Iris Mack
Corporate Secretary
Ms. Mack was born and raised in The Bronx, New York City. She has been a resident of
Richmond, Virginia since 1995. She is a mother of 3 wonderful children and an aspiring writer of
poetry and urban literature, and has been writing since the 2nd grade where her first piece was
published in one of the Bronx elementary school newsletters. She also has to her credit, a
children's book; 4 novels; a short film (which she is anxious to see it on the big screen) and a
book of poems that she's written to reflect some of her many experiences. She saids, "Living in
New York for 35 years helped educate me more than if I had traveled the globe for the same
amount of time.” I thank God and the NYC public school system for giving me the thirst and the
love for the written word. There are stories of survival of the heart, associated with people of
strength and substance, and I am thriving to tell some of them through my writings." Ms. Mack is
a co-founder of United Voices for a Common Cause.
Corporate Secretary
Ms. Mack was born and raised in The Bronx, New York City. She has been a resident of
Richmond, Virginia since 1995. She is a mother of 3 wonderful children and an aspiring writer of
poetry and urban literature, and has been writing since the 2nd grade where her first piece was
published in one of the Bronx elementary school newsletters. She also has to her credit, a
children's book; 4 novels; a short film (which she is anxious to see it on the big screen) and a
book of poems that she's written to reflect some of her many experiences. She saids, "Living in
New York for 35 years helped educate me more than if I had traveled the globe for the same
amount of time.” I thank God and the NYC public school system for giving me the thirst and the
love for the written word. There are stories of survival of the heart, associated with people of
strength and substance, and I am thriving to tell some of them through my writings." Ms. Mack is
a co-founder of United Voices for a Common Cause.
James M. Lisbon
Board Member
Mr. Lisbon is Founder, Publisher & CEO of the New
York based AMAG, Inc. Awareness Magazine who
is very active in community affairs and serves as a
mentor for the youth in his community.
Board Member
Mr. Lisbon is Founder, Publisher & CEO of the New
York based AMAG, Inc. Awareness Magazine who
is very active in community affairs and serves as a
mentor for the youth in his community.
Ronald Shirley
First Vice Chairman
Ron Shirley is a Six Sigma Project Manager, of the Xerox Corporation's Pacific Region. He
has a BA degree from the University of California, Irvine and and a MBA from National
University, San Diego. He is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt-The George Group/Xerox
Corporation. Ron's background includes previous held positions as:
Ron is very active in community affairs, he is an Usher at the Abundant Living Family Church,
belongs to Los Angeles Black Employees Association, Pride Development Council a
Motivational Speaker - Vision To Reality, Inc. and is involved with DMX - Distinguished Man of
Excellance.
Ron says his passion has been and will continue to be for Justice... African American people
specifically and for people of color worldwide. And that it is critical that we as human beings
focus on real issues that continue to reduce the quality of life (i.e. racism, discrimination, hate
and limited hope) for all people!
First Vice Chairman
Ron Shirley is a Six Sigma Project Manager, of the Xerox Corporation's Pacific Region. He
has a BA degree from the University of California, Irvine and and a MBA from National
University, San Diego. He is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt-The George Group/Xerox
Corporation. Ron's background includes previous held positions as:
- Human Resources Manager – Southern California / Las Vegas Region
- Training & Development Manager - Southern California / Las Vegas Region
- Staffing Manager / Recruiter - Los Angeles Region
- Internal Control Specialist - Western Region
- Customer Service Manager- Western Region
- Major Accounts Manager- Western Region
Ron is very active in community affairs, he is an Usher at the Abundant Living Family Church,
belongs to Los Angeles Black Employees Association, Pride Development Council a
Motivational Speaker - Vision To Reality, Inc. and is involved with DMX - Distinguished Man of
Excellance.
Ron says his passion has been and will continue to be for Justice... African American people
specifically and for people of color worldwide. And that it is critical that we as human beings
focus on real issues that continue to reduce the quality of life (i.e. racism, discrimination, hate
and limited hope) for all people!
Lorenzo Gray
Second Vice Chairman
Mr. Gray was born and raised in North Philly (Philadelphia Pennsylvania) graduating
from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1977. From 1977 to 1978 he attended OIC
(Opportunities Industrialization Center) founded by a Philadelphia black man the Rev.
Leon Sullivan; 1978 to 1980 attended Thaddeus Stevens State School of Technology
in Lancaster Pa. Lorenzo stopped using the "N" word in 1979 after he noticed that
Blacks at Thaddeus Stevens would use the "N" word, but not in front of white people,
and to him it seemed that Blacks were respecting white people but not themselves,
so he decided to stop using the "N" word entirely at the age of 19. Lorenzo then
moved to Dallas, TX September of 1980 where he enrolled into a trade school ATI
(American Trades Institute). November of 1992, he dedicated his life to contributing to
the well being and betterment of Black people liken the way that people dedicate their
lives to serving the lord. As of March 11, 2007, Lorenzo will have been with the U.S.
Postal Service as a BEM (Building Equipment Mechanic) primarily
heating,air/conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing work, for 18 years. He claims
both North and the South as his home.
