THE ACUMEN TEAM
Dr. Shantella Y. Sherman
Dr. Shantella Sherman is a historian and journalist whose work documents African American history, popular culture, Women & Gender studies, Black British culture, and the American Eugenics movement. Dr. Sherman serves as the publisher for Acumen Magazine, a historical magazine that fuses history and journalism. She is a former editor with The Washington Informer and Philadelphia Tribune newspapers, and RoundLake News Service. Dr. Sherman is a graduate of The University of Nebraska – Lincoln and serves as public historian/publisher at Acumen.
Dr. Wilmer Leon
Wilmer J. Leon III, Ph.D. is a Political Scientist whose primary areas of expertise are Black Politics, American Government, and Public Policy. For 11 years he was a Lecturer/Teaching Associate in the Political Science Department at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Currently, Dr. Leon is a nationally broadcast radio talk show host on SiriusXM Satellite radio channel 126, nationally syndicated columnist, and regular political commentator on national and international news programs. Leon serves as Acumen's political scientist and commentator.
Lee Ross
Lee Ross is a retired corporate financial planner, who serves as Acumen's Research Associate, assisting in collecting and interpreting archival data, editing news stories, and hosting Acumen lectures.
Dr. Sophia Johnson-Sparks
Dr. Sophia Johnson-Sparks is a marine biologist specializing in water filtration, contamination, bio-ethics. Johnson-Sparks serves as medical / health editor for Acumen.
Lindiwe Vilakazi
Lindi Vilakazi is an investigative journalist and social commentator who specializes in housing, food, and health insecurities. She is an associate editor with Acumen, managing both print and digital features.
Christie Paschakis
Christie Paschakis is a Toronto-based head librarian who serves as Acumen's senior editor. Her research and editorial interests examine the intersectionality of women's reproductive health and sexual justice -- including access to and availability of rape kits, and understanding consent. Paschakis provides pop culture assessments of these issues using content analysis surveys and talks.