Community Empowerment Through 
Black Men Healing Conference

Sam has over 35 years of experience as an alcohol and drug counselor and behavioral consultant, focusing on trauma-informed strategies to address addiction, violence, and trauma, particularly among African American men and their families. He developed a culturally specific curriculum to engage men and boys in promoting healthy, nonviolent relationships. As an Adverse Childhood Experience Interface Trainer in Minnesota, Sam has led presentations on historical trauma and collaborated with various organizations to dismantle barriers to healing.

He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the 2007 Kirby Puckett Legacy Award and the 2009 Best Practices Award from the Governor’s Council on Faith and Community Service Initiatives. In 2014, he was honored with the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network Excellence in Fatherhood Award and in 2016, he received the Healing the Hidden Wounds of Racial Trauma Award. In 2018, the city of Minneapolis recognized him as a Public Health Hero for his innovative community work, and the NFL acknowledged him for his efforts to combat violence against women. In 2024, he was awarded Minnesota’s Professional of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota for his outstanding contributions to the well-being of Black men.

As the executive producer of public affairs programming at KMOJ, a community fixture in the Twin Cities, Sam continues to co-host "Voices," addressing important issues faced by urban communities. His informed work on African American historical trauma has earned him respect across the country. The Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference was recognized in 2018 by both the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as Minnesota’s Governor. Sam believes, “A community is empowered by the strength of the information it’s given.”