Influential People

Michael Coard, a criminal defense attorney with more than 20 years of state and federal trial experience, specializes in murder cases; worked…

Barkley L. Hendricks, an artist best known for his life-size oil paintings of Black people, passed away on April 18, 2017. He photographed a…

prominent African American historian, scholar and author whose passion for history and books began at the age of nine, and blossomed into his amassing one of the largest private collections in the world related to people of African descent, located at Temple University

President and CEO of BFW Group, LLC. which provides construction project management, construction administration, owners’ representation, and development consulting services to non-profit and for-profit developers, government, large general contractors, schools, and institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Bishop Grannum is an internationally recognized, Bible expositor, trainer of leaders, author and motivational speaker. His international teaching program, “Wisdom from the Word,” has been heard daily on the radio in over 60 countries. Bishop Grannum and Dr. Hyacinth Bobb Grannum presently give leadership and oversight to a network of congregations and independent ministries in the United States and overseas.

Philadelphia native businessman, journalist, and publisher; a motorcyclist who regularly crisscrosses the country to encourage fellow bikers and fans with his positive riding experiences. His free monthly digital magazine, SportsBike Inc. (SBI), was established in 2010 and in seven years has become the nation’s top resource in the world of motorcycle “edutainment.”

Sekela Coles, PhD, Professor of Business, Harcum College and Delaware County Community College; elected Councilwoman, 7th District of Upper Darby, November 2013. She was raised in West Philadelphia by two hardworking parents, Pattison and Jacqueline Pierce- Mungai, who instilled in her the importance of education and community. Dr. Coles has stayed active in numerous community endeavors since moving to the Upper Darby community in 2003.

Sheila Woods-Skipper, The President Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, the region’s busiest and most prestigious criminal and civil courtrooms. She also cochairs the system’s administrative governing board which pulls together leaders from its branches—Common Pleas Court, Municipal Court, Orphans Court, and Family Court.