WUKY Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) Community Advisory Board

Overview & Mission

WUKY’s General Manager, Tom Godell, welcomes its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Community Advisory Board. The board will be co-facilitated by Dr. Abeni El-Amin (WUKY DEIB Consultant) and DeBraun Thomas (WUKY Programming and Producer). Other members include, David Butts, MA, CDE, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer for Bluegrass Care Navigators, Renee Cobb, M.Ed., Listen Locally, LLC., Dr. Anthony Everett, DMin, Siloam Project Coordinator for Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, Michael Frazier, Executive Director for the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition, Tony Frierson, Principal of Standgear.com, Ashley Holt, MBA, Central Regional Manager for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for Bluegrass Care Navigators, Nathan Jones, educator at Scott County High School, Alek Moriarty, Public Health Project Manager for RadioLex, Abeer Sikder, JD, Senior Policy Analyst at The Council of State Governments (CSG), Anthony Skinner a.k.a. Tony Wavy a.k.a. Hiphop Picasso of Talk Love, a brand artistry company, Jeremy Smith, LPCC, licensed professional clinical counselor in private practice, and Joey Truax (Yusef) Radio DJ for RADIOLEX WLXU 93.9 FM.

“The role of the WUKY DEIB CAB is to develop effective DEIB outreach strategies for WUKY. This Board has an important voice in the community when implementing and executing WUKY's DEIB execution strategy,” said Godell. “The WUKY DEIB CAB will begin its work on June 12, 2023, hosted by the historic Lyric Theater.”

WUKY's Mission embodies diversity and inclusion. The mission indicates that through news, music, and stories crafted for a culturally open-minded community, 91.3 WUKY is a catalyst for creating a better, more inclusive and engaged audience in Lexington and Central Kentucky. Further, WUKY's Values include providing an extraordinary work environment, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and embracing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as an essential component of every activity. with the over 70 community partnerships already established at the center.

Meeting Dates

All board meetings are open to the public.

Location: Lyric Theater, 300 E Third St, Lexington, KY 40508

• June 12, 2023, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 
• September 11, 2023, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 
• November 6, 2023, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 
• February 19, 2024, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 

2023-2024 DEIB Board Members

David Butts, MA, CDE is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE@) and the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer for Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN). BCN provides a number of healthcare services including home primary, transitional dementia, grief, integrative medicine, and hospice and palliative care. As their chief diversity officer, he spearheads the organizations efforts throughout the state of Kentucky related to supporting, creating, and sustaining an organization that values patients, team members, and communities of varied backgrounds and experiences. Prior to being in healthcare, David spent about 19 years in higher education. Most recently, he led DEI effort to support graduate and professional students in the University of Kentucky’s health colleges and managed the daily operations of the Center for Graduate and Professional Diversity Initiatives (CGPDI) through the unit's strategic outreach and belonging-focused efforts that reached across seventeen colleges, as well as provided minority recruitment support across the six health colleges. In addition, David has provided supervision for the LGBTQ Resource Center as well as Inclusive Health Partnerships at UK. Before being at UK, he served in significant diversity and inclusion roles and faculty positions at institutions in Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa. He has presented at the national, regional, and local levels on topics such as cross-cultural communication, organizational functioning, implicit bias, power, and privilege, and allyship. He received degrees in Communication and Industrial Engineering from Cleveland State University and completed his graduate work in Organizational Communication at Purdue University. David is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and enjoys performing in community theater.

