NWAG Friends

Dr. Brenda W. Cloud—Educator and Philanthropist Dr. Brenda W. Cloud; The Educator and Philanthropist. Dr. Cloud is an active Atlantan . She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Elementary Education at Spelman College. She went on to Atlanta University where she obtained her Master’s of Arts Degree in Learning Disability (1979) and a Doctorate in Administrative Leadership (1990). For Dr. Cloud, education is not a job or even a mere profession, it is a calling! She has spent much of her adult life in the classroom working with the youth and the learning disabled of the Atlanta Metropolitan community When she is not teaching them directly, she is empowering teachers, parents and community leaders through though workshops and presentations. Most importantly, Dr. Cloud loves Africa and especially Nigeria. Like her husband Wayne said, mention Nigeria and she will drop everything and say let’s go. Dr. cloud spent the summer of 1994 as an adjunct professor at the University of Uyo. She is also the former Board Chair for Africa’s children’s Fund, an organization based her in Atlanta Georgia. She is always looking for avenues through which she can be of help to Nigeria and Nigerians. She has found one in NWAG!!

Mrs. Monica Pearson –TV Anchor, WSB-TV, Channel 2 Ms. Monica Pearson anchors Channel 2 Action News at 5 and 6 and 11 pm Monday through Friday. She joined WSB-TV in August of 1975. She graduated from the University of Lousville and was a reporter with the Lousville Times for four years. She worked in public relations for Brown –Forman Distillers before joining WHAS-TV in Lousville as a reporter and anchor for two years. Monica Pearson has always been a supporter of the African and Nigerian communities here in Atlanta. She has taken time from her busy schedule on numerous occasions to attend many African events. She has visited many parts of Africa including Nigeria. She produced a television program recently about her trip to Senegal and South Africa. She has always been a strong advocate of educating people about the African potential. Mrs. Pearson is being honored in recognition of her love and support of the has shown to Nigerians and in fact, Africans living in the United States and her positive contributions to the ways Africans are being perceived America.

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney has distinguished herself as a strong, principled fighter for human rights and a drum major for justice. Her human rights activities extend beyond the shores of the United States o earn her international recognition. In February 1998, Congresswoman Mckinney co-sponsored the Nigerian Democracy Act (H.R 1786) to address the injustice and oppression in the hands of the military dictator, General Sanni Abacha. In March of 1999, Cynthia and other colleagues called for a congressional investigation on the role of chevron in abuses by Nigerian security forces in a letter to the chair of the House International Relations committee, “we believe that there is growing evidence that the US oil companies are accepting extra judicial killings and other human rights abuses as just another cost of doing business in Nigeria”. Cynthia is passionate about African and International community affairs. Her record is punctuated with unwavering effort to improve the lives of people of Africa by sponsoring or co-sponsoring bills that seek to empower the people of Africa. Such bills include the Hunger to Harvest Bill. She was one of the panelists at the Investment Industry and Technology in Nigeria Conference held on Capitol Hill , Washington DC in April 2000. NWAG is proud to call congresswoman Cynthia McKinney our friend

Mrs. Nell Diallo-Executive Director, Medshare, International Nell is a bi-lingual professional with vast international experience in private sector and development. Presently Executive Director of Medshare International and President of the Africa Business Council (ABC). As the managing director of MEDSHARE and President of African Business Council, she has been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of the less fortunate are made, including the Nigerians at home and abroad. In 2006, Nell assisted in raising $75,000 that went to support the National Hospital, Abuja through the Ministry of health. She has been a constant support to many Nigerian physicians and medical personnel who embark on medical missions to our homeland. Supported the building of the surgery unit at LUTH so that life-saving surgeries are being performed there. Her other accomplishements include: Member of boards of directors of two Atlanta based nonprofits addressing health and women in development Served as Special Advisor to President of Burkina Faso for over six years. Continue to assistant with issues related to promotion of tourism and marketing of the country. Served as member of teaching team graduate program, School of Business, Emory University, course: Economic Development In Africa – Mali & Senegal Over the past two years have hosted delegations from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Uganda and Cote D’Ivoire. NWAG salutes our 2007 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service

