City of Corona

Join the Conversation!

The City of Corona invites you to Community Conversations: Uplifting Black Voices. This panel event will highlight the triumphs, challenges, and rich cultural heritage of our Black community. This is an opportunity to build relationships, have real conversations, and learn how Black leaders are shaping Corona’s history today.

The event will take place Thursday, February 24th beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Corona City Hall, located at 400 S. Vicentia Ave.

Meet the Moderator

Mel Campbell serves as Pastor at Fellowship Corona. He is an adjunct physics professor at California Baptist University and founder of a student mentorship program for Black men.

Meet the Panelists

Zuriah McKnight

Zuriah McKnight is a business owner, police officer, entrepreneur, and activist. He founded two security companies and the investment firm McKnight & Associates. He currently employs over 100 people and holds a full-time position as a high school resource officer with the Val Verde Police Department. In addition to his work, Zuriah has a passion for helping at-risk and underrepresented youth. He serves as a board member for the Leela Project.

Shirley Towler-Hayes

Shirley Towler-Hayes retired as the Vice President and Senior Trust Officer for MUFG Union Bank in 2019. She currently sits on the board of trustees for the Corona Public Library and has been nominated for the 2022 Corona Rotary Board of Directors. Working with the non-profit 100+ Women Who Care, Shirley is dedicated to helping raise money for local charities.

Dominick Verrette

Dominick Verrette is the owner of Public House Creatives, an innovative branding and marketing agency. He is also the Executive Director of a non-profit organization called The Leela Project, where he helps empower underrepresented youth from underserved communities throughout Southern California. As Vice-Chair of the Corona Parks and Recreation Commission, Dominick works to ensure that all residents of The City of Corona have access to recreational events, programs, and public spaces.

After the discussion, there will be an opportunity to meet with the panelists while enjoying some sweet treats. Treats will be provided by Sunday Dinners Soul Food, a local Black-owned restaurant.

Click here to Register for this free event!

Learn more!

For more information about the event, please contact Denzel Maxwell at Denzel.Maxwell@CoronaCA.gov.