney, Mr. Chestnut is a proven leader. He is actively involved in several philanthropic efforts. The Chestnut Firm supports Pop Warner Youth Football, several high schools, community youth interests, March of Dimes, Children’s Home Society, and hosts an annual Thanksgiving event to provide food for families in need.

While at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Mr. Chestnut served as Vice President of the American Trial Lawyers Association (now the American Association for Justice), a competitor on the University of Florida Trial Team, and a member of the John Marshall Bar Association. During his second year in law school, he formed a real estate holding firm that transforms drug houses into livable houses for working families. He served as the National Chair for the National Black Law Students Association during his last year in law school, and was the first person from the University of Florida elected to serve as Chair to the prestigious organization. As Chair, he lead a capital fundraising campaign of over $100,000, generated over $250,000 in revenue, hosted NBLSA’s inaugural Congressional Black Caucus Reception, and increased its membership by 25% to well over 3,000 members.

While at The Florida State University, Mr. Chestnut served as President of the Student Senate, Vice Basileus of Omega Psi Phi, and a member of the W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society. As a college student, he was an avid volunteer and was honored as a Community Service Scholar for his volunteerism in America Reads, Habitat 4 Humanity, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Club, and tutoring at risk youth in the community. Mr. Chestnut was also a legislative lobbying intern with Public Private Partnership, a firm in Florida that has since relocated to Washington, DC. He also served as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Intern and worked in the office of Congresswoman Corrine Brown.

As a speaker, Mr. Chestnut educates hundreds of individuals and professional organizations on the ever-changing legal climate and inspires the nation’s young people about the importance of social responsibility and following their dreams. He is regularly featured as a legal expert for AOL Black Voices and the choice of many on whom to call when a major case has arisen. He serves as General Counsel for the Florida Morticians Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Justice Association.

Mr. Chestnut has clerked for a Circuit Court Judge in the Criminal Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit, the law firm of Morgan and Morgan, and with famed litigator Willie Gary. Mr. Chestnut had the rare experience of participating in multi-million dollar civil trials with his mentor, Mr. Gary, and with his mentor’s encouragement at the age of 26, formed the Chestnut Law Firm, LLC, which is a civil litigation firm based in Florida.

The People’s Doc

Dr. Alduan Tartt is a devoted father, professional speaker, teen and parenting expert, relationship expert for women, author and a positive psychologist. He has successfully worked with well over one thousand clients in the Georgia, California, and Michigan. He is a graduate of both Morehouse College and the University of Michigan where he was one of the youngest African-Americans to receive his PhD in Clinical Psychology. He currently maintains a popular positive psychology practice in Decatur, GA and speaks all over the country motivating teens, parents, and women towards empowerment and better relationships.

He has served on the Board of Directors for the 100 Black Men of DeKalb and Aid to Children of Imprisoned Mothers- now Forever Family. Dr. Tartt is also an associate member of the National Speakers Association of Georgia as well as Toastmasters International. He is a frequent contributor to Essence, Black Enterprise, Heart and Soul, Upscale and AfroWorld Magazines and has appeared on MTV, TVOne, and BET as a relationship expert, psychologist, and empowerment coach. He is also author of The RING FORMULA: How to Meet, Date, & Marry MR. RIGHT.

Dr. Tartt is very excited about being one of the leading pioneers promoting healthy dating relationships for teen girls and women from a male perspective. Dr. Tartt looks forward to empowering so many young girls and women by being that strong fatherly figure so many women need to realize their God-given beauty and power.

The Artistic Butterfly

Having evolved into a versatile talent with diverse interests and business savvy, Jai Jones has spent her life pursuing her passion for the Arts. Using surmountable approach to success, Jai is clearly defined by her focused attitude, inherent work ethic, and her undying commitment to positive change. With a unique ability to merge artistic and analytical skills, Jai has balanced multiple careers ranging from dance extraordinaire to business entrepreneur. At present, Jai is the Senior Artistic Director of AREA- Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment & Arts; a renowned choreographer for television, commercial, and stage; and an active philanthropist, educating young people in the Arts.