Dr. Gloria Johnson-Rodgers, fondly known as Mother Gloria is a family practice physician, humanitarian, and author who began life in a shotgun house with a room off the side in a small town called Shaw, Mississippi. Her work began as she sort to alleviate the suffering of families, but especially women and children in Nigeria. Through the donations and support of many since 2000, thousands have already benefited from her generosity. Scholarships have been donated for 1,500 children from very poor areas. These children are very gifted, but have no means for school. Dr. Rodgers has helped to build two schools and donated medical supplies, along with toiletries, to the women and children in the villages of Nigeria. Dr. Rodgers built an orphanage in Enugu because many children were left for relative to care for who could not care for themselves. Mother Rodgers has donated monies for women in Lagos and Oyo States to start businesses for themselves while supporting the dynamic women, an organization that encourages self- help. Mother Rodgers has also donated sewing machines to the Women Crisis Center in Benue State as well as assisted with supplies, shelter and other needs. She has donated new clothing and food to orphanages in Ibadan, as well as supplied school supplies in Abuja, Mercy Orphanage and schools. Through her servant hood abroad, Mother Rodgers has received numerous awards to include the Marion Merrill Dow Humanitarian Award, Bola Immaculate Humanitarian Award of Excellence, Nigeria, West Africa, the Legislative Black Caucus Volunteer of the Year Award, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Mason Theological Seminary Award for Foreign Service, Voices and Charming from Lane Bryant, National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, President’s Bush Daily Points of Light Award, Washington, DC, National Caring Award, Washington, DC in honor of Mother Theresa, and many others. Although Mother Rodgers’ accomplishments are many, her most cherished accomplishment is her love, dedication, and devotion to her husband, Superintendent (Dr.) Charles Rodgers, and their four children, Gwendolyn, Charles “Chip” Jr., Elizabeth Megan, Adam James, and her family. NWAG salutes our 2008 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service

Ms. Miller has a passion for Nigerian Scholars and goes way beyond any prescribed role in meeting their needs. Kennesaw State University (KSU) has established a Quality Enhancement Program that will enhance global education in the next several. In keeping with this vision, KSU developed a faculty exchange model program with several Nigerian Universities that has resulted in over 10 scholars visiting KSU. Ms. Miller is involved with the entire process of their experience from the official aspects of processing their documents to their departure at the end of their visit. Ms. Michele Miller has worked at Kennesaw State University’s Institute for Global Initiatives for ten years. During these years, she has worked as staff person in charge of all international exchange students and scholars who visit KSU. From the time the scholars arrive, Ms. Miller assumes the role of a “mother hen”. They fondly call her “mama Michelle” because of the compassion and passion she brings to meeting their needs. Ms. Miller takes the visiting scholars on bus and Marta trips into Atlanta to expose them to the cultural treasures that Atlanta has to offer. She goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that they have a positive experience while they are at KSU. She takes them shopping weekly and to all agencies. Even when we have had scholars who need to go to the hospital, Ms. Miller volunteers to take them and has been known to stay at the hospital till 11:00pm in at least three occasions when the scholar had to spend the night. Again, none of these are part of her job description but reflect the passion she has for the scholars. This compassion is further extended to more staff and students who also attend KSU. Most recently, KSU has had two Ph.D. scholars from Nigeria whom she took all over to ensure that they had accommodation and the necessary resources which they needed to be successful. She maintains contact with all scholars who have left sending to them packages of information long after they have returned home to Nigeria. She has received many awards and recognition including Peace Award, Student Leadership Training for Peace, Kennesaw State University Outstanding Leadership, KSU Staff Council and NAACP Advisor. Ms. Miller obtained her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University NWAG is proud to name Ms. Miller as our 2009 Friend of Nigeria.