Renee Cobb, M.Ed. is “working in concert” as a dynamic keynote speaker, diversity/ equity/ inclusion/ belonging DEIB consultant, business strategist, Executive Producer, and radio show/podcast host. She has a passion for creating experiences in which artists in any field can unleash their full potential. She also engages and connects those on the stage with those in the audience in a way that is both memorable and meaningful. Renee is the Co-President and Co-Owner of Listen Locally, LLC. Listen Locally is a consulting, media, and broadcasting group. She also serves the Executive Director/President of Room 17 Productions, a nonprofit organization that promotes music education through storytelling, oral history, live performance, and preservation of aging recordings. She is a 1984 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a 1994 graduate of Xavier University with a Master’s Degree in Executive Human Resource Development. She attended The UK College of Fine Arts on a full music scholarship to study piano and music education. She performed with the University of Kentucky Chorus and Choristers serving as both an accompanist for the Chorus and rehearsal pianist for Lexington Philharmonic Concerts. Renee became a concert pianist and accompanist for many vocalists at The University of Kentucky. Renee is formerly a training consultant for The Office of Institutional Diversity at The University of Kentucky and for Cook-Ross, Inc, a global industry leader in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Renee’s current work as a keynote speaker and change agent provides clients with a focus and facilitation in the areas of career management, diversity/inclusion, and leadership development. This line of work has allowed her to take her presentations to many Fortune 500 organizations, corporate, government, healthcare, and institutional sectors. Renee also encourages people to “listen locally” through storytelling serving as the project manager for several global education initiatives for the University of Kentucky Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History. Listen Locally was recognized as the Lexington Music Awards Music Business of the Year in 2020 and 2023 and Overtones LIVE was awarded the Critics’ Choice honor in 2022. Listen Locally and Room 17 Productions were nominated for the Community Service category at the Lexington Music Awards in the years 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Dr. Abeni El-Amin, Ph.D., Ed.D., D.PC., MPsy - I/O, LSSMBB (WUKY DEIB CAB, Co-Facilitator) has two decades of experience and education in Business Administration as an educator and practitioner. Further, as a higher education professor, she has designed and developed curriculum and training programs in business administration, educational leadership, legal studies, political science, psychology, and health sciences. She has managed large corporate and government budgets; managed staff and developed sustainable programs. Dr. El- Amin is a globally recognized thought leader on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She helps organizations develop a culture of belongingness through innovative and thought-provoking trainings. Dr. El-Amin is an author, international university lecturer, trainer, and speaker. Dr. El-Amin is the editor of Implementing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Management in Organizational Change Initiatives and Implementing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Educational Management Practices - IGI Global. Dr. El-Amin is co-founder of Project Ricochet, Inc., a youth development organization and Titan and Mogul, Inc., a global consultancy that provides lean six sigma and HR consultancy focusing on DEIB to improve organizational culture. She is also the author of, In Search of Servant Leadership, Determined to Serve - The Ricochet Effect, and Titan Financial Legacy - The Ricochet Effect. She received her Doctorate (PhD) in Business Administration ~ Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University, Doctorate (PhD) Colorado Theological Seminary, Clinical Pastoral/Patient Counseling, Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) from University of the Cumberlands, Doctorate (PhD) in Public Policy and Social Change from Union Institute and University (2023), Bachelors’ Degrees in Business Administration: Marketing and Economics and Masters’ Degrees in Public Administration: Human Resources Management and Management Information Systems from Kentucky State University (KSU). Masters in Nonprofit Administration from The University of Notre Dame, Masters in Adult and Community Education/Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University, Masters from Bellevue University in Professional Studies with a Focus in Health Care Administration, MBA in Project Management/Health Care Administration, Masters from Fort Hays State University in Professional Studies: Public Health Administration and an Ed.S. In Advanced Professional Studies: Education Innovation and Leadership, and Masters of Psychology in Industrial and Organizational I/O Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She holds AA degrees in Liberal Studies (KSU), Communications (KSU), and Paralegal Studies (Ivy Tech). She has taught Political Science, Business Administration, and Health Sciences for over a decade at several institutions of higher education. She received her Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (LSSMBB) from Florida Atlantic University.

