George Johnson, President
George Johnson, Jr. is a lifelong Buffalo resident, entrepreneur, and real estate investor dedicated to fostering youth empowerment and generational leadership through decades of community advocacy.
Nakia Harris, Vice President
Nakia Harris is a financial operations professional with over 15 years of experience in regulatory compliance and account management who currently serves as the Vice President of Friends of Freedom Park.
Paul Thomas, Treasurer
Reverend Thomas is the pastor of the historic Bethel AME Church in Buffalo and a career educator who leverages his diverse academic background to empower communities through ministry, mentorship, and non-profit leadership.
Chris Murawski, Secretary
Chris Murawski, a Buffalo native and Executive Director for the Clean Air Coalition of WNY, is a versatile leader with a background in nonprofit management, community organizing, and small business ownership who currently serves as a board member for Friends of Freedom Park and an organizer with SURJ Buffalo.
Fredericka Barton, Parliamentarian
L. F. Barton is a Buffalo State College alumna and former nurse who served as the 3rd Vice President for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Upsilon Zeta Chapter, and an eBIKE Library ambassador for the East Side Bike Club, leveraging her extensive background in education, healthcare, and community administration to serve the Buffalo area.
Niasha Hamilton, Board Member
Niasha Hamilton is a dedicated justice advocate with experience in environmental justice, youth development, and civic engagement. She specializes in expanding access to green space, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing equitable public spaces that honor and uplift historically underserved communities.
Dr. Ashanti Haynes, Board Member
Ashanti Haynes is an Educational Consultant specializing in culturally responsive teaching to advocate for the achievement of Black and Brown students and the restoration of Black American heritage. She has 15 years of experience as a school building leader and teacher.
Chris Lawson, Board Member
Christopher S. Lawson is a Senior Ford Motor Company engineer and University at Buffalo alumnus who combines 26 years of technical leadership with a deep-rooted commitment to community mentorship and safe cycling advocacy as a League of American Bicyclists, League Cycling Instructor (LCI).
Karen Huffman, Board Member
Karen Huffman is an educator and dedicated eco-social justice advocate, and long time volunteer with Slow Roll Buffalo and East Side Bike Club, focusing on environmental protection and community engagement through year-round cycling.
Deonna Jones Esq, Board Member
Deonna Jones is a Buffalo-based attorney where she serves as Assistant Legal Counsel for the Buffalo Public School District and President of the Minority Bar Association of WNY. Deonna is also a commission member of the New York Statewide Permanent Commission for Justice for Families and a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Group, where she leverages her legal expertise and background as a foster care alumnus to advocate to improve families’ experience with the court system through New York State.
Lois Young, Board Member
Lois is an alumna from Buffalo State University. Lois retired from the Federal Government with over 30 years of Service. She is a Facilitator with E.S.T.H.E.R. (empowering sisters to have enriching relationships) a women’s ministry under Elim Christian Fellowship Church. Lois is former Vice President of University District Block Club Coalition. Lois received docent training with Michigan Street Baptist Church. Training certificate in Restorative Justice.