Meet the Panelists

Kasabez Maakmaah has been an avid student and follower of traditional African cultures for over 20 years, mainly through The Earth Center, an organization founded by the priesthood and royalty of the traditional African tribal authorities for the preservation and promotion of their traditions worldwide. He has become a celebrated teacher, lecturer, author, husband, father and apprentice healer. Maakmaah has taken several trips to West Africa since 2007 and has settled there with his family since 2021. Through his experience in the African traditions, he has produced 2 documentaries, performed dozens of public speeches and lectures, written dozens of articles and taught hundreds of classes. He aims to guide Americans and other westerners to seek answers in African culture and values by continuing to spread awareness and leading by example.

Ambassador Reverend Kwame Kamau is an African Reparations Minister and Diplomat who operates as a thought leader in the intersectional and interdisciplinary spheres of Education, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Environmentalism, Empowerment of Communities, Esoterism and Emancipation Advocacy within a signature Ubuntu framework utilizing traditional and indigenous means and methodologies of restorative justice to heal the deep seated wounds of the Pan-African community in particular and the brotherhood of humanity in general. His Excellency has been vocal about addressing the need for Racial Equality, Restorative Justice, Ethno-relevant Education, Comprehensive Health Equity, Organic Agriculture, Pan-African Ubuntu (Humanitarian) Practice and Policy, Decolonizing Christianity, etc., appearing on TV 6 Morning Edition and other local, regional and international mainstream television, radio and print media, as well as social media outlets, since 2004. As a Public Speaker and Community Organizer, Ambassador Kamau has addressed live audiences and made several online appearances to help direct these discussions, as important and relevant as they are at this time, including, his production and hosting of an ongoing internationally supported Webinar Series, “Return To Eden – The African Ubuntu Origins of Humanity”, as well as his co-hosting of Emancipation Support Committee’s weekly radio program, “Indaba” via 91.1fm. Reverend Kamau’s Volunteerism and Community Activism includes his leadership and involvement in International Pan-African Royal and Civil Society think tanks, development & healing associations, schools, cultural, sporting and spiritual organizations and village and community councils. His participation in these varied groupings have been in diverse roles, including: Ambassador, Executive Officer, Public Relations Officer, Research Officer, Education Officer, Secretary and Director.

CEO Founder of African Development Plan. Human Rights Defender focused on Self Determination for the Afro Descendants in the US and Americas. Bio is on website as well as work

DaQuan Lawrence is a Pan African egalitarian and humanitarian, human rights activist, and international affairs young professional. Due to his background in NYC foster homes with his orphaned teenage mother and experience in urban poverty, Lawrence has dedicated his life to serving and advocating for marginalized individuals. Lawrence is also a CoFounder of Strong Men Overcoming Obstacles Through Hard-work (SMOOTH) Inc., a community service, mentoring and development organization for Black males in Baltimore and Philadelphia. Lawrence holds a BA in sociology with minors in philosophy and criminal justice from Morgan State University, a Master of International Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and is currently a doctoral student specializing in African Studies at Howard University.

Sheldon Williams is a visionary futurist dedicated to creating a better world for all humanity. With over 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, as a Chief Warrant Officer he has developed a unique perspective on the challenges facing society today. In 1999, he co-founded and became President of both Edfu Foundation Inc., an NGO with special EcoSoc status in the United Nations, and The Conservancy Corp, organizations that promote social justice, economic equality, and the advancement of human rights. As Co-Chair of the International Working Group for the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Sheldon has worked tirelessly to eliminate systemic racism and promote diversity and inclusion. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Golden Gate Chapter of the Chief Petty Officers Association and as President of the Golden Gate Chapter of the Chief Warrant Officers Association, working to advance the interests of Coast Guard personnel and improve the quality of life for all service members. Sheldon is a skilled project and technology manager, strategic planner, and team builder with extensive experience in public speaking and research. He holds several certifications in non-profit management and fundraising and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Sheldon also runs Afronauts, a futurism collective and blog that showcases diverse characters in speculative fiction and inspires young people to raise their self-esteem. Through his work as a futurist and social justice advocate, Sheldon Williams has made a significant contribution to the advancement of human rights and equality. He has been recognized for his service with multiple awards, including the National NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award and the Society of American Indian Government Employees Meritorious Service Award and the U.S. Coast Guard Voluntary Service Medal. Sheldon is a true visionary and a powerful force for positive change in the world. www.edfufoundation.org

Sherly Fabre is an activist with a background in international  Political-economy, conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue and  communications. She is a representative to the United Nations for the International Fellowship of Reconciliation.  She is part of the communications team for the International Civil Society Working Group for the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, and a board member of the National Council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation USA.

Bio: HRMI Ambassador is one of my titles/roles. As well as GeoAg Global Amb. (no need to mention, here though) Note: edit to this bio, I am the past ED for the Human Rights network mentioned here. I currently serve as Senior Fellow for the Office of HBCU Development & Intl Cooperation, while volunteering as a Co-Lead of the Intl Civil Society Working Group for the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (ICSWG PFPAD). https://humanrightsmeasurement.org/people/dr-vickie-casanova-willis/

Peace Udechukwu identifies herself as Nigerian-American as she was raised in Southern California after her parents migrated from Nigeria to the United States in the early 80s. Peace along with her cousin is the founder of a non-profit organization called PuRe-Unity Inc. PuRe-Unity’s mission is to educate, inspire, and continually expose the African Diaspora to the importance of Mental Health and self-actualization. Redefining mental health and helping people see that one’s mental health is actually the most important aspect of one’s being. Peace is also the CEO of Peaceful Touch of Ankara, a startup business focusing on connecting the identities between Africans and African Americans, through the use of Ankara prints and designs on everyday objects. Peace holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Clinical Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Holding additional titles, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor and ordained Pastor at the CityLight International Assembly. She currently serves as the Director of Leadership Development at the Life Development Center where she develops and facilitates faith-based purpose training and has had the opportunity to facilitate the training in over 15 African nations. She recently began serving as a Social Emotional Learning Specialist with By The Hand Kids Club across four of their sights. She also serves under Amara Enyia with her organization Global Black. She is an Educator, Spoken Word Musical Artist, and soon-to-be author.

NDC-USA CHAPTER DCO