YOUR SERVANTS
The Community Freedom Party is composed of a dedicated team of staff members and volunteers ready to work hard to ensure laws and regulations are enacted that benefit you, your family and your community. That is our one and only focus. Here at CFP, we recognize that the African-American community has long endured a lack of proper support in the government. We intend to help change that. We love and care about you, and we mean that. We work for you, and we mean that. How can we serve you better?
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Kirby Birgans is an activist and educator. As a middle school science teacher, our youth inspire Kirby to keep fighting for changes that will keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and prosperous. Kirby Birgans’ utilizes a “connector philosophy” and will continue to work to improve systems, empower communities, and motivate individuals. He is a member of Black Men Build, Black Male Educators Alliance, and a host of other mission-driven national and local organizations and is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves to make needed policy changes. Kirby attended college in Chicago and is a resident of Greater Grand Crossing.
Kirby Birgans
Corey Dooley is a survivor of domestic and gun violence. After being shot four times by his stepfather in 2013, doctors gave him less than a 1% chance to survive. Corey went on to play football and graduate from college, and is now working on his second Masters Degree in Architecture. In Chicago, Corey has helped build up the business district on Chicago Avenue known as Soul City while working on the Invest South/West initiative. He's also taught in Chicago Public Schools and written a book using pictures from his art therapy sessions. Recently, Corey got married to his college sweetheart, Sierra , and became the youngest candidate to run for the Chicago City Council in Chicago’s 2023 Municipal Election. Corey wants you to know that, just as he once fought for his life, now he is fighting for our community.
Corey Dooley
Sonya Dorsey is a lifelong resident of Chicago’s West Pullman Community. Sonya’s passion to help others started early in life. She graduated college with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and has also earned a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and a dual Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Project Management (MPM). Sonya has invested her entire career in social services. In 2009, she founded Roseland Youth & Community (RYC), a nonprofit with a mission to provide capacity building support for the Greater Roseland Communities and its nonprofits that service youth. In 2020, she was elected as Chairperson of Metcalfe Elementary School’s Local School Council. Most recently, in 2023, Sonya ran for Alderperson of Chicago’s 9th Ward.
Sonya Dorsey
As a 25-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, Daliah Goree has worked as a tactical officer, a school crossing guard supervisor, and in the community with seniors and youth. As an officer, she has received various awards, including Problem Solving Awards, two Arnold Mireles Awards, the Presidential Election Deployment Award in 2008, and several Department Commendation Awards. She recently received the Black History Award for Community service at St. Sabina and the Metropolitain Service Award. Officer Goree also started the annual Chicago Police Father Daughter Dance and created the UniverSoul Circus “Family Night”. Daliah is the proud parent of a 31-year-old college graduate and a college-bound 18 -year-old daughter, and a proud grandma of granddaughter Jalani. Officer Goree is the oldest of 4 sisters raised by her father, Jesse Goree, who is a Vietnam Veteran. Daliah feels that it is important to take care of the community youth and seniors. She wants you to know to never allow anyone to pop your dream, make it a reality. Things may not appear easy, but you get through it with God's Grace.
Daliah Goree
As a member of CFP's executive board, Branden Kelly's daily goal is to serve the black community and to help its members succeed. Branden currently tutors children on the Southside and Westside of Chicago and believes that, when focused on their studies, the students there are among the brightest and most creative in the country. His scholarly background includes the fields of Economics, Political Science, African-American Studies, and Public Policy.
Branden Kelly
Howard Ray was born on the westside of Chicago and attended Oak River Forest High School and college in Iowa and Chicago. He has worked in the civil service industry for 32 years, including the Chicago Transit Authority, U.S. Postal Service and is currently employed with the city of Chicago. Howard is very familiar with the people and the culture on the westside. Working and living on the westside has afforded him the opportunity to speak with and sit in homes of many residents, giving him valuable insight into what is necessary to improve quality of life on the westside and other parts of Chicago.
Howard Ray
Aya Robinson
Aya Robinson's journey started working as an advocate for children of various ages in schools and non-profit organizations between Baton Rouge, where she received her bachelor's degree at an HBCU and became member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and her hometown of Chicago. She is currently an Assistant Program Director at an organization that supports victims of violent crimes. Aya is also a licensed Zumba instructor and enjoys dancing on her downtime with others who want to shake and move to the beat.
Laron Taylor has over 20 years of experience working in the public sector, including work in permanent supportive housing, HIV prevention, and behavioral health. Laron has developed and implemented housing programs and worked with multiple advocacy organizations to ensure that all people, regardless of socio-economic status have access to quality housing and healthcare; and to alleviate social determinants to healthcare. Laron holds a BA in English Literature, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Business Administration. Laron currently serves as director of several neighborhood health centers, providing vision and direction to the development of wellness programming and services and ensuring that they perform at high levels of quality and customer satisfaction.
Laron Taylor
Heather Wills is a native of the Southside of Chicago, a homegrown community organizer, and a true lover of light and peace. Heather began working at the age of 16 to be the change she wanted to see. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Religious Leadership. Heather has led across many community organizations, including Past 1st Vice President and Community Service Chairperson for National Council of Negro Women, AMEZ-NW Section, Past Matron of Meridian Chapter No. 86, Order of the Eastern Star, and a Past Life Coach, Mentor, and Board Advisor for GEMS Mentoring Program. Currently, Heather serves as the Co-chair for the Coalition Voter Projects with the Coalition for African-American Leaders. She is also a member of the Worker’s Center for Racial Justice and a member of the Illinois Poor People’s Campaign. In her spare time, Heather deeply enjoys traveling, trying new food, and spending time with family and friends.
Heather Wills
COUNCIL OF ADVISORS
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Karlyn Boens has a background as a nonprofit strategist and restorative justice practitioner, and she enjoys embracing, inspiring, and empowering Black, indigenous and other communities of Colors. Specific populations that Karlyn has partnered with include youth impacted by the criminal justice system and mothers who have lost children to incarceration and/or gun violence. Karlyn holds a Master of Social Work with a focus in Planning and Administration and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Karlyn Boens
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Dr. Angelique Orr is an International Psychologist, a community and leadership development professional, and a Community Organizer with nearly three decades of experience. She is certified as a higher education faculty and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner. Throughout her career, Dr. Orr has supported and developed several projects and initiatives in the United States and Cape Town, South Africa. These projects include university-based initiatives for youth alcohol and drug prevention, violence prevention and intervention, as well as, leadership development, community organizing efforts, and political campaigns. She has also served as a convener and co-creator of four Illinois-based state-wide coalitions that passed and implemented legislation that resulted in funding for South and West side Chicago communities. Currently, Dr. Orr serves as the Director of WESTSIDE RISING, a nonprofit organization founded by a coalition of organizations and individuals that work to build Westside leaders for Westside communities. Dr. Orr is extremely passionate about her work and artistic gifts. In her spare time. Dr. Orr enjoys traveling, dancing, acting, painting, home improvement, and spending time with her daughters, family, and friends.
Dr. Angelique Orr
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Jeremiah Pickett, III is the President and CEO of J. Way Strategies. Through his years of working in politics and religious organizations, Jeremiah has proven himself to be a strategic thinker, solution-oriented, and innovative in his approach to accomplish the goals that are set before him. Jeremiah’s political acumen comes from his years of working both in governmental offices and political organizations. Jeremiah has gained valuable experience and in depth knowledge in both field and fundraising from his work with elected officials, candidates, and political organizations around the country. Working in religious organizations of various sizes has provided Jeremiah with the organizational and administrative knowledge to execute positive lasting impact on every entity he has been involved with. Jeremiah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.