JoAnn McCullough has been Executive Director of IMANI since its inception. A passionate advocate for improving achievement for all students, McCullough has been instrumental in securing foundation and community support for innovative programs that encourage students of color to enroll in more challenging classes and provide the support they need to succeed academically. McCullough is a past president of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence and past vice president of the Montclair Film Board of Trustees. She currently serves as president of the Montclair Public Library Board of Trustees.

Wil Young is Montclair resident and 32-year veteran of Montclair Police Department. Wil currently

serves as Deputy Chief for the Montclair Police Department and has experience in patrol operations,

investigations, alcoholic beverage control, narcotics, juvenile aid and special duty assignments working

with outside agencies in a variety of capacities. For 20 years DC Young served on Montclair’s ESU team

and is also a certified Firearm Instructor. Deputy Chief Young is a dedicated, highly decorated Law

Enforcement Professional who puts Community before all. He has been honored by and has received

numerous accolades for Community Service and Community Policing. DC Young was educated at the

Community College of the Air Force and Fairleigh Dickenson University.

DC Young is married and a father of five children. He also celebrates 6 Grandchildren. Wil is very active

in the Montclair community. DC Young has served on the Executive Board of the Montclair Branch of

the NAACP and Chaired the Criminal Justice Committee. He has also served on Montclair’s Parks and

Recreation Cultural Affairs Committee. Wil’s passion lies in the Montclair Cobras Junior Football and

Cheerleading Program. Wil is the President and Director of the Cobras which is one of Montclair’s

longest running youth programs. Wil coached in the program for more than 15 years before moving on

to Director. The Cobras have mentored and coached as many as 150 boys and girls from 7 years old to

14 years old annually. In 2015 and 2017 Wil led the Cobras to a Northeast Regional Championship and a

National Championship in Kissimmee, Fl. where they placed 4 th in the nation. Being leaders in the NFL’s

play 60 movement, the Cobras varsity team proudly represented Montclair at the Closing Bell Ceremony

at the NASDAC in NYC on Jan 8, 2016. The Montclair Cobras 13U is on pace to compete for a National

Title this year (2025).

Wil enjoys hanging out with his best friend Wendy (wife of 28 years), golfing, photography, motorcycles,

going to the gym, the Montclair Cobras, and most of all, cooking out with family and friends at the fire

pit.

John W. Farrell (Jack) holds an advanced degree in Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York. He was formally employed by Rutgers University as a Program Analyst for the Universal Behavioral Healthcare -Violence Institute of New Jersey. Mr. Farrell now provides training on gangs and gang intervention and community violence. Farrell also provided case management services for the Rutgers University Police Institute's Greater Newark Safer Cities Initiatives. Mr. Farrell serves on the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Community Advisory Board. He has received many community, state and federal awards for his commitment to community service. He is a sought-after lecturer, who has appeared on television and radio. To his credit, he has published and collaborated on articles about substance abuse. 

Over the past 45 years his career-has included providing leadership in the development and promulgation of polices and standards for drug treatment programs. He has provided technical and consultation services to other state, county and local subdivisions in the area of substance abuse and treatment. He worked for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) for more than 28 years until his retirement in 2002 at which time he began working at UMDNJ. At the DHSS he has held the position of Deputy Director for the Division of Addiction Services, Acting Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Addiction Services, Deputy Director for the Division of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Control, Acting Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control and Chief of Special Populations and Projects for the Division of Narcotic and Drug Abuse Control. 

Mr. Farrell is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and is an avid car enthusiast with an award winning 1955 and 1957 Chevy.

Leo Sawadogo Co-Founder & Brewmaster, Montclair Brewery

Born and raised in Burkina Faso, West Africa, Leo Sawadogo draws inspiration from a rich cultural tradition of community brewing that he first witnessed in his mother’s kitchen. Today, as Co-Founder and Brewmaster of Montclair Brewery in Montclair, New Jersey, Leo channels that heritage into innovative craft beers that celebrate both his African roots and his adopted home.

Known for his inventive use of ingredients such as baobab fruit, sorghum, and hibiscus, Leo’s work bridges continents—melding ancestral flavors with contemporary brewing techniques. His recipes often tell stories of identity, resilience, and cultural exchange, offering drinkers a sensory experience that honors the past while pushing the craft forward.