Second Vice Chairman
Mr. Gray was born and raised in North Philly (Philadelphia Pennsylvania) graduating
from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1977. From 1977 to 1978 he attended OIC
(Opportunities Industrialization Center) founded by a Philadelphia black man the Rev.
Leon Sullivan; 1978 to 1980 attended Thaddeus Stevens State School of Technology
in Lancaster Pa. Lorenzo stopped using the "N" word in 1979 after he noticed that
Blacks at Thaddeus Stevens would use the "N" word, but not in front of white people,
and to him it seemed that Blacks were respecting white people but not themselves,
so he decided to stop using the "N" word entirely at the age of 19. Lorenzo then
moved to Dallas, TX September of 1980 where he enrolled into a trade school ATI
(American Trades Institute). November of 1992, he dedicated his life to contributing to
the well being and betterment of Black people liken the way that people dedicate their
lives to serving the lord. As of March 11, 2007, Lorenzo will have been with the U.S.
Postal Service as a BEM (Building Equipment Mechanic) primarily
heating,air/conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing work, for 18 years. He claims
both North and the South as his home.
Rene Harris
Third Vice Chairman
Ms. Harris is co-founder/researcher of "Ban the N-word" campaign and describes herself as
someone who simply and quickly just got tired and fed up with the passive acceptance, code of
silence, nonchalance, and the there’s-nothing-we-can-do-about-it attitude from way too many
educators, professionals, entertainers, and just your average citizen about the constant use of the N-
word; as a consequence she has been an activist against the use of the word since May 2004 when
she launched her first monthly e-newsletter entitled "Ban the N-word". To this very day without
interruption it is an on-going campaign.
Third Vice Chairman
Ms. Harris is co-founder/researcher of "Ban the N-word" campaign and describes herself as
someone who simply and quickly just got tired and fed up with the passive acceptance, code of
silence, nonchalance, and the there’s-nothing-we-can-do-about-it attitude from way too many
educators, professionals, entertainers, and just your average citizen about the constant use of the N-
word; as a consequence she has been an activist against the use of the word since May 2004 when
she launched her first monthly e-newsletter entitled "Ban the N-word". To this very day without
interruption it is an on-going campaign.
Marques Payne
National Spokesman
Marques (mar-cus) is a 23 year old African American young man currently attending Mercy College in New
York City. He is the current Student Body President of that institution and can always be found traveling
between campuses of the Bronx and Dobbs Ferry, connecting with the students he is charged with leading.
Marques is pursuing his Undergraduate Degree in Literature, Language and Communication. He is an
honor roll student and made the Deans List this previous semester.
The Young Democratic Society was started by Marques in his first year at Mercy and was penned as one of
the best ideals implemented by a student in a long time. Marques has been a participant in the McNairs
Research Scholars program (named after Robert McNair: astronaut) This Winter Marques was selected to
attend the Senators Assistant Program in Albany New York which is in line with his desire to someday
become the President Of the United States. He will be working closely with Senators and lobbyist to gain
experience in what it takes to be a mover and a shaker.
This young man was chosen by the members of the board of UVCC to be the national spokesman due to
his mature stance and heartfelt desire to make a difference in this world. His goal of individual excellence
has transformed those around him to believe there is a chance of communication with the generation that
refuses to be common and negligent in it’s thinking of the future.
National Spokesman
Marques (mar-cus) is a 23 year old African American young man currently attending Mercy College in New
York City. He is the current Student Body President of that institution and can always be found traveling
between campuses of the Bronx and Dobbs Ferry, connecting with the students he is charged with leading.
Marques is pursuing his Undergraduate Degree in Literature, Language and Communication. He is an
honor roll student and made the Deans List this previous semester.
The Young Democratic Society was started by Marques in his first year at Mercy and was penned as one of
the best ideals implemented by a student in a long time. Marques has been a participant in the McNairs
Research Scholars program (named after Robert McNair: astronaut) This Winter Marques was selected to
attend the Senators Assistant Program in Albany New York which is in line with his desire to someday
become the President Of the United States. He will be working closely with Senators and lobbyist to gain
experience in what it takes to be a mover and a shaker.
This young man was chosen by the members of the board of UVCC to be the national spokesman due to
his mature stance and heartfelt desire to make a difference in this world. His goal of individual excellence
has transformed those around him to believe there is a chance of communication with the generation that
refuses to be common and negligent in it’s thinking of the future.
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H. Lewis Smith Founder/CEO
Chairman of the Board
Chairman of the Board
H. Lewis Smith is a retired Marketing & Sales Executive, entrepreneur and author. Lewis was born and raised in Hamilton,
Ohio and after graduating from high school, he enlisted into the Air Force, served an eight-year tour of duty, and was
honorably discharged. In the mid-1960’s, Lewis moved to the Los Angeles-metropolitan area where upon he attended Cal
State Los Angeles College.
A little over 20 years ago, Lewis came to a crossroad in his life: He was diagnosed with cancer. In the doctor's opinion,
Lewis could either have surgery or begin taking medication, which he would have to consume for the rest of his life. Lewis,
who has been a student of metaphysics for a great part of his life, chose to do neither. Instead, he elected to place his fate in
the hands of a higher power. That epochal moment in Lewis’ life positioned him to receive divine cultivation of psychic
(clairsentient), spiritual-healing, and mystic-power abilities.
