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Meet The Team
Adam L. McMath, MFA
Executive Director & Board President
He/Him/His
Adam L. McMath is a filmmaker, activist, and political consultant that debuted his first feature length documentary at Black Alphabet Film Festival. Mr. McMath is a lover of Black History.
Ray Harrell, MSHR, MBA, SHRM-SCP
Managing Director & Board Treasurer
He/Her/Theirs
Ray Harrell, a Chicago native, has worked in the field of Human Resources for more than 20 years. He is the author of “101 Tips For Career Success”, a book designed to help people of color overcome obstacles in the hiring process, and "Whalum", a coming -of-age story of a Black gay male (triggering content). In his spare time, he enjoys Chicago's many street festivals, film festivals, thrifting, theater, and travel.
Gil Shannon Jr., MPA
Board Secretary
He/Him/His
Gil Shannon Jr, a Chicago area native, has been a public servant throughout his professional career. His love for the arts was nurtured at an early age by participating in bands and ensembles as a saxophonist and singing tenor in various choirs. His love continues to be nourished through his friendships with various artisans who participate in all forms of art. If not traveling through the states or abroad, you can find him supporting events held by local organizations, dining with friends, or at the gym.
Christopher Wimbley, MAFM
Program Coordinator & Board Member
He/Him/His
Christopher Wimbley has been a volunteer of Black Alphabet since 2017 and also has volunteered with various Organizations since 2006. Chris feels that giving back to the community is important because it helps promote love and care for one another. Chris enjoys walks on the beach and hot wings. Chris also serves as the Program Coordinator, providing support for Black Alphabet's programming. Chris thanks the Black Alphabet board for this wonderful opportunity!
Tim'm West, MA
Board Member
He/They
Tim’m T. West, a founding board member of Black Alphabet (2013) and founder of Cincinnati Black Pride. He was key in bringing the Black Alphabet Film Festival to Cincinnati which celebrates 6 years in 2023. TIm'm is an educator, performance artist, author, hip hop recording artist, poet, activist and youth advocate. He has been featured in many documentaries about hip hop culture. In addition to his books, he is widely anthologized, and has produced nine hip hop albums. West has been interviewed by an array of media outlets from Newsweek to the New York Times. Tim'm was recently named the Executive Director of the LGBT Institute.
Shiane Wilcoxen, AAS
Board Member
She/Her/Hers
Shiane Wilcoxen-Stephenson, a Chicago native is a Mother, Wife, Queer identifed Private Chef and Event Planner with 20 years of culinary and hospitality experience. She is the owner of Q-Tea-Pie, S. Myrih Events, and founder of Team 101 Chicago LGBTQIA+ youth organization. In her spare time, she teaches cake decorating, culinary techniques, and dining etiquette in the community. She holds certifications in Event Planning, Wedding Planning, and Gourmet Cooking and Catering.
Noel Green
Board Member
He/Him/His/Empowered
African American leader in the discussion of systemic effects on young, black, gay, men with 10+ years of experience leading mission based work for this population. From ensuring health equity to destroying structural causes of harm to his community, Noel brings an unapologetic dedication to enhancing the future for young, men of color. As an entrepreneur, activist, advocate, and intervention developer, Noel works today so that outcomes for his community will be better tomorrow.
Darius Caffey
Board Member
He/Him/His
Darius Caffey is an adept social justice-oriented entrepreneur with 10 years of demonstrated experience in leadership development, advocacy, research & evaluation, career advising, community outreach, program management, marketing, data analysis, strategy, and creative direction. He has worked with organizations such as Americorps, United Way, YMCA, RUSH, NASA, and others in various capacities. Darius also founded "The Closet Unlocked" in 2020, a social impact media platform fostering a deeper sense of belonging within the Black LGBTQIA+ community, to support his passion for arts and writing.
Christina Fontonelle, MAAT, CCTP, RYT
Program Partner
She/Her/Hers
Christina is a tri-lingual Afro-LatinX artist that focuses in psychotherapy and works from an Expressive Arts multi-modal approach, specializing in Art & Dance/Movement Therapy. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.