Each day in February, we are featuring a local, Greater Green Bay Black Herstory/History Maker. This is a 5 part series. Check out part one here. Check out part two here. Check our part three here. Check our part four here.
Laura Jones
Bio: Laura is native of Chicago, IL, graduated from St. Norbert College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation, started her professional career at the Boys and Girls Club as a STAR (Scholars on Target to Achieve Results) Coordinator working with Black/African American students to close the opportunity gap. After which she was brought on board to African Heritage, Inc. as the Social and Community Outreach Service Director after years of volunteering with the organization. She earned her Master's Degree in Student Affairs Administration in May 2021 and is currently working towards her Doctoral Degree in Educational Management at Hampton University. Laura currently works for the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay as a Career Advisor. In addition to the community work Laura does with African Heritage, Inc., Laura serves as a Mentor and Program Director for Lovin’ the Skin I’m In, and Umoja as the curriculum developer for transracial adoptees. Her accomplishments include co-Author in the book Teaching Beautiful, Brilliant Black Girls, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and named Fox Cities Future 15 in 2023.
Reason Nominated: Laura Jones is a titan of change. She is a blessing to our community and all who work with her.
Nomination Categories:
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John Romero Nance Jr.
Bio: My name is Romero Nance (John Romero Nance Jr.) and I am a photographer in the Fox Valley area. I was born in Milwaukee and moved here at the age of 16. At that time, I began working in photography and have been ever since. It’s been over 10 years doing photography, and I take pride in still having the fire and desire to do it. I particularly enjoy using cameras from the early 1900s and learning how to use them. I love working closely with people and documenting their lives. I feel that a lot of people lose the fire of their work when they have been doing it for a long time, but for me that fire keeps growing. Outside of photography, I spend my time enjoying nature and music. As the weather warms up, I love biking. I continually want to see how I can expand my photography work. I am currently part of a nonprofit in Appleton called Photo Opp, inspiring people to get involved with photography work.
Reason Nominated: John R Nance is a highly talented photographer who uses the same camera used in the 1800’s and was selected by the Trout Museum of Appleton to do a Meet Your Neighbor walking exhibit downtown and interviewed several people (mainly POC) and collected audio interviews which were then displayed in downtown businesses across the city. John also has led Photography workshops for People of Progression including where we brought 8 youth into the outdoors at a land preserve to teach them skills in point and shoot cameras as well as introduced them to industrial type shots. John is also currently working on a portfolio of an audio and look book of Black individuals and their experiences in 2024.
Nomination Categories:
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Robin Nicole Scott
Bio: Robin Nicole Scott, born on August 6th, 1991, on the south-side of Chicago, Illinois is an activist, public intellectual, and writer who advocates for the oppressed. Currently an Executive Director for We All Rise: African American Resource Center, she strives to help black youth and their families be positive participants of healthy relationships and be intentional about their investments in black history and culture. As a community activist, Founder, Feminist & Mom Boss—she is impressed with our community members and their intentionality around healing together. Robin works endlessly to ensure that her teachings are derived from the historical foundation of true mentorship which includes creating safe places, belonging and togetherness as we all move forward in progress.
Currently, writing the book Let Me Be Here for YOU While YOU Stand Up For YOURSELF, she asserts that there are no current writings that gives a realistic view of her coined term ‘African Americanism.’ This book discusses race, culture, and spirituality as it all comes together to form the black experience. As a passionate community member, she intends for her work to touch the lives of many and bring homage to those living with the margins or race, class, and gender and managing every day to find ways to live their best lives.
Reason Nominated: She is DOPE, just DOPE
Reason Nominated: Robin is a great leader with exceptional vision and impressive organizing ability. I know this is your organization - but still - she is well recognized in the community.
Reason Nominated: always providing community support to me while not making me feel inadequate!
