Desiree Peterkin Bell

Ego has a way of disguising itself as passion or confidence. On volunteer boards, unchecked ego can silence dissenting voices, derail collaboration, and shift conversations from solutions to dominance. The most effective boards are led by people who understand that leadership is about stewardship, not control. Read more

In her “Purpose, Not Position” message, Desiree Peterkin Bell emphasizes community impact over titles, celebrating her work through State of the People events, from multi-city tours and assemblies to the launch of The Signal Live. What truly matters, she says, is the people: organizers, truth-tellers, and everyday leaders committed to shaping a collective future. Driven not by position but by meaningful action, Bell focuses on strengthening movements, uplifting voices, and creating real spaces for solutions. Her compass remains straightforward: invest in people, build power with the community, and stay rooted in purpose as the work continues into 2026. Read the full article here

Gospel music icon Fred Hammond and respected leader Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. have joined forces to launch FBF&T (Fred, Buster, Film & Theater) , a new media and production company rooted in faith, culture, and purpose. This long-anticipated collaboration merges Hammond’s creative legacy with Soaries’ visionary leadership to produce compelling films and theatrical works that uplift and inspire. Focused on authentic storytelling, FBF&T aims to reach diverse audiences through impactful narratives grounded in spiritual values. Their debut project, Hood Book , reimagines biblical stories through a modern lens, marking a bold step forward in faith-driven entertainment. Read the full article here.