Dr. David Canton

President

David Canton is Director of African American Studies Program and Associate Professor of History at the University of Florida. He graduated with a B.A. in History from Morehouse College, received his M.A. in Black Studies from The Ohio State University and PhD in history from Temple University. Dave is a member of the Hamden Democratic Town Committee 9^th District, Hamden Black History Committee, National Association for The Advancement of Colored People Greater New Haven Chapter, Board Member of the Greater New Haven African American Historical Society, and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Epsilon Iota iota Chapter, New Haven, CT. Dave believes in the power of history, education. and activism as the formula to creating equity and justice in Hamden and the world. The BCHC is the organization to implementing his vision.

Dr. David Asbery

Board Member

David Asbery, a 56-year-old writer, spent his formative years in a low-income Chelsea neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side. He later moved uptown with his family to an area of the Bronx – a move that he describes as an uplifting experience that would eventually shape his life. The Asbery family moved into their first home and homeownership. This was a big step for David and his family. Leaving the projects to find a better life was significant and would be the experience he would later draw upon to write his newly released novel, “My Wife, My Kids, My God.” David made his literary debut in 1999, with “Bootleg” a critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller. He co-authored the book with the legendary actor/comedian Damon Wayans. Harper Collins published the book. David received his Associates’s degree from Borough Manhattan Community College. He received his Baccalaureate degree from the College of New Rochelle and his Master’s degree in communications from The College of New Rochelle. In 2012 he received his doctorate degree in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College. David resides in Connecticut with his lovely wife Tanisha, his three sons David Jr., Jamarl, Andre, and his adorable daughter Nazaria. He Is the President of the Non-Profit, Fixing Fathers, Inc. The organization helps fathers to be better fathers, one dad at a time. In addition to the numerous articles that David has written/published the topic of fatherhood, he is now working on his fifth book. This one is a gritty urban tale about growing up in the projects. The title for this book is:” The Robert Fulton Project” For more information about David, visit his website at www.fixingfathers.org.

Anissa Richardson

Board Member

Growing up in Hamden, Anissa attended Hamden Public Schools. She is married to Ernest Richardson and together they share three children: Shayla (28) and twin boys Josiah and Justus (12). Anissa is employed by the State of Connecticut in the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as a Case Manager. Within DDS, she is also the South Region’s Restoration Trainer. As a Restoration Trainer, Anissa works with individuals appointed by the court, to determine if they are Competent to Stand Trial. Anissa has led a life of advocacy for individuals with Psychiatric and Developmental Disabilities. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Albertus Magnus College, Anissa holds a B.S. Degree in Human Services and an A.A.S Degree in Paralegal Studies from Berkeley College in White Plains, NY. Anissa is a member of the New Haven Church of Christ. Within the body of Christ, she has taught bible study classes to both Youth and Women, coordinated the Greeting Ministry, Building Beautification program, and Community Outreach programs.

“My goal in life is to serve others and to share the blessings God bestows upon me.”

Tameeka Parks

Board Member

Tameeka Parks, a Bridgeport, CT native has made Hamden her home for the past ten years. She matriculated the Bridgeport Magnet school systems, earned an Associate of Science degree in Business and Leadership Studies, and is working toward her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven CT. Tameeka currently works as a Supervisor of three Cardiology practices for Northeast Medical Group/Yale New Haven Health where she also is an Inclusion Champion with the Diversity and Inclusion Council as well as, active with the Community Outreach Committee at her employer. Tameeka has worked with the National Association of Business and Professional Women- Elm City of New Haven CT. and is active in the Women’s Ministry of her church serving on the First Lady’s board, EmpowHer. Tameeka is married to Reuel Parks and has three girls- Aisha, Zoe, and Bailee- as well as one grandson, Nasir.

Tracy Bowens

Board Member

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey Tracy had an early understanding of the socio-economical struggles that lower-income families struggled within the inner city. He witnessed firsthand the consequences of gun violence, criminal justice inequities, and the crushing impact that poverty has on families. These issues have provoked a lifelong curiosity into the historical root causes of these issues for Tracy. Relocating to Hamden in 2005 he immersed himself in the human rights arena, community service, as well as local politics. Tracy is currently serving his third term as a Human Rights and Relations Commissioner and has worked with the Connecticut Human Rights Partnership. He has a decade long collaboration with the Walter E. Luckett Jr. Foundation, which is focused on youth training and development. He is also the Executive Director of Fixing Fathers Inc., a local 503c nonprofit supporting men’s empowerment in order to strengthen the families and communities. Politically, he serves as chair for the seventh district on the Hamden Democratic Town Committee. Tracy has a BA in Philosophy and an MS in Leadership from Albertus Magnus College. He is employed as a Senior Scientist at Unilever, BPC NA, located in Trumbull, CT.

