Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur
Executive Director
yshakur@miroundtable.org
Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur
You’ll often catch Yusef in a small used bookstore, searching for himself in the voices of radical thinkers, Black storytellers, and freedom dreams that speak to his own transformation. That’s where he feels most at home—not tied to titles or positions but rooted in the ideas that expand his humanity and Our possibilities, shaping his commitment to the work he has led for nearly 25 years in Detroit and beyond, earning him deep respect as a leader in the city.
Today, as the first Black and formerly incarcerated Executive Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities, Dr. Shakur brings that lived wisdom into building Just and Beloved Communities across Michigan. His leadership was born on Detroit blocks, not in boardrooms, and his commitment is rooted in the everyday fight to make the world safer for mothers, sons, families, and neighborhoods like the one he comes from.
Dr. Shakur earned his PhD in Public Policy & Social Change from Union Institute & University and his MSW from the University of Michigan—but his deepest education came from Ava Jo, his father, the thousands of books he read, his Z8ne neighborhood, and the lifelong work of becoming the man his mama raised him to be and carrying her story forward.
Joe Drew-Hundley
Deputy Director
Jdrewhundley@miroundtable.org
Joe Drew-Hundley
Joe Drew-Hundley is the Deputy Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities (MRJC), where he brings over 20 years of leadership experience, a passion for facilitation, and a lifelong commitment to equity and justice.
Joe’s relationship with MRJC began as a member of the Board of Directors, where he helped guide governance and strategy. Now, stepping into the Deputy Director role, he is focused on strengthening community partnerships, advancing MRJC’s values, and supporting Dr. Shakur and the team in building just and beloved communities across Michigan.
Joe grew up in Metro Detroit, where he was exposed early to both the challenges and the resilience of under-resourced neighborhoods. That experience shaped his perspective and continues to fuel his belief that strong communities are built when people are given the tools, resources, and opportunities to lead their own change.
Professionally, Joe has held senior leadership roles in automotive, financial services, home improvement, and nonprofit sectors, consistently centering people and culture in his work. He has designed and facilitated leadership development programs, guided corporate DEI strategies, and worked directly with CEOs and CHROs during pivotal growth stages. As a facilitator, Joe is known for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to drive transformation.
Joe’s guiding belief echoes the words of Angela Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
Cheryl Birks
Finance Manager
cbirks@miroundtable.org
Cheryl Birks
Cheryl has been with the Michigan Roundtable since 2001. She has a diverse work background having worked in both the private and public sectors. Her experience includes working in banking, managed care, and human service fields. Cheryl’s inquisitive nature and passion for encouraging and lifting people up are a perfect fusion for her financial manager role where she creatively supports and centers community partners in the Roundtable’s policies and procedures. She is in continuous service to the community. Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Marygrove College, and Master of Education in Instructional Technology with an emphasis in Performance Improvement and Training from Wayne State University.
Dez Squire
Manager of Operations
dsquire@miroundtable.org