Page 24 - BEQ Magazine Vol2 Iss4 V2

responsible for coordinating the financial trials using social media, courage, offered encouragement,
logistics of the convention and he soon grew to be a multi-national and shared how they had overcome
working with venues and vendors financial services and self-improve- their own shame. Every message
to ensure a smooth event. With ment powerhouse. With National was a subtle reminder that the
experience in graphic design and Care Financial Group, America’s world opens its arms when we con-
web design she is also responsible largest minority-owned financial front our shame and live authenti-
for the convention’s graphics and services firm (over 700 team mem- cally. Malcolm built his business out
branding. With 7 years of military bers), and MJ Harris OmniMedia, of his courage to live authentically,
service and a background in public content production and distribution he’s helped many to create financial
relations, Ashley is responsible across multiple platforms, he has security in the face of chronic illness
Malcolm (MJ) Harris for the design of ClexaCon’s been able to reach millions. MJ’s and provided financial products and
social media strategy that has ability to influence masses and build services that will can build wealth
propelled the convention to success an amazing business is the quintes- for future generations. Malcolm
by leveraging Twitter to build a sential story of preparation meeting selflessly shares who he is and what
worldwide base of active support opportunity. he has without fear.
for the convention that reaches From Temple Hills to Beverly
millions. Hills, his humble beginnings in- DAVID JOHNS
clude growing up in a family of (He, Him) is 35
divorce, living in lower middle-class NON-PROFIT — Education
BEQ PRIDE ON CLEXACON: suburban Washington, D.C., and Policy Guru and Advocate/
The Women of ClexaCon are bold being bullied. He recounts many #TeachTheBabies @MrDavidJohns
new leaders that saw a need and de- days running from his school bus
livered. They’ve convened a move- to his house to avoid confrontation, David J. Johns is known for his
David Johns ment, a voice for queer (and queer harassment and physical harm. MJ passion, public policy acumen and
adjacent) women around the world. found solace as a young person in fierce advocacy for youth. He is an
TV, film and print media provide a early morning inspirational TV enthusiast about equity, leveraging
space for queer women and girls to where he got the notion that he his time, talent and treasures to ad-
build community, create their own was empowered and realized he dress the needs of individuals and
unique worlds, and in these com- could help and inspire others. He communities often neglected and
munities voice their activism and began weekly inspirational talks ignored. David is a graduate of
engage in public discourse. Their through his college work study job Columbia University and Teachers
courage to stand up and demand in Philadelphia at the request of his College of Columbia University
accountability in TV, film and boss, Reverend Tim. After college with both a BA and MA. David
print media and to challenge the he worked in a credit union, then spent time on capitol hill as a sen-
social media dubbed “Bury Your real estate and finally landed a job ate advisor on education policy. A
Gays” trope has ultimately shifted
Moez Kaba at a global management consulting recognized thought leader and so-
the balance of power between the firm. He quickly realized that he cial justice champion, David has
producers and consumers of media. would find more success as a busi- been focused on improving life
https://youtu.be/23v2j7E_uEE
ness owner and set out to realize his outcomes and opportunities for
dream to build a business helping Black people. Back in 2013, David
MALCOLM (MJ) HARRIS was appointed as the first executive
(He, Him) is 32 and inspiring others. MJ’s success director of the White House Ini-
and his ability to influence people
SMALL BUSINESS — Financial stems from his authenticity, excite- tiative on Educational Excellence
Services and Personal Success Guru for African Americans by Presi-
@MJHarrisSpeaks ment and the love he brings to his
followers, teammates and clients. dent Obama and served in this role
Malcolm Harris started an in- until January 2017. The Initiative
surance agency - at his dining room BEQ PRIDE ON MALCOLM HAR- worked across federal agencies and
table as a side business - while work- RIS: After Malcolm shared his sto- with partners and communities na-
Angelica Ross ing for a global management ry of shame with Oprah Winfrey tionwide to produce a more effec-
consulting and professional and the world, the public response tive continuum of education and
services company. Through was encouraging. Support flowed workforce development programs
sharing the story of his personal from people around the world that for African American students of
journey to overcoming personal and he never met. They celebrated his all ages. Under his leadership, the

24 | December 2017 BEQ PRIDE