About
THETA RHO NU FRATERNITY, INC.
THE MISSION
The Mission of Theta Rho Nu Fraternity is to engender environments of collective promotion, network elevation and philanthropic service. Theta Rho Nu will become a nexus of positive representation and efficacious advocacy aimed at effecting lasting and progressive change for all members and their communities. Theta Rho Nu will strive to be a force multiplier in members’ academic and career advancements and goals. Through facilitation of workshops and conferences, mentoring, successive approximation, and leadership development Theta Rho Nu will increase the self-efficacy of its members to achieve heightened goals in the academic, professional, and political arenas while promoting positive visibility and efforts socially and culturally. Theta Rho Nu recognizes the ideal of intersectionality and welcomes each member as a complete Man unto himself and celebrates the entirety of his existence and experiences. While also recognizing that the collective myriad experiences are catalyst to one another and create profound change for the individual and organization.
Synergy is better than my way or your way, it is our way
– Stephen Covey
About
OUR FOUNDERS
Kenneth Freeman II
David Dodd
Matthew Richardson
Tony Mize, Jr.
The Dawn of Theta Rho Nu: A Conception Story
In the eternal glow of the pre-dawn sky, where light mingled with shadow, Eos, the Titaness of the Dawn, stirred from her celestial slumber. The world had grown dim, not for lack of the sun, but for a fading fire in the hearts of men who had forgotten their own brilliance. She could no longer bear to see such potential lie dormant, and so she called upon her beloved son, Memnon, the demigod King of ancient Ethiopia, a hero whose valor and nobility once graced the earth.
“Memnon,” her voice echoed through the realms, a radiant whisper, “it is time for a new dawn. You, my cherished son, must return to inspire a select group of men—a group whose achievements will shine like the first light of morning. These men shall be warriors of a different kind, united not by swords but by their bond, their love, and their strength. They will bring a new era of inspiration, achievement, and leadership.”
The call reverberated through time and space, reaching Memnon, who had long since transcended mortal life, his soul residing within the Elysian Fields. He felt the pull of his mother’s plea and knew his task was divine. A new dawn, born not of fire or battle, but of brotherhood, was upon him.
Memnon descended to the earth, his presence unseen but powerful, a spark in the air that would soon ignite a flame in the heart of a man destined to carry out this mission. This man was Dr. Kenneth Freeman, a leader, a healer, and a visionary—yet unaware of the greatness he would help birth.
It was in the year of 2021, during the quiet hours of the night, that Kenneth felt the call. He had long known the importance of unity, of building something greater than oneself, but that night the vision was clearer than ever before. In his dreams, Memnon appeared, his voice rich with ancient wisdom and the weight of destiny.
“Kenneth,” Memnon said, his golden eyes gleaming with the light of the Dawn, “you are chosen to lead a new era. You shall create a brotherhood, a fraternity for men who are bound by their love for one another, their pursuit of excellence, and their desire to uplift and inspire. This will not be an ordinary fraternity—it will be a beacon, a light to guide those who seek belonging and achievement. You shall call it Theta Rho Nu, and its members will be known as men of purpose, pride, and professionalism.”
Kenneth awoke with the fire of creation burning within him. He could not rest until the vision had form, until the words whispered by the ancient hero became reality. He began to write, to plan, to build. But even with his immense dedication, Kenneth knew that such a monumental task could not be accomplished alone.
He sent out a call, not through dreams but through the bonds of kinship and trust, to men he knew shared his passion and purpose. These men would become the Regalia of the EnTHRoned, the first founders of Theta Rho Nu. Among them were David Dodd, Tony Mize Jr., and Matt Richardson—each of them brilliant, driven, and aligned with the vision Memnon had bestowed.
However, the path was not without its changes. One of the founding members, Kurell Julien, brought forth many great ideas and gave his best efforts to the cause. His creativity and energy were essential in shaping the fraternity’s early identity. Yet, as time passed, Kurell felt called to pursue different paths. With honor and respect, he parted ways with the group. Though no longer directly involved, he would forever be recognized as a Founder, his contributions etched into the legacy of Theta Rho Nu.
Undeterred, the remaining founders pressed on with their sacred mission, understanding that their work was vital. They were creating not just a fraternity but a space where professional, same-gender-loving men of color could thrive, support one another, and rise to their highest potential.
In their journey, they encountered men of exceptional character and wisdom—Correll McRae and George Turner. These two individuals exemplified the principles and values the fraternity sought to uphold. Correll and George were invited to join the founders and became members of the First Counsel, an advisory body whose insight and leadership would be instrumental in bringing light to Theta Rho Nu. Together, the Founders and the First Counsel forged ahead, building the infrastructure, the traditions, and the sacred bonds that would define the fraternity.
