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In this episode, former US Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell talks about his book, American Shield; Professor Marvin King discusses the challenges and importance of political science; and Development Director Alexis Buchanan Thomas talks about the challenges of fundraising for political nonprofits. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-fleming1/support
Associate Professor of Political Science and African American Studies
I a an Associate Professor of Political Science with a joint appointment in African American Studies at The University of Mississippi. I teach classes on African American Politics, Politics of the American South, Political Inequality, and American Federalism. In 2022, I received a grant to host a conference on inclusive economies. As a result of that award, I had many interactions with local non-profits, economic development officials, and state legislators, about developing inclusive economies, which is an economic system intentionally designed to think about workers left behind in the current system. In 2023, I co-chaired a multi-institutional collaboration producing an Inclusive Economies Roadshow across the state of Mississippi. I previously served on the Oxford (Mississippi) Planning Commission (2017 - 2021), where I learned first-hand how local land development codes can impede equitable economic growth. I served on the Oxford Parks Commission (2012-2017), which oversees youth sports. I also have experience as an expert witness in federal redistricting trials.
Director of Development/Co-Founder of Black Girls Do Politics/Philanthropist
Hailing from small town Findlay Ohio, Alexis was born into a family ingrained in the fight+ for racial justice. Her parents started the first chapter of the NAACP in Findlay, and her mother became the 1st black member of the school board in the 80’s. Inspired by her parents activism, Alexis started a Black Student Union while
attending high school.
Upon graduation Alexis attended Clark Atlanta University where she obtained a degree in Mass Communications. After working in corporate for 11 years for companies like AT&T and Global Experience Specialists (GES) where she gained experience in business account management, sales, and planning large scale
events, Alexis decided to lend her talents to philanthropy beginning a career in funds development.
Since getting involved in the non-profit community 15 years ago she has raised over a hundred million dollars in funds for various non-profits through donors, grants, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events. Alexis has worked with a variety of non-profit and corporate clients including The Center Helping Obesity In
Children End Successfully (CHOICES), The Devereux Georgia Treatment Network, Atlanta Celebrates Photography, and HOPE Atlanta, and is currently the Director of Development for Black Voters Matter.
She also volunteers in her community, previously serving on boards at the International Community School in Decatur, Georgia, WRFG Radio Free Georgia of Atlanta, and ChopArt, a non-profit hosting art programming for homeless youth.
Also an international traveler, her love of other cultu…
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American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy
“American Shield is an all-American tale of duty and determination—beautifully told by an immigrant, a veteran, and a patriot.” —Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the United States House of Representatives
Set against the extraordinary events of January 6, 2021, Aquilino Gonell’s inspirational memoir is rooted in the joys and struggles of the immigrant experience that have long defined the American experiment
Aquilino Gonell came to the United States from the Dominican Republic as a young boy. Although he spoke no English, he dedicated himself to his adopted land, striving for the American dream. Determined to be a success story, he joined the army to pay for college. He saw action in Iraq and returned home with PTSD. Believing in the promise of our government, he focused on healing himself and supporting his family. His hard work paid off when he landed a coveted position with the United States Capitol Police and rose to the rank of sergeant.
January 6, 2021, changed everything. When insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, Gonell bravely faced down the mob attempting to thwart the peaceful transfer of power. The brutal injuries he sustained that day would end his career in law enforcement. But when some of the very people he put his life on the line to protect downplayed or denied the truth of that day, he chose to speak out against the injustice done to him and the country. Chronicling what it means to live a life of conviction, one that adheres to the best ideas of our democracy, American Shield is a bold testament to the power of truth, justice,… Read More
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