Danny glover

Actor, producer and humanitarian, Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 25 years. Mr. Glover has gained respect for his wide-reaching community activism and philanthropic efforts, with a particular emphasis on advocacy for economic justice, and access to health care and education programs in the United States and Africa. For these efforts, Mr. Glover received a 2006 DGA Honor. Internationally, he has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program from 1998-2004, focusing on issues of poverty, disease, and economic development in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and serves as UNICEF Ambassador.

In 2005, Mr. Glover co-founded Louverture Films dedicated to the development and production of films of historical relevance, social purpose, commercial value and artistic integrity. The New York based company has a slate of progressive features and documentaries including Trouble the Water, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, Africa Unite, award winning feature Bamako, and most recent projects Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, and The Disappearance of McKinley Nolan. Mr. Glover is a founding member and current chair of the AFJ Board of Directors.

Roslyn Morrison

Roslyn Morrison is Vice Chair of our board. She is a fully certified felony trial attorney with the Legal Aid Society and serves as the Specialty Attorney in the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court  She has worked as a public defender for 14 years and is committed to serving her community. Her lifelong commitment to activism and community mobilizing is demonstrated through her involvement in youth development programs and community events.  As a member of the National Conference of Black Lawyers, she has organized and participated in Community Law Day and Know Your Rights events in Brooklyn.  In addition, she routinely hosts seminars for high school students, and recently conducted a Know Your Rights/Mock Trial/Intro to Restorative Justice forum for the students of the First Star College of Staten Island Academy, which is attended by high school students in foster care or who have open Family Court cases.

Sheena Edman-Hamilton is a Certified Public Accountant with over twenty years of experience in public accounting and industry. She has a broad range of responsibilities in highly complex and regulated industries including aerospace, nonprofit, manufacturing and distribution, insurance, and financial services. During her career, she has built a reputation for innovative strategic thinking, working with the highest level of integrity, and a deep and passionate commitment to clients.  Sheena is currently an Accounting Consultant for nonprofit and educational organizations.  Sheena holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Syracuse University. 

Valerie George

Valerie George is a former non-profit professional with extensive experience in management, development and non-profit administration. After a stellar career in the Virgin Islands, Ms. George relocated to New York City. Shortly after her arrival she helped to found AFJ. In 2017, she joined AFJ’s Board of Directors. 

Calvin I. Roach, Jr.

Calvin I. Roach, Jr. is a Jamaican native who immigrated to the United States of America in 1992. Since being blessed with a passion for investment advisory, Calvin has devoted himself to helping people to regain control of their time and focus to achieve their goals through harnessing the power of financial education and discipline. Calvin has over 15 years of investment experience and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation. Calvin also holds the series 7, 66, and 24 licenses.

kari muhammad

Kari Muhammad is a retired award-winning television journalist.  She’s been honored by the Associated Press, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, (The Emmys), the National Association of Black Journalists, the Peabody Awards and the Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award.  Ms. Muhammad worked asa a copy editor, producer, and executive producer in several top ten markets including Detroit, Washington D.C., and Atlanta during her three decade career in news and television.  A native to Detroit, Michigan, Muhammad is a graduate of the University of Michigan.  She is an avid traveler, loves reading, and is currently writing her first book. 

Dr. Sharon E. Smith

Dr. Sharon E. Smith is the Corporate Medical Director for the Estee Lauder Companies. In this role she is responsible for developing and supporting a culture of health, working with the Global Benefits team to address health and wellness gaps that affect employees and their families. She is also a partner in crisis leadership, addressing infectious disease and illness threats that affect ELC’s employees around the world.

Previously she served as Chief Medical Officer for Prudential Life Insurance Company of America as part of their Health and Benefits Center of Expertise. In that role Dr. Smith provided guidance on all clinical programs, including programs that support the overall health and well-being of Prudential’s employees, and consultative support for the medical and pharmacy benefits programs.

Dr. Smith has practiced Internal Medicine for over 20 years in diverse roles and has held medical leadership positions since 2003. She holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Howard University College of Medicine, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Columbia Business School.  She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and is a Certified Medical Review Officer.  Dr. Smith has several professional affiliations and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

When not at work Dr. Smith is active in the community as a member of several organizations. She is a member of the North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a co-chair of the Health and Wellness committee, as well as a working member on several other committees. She is the chair of the Good Health Wins committee of her local section of the National Council of Negro Women. Dr. Smith is active in the alumni association Columbia Business School, where she is chair of the Hermes Society, co-Chair of The Student Relief Fund, and a founding member of the Columbia Women’s Circle.

george williams

George Williams joined the AFJ Board in 2017 after completing the Aveda School of Barbering. Mr. Williams, as the victim of a horrific beating, was the focus of a 2015 New York Times expose’ chronicling the systemic abuses that are prevalent in Attica and the New York prison system. 

Antonio YarbougH

Antonio Yarbough made history in 2014 when he became the first person exonerated by Kings County District Attorney, Ken Thompson. After serving 20 years in the infamous Attica Correctional Facility, Mr. Yarbough was released from prison and shortly thereafter he helped to found AFJ. In 2017, he joined AFJ’s Board of Directors.

Jare'd brings an extensive management background with over 10 years of experience in sales and the restaurant industry, coupled with a Sociology degree from IUPUI. His core character traits—motivation, focus, positivity, and balance, combined with a strong ethic of sweat equity—have seamlessly facilitated his transition into the real estate sector. Jare'd is committed to serving clients throughout New York City, delivering exceptional service and expertise.

Jare'd is also passionate about community education and empowerment. He has spoken on several panels at colleges and within urban communities, addressing crucial topics such as homeownership and financial management for underserved populations.

Outside his professional endeavors, Jare'd remains active in his community. He is a dedicated member of the Brooklyn Museum, maintains a regular workout routine at Crunch, and serves as an active board member for the Alliance of Families for Justice.

advisory board members