Celebrating over two decades of serving the Atlanta arts community, Jai is forging a legacy and trademark of excellence in having launched one of Atlanta’s leading metropolitan studios, AREA, in August 2009. AREA not only yields the same emphasis on technical dance that has given Jai her current notoriety, but features a broad variety of sophisticated arts and entertainment offerings, including an on-site recording studio complex. A multi-disciplinary performing arts center housed in a contemporary 7,500 square foot facility in Midtown Atlanta, AREA is a comprehensive resource and incubator for arts and entertainment novices and professionals. From dance, to music, and drama; to artist development, music production and recording, Jai has found a unique niche to cultivate technically-trained professional artists and talent who will impact change in the industry and beyond. Jai remains creatively inspired by those who aided in cultivating her talents in all facets of dance, including: Karen Brown (Dance Theater of Harlem), Sara Yarborough (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Stephanie Dabney (Dance Theatre of Harlem), Patricia Bromley (School of American Ballet), and Allyne D. Gartrell (The Atlanta Dance Connection).

Jai is regularly tapped by corporations, organizations, pageants and celebrities to provide dance instruction and choreography around metropolitan Atlanta and throughout the United States. Jai’s accomplishments have stretched from being a noted dancer to some of the industry’s greatest artists, from the late Curtis Mayfield to Kanye West, to choreography for prestigious organizations such as the Atlanta Aquarium to the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team. She is a fitness and Dancercise instructor, servicing all Kaiser Permanente Medical Group locations in Georgia; 2009 Miss Clark Atlanta University Scholarship Pageant; 2008-09 Clark Atlanta University Homecoming Coronation; ‘Dave Hollister’ (recording artist) of Black Street tour; Musical Stage Play: Soul Kittens Cabaret; the 2003 NBA All-Star Game activities; and the Atlanta and DeKalb County’s school systems

A dynamic professional dancer, Jai has invigorated and impacted audiences around the world. Utilizing her innate ability for dance and performing, Jai has performed for Comcast Media commercials on HGTV, MTV, and TLC; the 2007 Hyundai Car Dealers & Investors Annual Convention; 2006 & 2007 BET Awards; Black MBA Awards; NFL Super Bowl XXXIV Half-Time Show; NAACP Image Awards; Roy Jones, Jr. HBO Boxing Special; Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker and Midsummer Nights Dream”; Ballethnic’s “Urban Nutcracker”; and the 1996 Olympic Opening & Closing Ceremonies.

As a 2001 magna cum laude graduate of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) with a BS in Business Administration/ Marketing, Jai attended CAU on a full honors institutional scholarship and was crowned 1st attendant to Miss CAU for the 2000-2001 year. Closest to her heart are opportunities to act as the Artistic Director and choreographer for prestigious pageants including Miss Black USA, Miss GA Teen, and Miss Fulton County. Recently, Jai was named official choreographer for her alma mater, CAU.

Understanding the imperative nature of philanthropy, Jai has founded The Creative Spark Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts educational organization, aims to inspire and spark creativity in youth through awareness, enrichment and an appreciation of the Arts. The Creative Spark wishes to focus on inspiring children and young adults to use their talents to the utmost of their abilities; mold future leaders and achievers to position themselves as pioneers in the 21st century; and challenge and motivate these future leaders to persevere until they attain their goals.

Brand Enhancer

Raoul Davis is CEO and Chairman of Ascendant Strategy Group (ASG) and its vertical, 4th Dimension Management, both designed for CEO branding and management to increase visibility for executive clientele in a global marketplace.  Respectfully recognized by colleagues and clients as the Brand Enhancer, Raoul founded ASG in 2004, and has developed a reputation for effectively setting CEO’s and their companies apart from their competitors.

Early in life, Raoul became very conscious of his journey to his career aspirations.  A Long Island, New York native, he completed his undergraduate degree at Winston-Salem University, and obtained his masters degree in Public Administration at one of the top ranking schools in public policy, the prestigious University of Delaware School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy.  During his matriculation through college, he was a key player in the community, and played active roles in Student Government.  An overachiever, Raoul secured an internship with Speakers, Etc., and rose to top sales person within a 6-month period.

