About Us
About Us
Founders
The combined expertise of Dr. Hasan Crockett and Kimberly J. Crockett in leadership, education, business, nonprofit management, and community engagement underscores their commitment to creating positive change and supporting those they serve. They have a mission mindset and lifting others. In their respective fields their collaborative efforts and individual achievements have left a lasting legacy in academia and the nonprofit sector.
Dr. Hasan Crockett, PhD
Dr. Hasan Crockett is an Associate Professor of Political Science and the Chair of the History and Political Science Department at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC. He also serves as the Dean of the Division of Liberal Arts and Humanities. Dr. Crockett holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University, a Master of Arts in African American Studies from Atlanta University, and a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. His distinguished career includes serving as a tenured professor and Director over civic and leadership programs at Morehouse College, associate professor and interim chair at Saint Augustine’s University, an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University, and vice-rector at Wilberforce Community College in South Africa. Dr. Crockett has made significant contributions to political science through his research, publications, and presentations. He has authored numerous articles in refereed journals, co-authored reports, and published in an American Government textbook. His research interests include social justice, climate services, African American political participation, and experiential learning techniques.
Dr. Crockett has hosted conferences, sponsored international collaborations, and conducted research on political science and public policy. He has also facilitated numerous workshops and training sessions on public policy, labor rights, and educational excellence. His international projects have focused on energy democracy and workforce development in South Africa, where he raised significant funds and established strategic partnerships. Dr. Crockett’s leadership has resulted in increased enrollment and the creation of innovative educational programs.
Kimberly J. Crockett, MSNL
Kimberly J. Crockett is a seasoned nonprofit leader with a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from La Salle University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She has operated and owned her own business for 20+ years and has +17 years of experience in nonprofit and academic management, focusing on advancement, development, programs, community outreach, and research. Kimberly is currently an adjunct professor of Nonprofit Management & Leadership at Saint Augustine’s University, where she founded the Nonprofit Management & Leadership Minor. Her extensive career includes roles as a consultant providing technical assistance in organizational analysis and development, managing director of Saint Philip Community Development Corporation, and director of institutional advancement at Wilberforce Community College in South Africa. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in grant writing and management, fundraising, strategic planning, community engagement, and donor relationship management. Kimberly has also been involved in various international projects, including workforce training programs and renewable energy initiatives in South Africa. Kimberly has served on various boards and committees, contributing to workforce development and community engagement initiatives both in the United States and internationally.
Board Members
Sojourn Project II board members serve as the strategic backbone of the organization. They are dedicated to social causes, scholarly pursuit, bringing invaluable expertise and commitment to advancing SPII mission.
Their role extends beyond governance; they are champions of the organization’s values, guiding its vision, and ensuring accountability to stakeholders. SPII board members leverage their diverse backgrounds in business, arts, social sciences, and international engagement to provide crucial oversight, make informed decisions, and foster sustainable growth. By actively participating in fundraising efforts, and cultivating community relationships, they amplify the SPII’s impact, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of those we serve. Ultimately, SPII board members are catalysts for positive change, steering the organization towards achieving its goals and fulfilling our profound societal missions.
Chapman Roberts
Chapman Roberts, a gifted Maestro, Producer, Composer, and four-time Grammy Award recipient, has been a powerhouse in show business for over 50 years and continues to excel. With an extensive and impressive artistic background, he is the creator of the acclaimed “Black Stars on Broadway.” His remarkable career includes serving as a special event musical director and supervisor for prominent figures and events such as President Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan’s Kennedy Center Honors, Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, the inaugural gala of Gov. Ann Richards of Texas, India’s Jazz Yatra Festival, Lincoln Center, Manhattan Plaza, the Kool Jazz Festival, and St. Peter’s Jazz Church in New York City.
Roberts’s collaborations span a wide array of illustrious artists and institutions, including the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Henry Mancini, Al Green, Patti LaBelle, Bette Midler’s Harlettes, Eubie Blake, Bill Cosby, Harry Belafonte, Sammy Davis, Willy Nelson, Foreigner, the Manhattans, Leslie Uggams, Ruth Brown, Freda Payne, Eartha Kitt, Della Reese, Lena Horne, Savion Glover, Paul Simon, The Public Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art, the Morgan State Choir, the Harlem Gospel Singers, “American Idol,” and President Barack Obama. His enduring legacy and contributions to the arts continue to inspire and elevate the industry.
James V. Cockerham
CEO Copro Record Company, Inc., Decatur, Georgia
James V. Cockerham is the CEO of Copro Record Company, Inc. in Decatur, Georgia, where he has overseen the production of seven albums, six CDs, and five musical stage productions since 1980. He holds a Master Certificate in Orchestration for Film and TV from Berklee College of Music and is an experienced composer, playwright, recording artist, producer, and author. His composition “Fantasia on ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing'” was performed by the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in April 2022. James is also a BMI songwriter and music publisher. In addition to his many accomplishments; As a Playwright, “A Gift of Love” starring Ruby Dee Davis, Rialto Theater, Atlanta, GA. Recording Artist, “LOOKING” featuring PJ Morton, Ayana George, Algebra Blessett, Regina Belle, Aaron Marcellus, India Shawn, Chantae Cann, Hanan Rubenstein, Nicole Phifer.