Dr. Anthony Everett, DMin (he, him, ours) is a public theologian, social entrepreneur, and prophetic activist. He serves as the Siloam Project Coordinator for Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. Also, Dr. Everett serves as the founding president of The Centre for Prophetic Activism, a social justice enterprise, and CEO of Alpha Management LLC, a consulting firm. In high school, he learned about the atrocity of Apartheid; inspired, Dr. Everett joined the anti-apartheid movement. As a student activist at Howard University, he joined the movement for the liberation of Zimbabwe. He transitioned to the corporate world to work for EDS Corporation (now HP Enterprises) and completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational management at Paul Quinn College. As an executive at EDS, Dr. Everett led teams across ethnic, racial, nationality, and cultural lines to create more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments for co-workers. He led the implementation of the School of Adaptive Computer Training (Atlanta, GA) for the physically challenged – a joint EDS and Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation collaboration – and raised over $1.25M for the project. Dr. Everett completed the Master of Divinity program with Urban Ministry Certification at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He also completed the Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary. Dr. Everett is an elder with the United Methodist Church (UMC), having served as the associate director for African American Ministries with New Church Development for the Kentucky Conference. He planted Nia Community of Faith in Lexington, Kentucky and led Wesley UMC (Lexington) and University Circle UMC, a multi-racial congregation in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Everett is a coach/consultant with the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC21) Coaching Network. A 2010 graduate of Leadership Lexington and Leadership Kentucky and former Vice Chair of the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, Dr. Everett is an advocate for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. He is a member of the Faith Leaders of Color Coalition (a national ecumenical coalition to end the death penalty), the Equity Council of the Fayette County Public Schools, the Program Board of CivicLex, and the advisory board of B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leadership Action Coalition of Kentucky) as well as a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Born in Washington, D.C., Dr. Everett is married to American Spiritual Ensemble soprano soloist, Dr. Angelique Clay Everett, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky School of Music and native of Louisville, Kentucky. The Everetts are an empty nest, blended family with four adult children and two grandchildren.

Michael Frazier, a native of Powell County in Eastern Kentucky, is the Executive Director for the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition, Political Director for Kentucky Young Republicans, Lobbyist for Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky and a nationally recognized expert and advocate in protecting the First Amendment rights of college students. As a first-generation student at the University of Kentucky, Michael created the office of LGBTQ Resource Center at UK, and changed institutional policies, including challenging and abolishing the school’s free speech zone. Michael has continued his advocacy for Kentucky’s college students by being responsible for passing two landmark pieces of legislation, both of which are national models. Michael passed two of the strongest laws to protect the rights of college students, the Kentucky Campus Free Speech Protection Act (2019) & the Kentucky Campus Due Process Protection Act (2022). Michael continues to add much to our area's and Kentucky's grassroots coalition building in being a resource and advocate for LGBTQ, conservative, religious, liberal and student organizations across the Commonwealth. Michael's heart is in grassroots work, bridging divides where people dared not try and make a brighter Kentucky for all. For his work, Michael was honored with the 2020 Hugh M. Hefner National First Amendment Award in Education in recognition for his work. Michael is a graduate from the University of Kentucky. He also served as the legal research clerk for Judge Ernesto Scorsone, Judge Karen K. Caldwell, President George W. Bush appointee and former chief Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Judge Thomas D. Wingate, and Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney Lou Anna Redcorn.

Tony Frierson is the project lead for the Coretta Scott King Rose Series (Lowe’s stores Spring 2023). Negotiated the acquisition of the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the life home of Dr. and Mrs. King to the National Park Foundation/National Park Service. Negotiated a partial acquisition of one of the largest African American Photography Collections in the U.S. to the Atlanta History Center and the Robert W. Woodruff Library at Emory University. Owner of Standgear.com (designer and printer of socially conscious T Shirts and Hoodies). Created and produced Atlanta Home And Landscape TV. Produced multiple video productions for TV and special events.

Ashley Holt, MBA is the Central Regional Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Bluegrass Care Navigators. She is responsible for community outreach and engagement, organizational climate and relationships, access and opportunity, and training and development for central Kentucky’s only end of life and palliative care organization. As a seasoned professional with more than 18 years in community-based organizations, Ashley is known for driving a culture for appreciation for diversity, championing equity, and cultivating inclusion to ensure a sense of belonging for all. She most recently served as a business partner for an auto manufacturing company where she led recruiting efforts for skilled trade employees. Before that, Ashley was in higher education where she successfully provided support to diverse students, faculty, and staff and fostered an appreciation of cultural competency. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Business Administration from Spalding University. Ashley’s most important title is MOM. She and her15-year old daughter Niyah; reside in Lexington, KY.

Nathan Jones is a lifelong Lexingtonian. Professionally, Jones has experience in communications and education. He is currently a teacher at Scott County High School. A father of two daughters, Jones is passionate about social Justice and inclusion for all, and it excited to be a part of the WUKY DEIB’s mission.

Alek Moriarty is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a BA in Spanish Language and Literature. Former participant of the College Internship Program at Walt Disney World where I served as a cast member and translator at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I also served as a High School Spanish teacher and substitute teacher until 2020 and now serves as the Project Manager at RadioLex for the Public Health and Equity Grant.

