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Julani Ghana is currently the President and CEO of Pro Sports Community Consultants (www.prosportscommunityconsultants.com).  As the one-time NBA Executive, the former Manager of Community Relations for the 2001 NBA Eastern Conference Champion Philadelphia 76ers, Julani received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (now called Philadelphia University) in 1986.  As an undergraduate at the Division II powerhouse, Julani was nominated as a pre-season Honorable Mention Small College All-American basketball player.  He finished his collegiate basketball career as a two-time All-Conference selection, the team’s Most Valuable Player, and the school’s all-time leader in assists and steals.  Julani’s teams won over 80 games and reached the NCAA Division II regional championships in 1983 and 1985.

After numerous basketball opportunities (including tryouts for two NBA teams and a short European basketball professional career) Julani returned to the university setting to pursue a Master’s Degree.  In 1990, he headed to West Chester University to begin his coaching career and assumed the title as Assistant Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Multicultural Student Outreach and Enrollment. 

In 1992, he was selected to teach in The Gambia, West Africa as part of the Honorable Dr. Leon Sullivan’s International Foundation for Education and Self Help and in 1996, he traveled to Ghana, West Africa where he engaged in post graduate research in Pan African and Caribbean Studies at the University of Ghana in Legon.  As part of that experience, Julani was also instrumental in implementing West Chester University’s cross-educational and cultural student exchange program, which selects talented students from the university to travel to the University of Ghana each summer.    In 1995, Julani completed his graduate studies in Higher Education Counseling with an emphasis in Multicultural, Sports Counseling and Psychology.

Julani has traveled to many countries throughout the United States and Africa and in June 2001, he was a part of group that traveled to Cuba for an 11-day research tour that involving the survival of traditional African cultural systems and the general lifestyles of contemporary Cubans of African descent in socialist Cuba.  During that experience, Julani specialized in the Cuban educational, medical and athletic systems as well as their national philosophies on international social/race relations through the usage of sports. [Read full Bio] 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Andy Seyyid Jones lives by the personal mantra of “using basketball for self-improvement”.  A 1981 graduate of South Philadelphia High School, Jones attained notoriety as basketball standout and an All-Public selection.  After competing in many local and regional basketball all-star games, he was awarded a basketball scholarship to Division II national powerhouse, Philadelphia Textile (now Philadelphia University) by legendary basketball coach Herb Magee.  By the time his career had concluded, Jones was all over the university record books, which included being named team Captain, two NCAA Regional Finals Appearances, two All-League selections, Pre-Season Small College Honorable Mention, as well as finishing in the top ten all-time in points, assists, and steals. 

Though receiving multiple offers to play professionally overseas, Jones turned down the offers to begin work in the community as well as attend to the needs of his growing family.  In 2004, Jones rejoined his college alma mater’s basketball program where he currently serves as a volunteer coach with the basketball team.  In this capacity, he helps run drills, scouts, and implements strategy along with the coaching staff.  He most recently served as one of the assistants to the legendary future Hall of Fame Coach Herb Magee as he became the all-time leader in wins at the Division II level.

Jones credits most of his basketball pedigree as having come from his intimate involvement with the Sonny Hill Community Involvement Basketball League, Inc. as a former player, coach, and staff member for over two decades.  With years of experience under his belt, Jones has become a strong teacher and mentor to many of the young local players in the areas of:  conditioning, mastering fundamental techniques and mental preparedness in an effort to help them achieve their goals.  In fact, Jones has worked closely a number of former Philadelphia area standouts including Nate Blackwell (Temple University/San Antonio Spurs), Kareem Townes (2,000 pt scorer at LaSalle University), and a young Kobe Bryant, assisting him with all aspects of his game while he attended Lower Merion High School before turning pro and joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

After years of work in the public and private sector, Jones made good on a promise he made to his family and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Management Finance from Philadelphia University.  He currently works as a Case Manager Coordinator at The Good Shepherd Program for Homeless Fragile Men as well as a Residential Counselor for the Mental Health Association of Pennsylvania. 

Jones joins the PSCC staff as the “Community Sports Director”.  He works directly with the student participants in the development of their basketball skills in an effort to help them harness their basketball talents. 

He also shares his social work expertise with the student participants with powerful seminars and workshops aimed towards young men, basketball, and community awareness.  Jones is a well sought after lecturer and can be found throughout the community volunteering his services to the youth as a spokesperson on the dangers of HIV/Aids, alcohol, and drug awareness.

Jones resides in Overbrook Park with his wife and two daughters.

Almaz D. Kinder was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by her Eritrean mother and African/American father in a household teeming with chunky words, unimaginable love, and a sister with pretty ponytails.  She graduated from Chicago State University's prestigious Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program and has been working with community organizations, event planning, writing workshops, and media relations for over ten years.  In every endeavor she pursues, Almaz hopes to empower those around her with positive energy, a quick smile, and understanding.

Nasser Jones is a young man committed to influencing his generation. He is using his gifts to change minds and hearts. Jailed at 16, having a son at 17, watching an uncle die of HIV and Aids, this young man has overcome all the odds to become an upstanding leader and role model in his community. He desires to make a difference in the lives of his family, friends, and community.

Currently, he lives in a suburb outside Philadelphia. He resides with his wife Shonta, Amani, Nasser II, and the newest edition, Tahj Amir. Even with his busy schedule, his family remains patient. Most importantly, his family believes in him and in his vision for helping others. He believes that if anyone plans to change the world, a family must be a priority.

Nasser has spoken to tens of thousands of young people about character, leadership, setting goals, attitude, and other life-changing matters. Mr. Jones has been quoted in national periodicals, magazines, and newspapers. He has been on national television and radio. Nasser has spoken to youth groups in basements, to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Nasser challenges his audience to pursue excellence in all areas of life. After hearing his presentations, many young people have said they have been inspired to make changes to further their dreams.

More recently, Mr. Jones has been called upon to work with Educators and Professionals working with young people. Many organizations have asked Nasser to do Professional Development sessions surrounding working with difficult youth, team building, and understanding human dynamics in the workplace.

Using his time as a resource, Nasser currently serves on the advisory boards of three organizations; Guiding Star Ministries (Home for Women & Children), Abington Y.M. C. A., and the Black Male Development Symposium.