- 269-720-9200
- info@rootead.org
- 505 East Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 3, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Join Rootead for the African Masquerade, a night to honor community, raise funds, and fuel Rootead’s impact in the work of birthing justice, youth enrichment and healing arts.
When: Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 7-11PM
Where: The Epic Center, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Von Washington Jr. is the CEO for The Kalamazoo Promise, where he builds partnerships that expand educational access and equity. A former principal of Kalamazoo Central High School, he has dedicated his career to uplifting youth, fostering community dialogue, and championing racial and social justice in Kalamazoo.
Stacy Salters-Jackson is a dedicated nonprofit professional with over two decades of experience in youth development, organizational leadership, and community service, currently serving as the ONEplace Programming Manager at Kalamazoo Public Library.
With learned and experienced education in Human Services and certifications in trauma-informed practices and cultural facilitation, she expertly supports organizations in implementing high-quality programming that incorporate social-emotional learning and wellness.
Stacy’s community engagement includes board service with several local organizations and ownership of Why Not? Consulting, through which she also extends her expertise.
Stacey R. Ledbetter is a retired KDPS Captain, and community advocate whose career has bridged public safety, equity training, and nonprofit leadership. Through Black & Blue Networking & Consulting, LLC, her work with TRHT, board service, and leadership at the Douglass Community Association, she continues to foster healing, education, and connection between law enforcement and Kalamazoo’s diverse neighborhoods.
Yolonda Lavender is a Kalamazoo native, community advocate, and performing artist. She is the Grant Program & Partnerships Director at the Stryker Johnston Foundation and Founder of Soul Artistry, a consulting firm focused on creativity, wellness, and nonprofit support. A recording artist with five studio albums, Yolonda uses her voice and leadership to uplift historically excluded communities and champion rest as a tool for liberation.
Wendy Fields is the president of the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the NAACP.
She is a retired health services professional of the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. Her 39-year career with the county was centered on equity, justice, and public health well-being.
She now serves the NAACP in civic leadership with the same passion and dedication. She has led critical efforts to reduce infant mortality, improve voting access, confront gun violence, and dismantle systemic racism, mobilizing faith, civic, and public safety partnerships across Kalamazoo County.
Age requirement: 21+
Attire: Formal attire required, African inspired fashion is encouraged, masks optional. All are welcomed.
The African Masquerade isn’t just a celebration; it’s a fundraising event that fuels Rootead’s mission. By sponsoring, you are directly supporting the sustainability of resources that uplift Birth Justice, Youth Enrichment, and Healing Arts — creating an intergenerational impact that empowers families, strengthens communities, and preserves cultural legacy.
