MEET THE SPEAKERS
A Virtual Interactive Summit
 
RACE. REALITY, & RESISTANCE:
IN A DIVIDED COUNTRY
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5 GREAT SPEAKERS FROM
3 COUNTRIES
US, UK, & JAMAICA
Friday, June 5, 2026
​FREE & OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC WORLDWIDE
​3:30pm BST (1600)  •  10:30am EDT  • 9:30 am CDT •  8:30am MDT • 7:30am PDT


KEYNOTE SPEAKER 
MICHAEL CURRY, ESQ.
​United States

Michael Curry, Esq., is President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, which represents 50 health centers, serving over one million patients out of 285 practice sites across the Commonwealth. The Mass League provides clinical, advocacy, workforce, data, legal, and compliance support for its members. Under Michael’s leadership, the organization has doubled in size over the last four years, with over 100 staff, secured the largest contract in the association’s history at over $300 million to administer the state’s provider loan repayment program (MA Repay), and launched the nation’s first Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy, Inc. (IHE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to promote and engage in community-driven research, evaluation, and public policy to achieve health equity.
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Attorney Curry also serves on the National Board of the NAACP.

During the early battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael was appointed by the Massachusetts Senate to the legislatively created Health Equity Task Force, which he co-chaired, to address the health disparities COVID-19 revealed and magnified. He was also appointed by then-Governor Charlie Baker to the COVID-19 Vaccine Working Group and served on the Department of Public Health’s Health Equity Advisory Group, the City of Boston’s Health Inequity Task Force, and the City of Brockton’s Social Justice Task Force. He gained a reputation for always being the equity voice in the room. The experiences led him to co-launch the Health Equity Compact (HEC), a collection of over 85 C-suite leaders of color aimed at driving health equity reform in Massachusetts. In just three years, the HEC filed the first in the nation omnibus health equity reform bill, hosted the state’s first of its kind annual Health Equity Summit, worked with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation (BCBSMAF) to publish a Cost of Inequity report (making the business case to eliminate health disparities), and partnered with MassINC. to capture and publish a poll on the topic.

Michael brings over 35 years of experience and results in civil rights advocacy, health reform, and health equity. He is the Past President of The Boston Branch of the NAACP (2011-2016), with over 25 years of dedicated service to the NAACP in the city, state, and area conference, and national levels. He was elected to the NAACP Board of Directors in 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2023 (4 terms) by members from across the country. Despite all the tremendous recognition for his work, Attorney Curry often says, “Where I’m from keeps where I am in perspective.” He was born into poverty, raised by a single mother in public housing, and is a graduate of the Boston Public Schools. He is also a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, New England Law Boston (NELB), and the inaugural class of the Executive Leadership Council’s (ELC) Pipeline to Leadership Program. He is a member of the Massachusetts BAR.

Dr. Michael Curry holds an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Curry College (2022), an Honorary Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Labouré College (2022), an Honorary Doctorate from William James College (2023), and recently received his 4th, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (2025). Dr. Curry is also an Adjunct Professor at both New England Law Boston, teaching “Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession,” and Suffolk University’s Moakley Center and Sawyer School of Management, teaching a health care management and policy course, and is a frequently requested keynote speaker and panelist on a wide range of civil rights and health policy issues.

In 2021, he created a 400-slide presentation entitled “Quantum Leap” to address the history of anti-Black racism in America from 1619 to today. Over the course of one to three hours, Michael quantum leaps through history, connecting the dots between this history and the gaps, inequities, and disparities of today. He has presented this highly sought-after walk-through history to over 70 local and national organizations.

Michael is father to: Marcus Curry (30), a graduate of St. John’s University and Account Manager at Boathouse (full-service integrated marketing and communications agency); Michael Curry Jr. (22), a senior at Norfolk State University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and Malcolm Curry (17), a rising Senior at Thayer Academy. Michael is engaged to fiancée Julie Cabral with wedding plans for September 2026.

DISTINGUISHED PANEL SPEAKERS

PROF. GUS JOHN
United Kingdom

Professor Gus John is a Grenadian-born educator, writer, consultant, social activist, and international thought leader whose work has shaped education, racial justice, and community empowerment in Britain and beyond for more than six decades. Born in Concord, Grenada, on March 11, 1945, he earned a scholarship to Presentation Brothers College before pursuing theological studies in Trinidad and later at Oxford University after moving to the United Kingdom in 1964.

Throughout his career, Professor John has been a passionate advocate for educational equity, youth development, and social justice. In 1968, he helped establish one of Britain’s first supplementary schools for Black children in Birmingham, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to improving educational opportunities for marginalized communities. He became a leading community organizer in Birmingham, Manchester, and London, addressing issues related to housing, employment, policing, and educational achievement.

Professor John played a prominent role in anti-racism and civil rights campaigns, including organizing efforts following the 1981 New Cross Fire tragedy and serving as a key voice in Britain’s struggle for racial equality. His writings and public advocacy have challenged systemic racism while promoting empowerment, inclusion, and social transformation. He has authored numerous books, reports, and articles on education, race relations, leadership, and public policy.
In 1989, he became Britain’s first Black Director of Education and later the first Black Director of Education and Leisure Services in the London Borough of Hackney, a groundbreaking achievement that cemented his place in British educational history. He has also served in senior academic roles, including appointments at the University of Strathclyde, University College London, and Coventry University.

Since leaving public office, Professor John has advised governments, educational institutions, community organizations, and international bodies across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. He has worked extensively on education reform, youth empowerment, leadership development, and social investment initiatives. Recognized as one of Britain’s most influential Black intellectuals and activists, he was named among the “100 Great Black Britons” in 2020. His life’s work continues to inspire educators, policymakers, and social justice advocates around the world.

