 |
|
|
Biography: CHIKE AKUA (pronounced Cheek-uh A-koo-uh) “When the student is ready, a teacher shall appear.” -African Proverb |
Chike Akua is a 1992 graduate of Hampton University and a
2003 graduate of Clark Atlanta University. With over 12 years of classroom
teaching experience, Bro. Akua has distinguished himself as an educator,
lecturer, and author. In 1995, he was selected as a Teacher of the Year for
Newport News (Virginia) Public Schools. In 1996, the Dekalb County Board of
Education (Atlanta, Georgia) awarded him the Achievement Award for teaching
excellence and service to youth. Akua has since conducted system-wide staff
development and was described as “a master teacher.” Selected as one of Ebony
magazine’s “50 Leaders of Tomorrow” (November, 1995), Akua has appeared on
radio and television talks shows sharing his perspectives on education,
spirituality, and self-knowledge. Additionally, he has facilitated workshops
on sexual abstinence, youth advocacy, and African cultural awareness for the
Tavis Smiley Foundation’s annual “Youth 2 Leaders” Conference. Akua, a
Christian minister and consultant with Imani Enterprises, is the author of
several books including:
• A Treasure Within: Stories of Remembrance & Rediscovery
• A Treasure Within: Parent/Teacher Resource Guide
• A Kwanzaa Awakening: Lessons for the Community
• WORDS OF POWER: Ancient Insights & Modern Messages for Parents and Teachers
• The African Origins of Our Faith
Akua is a member of the Imani Christian Center (Tucker, Georgia) where he
teaches “The African Origins of Our Faith.” He has served as an educational
consultant for Georgia State University’s teacher certification program and
the North Carolina Center for Advanced Teaching. Akua continues to train
teachers and develop Afrocentric and multicultural curriculum.
|
Tavares Stephens |
Tavares Stephens has over 10 years of experience as an outstanding classroom teacher, administrator, and trainer. An accomplished spoken word poet, Stephens has assisted in developing curriculum and training teachers. Known for his dynamic, yet down-to-earth delivery, Mr. Stephens is a former Teacher of the Year with Clayton County Schools in Georgia and was nominated as a Disney Teacher of the Year. Additionally, he was featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution for his ability to consistently produce high-achieving students, regardless of cultural background or socio-economic status. In increasing demand as a trainer, he travels nationally and internationally sharing cutting-edge techniques for reaching today's youth. He is currently completing a book about mentoring to make a difference.