Nomination Categories:
Community Leadership
Educational Excellence
Cultural Enrichment
Social Justice and Activism
Entrepreneurship
Enyá Roach
Bio: Enyá Roach is from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from St. Norbert College. Shortly after graduating, she began her professional career at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley, working with the STAR (Scholars on Target to Achieve Results) program, where she worked to increase the graduation rate amongst Black scholars and close the opportunity gap that exists between Black scholars and their white counterparts. Enyá recently completed her master's degree in Professional Counseling with a School Counseling emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is now working towards completing an additional emphasis in Student Affairs College Counseling. Enyá is a long-time member and volunteer with African Heritage Inc. and leads many community events that aim "to advance the well-being of Blacks/African Americans."
Reason Nominated: Enyá is a committed leader with an unwavering dedication to engaging and supporting African American children, and families. Her admirable trait of quiet leadership serves as an inspiration to her colleagues and peers.
Nomination Categories:
Community Leadership
Educational Excellence
Cultural Enrichment
Tori McNeal
Bio: From Milwaukee, WI, Tori earned her Bachelor's from St. Norbert College and her Master’s in Cultural Foundations of Community Engagement and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She began her professional career with the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay, where she served as a Graduation Specialist for the Be Great Graduate program. She then worked as a STAR Coordinator (Scholars on Target to Achieve Results)with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley. STAR is an initiative working to create equitable opportunities for Black and African American students. Soon after, she worked with the Green Bay Area Public School District as the Volunteer and Community Partners Coordinator, where she helped launch a meal delivery program during the pandemic. Tori is now the Assistant Director for Black Student Support at St. Norbert College. In her role, she helps with the recruitment, engagement and retention of Black/African American students. Additionally, she works with students on academic probation and co-teaches an academic enhancement program. Tori is a long-standing volunteer with African Heritage, Inc., where she serves as the Community Student Engagement Liaison and is an Ujima with the Academy for Black Excellence (ABLE) program. She is a co-author of the book “Teaching Beautiful Brilliant Black Girls' '. Tori was recognized as 51 influential Black leaders in Wisconsin in 2023 and is a Future 15 recipient & Young Professional of the Year finalist. Tori is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Reason Nominated: Tori, is a courageous and selfless warrior for racial and social justice who dedicates her life to making a positive impact on the lives of Black children and families.
Nomination Categories:
Community Leadership
Educational Excellence
Social Justice and Activism
Ace Champion
Bio: I now understand my purpose in life, and that is to teach the world everything I can about food for the mind, body, and soul," concludes Chef Champion. "Good food, Good times, Good health... the three goods that good food brings.". Chef Ace Champion comes from the great food state of Louisiana, specializing in Cajun/Creole--the taste of New Orleans! Chef Champion has over 29 years of culinary experience including titles of Cook Like A. Champion TV series Host which airs locally on CW 14 Saturdays at 12:30, Executive Chef, Personal Chef, Certified Meat Cutter, Event Coordinator as well as Cooking Class Instructor, and now sound Flute musician where he helps people with mental issues and grounding through his soothing music. Also appearing on several national tv shows like Today Show and Food Network as a 22-time award-winning chef https://www.chefchampion.com/Cooking-Awards.php . Champion is an advocate in the community donating to over 20 organizations each year over the past 12 years and has raised over 150,000 for local charities. https://www.chefchampion.com/Pay-It-Forward.php
Reason Nominated: Ace Champion is one of those people who leaves an indelible mark of love wherever he goes. He doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. I was drawn to him when he was a fellow performer in "Unhinged" at the Weidner Center - he was cooking, and I was part of a Native American group of drummers, dancers, and singers. We have since become good friends, and my admiration has grown. He believes in giving back to the community at every opportunity. He volunteers his time and his talents whenever he is asked - and he is talented. He is a magician with the flute (and various other instruments) and can be found soothing people's souls with his heartwarming and genuinely felt music. He is also an amazing cook and shares those skills also. I've seen him perform in large venues, and in a small group. He comes with a hug and with grace and genuine kindness and concern for the planet and his fellow man. I have grown as a person just knowing him. The world needs more people like this - there would finally be peace. He is devoted to making life better for everyone. His impact locally cannot be overstated.
Nomination Categories:
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