JM Benjamin, Author, Founder and CEO of A New Quality Publishing

J.M. Benjamin is a successful, powerful and impacting author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker from Plainfield, New Jersey.

Since being released from prison back in 2006 he has received numerous of accolades and recognition for his Essence Best Selling novel Ride Or Die Chick. J.M. Benjamin is also, the Award Winning author of Down In the Dirty, My Manz and ‘Em, On The Run With Love, Ride Or Die Chick 2, the recently award nominated novel Heaven & Earth and the co-author of the non-fiction motivational book From Incarceration 2 Incorporation, most in which can be found on book shelves in Barnes & Nobles, Borders, Books A Million and wherever else books are sold. He is also the contributor author to several anthologies (Christmas In The Hood, Menace II Society, The Massacre and Cocaine love Stories) with some of the top authors in urban lit such as Nikki Turner, K’Wan, Ashley & Jacquavis and Shannon Holmes. 

J.M. went on to become a motivational speaker after receiving several invitations from schools, churches, facilities, various mentoring organizations and programs asking to share his journey of redemption once a thirty minute television interview about his life was aired on a NJN News show called Another View with Candace Kelley. Thereafter he began collaborating up with The Mayor of his city, The Honorable Mayor Briggs-Robinson, The Board of Education, non-profit organizations and even local authorities to aid them in the fight against gang violence, saving our youth and re-claiming the community. A concerned father himself, he became a mentor for at-risk-youth as well as an activist in his. He shares his experiences and knowledge of the streets as well, as how writing was and continues to be his outlet, in hopes to make a difference. J.M. embarked on yet another endeavor, opening up an African American bookstore in his hometown, after not having one that carried books of his genre in nearly five years, to provide a place for other independent authors to house their work and enhance the reading of the youth who have gravitated to urban lit above all other genres. 

Morris G. Lucky

Morris Lucky is a dynamic leadership trainer and motivational speaker who aims to uplift the masses. He has moved the hearts and minds of audiences at many colleges, public and private schools, and other various organizations. With such titles as, “TV-video, media, and You,” “Organizational Change – A look at the levels of African American student achievement,” and “Keeping the Peace and Keeping it Real,” Lucky has tackled issues of substance abuse, violence, multiculturalism and diversity with compassion.

Lucky is the Student Assistance Coordinator at the Janis Dismus Middle School in Englewood, NJ. One of his major charges has been the intervention and prevention of substance abuse “by any means necessary.” This two-time “Educator of the Year” has over 20 years experience working with “high risk” students and is a specialist at developing self-worth and self-esteem.

Lucky is the proud developer of the Peer Mediation Network: a student based conflict resolution/peer mediation program. Students are intensively trained in the areas of conflict resolution, communication skills, and personality styles, in order that they might professionally deliver mediation services at the peer level. The Peer Mediation Network also serves as a network of peer trainers.

Lucky is a graduate of the North Carolina Central University with a B.A. in Political Science. He also holds a M.S.W. from the Rutgers University School of Social Work, and is a Licensed Social Worker.

I was honored when asked to facilitate one of the workshops at the Plainfield Action Summit. To be called to be part of the CHANGE process is not something that should be taken lightly. As a product of this community, I accept this opportunity with great pride: It is my responsibility to return the same types of resources that shaped and molded me. Ultimately, it is my duty and obligation to “give back” to the people of which my “soul” is so deeply connected.

Plainfield Academy of Arts and Advanced Studies

PAAAS Dance Ensemble

Tenin

Born in Harlem, NY to a gospel-singing mother and Nigerian father, and raised in Plainfield, NJ -home of Parliament Funkadelic- Tenin is a rising star of her generation. As a child, she sang in the church choir, made her acting debut in a regional children's theatre production, and as a young collegian wrote her first song with super-producer/friend, Matthew Irby of Phantom Boyz/Warner Music Group.  Tenin continued to hone her songwriting and vocal arranging skills, eventually penning lyrics for Danity Kane and Cheri Dennis.