Meet The Board
~ In Memoriam ~
IFE K. MTUME
Earth Day, September 10th, 1969 Transition Day, July 31st, 2024
As our very first President and Board Chair, Ife Kani Mtume led the journey to preserve the legacy of her father, James Mtume through the establishment of the Mtume Foundation. This included his vast discography, political activism, and his lifelong dedication to preserving the right to accessible music education.
As our very first President and Board Chair, Ife Kani Mtume led the journey to preserve the legacy of her father, James Mtume through the establishment of the Mtume Foundation. This included his vast discography, political activism, and his lifelong dedication to preserving the right to accessible music education.
Ife was a passionate advocate for the empowerment of youth in our Black and Brown communities. A steadfast supporter of the Maplewood and South Orange After-School Program, she played a vivacious role in its development before it became a part of the South Mountain YMCA. As a former staff member of the YMCA, her mission was clear: to foster health and wellness, build self-esteem, and instill confidence and social skills in school-aged children. She worked tirelessly to create a safe environment where young people could grow, learn, and express themselves creatively through music, performance, writing, and art.
Her belief in the power of art as a vehicle for change was integral to her role in accessing resources and opportunities for the next generation. Her legacy continues to inspire and uplift, and her pledge to nurturing creativity for young people lives on through the programs and communities she supported.
Ife’s memory will forever be a guiding light for the lives she touched, and her impact on the arts and the Mtume Foundation will never be forgotten.
Board Chair/President
SUKARI MTUME-CUTTINO
Sukari Mtume-Cuttino was born and raised in the small suburb of South Orange, New Jersey. She grew up studying ballet and modern dance with the New Jersey School of Ballet and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, California. Always carrying her passion for the arts, she went on to receive her B.A. in Theater Production and Management from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City.
Throughout her career, Sukari has worked extensively with inner-city youth, bridging the gap between arts and social activism. More importantly, using dance and theater as tools to provide opportunities and resources for under-resourced neighborhoods.
In addition to her professional work, which includes her roles at the Apollo Theater, Central Park Conservancy, and Brooklyn’s Girl Be Heard, she has dedicated many years to volunteering at the Covenant House of Newark, New Jersey- mentoring young teenagers and helping them navigate economic and systemic challenges.
As President, Sukari is ambitious in her journey to serve on the Mtume Foundation Board and sustain the momentum of her grandfather’s legacy.
Board Vice Chairman
ARTHUR MARTIN
Arthur N. Martin, Jr. serves as the Vice Chair of the Mtume Foundation, bringing a wealth of experience and commitment to improving the lives of African Americans.
Born on March 4, 1948, Arthur lived in the city of Newark, New Jersey, until his parents moved to East Orange in 1956. Arthur resided in East Orange until he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree and later attended law school. Art is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, class of 1970, and Georgetown University Law Center, class of 1973. He has been a resident of South Orange for 45 years and it was here that his son, Art III, became lifelong friends with Faulu Mtume, son of James Mtume.
In addition to his unconditional work as a Board Member, Mr. Martin is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, New Jersey.
He continues his contribution to the Foundation in efforts to inspire the future with artistic and political change.
Managing Director
BENIN MTUME
Benin Mtume is a seasoned professional with a robust background in content acquisitions and broadcasting distribution. Currently serving as the Content Acquisitions Manager at Tubi, she leads key relationships with major studios and global TV providers, overseeing licensing agreements and market strategies. With a career spanning over 15 years, she’s held pivotal roles at entertainment conglomerates such as Sony Entertainment and Warner Bros., where she managed sales operations and content licensing across various platforms, including SVOD, AVOD, and Basic Cable.
Her background also includes post-production and marketing, working with major film productions such as Get Him to the Greek and Bridesmaids. A proud graduate of Howard University, Benin’s expertise in content strategy has contributed to her success in the entertainment industry.