LEZLIE TAYLOR
United States

Lezlie Taylor is an innovative business and nonprofit leader with extensive experience in business development, marketing, community engagement, and strategic partnership development. Throughout her career, she has successfully led organizational growth initiatives, cultivated high-impact stakeholder relationships, and advanced strategies that strengthen both business performance and community impact.

With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, Lezlie brings a unique perspective on integrating inclusive leadership practices into organizational strategy, workforce development, and community engagement efforts. Her expertise spans organizational leadership, relationship building, strategic planning, change management, and the development of collaborative partnerships that drive sustainable results.

Known for her ability to connect people, ideas, and resources, Lezlie is passionate about helping organizations create environments where individuals and communities can thrive. She regularly shares insights on leadership, DEI, organizational effectiveness, community relations, and building cultures of belonging.

ATTY WAYNE GOLDING
United States

 Wayne Golding Sr., ESQ, C.D., was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and attended primary school in St. Mary and later in Kingston. After graduating from Kingston College in 1981, he migrated to New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Queens College. He later obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Barry University School of Law in Florida.

While attending college in New York, Mr. Golding became actively involved in student government and participated in initiatives designed to help newly arrived Caribbean students navigate the American educational system. Following a successful career on Wall Street, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 1988 with his young family. There, he immersed himself in the Caribbean community as a businessman, educator, and civic leader dedicated to advancing the visibility, engagement, and influence of Caribbean people throughout the diaspora.

He was a founding member of the Heads of Caribbean Organizations of Central Florida, promoting the principle that communities must “be organized to be recognized.”

In 2003, Mr. Golding founded Golding Law Group, PLC, in Orlando, Florida. As an accomplished attorney admitted to practice in Florida state and federal courts, he has built a distinguished legal career representing clients in immigration, criminal, civil, government, and international law matters. Although he has litigated numerous high-profile cases, he is particularly passionate about immigration law and has successfully helped reunite families by securing the return of individuals who were wrongfully deported.

For more than two decades, Mr. Golding has provided extensive pro bono legal services to the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami, the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., and Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. He has advised Jamaican ambassadors, Caribbean consuls general, and diplomatic personnel on a wide range of legal and public policy matters.

A respected media commentator and community advocate, Mr. Golding co-hosts the weekly radio segment “Law Talk, Real Talk, Serious Talk” on Caribbean Affairs Connection Radio Show, providing legal information relevant to Caribbean communities. He also co-hosts “The Global Diaspora Show,” which highlights individuals making meaningful contributions across the global diaspora. In addition, he serves as a legal and diaspora affairs analyst for national and international media outlets.

Mr. Golding has held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Caribbean Bar Association, Central Florida Chapter. He also made history as the first immigrant appointed Chairman of the Orange County School Board Bi-Racial Committee, a body established by federal court order to monitor policies related to desegregation and racial equity.

A tireless advocate for Caribbean communities, Mr. Golding has led and participated in numerous advocacy initiatives on Capitol Hill and at the White House, promoting policies that support diaspora communities and highlighting the contributions of Caribbean Americans.

From 2014 to 2019, he served as a member of Jamaica’s Diaspora Advisory Board for the Southern United States, helping strengthen collaboration and engagement throughout the Jamaican diaspora. In 2020, he was appointed by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to the inaugural 28-member Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, where he served as a trusted, nonpartisan bridge between the Jamaican diaspora and the Government of Jamaica.

Mr. Golding has received numerous honors for his professional and community service, including the 2012 Community Changemaker Diaspora Award from the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami, recognition in the United States Congressional Record in 2019, the 2019 Governor General’s Achievement Award for Excellence, and Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD). Today, he continues his work as a litigation attorney, community advocate, and international diaspora consultant. 

REV. MARVIA E. LAWES
​Jamaica

The Reverend Marvia E. Lawes is a Pan-African Womanist Public Theologian and an ordained minister in the Jamaica Baptist Union with more than 30 years of ministry experience. She currently serves as pastor of the Sligoville Circuit of Baptist Churches, which includes three congregations located in Sligoville, Jamaica’s first Free Village, in the parish of St. Catherine. Prior to this appointment, she served as pastor of the Stewart Town Circuit of Baptist Churches in Trelawny, Jamaica, and the First Isthmian Baptist Church in Colón City, Panama.

Rev. Lawes’ ministry, scholarship, and advocacy are rooted at the intersection of race, gender, spirituality, environmental justice, and climate concerns. She has written and published on topics including the Spirituality of Resistance, environmental stewardship, and climate change, bringing a faith-centered perspective to some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

A respected leader within both regional and global ecumenical communities, Rev. Lawes serves as Rapporteur to the World Council of Churches Reference Group on Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and Related Discrimination. She is also a co-convener of the Caribbean Women Theologians for Transformation (CWTT), a member of the Social Issues Study Commission of the Jamaica Baptist Union, and an active participant in the Pan-African Women's Ecumenical Empowerment Network (PAWEEN), a World Council of Churches initiative based in Washington, D.C.
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Her influence extends beyond the pulpit to broadcast and social media platforms, community engagement initiatives, and international ecumenical and interfaith forums. Through her work, Rev. Lawes combines compassion, wisdom, and practical activism to inspire individuals and communities toward justice, transformation, and sustainable change.

Friday, June 5, 2026
​FREE & OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC WORLDWIDE
3:30pm BST (1600)  •  10:30am EDT  • 9:30 am CDT •  8:30am MDT • 7:30am PDT