Reverend Dr. William E Flippin Rev. Dr William FlippinRev. Flippin has travelled extensively, embraced the African culture and the people of Africa, especially Nigeria. The international relevance of his ministry cannot be overemphasized. Through the Mamie Swann Global Mission Ministry, Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church supports projects in Nigeria and other African countries. Under his leadership, Piney Grove Baptist Church continuously supports the following institutions financially: West African Theological Seminary, Lagos, Nigeria and Olusoye Compensatory Center, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria: A school for Children with Special Needs. In the United States, through the Mamie Swan Global Ministry, the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church collaborates with the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) to promote its mission of fostering Nigerian Culture in the United States through NWAG’s summer cultural enrichment program called WAZOBIA. WAZOBIA exposes school age children to the Nigerian culture through various activities. Piney Grove Baptist Church continues to support NWAG in this endeavor and provides space to host this event. We are proud to call him our friend!

Senator Donzella James

Senator Donzella James, a native of Atlanta, has been a democratic Senator representing Metropolitan Atlanta’s 35th District of Georgia, which includes portions of Fulton and Douglas Counties in 1994, and again in 2009. She is a member of the Education and Youth, Special Judiciary, Economic Development, and State and Local Governmental Operations committees. She has worked to bring progressive change in the area of crime reduction, a safe and clean environment, stronger drunk driving laws and drug trafficking laws, economic development, increased access to affordable healthcare and quality education.

With a reputation as the voice of the voiceless, Sen. James authored and passed the Child Endangerment bill and the Child Sexual Commerce Act of 2001, Teenager Responsibility Act, and habitual drunk-driving law, prohibited the construction of racetracks in residential neighborhoods. In 1994, Sen. James was elected to represent the State of Georgia as a Fleming Fellow for the National Center for Policy Alternatives. She has received several prestigious awards such as the 1999 Eleanor Roosevelt Fellowship, the Legislator of the Year in both 1997 and 2000, the 2011 – 2012 National conference of the state Legislator Early Learning Fellow, as well as the “Legislative Service Award” honors, and in 2013, she was the recipient of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Outstanding Black Service award.

As a leader in community affairs, Sen. James has been consistent in promoting the “Green Movement” as a global perspective. She was a member of South Fulton’s Vision 2000; the Atlanta Women’s Political Caucus; the National Political Congress of Black Women; the National, the Association of Negro Business and Professional Women; and the Chairperson of the Education Committee of the Tri-Cities cluster of the Atlanta Project. Between 1994-2002, she served as editor and assistant secretary to the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials (GABEO), and as National Assistant Secretary and Executive Board member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) from 1997 to 2002. She was appointed to Senate Human Trafficking Study Commission in 2012 and declared Woman of the year by Women of Wealth magazine.

Sen. James has traveled the world as an Ambassador for Peace. She has consulted directly with diplomats, kings, Prime Ministers and Presidents of many nations. She received the Nigerian Consulate General Award in 2013. Sen. James currently co-hosts a weekly show called “Radio Haitian Voice International” a multi-lingual community outreach radio and internet program, broadcasted Saturdays and Sundays in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sen. James has been a steadfast advocate for middle-class families, working to help create jobs, expand children’s healthcare benefits and protect Social Security from privatization. She was the 2012 recipient of the Regal Award and the 2013 recipient of the R.I.C.E Award. She is strongly committed to making sure that every citizen of Georgia has the right to vote in fair, accessible and credible elections. She fought the Attorney General to ensure better protection of votes and to ensure every vote is counted “one man one vote”.

Sen. James earned a Bachelor degree in criminal justice and political science from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia and she received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Macon’s Emmanuel Bible College and studied additionally at Georgia State University. Sen. James has a proven record as a successful policymaker and known to be committed to the people, a fiscally responsible professional, and a strong woman of faith. She has been a major force for progressive change, and her commitment to family values and the salvation of Georgia’s children has been exemplary.