Benin is deeply committed to the mission of the Mtume Foundation, where she actively supports initiatives that improve and empower compromised communities through the arts. Her dedication to supporting the legacy of her family, particularly her father, James Mtume, drives her continuing efforts to make a lasting impact in the world of arts and culture.
Board Secretary/Governance
AVIVA WOOG
A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Aviva Woog is the Director of Engagement and Impact with WellCare of New Jersey. In her critical role, she is responsible for strategic partnerships that positively impact underserved communities, which include but are not limited to the execution of the Community Connections program, focusing on connecting the community to sustainable social services while supporting community-based organizations to participate in healthcare delivery.
Aviva’s work also focuses on community engagement and partnership innovation; developing and implementing collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders to support the social drivers of health that impact the health outcomes of communities.
She serves as the Board Secretary and Governance Officer for the Mtume Foundation, where she contributes to the organization’s mission to support arts education in working-class communities. Aviva’s passion for social impact and her commitment to building stronger, healthier communities drive her work in both the healthcare and nonprofit sectors.
Board Treasurer
MARJORIE PERRY
Marjorie Perry is a professional entrepreneur and the CEO and sole principal of MZM Construction, a highly successful construction firm she founded and has led for over 20 years. Growing up in Newark, NJ, Marjorie built a strong corporate career before launching her own business, where she continues to make a significant impact in the construction industry. Her leadership and dedication have garnered her numerous accolades, including being named one of The Best 50 Women in Business and one of the Top 25 Entrepreneurs in New Jersey.
In addition to her business success, Marjorie is passionate about mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs, helping them grow and thrive in their own ventures. She finds great joy in making a positive impact on the lives and businesses of those she works with.
Marjorie serves as the Board Treasurer for the Mtume Foundation, where she contributes her expertise in financial management and governance to further the Foundation’s mission in a way that is economically and fiscally sustainable.
Marketing & Fundraising Officer
GHYLIAN BELL
Ghylian Bell serves as the Marketing and Fundraising Officer on the Board of the Mtume Foundation, where she leverages her expertise in strategic marketing and fundraising to support the Foundation’s mission of cultural enrichment in underserved communities. Ghylian leads the way in developing and implementing fundraising campaigns that increase awareness, engagement, and support for the Foundation’s initiatives.
In addition to her work with the Mtume Foundation, Ghylian is the founder and director of The Urban Yoga Foundation (UYF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating yoga and mindfulness programs that address the unique needs of students of color. UYF also provides a platform for teachers of color to share healing practices within their communities, fostering self-love and wellness through mindful practices. Under Ghylian’s leadership, UYF has piloted programs across schools in the New York metropolitan area, reaching over 500,000 individuals. The foundation’s grassroots live workspace model has created safe spaces for communities to connect, heal, and reclaim their well-being.
Certified in whole food nutrition, Ghylian has also served as Chair of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign. Her dedication to wellness, mindfulness, and community development is evident in both her professional work and her passion for social change, which she continues to champion through her roles at UYF and the Mtume Foundation.
Partnerships & Endorsements Officer
CHRYSA CHIN
Named the first-ever Chief Player Engagement Officer for the National Basketball Players Association in April 2022, Chrysa Chin oversees the strategic implementation of player initiatives and innovative programs designed to foster relationships between players, resources, and businesses. Her oversight of six departments includes the anti-drug policy and program as well as tactical crisis management.
An accomplished advisor, thought leader, and trailblazer, Chin has crafted a distinguished career supporting the personal and professional development of basketball players for over 30 years. Prior to rejoining the NBPA, Chin served as Vice President for Player Development for the National Basketball Association, where she was the first woman to hold a managerial position in the Player Development Department and the title of Vice President. She oversaw the department’s daily communication with players and their family support networks and played active roles with the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program, NBA/NBPA Player Assistance Program, USA Basketball, and the WNBA.