Sean Cardwell

Board Member

Sean Cardwell is a resident of Hamden, Ct, and a founding member of the Black Caucus of Hamden Connecticut. Since moving to Connecticut in 2006 with his family, he has been a long time volunteer in Hamden and has advocated for being a role model. Coaching with the Hamden Regional Youth Basketball League, PTA membership, becoming a member of the nonprofit organization Fixing Fathers, inc and volunteering as a Town Commissioner are a few ways that he has given back to the community. In 2017 Sean joined the non-profit, Fixing Fathers, is a Civil Engineer by profession and proud alumni of North Carolina A&T State University.

Reuel Parks

Board Member

Reuel Parks migrated to Connecticut from the Bronx, NY in 1995 to attend, Southern Connecticut State University. He earned a degree in the Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice in December 1999. He subsequently attended Springfield College in Massachusetts where he received his, Master of Arts in Social Work. Mr. Parks has worked for the state of Connecticut for,19 years in various agencies throughout the state. He has also extended himself to; teaching, mentoring and supporting interns who are interested in the Criminal Justice field as a Field Supervisor. Mr. Parks has also worked as a Clinical Therapist in the towns of New Haven and Waterbury, CT over a ten-year period. Mr. Parks is an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, Post University and Housatonic Community College. Mr. Parks is the President and Founder of; Community Hands in Action Mentoring Program Incorporated., otherwise known as, (C.H.A.M.P Inc.), working with at-risk youth in the community. Mr. Parks is a member of the National Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and serve in the local chapter of New Haven, Connecticut, Delta Iota Sigma.

Tanisha Thomas Asbery

Board Member

Tanisha Thomas Asbery has over fifteen years of experience in the legal and entertainment fields. She currently works as an Associate Director for a major pharmaceutical company where she is responsible for negotiating clinical trial agreements for research in oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and mental health disorders. Ms. Asbery is the Founder of mettle entertainment group a premier promotion company and Co-Founder of the Brenda Lang Thomas Scholarship. For over twenty years, she has provided assistance to college-bound students in the college application process and internships. Earlier in her career, she negotiated contracts and managed multi-million dollar album projects for some of today’s top-selling recording artists and music labels. Ms. Asbery received her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Columbia University.

Roxana Walker-Canton

Board Member

Roxana Walker-Canton is a 12-year resident of Hamden, CT, and a founding member of the Black Caucus of Hamden Connecticut. She is an elected member of the Hamden Board of Education and an elected member of the Hamden Democratic Town Committee. She is the Youth Programming Coordinator for the Hamden Black History Committee, former Political Action & Membership Chair for the New Haven branch of the NAACP, and former coach for the Hamden Fathers’ Girls Basketball Club. She is a university professor of film and an independent documentary filmmaker. She owns and operates KIMCAN Academy – Professional Academic Tutoring and Enrichment. She is married and has three children.

Shenae Draughn

Board Member

Shenae Draughn is Senior Vice President of The Glendower Group, an instrumentality of the Housing Authority of the City of New Haven. She joined the Housing Authority in 2009. In January of 2016, Ms. Draughn was promoted to her current position As the Senior Vice President of The Glendower Group, Ms. Draughn is responsible for
developing and executing long-term strategic plans for her department. In her capacity as Senior Vice President, she plays an instrumental role in determining the feasibility of specific projects, while also helping to coordinate city-wide development plans. Additionally, Ms. Draughn is responsible for ensuring compliance with investors and program requirements, including CHFA (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority), HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development), State Department of Housing, and various other government agencies. Ms. Draughn has over fifteen years’ experience in the real estate development industry with an expertise in affordable housing, managing complex projects utilizing tax credits, private debt, state grants, and HUD- mixed finance and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration). Ms. Draughn’s background and experience have helped provide for over $500 million dollars of real estate development in the Greater New Haven area. Prior to working for The Glendower Group, Inc, Ms. Draughn was an Executive Project Manager with the primary responsibility of planning, directing, and managing the full scope of projects – from feasibility analyses, to control of related expenditures and tax credits. Ms. Draughn also worked at the Mutual Housing Association of South Central Connecticut, Inc. for many years – most recently as the Deputy Executive Director where she identified affordable housing needs, promoted the development and implementation of affordable housing measures, and supervised and directed all related real estate transactions. Ms. Draughn serves on the Town of Hamden’s Planning and Zoning Commission and holds offices in other civic and social organizations. Ms. Draughn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Real Estate Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and received a Master of Science in Management from Albertus Magnus in New Haven, CT.

Tandy Mazo

Board Member

Tandy Mazo is a southern transplant and has been living in Hamden for over 17 years. Tandy has two children who have attended Hamden Public Schools. She is active with her children’s school PTA and has held the Executive Board Positions of Vice President and Secretary. Tandy has volunteered with several social and community-based organizations and was an active member of the Hamden Diversity Advisory Council. Tandy is a graduate of the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University, Aggie Pride! She enjoys gardening, meeting new people, historical sight-seeing, learning new languages, and spending time with her family.