During his studies of metaphysics, he learned about the power of thoughts and words and the energy that emanates from a
simple word; that prompted him to conduct some research on the word, n**ger. Lewis’ findings were intense. He felt
obligated to share this enlightening information with his black brothers and sisters. Based on research findings and his in-
depth understanding of the power of thoughts and words, Lewis wrote the book, Bury that Sucka: A Scandalous Love Affair
With the N-word.
Ohio and after graduating from high school, he enlisted into the Air Force, served an eight-year tour of duty, and was
honorably discharged. In the mid-1960’s, Lewis moved to the Los Angeles-metropolitan area where upon he attended Cal
State Los Angeles College.
A little over 20 years ago, Lewis came to a crossroad in his life: He was diagnosed with cancer. In the doctor's opinion,
Lewis could either have surgery or begin taking medication, which he would have to consume for the rest of his life. Lewis,
who has been a student of metaphysics for a great part of his life, chose to do neither. Instead, he elected to place his fate in
the hands of a higher power. That epochal moment in Lewis’ life positioned him to receive divine cultivation of psychic
(clairsentient), spiritual-healing, and mystic-power abilities.
During his studies of metaphysics, he learned about the power of thoughts and words and the energy that emanates from a
simple word; that prompted him to conduct some research on the word, n**ger. Lewis’ findings were intense. He felt
obligated to share this enlightening information with his black brothers and sisters. Based on research findings and his in-
depth understanding of the power of thoughts and words, Lewis wrote the book, Bury that Sucka: A Scandalous Love Affair
With the N-word.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Doreen Wade
Board Member
Doreen Wade is Publisher and CEO for New England Informer, newsmagazine in Medford,
MA a suburb of Boston Massachusetts. She has a degree from Burdett College, graphics
degree from New Horizon’s and began her MBA her classes at Harvard University. Doreen
has held various publishing positions, but the one she recognizes the most is as the
Assistant Editor, The Jewish Advocate, Boston, MA. Doreen is one of the first, if not the first
Black woman to hold a position within the Jewish business community.
Doreen is very active in community affairs, designed and implemented a Church Newsletter
at the Union Baptist Church, 15 years of serving on Community and Policing Boards,
throughout Massachusetts, Inspirational speaker at Universities to students throughout New
England, Advocate of Youth in the City Cambridge, MA Motivational Speaker for businesses
throughout Massachusetts.
Doreen believes that people should walk the walk, because to many just talk the talk and as
we can see with the State Of Black America, and use her education, knowledge and more to
make a change for black in America today. Her motto: “…the difference between success
and failure is information.” Is important to her and she feels that spreading information and
opening up doors of knowledge whether in the educational environment or in the everyday
world is the difference between economic wealth and economic ignorance.
Board Member
Doreen Wade is Publisher and CEO for New England Informer, newsmagazine in Medford,
MA a suburb of Boston Massachusetts. She has a degree from Burdett College, graphics
degree from New Horizon’s and began her MBA her classes at Harvard University. Doreen
has held various publishing positions, but the one she recognizes the most is as the
Assistant Editor, The Jewish Advocate, Boston, MA. Doreen is one of the first, if not the first
Black woman to hold a position within the Jewish business community.
Doreen is very active in community affairs, designed and implemented a Church Newsletter
at the Union Baptist Church, 15 years of serving on Community and Policing Boards,
throughout Massachusetts, Inspirational speaker at Universities to students throughout New
England, Advocate of Youth in the City Cambridge, MA Motivational Speaker for businesses
throughout Massachusetts.
Doreen believes that people should walk the walk, because to many just talk the talk and as
we can see with the State Of Black America, and use her education, knowledge and more to
make a change for black in America today. Her motto: “…the difference between success
and failure is information.” Is important to her and she feels that spreading information and
opening up doors of knowledge whether in the educational environment or in the everyday
world is the difference between economic wealth and economic ignorance.
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Harvey Johnson
Board Member
Mr. Johnson was born and raised in Dallas Texas, graduating from South Oak Cliff
High School in 1983. He has been employed with the US Postal Service since
1985, and as of March 2007 he will have been with the Postal Service for 22
years. Harvey is very active in the union (APWU) having served in serveral
positions and is an EEOC, MSFB, TEC and Arbitration representative. He is a
Certified Mediator and is currently seeking the Presidency of the Dallas area Local
APWU...2nd largest Local Union in the United States currently with 3900 members.
Board Member
Mr. Johnson was born and raised in Dallas Texas, graduating from South Oak Cliff
High School in 1983. He has been employed with the US Postal Service since
1985, and as of March 2007 he will have been with the Postal Service for 22
years. Harvey is very active in the union (APWU) having served in serveral
positions and is an EEOC, MSFB, TEC and Arbitration representative. He is a
Certified Mediator and is currently seeking the Presidency of the Dallas area Local
APWU...2nd largest Local Union in the United States currently with 3900 members.