Embodying the spirit of service and humanitarianism, Chrysa prides herself in transitioning NBA rookies into the league, aiding in the maintenance of their careers, and transitioning equipped veterans into their post-basketball careers. As a powerful player in a male-dominated industry, she challenges women in her field to follow a path of integrity and strive for excellence through work ethic and skill perfection.
Chrysa is the proud mother of her son, Joel Garcia, and serves as Head of Partnerships and Endorsements for the Mtume Foundation, where she continues her love of civil and social service by streamlining resources back into the community.
Youth Advisory Council Liaison
Anjolé King
Anjolé King, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, developed a passion for art and fashion early on, leading her to earn a degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2000. She is the creator of Pasdejelly, a brand known for its vibrant, mixed-medium artwork and fashion inspired by her nickname, “Jelly.” Anjolé’s work has been showcased in exhibitions like the Newark Arts – Radical Reimagined Art Exhibit (2024) and Art Fair 14C (2023).
Her artistic journey was shaped by mentors such as Adrienne Wheeler, Bisa Washington, and Adrienne Mtume, and she was featured in the In My Words 2022 Fashion Institute of Technology Oral History Project. Anjolé also pursues comedy, performing at venues like Gotham Comedy Club and The Stress Factory, and curating Comics & Canvas, a show blending art and comedy.
As the creator and host of the YouTube podcast Inappropriate Adults and a former radio host on ICAP Radio, Anjolé brings her unique voice to both art and media. Currently, she works as the Director of Program at Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, where she creates enriching experiences for 19,500 girls. Prior to this, she spent 14 years at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, overseeing creative and youth-focused programs.
Anjolé blends art, comedy, and youth empowerment, pushing creative boundaries and inspiring others to “Pass the Jelly!”
Archivist
JULES ALLEN
Jules Allen is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Art and Design at Queensborough College, City University of New York, and an award-winning photographer renowned for his ability to create reality-based images and metaphorical documents that explore themes of behavior, enlightenment, and irony. His aesthetic vision is deeply influenced by music, gesture, and ritual, allowing him to capture the nuances of American culture both locally and globally.
Jules’ photographs are featured in prestigious museum collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Smithsonian, and The National Gallery. His work has been widely exhibited in the U.S. and internationally, and his extensive commercial and corporate photography has appeared on the covers of numerous periodicals, magazines, journals, albums, and compact discs.
In addition to his accomplished career as a photographer, Jules serves as the Archivist for the Mtume Foundation, where he contributes his expertise in preserving the Foundation’s cultural history and legacy.
Board Advisor/Emeritus
ANGELO ELLERBEE
Angelo Ellerbee is the Founder/President of Double XXposure Media Relations. The Newark, NJ native began his stellar career working in the fashion industry–designing, styling, and hosting shows as fundraisers to combat the global issue of HIV/AIDS. Angelo soon found himself in the world of publicity and artist relations, working with the late, great James Mtume, super producer and jazz impresario.
In 1985, Ellerbee founded Double XXposure Public Relations, working with artists and record labels to champion the careers of such luminaries as Dionne Warwick, Robert Kool Bell of Kool & the Gang as well as Roberta Flack and reggae giants like Shabba Ranks and Patra. The alumni of Angelo’s artist development program include Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, among others.
While continuing to serve as CEO of his flagship enterprise, Ellerbee also served as Senior VP of Publicity for Island Def Jam Records, where he brought R&B supergroup Dru Hill, music legend Ronald Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers, and gospel superstar Karen Clark Sheard to prominence. Double XXposure managed such major talents as R&B phenom Ginuwine and rap icon DMX. Ellerbee took the helm of DMX’s career, serving as President and General Manager of the rap superstar’s Bloodline Records.
Angelo Ellerbee continues to build careers and champion new voices, from authors and entrepreneurs, giants in music, politics, and business. He uses his voice and his vision to mold people and projects into their best presentation so that the world can see that greatness is achievable.
