MLK Keynote Celebration Speaker - Dr. John Kinney

Dr. John Kinney has dedicated over 40 years to excellence in theological education and ministerial preparation, distinguishing himself as a systematic theologian, academician, and administrator. For 27 years, he served as Dean of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology and Senior Vice President at Virginia Union University. A scholar of distinction, Dr. Kinney earned degrees from Marshall University, Virginia Union University, and a Ph.D. from Columbia University/Union Theological Seminary. His teaching contributions extend to institutions such as Chicago Theological Seminary, Randolph-Macon College, and the College of William and Mary. He is widely recognized for his theological insights on creation, fragmentation, and issues like racism, sexism, and materialism, which are explored in his writings, including the seminal article The Theology of Fallenness: The Roots of Racism.

Beyond academia, Dr. Kinney has lectured extensively across the U.S. and Africa and has been a consultant to organizations such as the American Baptist Convention and the U.S. military chaplain corps. A member of various professional societies, he has held leadership roles in the Association of Theological Schools, including Chair of the Commission on Accrediting and President. His commitment to service also includes over 40 years as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaverdam, Virginia. Dr. Kinney and his wife, Dr. Quentina, are devoted parents to seven children and have a loving extended family that includes 20 grandchildren and several Godchildren.

Fireside Chat Moderator - Dr. Tomika Ferguson

Dr. Tomika L. Ferguson is the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education. With over a decade of experience in student affairs, community partnerships, and educational leadership, Dr. Ferguson is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and enhancing student success. Her scholarship focuses on the intersectional experiences of minoritized students, particularly Black women in athletics, and how identity and community shape academic and athletic outcomes.

Dr. Ferguson has developed initiatives in college access and community engagement, working to create educational opportunities to promote student success, such as the Black Athlete Sister Circle - a national leadership program for Black women student-athletes at predominantly White campuses.  She is a sought-after speaker and trainer, addressing topics such as leadership, equity, student-athlete development, and inclusive climates with educational, sports, and corporate entities. Dr. Ferguson also hosts the podcast After Further Consideration, engaging diverse leaders in discussions about leadership strategies. 

Fireside Chat Panelist - Carol Adams

Ms. Carol Adams has worked in Law Enforcement over two decades; she was employed with the Richmond Sheriff’s Department for seven years prior to joining the Richmond Virginia Police Department where she has worked for 18 years.  Ms. Adams graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management. Carol’s a graduate of the Virginia Division of Forensic Science, Richmond Police Department’s Leadership Challenge and Richmond City University Leadership Development Series.  She has received appointments to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justices Services Board and the Department of Juvenile Justices Advisory Board. Carol also serves as a member of the following: The International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Law Enforcement Museum Domestic Violence Advisory Board, National Organization Black Law Enforcement Domestic Violence Consultant, NOBLE - Central Virginia Chapter Training Chair, and Chapter Treasurer, United Way Women’s Leadership Initiative, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, Women of Color Caucus, The Gang Reduction Intervention and Prevention, Suppression Committee Chair, and The Richmond Police Department’s Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Support Chair.  Ms. Adams is the CEO of (CAFI), the Carol Adams Foundation Incorporated, a non-profit organization based in Richmond, Virginia. The mission is to provide emergency assistance to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Through the foundation, women and children will have a temporary safety net which will enable them to live violence-free and have the opportunity to become self-sufficient.

Fireside Chat Panelist - Sean Miller

With more than 25 years of experience in youth and family engagement, Sean Miller has devoted his career to empowering young people through education, sports, and community programs. His journey began as a summer tutor, and over the years, he's been a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator.

Today, as President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond (BGCMR), Sean has been instrumental in transforming youth services across metro Richmond, building on 20 years of leadership roles at BGCMR including Chief Operating Officer and VP of Operations. Sean has also served as Recreation Coordinator for the Department of Recreation & Parks in Chesapeake, VA and Recreation Superintendent and Recreation Supervisor for the Department of Recreation & Parks in Suffolk, VA. A proud graduate of Richmond Public Schools, Sean is currently on the Board of Visitors at Christopher Newport University. He holds a B.S. in Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Mini MBA from the University of Richmond.