Defender Editor

Reginald "Brother Reggie" James - A brother like no other, Brother Reggie is determined to empower African people through knowledge. In addition to serving as Defender Editor, he also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Laney Tower, the official Laney College student newspaper.

He also contributes to the San Francisco Bay View Newspaper and the Oakland Post. Additionally, he also edits the Harambee Newsletter, the official news organ of the Black Caucus of the California Student Association of Community Colleges (CalSACC).

Brother Reggie is also Executive Producer of The Black Hour, the official radio show of the Laney BSU. He plans to transfer to UC Berkeley to study political science.

Back to Staff

Read more...

Deputy Editor

Andrea "Drea Mos" Spearman - On a mission to bring healing through dance, Drea Mos uses he gentle appeal to push forth an agenda of change. As Defender Deputy Editor, she keeps the publication on schedule and assists with managing the publication.

Besides being an accomplished dancer with Allen Temple Baptist Church, she seves as Vice-President of the Laney BSU.

Drea MoS also co-hosts The Black Hour, the voice of Black students at Laney College. She is studying dance and psychology, and plans to use dance to provide therapy for others.

Back to Staff

Read more...

News Editor

Marlene C. Hurd - Sista Marlene is a woman on a mission. In addition to serving as the Defender News Editor, she is President of the Black Caucus of the California Student Association of Commmunity Colleges (CalSACC).

Marlene is a staff writer with the Laney Tower newspaper and she is studying political science at Laney College. She plans to transfer to Mills College in Oakland where she will study Public Policy.

Back to Staff

Read more...

Opinion Editor

"Hannibal Shakur" - Focusing on history and education, Hannibal Shakur's writings emphasize revolutionary consciousness and action. Besides serving as Defender Opinions Editor, he is also the Laney BSU Historian and manages the organizations library.

Hannibal is studying Library Science and African American Studies.

Back to Staff

Read more...

Staff Writers

Meet out esteemed staff writers.

President L. Davis - An accomplished orator and poet, Richmond-native President L. Davis focuses on entertainment and culture features. He currently hosts two open mics, Holla Back at EastSide Arts Alliance in East Oakland and Blue Candle at Dorsey's Locker in North Oakland.

President previously served as Northern Region Chair for the Black Caucus of the California Student Association of Community Colleges (CalSACC), and as a member of the Contra Costa College Black Student Union. He is planning to transfer to Howard University to study Psychology.

Sheonna Muhammad - With her piercing commentary and rapid-fire wit, Oakland-native Shaeonna Muhammad ain't one to play with. While seemingly quiet upon first glance, Shae is an innovative analyzer and critical thinker.

Shae is studying Criminal Justice and much of her writing focuses on cultural and behavioral Black issues. Translated: If you are a hot-ghetto mess, she will be sure to pull your coattail.

Patience Adagba - Nigerian-born Patience Adagba has a generous smile, and an even more generous commitment to the people.

Patience is the Defender's bridge to African on our path to uniting our people. She writes about issues affecting Africans from the continent. She is studying biology and plans to transfer to San Francisco State University.

Back to Staff

Read more...

Advertising Manager

Ariana "Sista Ariana" Mitchell - A proud former member of Laney College's Club Knowledge, Sista Ariana is a master networking. She currently uses her gift of gab to bring in advertising for the Defender.

She is currently studying African American Studies and Psychology at Laney College.

Back to Staff

Read more...

Circulation Manager

Justin "Brother Justin" Thompson - The youngest member of the group, our Lil Bobby Hutton, is Brother Justin.

Brother Justin is studying African American Studies and plans to continue his education at a Historically Black College/University in business or marketing.

Back to Staff

Read more...

Adviser

Dr. Mujahidun Sumchai - A professor of African American Studies and a trained psychologists, Dr. Mujahidun Sumchai is adviser for the Laney BSU and the Defender newsletter.

He holds a Ph.D in integral humanities social behavior science from the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a Juris Doctorate from New College Law School.

Back to Staff

Read more...