Sondai and Lindiwe Lester have spent more than 35 years each in public sector leadership. Their vocation has been as liberation theologians at the Pan-African Orthodox Christian Church, followed by service in nonprofit leadership and human development consulting. All along, we've been researching, writing and teaching African and African American history to adults and youth. A source of great pride has been the mentoring relationships we've built across generations of young adults helping them develop their grounding in a strong, healthy racial identity. For us, historical study is more than a nice pursuit. It is the foundation for tapping into our inner strength as a people to face and be a part of transforming the world. Black history has provided a framework and basis to explain the "why" of our past and current Black condition. It is part of the connective tissue that enabled Black folks' resilience and ingenuity down through the years, despite unthinkable oppression.

We raised our children and supported many families and friends through conversations about race, justice and personal power. We hope we have planted seeds that continue growing the capacity of our people for self-determination and liberation. We know what tribe we belong to; we place it first, and we view the world through the prism of the implications for our tribe's empowerment and well-being. Sondai has a Master of Arts in Reading, underwent doctoral studies in educational administration and attended seminary at Atlanta's Interdenominational Theological Center. He is President of P.S.E. Institute (Planting Seeds of Excellence) a consultancy for educational development and publishing.

Lindiwe has Master of Education and Educational Specialist degrees. She also is a certified executive coach. Lindiwe retired as a nonprofit executive and is currently President of Tap In Coaching and Consulting.