Beyond the taproom, Leo is recognized for his leadership in diversifying the brewing industry and for bringing a distinctly global perspective to American craft beer. His passion and artistry have earned him features in NJ Monthly, Good Beer Hunting, and appearances on Discovery+’s Master Distillers.

Denise Ford-Sawadogo, MBA Co-Founder & General Manager, Montclair Brewery

Denise Ford-Sawadogo is the Co-Founder, General Manager, and Marketing Director of Montclair Brewery, where she leads operations, brand development, and community engagement. A Brooklyn native of Jamaican descent, Denise combines her corporate marketing background with a deep commitment to cultural storytelling, using craft beer as a vehicle for heritage, education, and inclusion.

Armed with an MBA from Baruch College and a bachelor’s in marketing, Denise left a successful corporate career to co-create a brewery that celebrates diversity through flavor. She manages every aspect of Montclair Brewery’s operations—from staffing and strategy to partnerships and public outreach—while building a brand recognized for its authenticity and community focus.

Denise is a vocal advocate for representation within the craft beer industry, mentoring other minority-owned businesses and championing women’s leadership in brewing. Her work has been featured in Good Beer Hunting, CraftBeer.com, and Arryved Stories, where she’s celebrated as a pioneer at the intersection of business, culture, and community impact.

two scholarships to two senior students within the Montclair area. The Branch has formed

coalitions with fraternal and community groups and organizations to sponsor forums and

activities of interest to members and the community. In addition, the Branch has found an

increasing number of opportunities to support the programs of local groups, whose efforts

are in concert with the ideals and mission of the NAACP. In recent years, the Branch has

worked closely with the National Council on Negro Women, Inc (NCNW), The League of

Women Voters, The Montclair Senior Housing Corporation, The Montclair Neighborhood

Development Corporation, The Fourth Ward Collaborative, the Urban League, local

sororities, fraternities and churches. Members of the Branch represent the NAACP on

various community boards and committees. The Thurgood Marshall Freedom Fund Dinner

and Awards Ceremony marks that time of year when the Montclair Branch NAACP honors

those members of the organization and community who have consistently contributed their

time and effort towards fostering the goal and mission of the NAACP in the continuing

struggle for civil and human rights.

Tyrone "Witty" Jenkins was born on January 19, 1957, in Newark, New Jersey, and on October 9, 2025, Tyrone peacefully went home to glory.

On April 24, 1977, While a student on a swimming scholarship at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, Tyrone was inducted into Groove and affectionately became known as "Prank Nitty" by his Groove Brothers, He was the #1 of four line brothers of the Black Sheep Squadron, also known as The Mob:

Nitty was a dedicated Groove-always present and willing to lend a helping hand to his brothers, Swing sisters, and community. He became a lifetime member of the New Jersey Graduate Chapter and remained active, attending and supporting Groove events for as long as he was able.

Tyrone has been a valued Montclair community member since 1999, and was baptized at Montclair Church of Christ, where he remained a faithful servant of Christ.

Tyrone met and married Julie Valentine on October 26, 1991, and through their union, they were blessed with three children: twins Tyrra and Jalisa, and son Tyrone Jr.,

Tyrone proudly served as a firefighter for 25 years for the City of Newark, rising through the ranks and retiring honorably as Captain.

Beyond his devotion to family and Groove, Nitty had a passion for adventure and life.

He enjoyed traveling, swimming, scuba diving, photography, roller skating, skiing, and riding his motorcycle. He loved house music and mentoring others. His presence, laughter, and energy touched everyone he encountered.

Each year, Tyrone made sure that Groove Phi Groove was a staple in the Montclair African-American Parade. And boy do they continue to show-up and show-out. This upcoming year, with Captain Jenkins undoubtedly in spirit.

Nitty will forever be remembered for his loyalty, love, and light.

Groove on, Brother Nitty.

Known to many by his own self- proclaimed titles: a Master Barber by trade for over 39 years , and a Retired Professional Montclair. Most importantly, Marc Williams was a beloved father, husband, and brother. A well-known figure in Montclair’s South End, he served his community for years as a proud neighborhood barber and steadfast community member. His presence will be greatly missed.