About this Event
Powered by The Movemakers & Go Fish Village, A Toast to Equity is an exclusive fireside chat on the theme of OWNERSHIP and EQUITY, hosted by Howard alum Joshua Mercer, HU 03 —Founder of The Movemakers, Go Fish Village, The Mercer Insurance Agency, and owner of 150 rental units.
This exclusive, invite-only fireside chat will center on the theme of Ownership and Equity, welcoming Howard alumni back to the Mecca in the spirit of Homecoming. We will explore how ownership is key to building wealth, autonomy, and legacy, and we will also examine why equity is vital in today’s society. In addition, we ask that you share your path to ownership—how it has benefited you and your community, and what has motivated you along the way. Please also reflect on any “aha” moments that highlight both the successes and failures you’ve experienced. We will discuss why ownership is essential to you personally, and why both ownership and equity are more important now than ever in today’s changing world.
Important:
- RSVP is mandatory
- Space is limited to the first 100 guests
- Early arrival is strongly suggested
The event will start on time, and no guests will be admitted after 5:15 PM or once capacity is reached. Guests will enjoy a dynamic panel discussion on ownership, followed by a lively happy hour with complimentary D’USSÉ cocktails and appetizers, and then carry the energy into the official after party. Join us as we toast to Howard pride, equity, and the power of ownership. Howard Homecoming is more than tradition—it’s a celebration of legacy, culture, and community.
HOSTED BY Joshua Mercer, HU 03 — A Howard University graduate and entrepreneur, Joshua is the founder of Go Fish Village, a financial literacy and real estate education platform, and owner of the Mercer Insurance Agency, which proudly serves over 4,000 households across Chicagoland. Since 2012, Joshua has purchased four insurance agencies. He is also the founder of The Movemakers, a marketing and promotions company producing large-scale events across Chicago and Washington, D.C., including www.homecomingathoward.com. With ownership in 150 rental units—including a hotel—Joshua is a seasoned real estate investor and author of The 60 Day Millionaire, a blueprint for achieving financial freedom through house hacking. He is passionate about empowering communities through ownership, education, and legacy-building. In his free time, Joshua enjoys traveling and dining with his wife and two children.
Dr. Johnny Graham is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Howard University School of Business and the National Associate & Regional Director of the PNC Center for Entrepreneurship. An award-winning educator, he teaches courses including Multicultural Marketing and Marketing Analytics and created Howard’s Marketing for Startups course to help student entrepreneurs develop their businesses and prepare for funding opportunities. In 2021, he received the Howard University School of Business Excellence in Teaching Award and has also helped lead HU Empower, an annual pitch competition providing startup funding to Howard student entrepreneurs. Dr. Graham earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Temple University and holds both a bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA from the University of Maryland. Beyond Howard, he is co-founder of the Our D.R.E.A.M. Foundation, which provides entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and startup funding to high school students in his hometown of Baltimore.
Dr. Melissa “Dr. Melz” Jones is a Howard University College of Dentistry alumna, dentist, entrepreneur, and innovator whose career blends clinical dentistry, luxury oral jewelry, and contemporary culture. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University in 1996 before establishing A Family Dental Place in Riverdale, Georgia. Expanding beyond traditional dentistry, Dr. Jones and her daughter, Ariel Jones, co-founded Melz Grillz, a luxury oral jewelry company combining dental expertise with custom craftsmanship. She is also the innovator behind Icy Ortho™, a patent-pending luxury orthodontic concept reimagining traditional retainers with precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, and custom designs. Today, Dr. Melz represents the entrepreneurial spirit of Howard by bringing together oral health, innovation, culture, luxury, and personal expression.
Pep Hamilton is a Howard University alumnus, former quarterback, and veteran football coach with more than two decades of experience across the NFL and college football. He played quarterback at Howard from 1993–1996, earning the team’s Scholar-Athlete Award in 1995 and 1996, before beginning his coaching career at his alma mater. Hamilton went on to hold coaching and leadership positions with organizations including the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Stanford, Michigan, and DC Defenders. His career has included roles as an NFL offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, assistant head coach, and XFL head coach and general manager, working with quarterbacks including Andrew Luck and Justin Herbert. Today, Hamilton continues his connection to football as a senior advisor at the University of Maryland, building on a career that began at Howard University both as a student-athlete and coach.
Stefanie Brown James is a Howard University alumna, social entrepreneur, and civic engagement strategist with extensive experience in leadership, advocacy, and community organizing. She is the Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of The Collective, a network of organizations focused on increasing Black representation in elected office and engaging Black voters in the political process. Her career has included leadership roles with Obama for America, EMILY’s List, and the NAACP, where she developed national strategies for voter engagement, candidate development, and grassroots organizing. Stefanie is also the co-founder of Vestige Strategies LLC and has served on the Howard University Board of Trustees and in national leadership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, which she joined through Howard’s Alpha Chapter. A frequent political commentator and nationally recognized civic leader, Stefanie’s work reflects a longstanding commitment to leadership, representation, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
Erica S. Hubbard is an arts advisor, cultural strategist, and nonprofit executive whose career spans arts and culture, community engagement, and institutional leadership. She is the founder of Cleo Dell Art Advisory, where she helps individuals and organizations engage with and collect art with intention. Erica currently serves as Director of Business Continuity Operations at the Obama Foundation and previously spent eight years at the Art Institute of Chicago. A proud Howard University alumna, she is passionate about the intersection of culture, ownership, access, and legacy.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Park at 14th, 920 14th Street NW, Washington, United States
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