Abeer Sikder, JD is a Senior Policy Analyst at The Council of State Governments (CSG) where he conducts research and analysis as part of the Education and Workforce Team. He also coordinates with local, state, and federal policymakers to develop innovative solutions for disability inclusion and successful employment outcomes. Through CSG's Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth), Abeer leads research projects on justice-involved youth, mental health equity, and intersectionality. He also served in Teach For America as a middle and high school math teacher for three years in Memphis, Tennessee. Abeer has previously worked for the Brady Campaign, the Center for Auto Safety, the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, and the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Abeer’s passions include socio-economic development, youth empowerment, and politics. He received a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Louisville.

Anthony Skinner a.k.a. Tony Wavy a.k.a. Hiphop Picasso. Monroe, MI born and Charlotte, NC raised entrepreneur, painter, musician, muralist and overall creative in every way. He has been doing art for well over 15 years. This multitalented creative specializes in contemporary portrait paintings with a mix of his own pop art style. He is highly skilled in using acrylic paint and mixed media urban design. This rising artist has been painting full time since the pandemic started fully realizing his potential and elevated on his skills. It’s also worth mentioning that he created and founded Talk Love. Which is his brand, artistry company, clothing line and inspirational platform. He took on his first mural working on a backyard fence. Since then, he has done work in music studios, restaurants, schools, nutrition clubs, clothing stores, community murals, horse trailers, museums, hookah lounges across the East coast. His work extends from portraits, to murals, to book illustrations and even graphic design. Anthony has a passion for connecting and sharing with people through collaborative artmaking. He continues his work as a community artist. He has called many cities home over the years, and currently resides in Lexington, KY with his family.

Jeremy Smith, LPCC is a licensed professional clinical counselor with a small private practice in Lexington. As someone with a visual impairment, Jeremy is very interested in the topic of inclusion. He has been a WUKY listener for many years and believes participating in the DEIB Advisory Board to be a unique opportunity to contribute to a valuable community resource. A writer and musician, Jeremy also connects with other affiliated entities such as the Carnegie Center and Lexington’s local music scene.

DeBraun Thomas (WUKY DEIB CAB, Co-Facilitator) fell in love with radio at a young age but only had interest in working in radio after learning Funk musician Sly Stone got his start in radio. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Thomas moved to Lexington in 2009 to attend the University of Kentucky and pursue a career in radio. Thomas joined WRFL in 2009 and through the UK school of Journalism, Thomas had 2 features air on WUKY. In October of 2012, Thomas began interning at WUKY and produced the Unghosting of Medgar Evers. In August of 2013 Thomas became a staff member at WUKY and since that time, Thomas regularly produces the weekly segment Local Music Mondays which highlights local musicians in Lexington. Thomas hosts the Crunkadelic Funk Show which airs Saturday nights at 9pm and also produced a documentary on the 50th anniversary of the March on Frankfort. In addition to producing and hosting a radio show, Thomas also explores his other passion as a musician in Lexington.

Joey Truax (Yusef) began to make his mark in Hip Hop and Islamic Culture, starting in 1986 in Lexington Kentucky. He was Beat Box champion winning battles at the local high schools and community centers, making a name for himself as "Baby J" rockin parties in the city. In 1988 he then became the co-host and DJ of the biggest Hip Hop Radio Show in KY (University of Kentucky WRFL 88.1). His Father is a Blues musician and record collector and had thousands of records in the basement, mostly Jazz, R&B, Funk, Blues, and Soul music. He then learned to cut and scratch on his father's old turntable and Realistic mixer, moving on to producing beats using the 808 Drum Machine, Synsonic Drums, the Ensoniq EPS, MPC60 and ASR-10, and much more. After producing many different artists and also polishing his skills as an Emcee, he became well rounded in his craft and landed the first record deal from Lex KY with Warlock Records in 1992. Also embracing the teachings of the 5% Nation of Islam and became known as Yusef Civilized. Over the years he's produced many different artists locally and nationally and has also worked with Platinum Producer 7 Aurelius (also from Lex KY). The love for the Culture remains and he is still active, currently the local radio personality and Best Radio DJ Award winner for RADIOLEX WLXU 93.9 FM. Yusef is definitely here to carry on the torch as a True Pioneer in Hip Hop and staple name in the Culture.