Raoul’s professional potential was realized during his internship, as he was instrumental in garnering an entirely new line of business for the company in the college market by the end of his first year.  His years of experience have aided in him carving out a unique niche in helping clients create integrated brands that position them to be global leaders.

A dominating force in Raoul’s life is his dedication to incrementally growing his company and helping those in need.  He serves on several socially-conscious boards, including the Board of Directors of Life In Christ Cathedral of Faith, The Urban Literacy Project, and volunteers for the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. 

Raoul also supports American Breast Cancer and Firefighter initiatives.  Espousing the teachings of John the Baptist, Raoul’s legacy lies in his model of leadership – preparing the way for others.

Style Philanthropist

Alex Ellis is redefining the meaning of style.  An author, speaker, custom clothier, mentor, and gentleman of integrity and distinction, Ellis is turning heads across the nation through his well-dressed stature and inspirational words.  Honored with the distinguished 40-Under-Forty award from the Network Journal this year, Ellis is heralding a powerful message on image from the inside out.

In every role of leadership, this native of New Jersey proves to be one of this era’s leading men.  A man of conviction, Ellis accepts his responsibility of social impartation, fervently taking a hands-on approach with his campaign, “Tied to Greatness”, a national outreach program targeting the image of inner city high school males. This 11-city tour is an innovative approach that is making headlines across the country, as Ellis has called men of color to join forces to take action by teaching young men the power of image, and how to convey their inner and outer personalities with a sense of strong character, pride and dignity.  He has emerged not only as a non-traditional role model for the next generation, but also a leader who calls men to action.  A voice for each generation, he also inspires men as Chaplain for the Police and Fire Department in the city of New Brunswick.

Ellis completed his formal education by receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree at North Carolina A & T State University and Masters Degree of Theological Studies at Rutgers University. A strong advocate for “maintaining the posture of a student”, Ellis fervently believes, “We are always in a process of refinement, especially in the school of life.”

Nationally-recognized as an inspirational speaker, Ellis passionately delivers a fresh perspective that stimulates human potential; a lesson he shares from his own personal testimony of overcoming a battle with self esteem. In addition to his personal experience, several years of research and experience have distinguished him as an authority on image coaching from the inside out, which he hopes to inspire wholesome sophistication in others. He travels the extensively sharing this message of promise to anyone aspiring to defy mediocrity.

Ellis shows no sign of slowing down, as it is apparent in his passionate drive to revive the impeccable fashion chic of the Renaissance man.  He also wears an entrepreneurial hat as CEO of Simply Ellis LLC, a custom clothing company that specializes in fine custom suits, shirts, Italian neckwear, and exquisite cuff links, while celebrating the unique style of every client he services.

Ellis aims to restore the pride of men in his 2007 African American Literary Award-winning book, Restoring the Male Image…A Look From the Inside Out. While exploring the blend of character, style, and sophistication in the image of a man, Ellis introduces the reader to a powerful acronym by exploring a series of qualities to help men identify and understand their I.M.A.G.E.: I=Integrity; M=Manhood; A=Authority; G=Generosity; E= Excellence.  This book provokes men to take a deeper look both inside and out to determine whether their expression is a reflection of their authentic self. 

Ellis is a member of The Berkeley College Fashion Advisory Board, The Custom Tailors and Designers Association of America (CTDA), 100 Black Men of America, and National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP).

Equation for Life

Omar Tyree, a New York Times best-selling author, 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published 16 books and sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide, generating more than $30 million. With a degree in print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is an informed and passionate speaker on a variety of community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.

Tyree is an admired speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee of the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.”  The success of the speeches over the past 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the premiere business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success is being released this year. 

As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter, entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990’s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.

His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20’s, by launching the book publishing company Mar Productions to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project, a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking, visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.

Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and other prominent publications.