Our Board of Directors

Clement Mallory is a performance artist and a professional poet from the great city of BROOKLYN, NY by way of the Van Dyke Project in Brownsville. He has performed on many stages both great and small, from Broadway to the famous Apollo Theater, to local theaters, libraries, universities, clubs, bars, streets, and subways. In addition to sharing the stage with the legendary Nikki Giovanni and The Last Poets, he has toured across the country, performing with the grand poetry troupe, “Poetry Alive.”

Clement has produced 3 poetry CDs, a variety of poetry books and poem booklets. Clement is a graduate from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Pre-Law. In 1993, he became a member of the Mu Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and he now serves as an active member of the Greensboro Alumni Chapter. He relocated to Greensboro NC in 1999 where he was employed with Guilford County Schools and Guilford Child Development.

In 2010, he founded Kids Poetry Basketball Inc., a literacy program designed for kids ages 4-13. In Kids Poetry Basketball, participants learn how to read, spell and identify poetry words while playing basketball. The mission of Kids Poetry Basketball is to develop creative and critical thinking skills through poetry and basketball. The program fosters a sense of accomplishment and develops a sense of self-esteem that many at-risk students lack. The goal of the program is to also encourage kids to live a healthy lifestyle as a large part of the physical play is geared around combating childhood obesity. Kids Poetry Basketball has a positive impact on the many communities in which it serves. But the biggest impact is knowing that the program is directly influencing youth to look at reading in a more fun way!

Clement currently resides in the city of Greensboro with his wife Jasmine. He has three sons and is respected as a role model for many youth in our community.

My name is Gary Kellogg. I have been an active part of my community for over 40 years. I enjoy being a part of a team that is creating a better community for all of us. Kids Poetry Basketball is a literacy and health awareness program in North Carolina for kids ages 4-13. Kids Poetry Basketball teaches literacy through activities offered at recreation centers, after-school programs and summer camps around Guilford County.

David is owner of King’s English, LLC, a full-service advertising and public relations agency based in Greensboro founded in 1994. He and his firm have provided pro bono services for Kids Poetry Basketball for over 10 years. In addition to his role as treasurer, David supports the program with strategic planning and public relations. He has worked in public relations, including non-profits, since 1981. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Ohio University. David is a musician and songwriter and he does a lot of yard work for exercise.

Lisa G. DeBerry is from Goldsboro, NC. However, she has resided in Greensboro, NC for more than 30 years. She currently serves as the District Hearing Officer for Danville Public School and has worked with DPS since she retired from the North Carolina educational system in 2021. Lisa is a dedicated and versatile education professional with a rich background spanning over thirty years in various roles in the education sector. With a strong commitment to fostering student success and promoting equitable learning opportunities, Lisa has made significant contributions as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, Career Development Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and District Hearing Officer.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Lisa actively engages with the community through volunteer work and advocacy initiatives aimed at supporting underserved populations and promoting educational equity. She is a strong proponent of lifelong learning and believes in the importance of fostering a culture of continuous improvement in individuals.

Throughout her career, Lisa has been involved in various community organizations. She previously served on the Board of the United Arts Council and as Coordinator of The Guilford Parent Academy. She is the current president of the Greensboro Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and serves on the Board of Kids Poetry Basketball.

My name is Maximillian Norwood.  I am an educator consultant.  I have been married to Najla for over 30 years we have four boys.  I graduated from Livingstone College and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  I’ve been in education for over 20 years.  I have taught at a Community College. Not too long ago, I worked in the mental health field as an instructor at an alternative school for youth and in the intensive in-home as a Qualified Professional.  Since that experience, I’ve returned to graduate school to pursue my Ph.D. in Leadership Social Change specializing in MLK legacy studies at Antioch University.  My goal in life is to change the mindset of the youth.