BOARD MEMBERS

Sam Bradley is the Founder/ CEO at Gospel Beat Ent. J. C. Williams Community CTR is a graduate of WNEC. The Pan African Historical Museum USA is located downtown in Springfield’s Tower Square and comprises three galleries.

Laura Peterson serves as the Assistant Executive Director at PAHMUSA and helps coordinate the popular Underground Railroad program, organizers the school tours, plans arts and crafts activities for museum patrons and assists the executive director with community outreach. Lauretta has been involved in PAHMUSA for over thirty years and is a resolute promoter of Black history and culture. Her meticulous planning and vision have inspired some of the best programs and events at PAHMUSA and are always well attended.

Tony Bass is the Owner of City Beat Multi-Media Group where he develops graphic art content for print & web mediums, produces and edits video content for mass media/web content, provides computer repair & maintenance expertise, develops websites, produces two cable access TV shows (working 3rd) and manage a gospel recording artist's marketing & promotions campaign. Tony has been involved in PAHMUSA for decades, lending his vast array of talent in community outreach, programming, media documentation of events, public speaking on radio and tv, and participating as a board member. He works directly with Sam and is responsible for keeping PAHMUSA’s thrust at the forefront of the community

Bonita Oliver is a multidisciplinary performance artist. She blends film, sound, spoken word, music, movement, and sculpture to create interactive performance pieces which engage audiences directly in story creation and lived experience. Bonita grew up immersed in music, African American studies, theater, and fine arts. At PAHMUSA Bonita helps promote the performing arts and often performs at special events. Bonita has been involved in PAHMUSA for over thirty years and is a board member. In the words of Sojourner Truth, “ Because of them, I can now live the dream. I am the seed of the free, and I know it. I intend to bear great fruit.”

Renay Intisar Jihad, B.A. M.Ed., CAGS is a retired literacy coach, reading specialist, and published author. She writes for the Muslim Journal, AF-AM POV, MetaStellar.com, Medium.com, and PoetryVibe.com. As the owner of Intisar’s Gourmet Desserts, she understands the struggle Black-owned business faced during the pandemic. At PAHMUSA she writes grants, presents workshops, and serves as a program planner and presents workshops. Renay has been involved in PAHMUSA since its founding and is a board member.

Andrew Keaton El received his BA degree in Communications and Film Studies from St. Thomas Aquinas College. NY. a former Reentry Supervisor for the Prisoner Re-entry Initiative(PRI/DOC). in Massachusetts, Mr. Keaton El is the Founder and Director of Brotherhood on the Move Inc., a non-profit organization serving the youth of greater New England that facilitates a mentoring program, Radio talk show host and writes for the Metro Record Newspaper. Drew brings a wealth of expertise to PAHMUSA. He heightens the positive mood at events by serving as a DJ. His community affiliations are broad and deep because he cares about Springfield. He has touched the lives of people of all ages.

Amber Peterson is the Director of Program Innovation at LitWorld. She is an educator who believes passionately in the power of story and how it helps young people change themselves and the world. Amber’s affiliation with PAHMUSA dates back decades. Her wealth of knowledge and public speaking talent lends itself well when presenting tours for the Underground Railroad and leading workshops. Helping to coordinate a long-term timeline and content for year-round programming takes vision, which she has. Amber is a PAHMUSA board member.