The Sen. And the late Elmo James have been married for more than 40 years. They are parents of two sons, Brian James and the late Kerry James; daughter-in-law Cheryl Renee; and three grandchildren, Kerri, Ryan and Bryce.

Dr. Gloria Bozeman Herndon, Founder, President & CEO of GB Group Global, has more than 45 years of successfully conducting business internationally. The entrepreneurs’ entrepreneur, no one can deny her ability to make the impossible possible by building relations, creating new business paradigms and co-joining and weaving strategic partnerships. While pursuing her doctorate, Dr. Herndon also worked as a research fellow at the Brookings Institute and was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. While completing her doctoral course work, Dr. Herndon accepted a position as an economist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. A year after joining the USDA, she was accepted into the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Posting as an economic/commercial officer in Lagos, Kaduna, Kinshasa, Monrovia and Nouakchott. Along with her regular duties, she sought to further the U.S.-Nigerian trade relationship by strengthening the Nigerian–American Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Herndon spearheaded initial delegation to the U.S. from Lagos and repeated this success by leading the Kaduna Chamber’s first delegation to the United States as well. While in Nigeria, Dr. Herndon wrote her dissertation and taught undergraduate economics courses at Ahmadu Bello University continued at the State Department as a consultant, concurrently she joined The Equitable Companies as an insurance broker, financial planner and security’s dealer. . She has served as adviser to several presidents across the world including Sultan of Brunei, Presidents of Malawi, Senegal, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Gabon, Cameron, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and the SADC, COMESA and ECOWAS regions in Africa.

Donovan W. Christie MD, FAARFM, CPE Certified Physician Executive Missionary Dr. Donovan Christie, MD is the founder of ANWAN Wellness Medical Center P.C., the ANWAN Regenerative Center and the Picture of Health Foundation Inc. Dr. Christie received his MD degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Preventive and Regenerative Medicine. Over the past 18 years he has led ANWAN Wellness Centers to be one of Atlanta’s premier Wellness Centers. He is passionate about preventive medicine as his medical practice focuses on integrative and functional medicine utilizing practical lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, exercise, spirituality, natural neutraceuticals, hormone replacement, stem cell and platelet rich plasma therapy, detoxification, intravenous nutritional infusions, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, and pellet therapy. With his Christian upbringing he has led medical outreach missions in areas of the world where the need is the greatest. He has led mission trips to West Africa and South America. In 2004, he founded the Picture of Health foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on short term medical outreach locally and internationally for wellness education and health screens nationally. He has led short term medical relief efforts to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. In 2017 the Foundation partnered with West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) in Lagos, Nigeria. WATS Medical Hospital is located inside the WATS campus in the town of Ipaja, Alimosho Local Government Area or Alimosho County, Lagos Nigeria. All the patients were residents of Alimosho Local Govt. Area. Alimosho is the largest Local Govt. municipality in Lagos State; with a population of about 1.3 million people. The Picture of Health Medical team treated over 1500 Nigerian adult and children with Malaria, Typhoid, dysentery and other endemic diseases as well as common conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The team facilitated over 15 surgeries and treated burns and several tumors. For the foundation efforts they were awarded with the WATS award of appreciation of service. Dr. Christie is an author who published his first book “Invigorate Yourself with Lifestyle Medicine” to address the prevalence of chronic disease and its link to lifestyle. He is an educator and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the WellStar Atlanta Medical Center for Ross University school of Medicine. He is the recipient of the Businessperson of the Year Award from the Airport COC, the Community Service Award from Live Healthy and Thrive Foundation and the Trinity Award from the Barbados Association of Atlanta. He is married to Jacqueline Christie, Family Nurse Practitioner and President of the Picture of Health Foundation, Inc. and together they have 5 children, Shannon, Donovan Jr. Duane, Jordane and Maia. Please welcome Dr. Donovan Christie; the 2019 NWAG Friend of Nigeria!