James V. Cockerham, Author “LOOKING: Past, Present, Future” released his story. “An amazing set of circumstances put together on paper, in song and acted on stage. Its format is original and simple yet startles the viewers. It grabs the readers and hearers in such a way that we see and hear life’s realities explicitly and awkwardly displayed.” David Vaughn, Director, Producer, Impresario.
Prior to his career in music, James held significant roles in various public service positions. He served as the Program Director for a $20M Prison Mental Health contract for the State of Georgia, Health Administrator for a 120-employee medical services contract at Fulton and DeKalb County Jails, Program Director for Arts in South DeKalb, Manager at two Atlanta Housing Authority Projects, and Social Work Director for Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties in rural Appalachian Northwest North Carolina with the Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission.
Dr. Alvin Kidd, PhD
Dr. Alvin C. Kidd is an Educational Psychologist. He completed his undergraduate studies with a B.A. in Social Work, as well as his graduate studies at San Diego State University in San Diego, California with a M.A. in Education with an emphasis is Multi-Cultural Counseling. He received additional clinical training at the Carl Rogers’ Institute for Humanistic Psychology (Center for the Person) located in La Jolla, California. He also holds a California State Professional Certification (PPS Credential) in School Psychology from National University. He received his Doctorate in Educational Psychology (Psy.D) from Alliant International University where his dissertation research emphasis examined sleep disorders in Children and compared the behavioral manifestations associated with poor sleep hygiene to the diagnostic and/or behavioral representations associated with ADHD.
He worked for 22 years in the field of special education as a School Psychologist for the San Diego Unified School District. While there, he performed consultative and assessment evaluations to help identify and develop tools for educational planning for children with learning disabilities, as well as developmental and behavioral disorders in the educational setting.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kidd has enjoyed working with children and families in the community. He has not only served as a to mentor to young professionals entering the profession of School Psychology and has volunteered time through participating in several community-based programs for mentoring African American males and at-risk youths throughout his career. He previously served as a Mentor Ambassador for Improving Academic Achievement in African American Males (IAAAM) for the San Diego Unified School District, as well as has served on the Board of Directors for the Jackie Robinson YMCA and Campfire Council for San Diego County in San Diego, California. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
He currently serves on the Advisory Board in the School of Counseling Education and Educational Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA.
Shirley Davis Kidd, MBA
Shirley Davis Kidd is a professional leader recognized for her ability to develop and empower management teams, create partnerships with external and internal customers, design and implement process improvements, and pioneer change management. With over thirty years of diverse leadership and management experience across various industries, including QSR, Manufacturing, Mailing and Software Technology, and Non-Profit sectors, she currently works in US-Operations (Deployment), collaborating with Franchisee Owner/Operators of over 14,000 restaurants to deploy tools, food, and initiatives. Shirley earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and Organizational Development from the University of Mount Olive, graduating Cum Laude, and dual master’s degrees in International Business and Leadership and Organizational Change from Pfeiffer University. She has furthered her education with certifications in Project Management, Diversity and Inclusion, and Business Strategy from esteemed institutions such as Duke University and Cornell University. Shirley is also working towards a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University.
Personally, Shirley resides in Durham, NC, and is an avid reader, wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated community servant. She leads the Ministry of Assimilation for new members and has been a Stephen Ministry Leader since 2003, responsible for training and continuing education within a national organization of over 12,000 churches. Shirley serves on the Advisory Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Durham and Chapel Hill and on the Board of Directors of Reach One, Teach One, a non-profit focused on youth development in low-economic areas. She is also a member of the National Black MBA Association and Executive Director of Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT), where she mentors youth in leadership, financial acumen, life skills, college readiness, and career preparation. Shirley believes in empowering individuals through a holistic approach that unites the spiritual, physical, and mental aspects, helping them recognize their potential and achieve their goals with focus and clarity.
Dr. James Lyons, PhD
FAVORITE QUOTE
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort -John Ruskin
Dr. James Lyons II is a dedicated academic and community leader with a strong background in criminal justice and urban studies. He earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University, followed by an M.S. in Criminal Justice with a focus on Urban Studies from Michigan State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Nova Southeastern University, where his research focused on police and community relations and juvenile justice policy. Dr. James Lyons II is dean of the School of Humanities, Education, Social & Behavioral Sciences at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Dr. James Lyons II serves as an advisor to Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and has previously chaired the Academic Policy Committee at Saint Augustine’s University. He is an active member of several university committees, including the Catalog Committee and Enrollment Management Committee. Committed to community service, James is involved in the Boys to Men male mentoring program at Millbrook High School and the Guide Right program in Rocky Mount, NC. His dedication to education and mentorship was recognized with the School of Social Science Teacher of the Year Award in 2012.
SPII Program Managers
Our Program managers for Sojourn Project II play a pivotal role in facilitating transformative experiences for participants and those they serve.
They are dedicated leaders who meticulously plan and coordinate every aspect of the program, ensuring seamless execution and impactful outcomes. With a deep understanding of the mission and goals, they guide the programs and foster personal and cultural understanding. Through their leadership, dedication, and passion for social change, each of them inspires meaningful connections and promotes positive societal impact.
The Crocketts
Technical Services
Civic Engagement
Pilar Cabrera
Foundation Against Violence