- 908-208-7076
- friersonfoundation@gmail.com
- P.O. Box 22351 Newark, NJ 07101
Dr. Rev. Bobby Jones (aka “Mr.Gospel himself Gospel”) is a pioneer in gospel music. Born in Henry, Tennessee in 1939 He began his career in television in 1976, and is best known for hosting the BET show Bobby Jones Gospel for over 35 years. In addition, Jones has also authored several books on gospel music and its impact on the African American community. Jones is also a radio host and has recorded over 15 albums, winning numerous awards for his work in gospel music. His impact on the gospel music industry has been immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. He is a true ambassador for the genre, and has dedicated his life to sharing his love for gospel music with the world.. Today, Dr. Bobby Jones remains an iconic figure in gospel music and a beloved member of the Christian community.
Mrs. Spruill started her business on a voluntary basis many years ago and as trends would have it, she turned it into a legitimate business. Over these past 30+ years, she has learned how to avoid the many pitfalls of setting up a business from the ground floor, and she began to grow a passion for helping other Entrepreneurs and New Business Owners get started and to minimize some of the frustrations in legally establishing, sustaining, maintaining and building a business. She is always looking forward to the opportunity to assist someone in their business journey as well as assisting with the "birthing" of the vision, mission, and purpose, as well as deliver a legal, sustainable and profitable, business entity. spruillbusinessllc.wixsite.com/sbsllc
Dr. Petty is the director of Bands and Orchestra at the Cicely Tyson High School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey. He has performed as a professional musician at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, NJPAC, and in Italy. Dr. Petty has presented workshops at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, he has taught at Arts High, Newark School of the Arts, and Talladega College. He is a Yamaha Artist and presents master classes across the United States. Dr. Petty enjoys travel, outdoors and gardening. He lives with his wife Carla here in New Jersey.
Sharon Wade Spearman is a retired Judge & Attorney. Who is well versed in the legal system.
Dr. Washington is the principal at Belmont Runyon Community School in Newark, NJ where she looks forward to engaging teachers, parents, and community with effective leadership in order to create powerful learning experiences for students within the South Ward. Dr. Washington is a member of the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., The Soaring Spirits International Organization, North Jersey Chapter of Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Kean Alumni Association. She currently serves as the secretary and principal representative on the executive board of The City Association for Supervisors and Administrators and is a certified mentor for New Jersey’s Leader to Leader Program. In 2017, Dr. Washington founded Edcamp Newark Leadership. She has led two unconferences within the district to empower teacher leaders and administrators. https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/bel/school-staff/administration
Rev. Dr. Johnny M. Caldwell, Jr., the founder of JM Caldwell, Ministries Inc., a non-denominational ministry, and the Pastor of the New Born Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey where he has been a servant for over 12 years. He has expanded the churches ministries to support community missions, Christian Education and youth ministry. Also, Rev. Dr. Caldwell is the CEO of the Caldwell Companies, a multi-faceted company with interest in Real Estate Investment & Consulting, Evaluation of Houses of Worship, Music and Financial Seminars. In addition, he is currently Chief Real Estate Appraiser and Property Manager for BCB Community Bank in Bayonne, NJ where he is responsible for over $400 million in assets.
The Frierson Foundation’s mission is to work with Music Departments of Elementary, Middle and High Schools in the city of Newark, NJ to bring the training and expression of:
Music Theory and Music Foundation
Drama
Dance (including Mime Dance)
Vocal & Ear Training
Sight Reading
Fundamentals of Playing An Instrument
Band & Orchestra Training
to support students with these interests and artistic gifts and talents.
