Dr. Harry Alston, Jr., originally from Atlanta, Georgia, now resides in the Windy City, serving as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Safer Foundation. Renowned for his strategic vision and dedication to equity, he excels in organizational capacity building lending his time and talent to Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities. 

Dr. Alston earned a Ph.D. from Antioch University, an MBA from Indiana University, and is certified in cross-cultural orientations. He serves on multiple boards, including Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities and the NXG Youth Motorsports Academy. Beyond his professional life, he finds joy in fatherhood and advocates for social and economic justice within Black communities.

Harry Alston, Jr.

Chair; Board of Directors

A lifelong Chicagoan passionate about liberation and knowledge, Sequane Lawrence is widely known for his contributions in the greater Chicagoland area as a community economic development practitioner, activist, and public policy thought leader — he is also a founding board member of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities. Sequane holds a Master of Science in Community Economic Development and passionately advocates for policies that ensure everyone has access to their unique educational interests.

Outside of his contributions to Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities, Sequane is the President and CEO of Revolution Institute and is heavily involved in African-centered rites of passage and mentoring programs, as well as board and civic engagement. He takes pride in being consistently present in the life of his family and community.

Sequane Lawrence

Vice Chair, Treasurer, & Co-Founder; Board of Directors

Joseph Mason, a founding board member of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities, Chicago native and retired State Government official, is celebrated for initiating Illinois' very first fatherhood program, Choices for Fathers, driven by his passion for paternal involvement and child welfare.

His commitment to community service extends through outreach and recruitment efforts, showcasing his operational and programmatic expertise beyond Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities. As CEO of Joseph Mason & Associates, he specializes in outreach and recruitment strategies for aging, fatherhood, and intergenerational programs. Aside from his professional achievements, Joseph takes immense pride in his role as a father and grandfather.

Joseph Mason

Co-Founder; Board of Directors

Thrilled to represent the great state of Ohio, Dr. Michael Bennett is a founding board member of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities, driven by his passion for family and social and economic equity. 

Decorated for his expertise in community economic development and the establishment of Imani Village, a 26-acre site at 95th and Cottage Grove Ave, Dr. Bennett finds joy in witnessing young men mature into manhood, which fuels his commitment to Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities. 

Dr. Bennett takes pride in his role in establishing the Endeleo Institute at Trinity United Church of Christ. Apart from his dedication to supporting Chicago fathers, he serves as an Associate Professor of Sociology at DePaul University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University and both a Master of Arts and PhD from The University of Chicago.

Michael Bennett

Co-Founder; Board of Directors

Joseph J. Mason II currently serves as the Principal at Kenwood Academy High School. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Africana Studies from Union College, a Master's in Teaching from National Louis University, and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Columbia University. To top off his academic pursuits, he's currently pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum Studies at DePaul University. 

Joseph recently received recognition for his leadership, receiving the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award and the FITC Foundation President's Award. He has participated in the CPS Greater Expectations Mentoring program and is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Additionally, Joseph is a founding board member of Project OneTen, a business owner, and a devoted father.

Joseph J. Mason, II

Board of Directors

Diante’ D. Adams is an enthusiastic educational professional with over 15 years of experience in enhancing educational programs and services. Skilled in building strong relationships with stakeholders, he excels in leadership, organization, and communication.

In addition to supporting youth on their educational journeys, Diante’ has served as an Academy Training Manager, collaborating with the Chicago Police Department to improve policing and community safety. A former United States Navy Submarine Force member, he managed HR and training services in Naples, Italy, under two-star Admiral Munns. Committed to community service, he actively contributes to the Chicago Urban League’s programs, working to educate, empower, and serve Chicagoans and veterans alike.

Diante’ D. Adams

Board of Directors

Reverend Dr. Robert C. Jones, Jr. has dedicated more than half of his life to ministry, currently presiding as the Pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church for over 15 years.

Educated in East St. Louis public schools, his higher education pursuits took him to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Mid-Western Theological Seminary, Anchor Theological Seminary, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Neighborhood Reinvestment Training Institute, H.U.D. Homeownership Center, and finally Harvard University.

Rev. Jones is the President of the Greater New Era District Congress of Christian Education and is the third of four children, with siblings Helen Dye, Marilyn Jones, and Kenyton Jones.

Reverend Dr. Robert C. Jones, Jr.

Board of Directors