Under their guidance, Theta Rho Nu was poised to become a beacon, a symbol of strength, resilience, and pride for those who needed it most. As they prepared to open their doors to a new generation of men, they knew that this brotherhood would stand as a testament to the dawn of a new era—an era in which professional, same-gender-loving men of color could find a home, a brotherhood, and a legacy.
Eos smiled from her place in the heavens as the light of Theta Rho Nu began to spread, casting away the shadows of isolation, self-doubt, and division. With Memnon’s guidance, and the Regalia of the EnTHRoned at its helm, the fraternity would bring forth a new dawn, just as the Goddess had foreseen.
For Theta Rho Nu was more than a fraternity—it was a calling, a destiny, and the dawn of a brighter, more united world.
6 PILLARS OF THETA RHO NU
Sovereignty
Unity
Loyalty
Truth
Passion
Synergy
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Kenneth “KC” Freeman II is the Founder of Theta Rho Nu and serves as its inaugural President and Chancellor. KC was born in Germany but considers Raleigh, NC, to be home. His background is in Social Work, focusing largely on macro issues in public health policy. KC has worked in HIV prevention and mental health for over two decades, having worked in non-profits, hospitals, county health centers, and the state department of health and human services. He is a member of the UNC PrEP Scientific Research Group, the NC Ending the Epidemic Steeeing Committee, and the Partnership for a Healthy Durham. KC is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. Currently, he works as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, North Carolina Central University, in the Department of Social Work, is the Lead Therapist and Supervisor for a clinical team with Carolina Outreach, and does Forensic Social Work with Legal Aid of NC.
Along with his career and academic goals, KC has a strong desire to empower Black, same gender loving men with the belief in their own divinity and destinies. KC takes many clinical tools and applies them to his own leadership style, such as strengths-based approach, the theory of self-efficacy, and successive approximation. This has allowed him to fulfill many leadership roles in various organizations, including Triangle Black Pride, Tulane University Social of Social Work SGA, the Professional Association of Social Workers in HIV, and the Society for Social Work and Research.
KC has earned his Bachelors and Masters of Social Work from North Carolina Central University, as well as a Masters in Public Health and a Masters of Legal Studies. In July of 2024 he successfully defended his dissertation on the affects of gentrification on African American’s access to, and perception of, HIV prevention resources in North Carolina and was awarded the Doctor of Social Work from Tulane University.
David Dodd is a Co-Founder of Theta Rho Nu and serves as its Inaugural Vice President of Communications.
A twenty-year, award-winning marketing executive, Dodd has worked at some of Chicago’s leading public relations and advertising agencies, spearheading initiatives for numerous Fortune 500 companies, and well-known consumer brands.
Although quite successful in his professional career, Dodd has utilized his talents to support Chicago’s African American LGBTQ community. David has worked on health programs and campaigns, focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness with organizations such as National Youth Pride Services and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. He also served on the board of several organizations including Windy City Black Pride, the Black Alphabet Film Festival and the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, where he served more than twelve years and held the position of board chair for four years.
Additionally, Dodd has also been one of Chicago’s s Black LGBTQ community party promoters and event planners. He and other colleagues founded K Dock Media, an event planning firm, in 2010. The organization disbanded in 2015, and Dodd created David Dodd Events, a business that he still runs. Dodd also became an executive producer and voice of the award-winning, pop-culture podcast, The Sip.
Dodd has been featured in syndicated columnist and author David Savage’s New York Time’s best-selling book, It Gets Better, a collection of original essays and expanded testimonials written to teens from celebrities, political leaders, and everyday people in response to a number of tragic suicides by LGBT students as a result of bullying.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Chicago State University and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at National Louis University.
Matthew Richardson is a Co-Founder of Theta Rho Nu Fraternity, Incorporated and serves as its inaugural Vice-President of Membership Affairs.
With nearly 20 years of progressive and professional experience as a senior operations leader and integrating nearly 10 years as a sustainability leader and a DEIB advocate, Matthew is committed to helping create a culture of community, sustainability, and equity within his professional and personal spaces with a focus on black and brown communities.
He has been appointed and has served in a variety of capacities within community-based and professional organizations because of his invested interests, expertise, and passion to help drive necessary change. Currently, Matthew is the Assistant Director of Operations & Strategic Planning at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Campus in New York City and has held several key roles during his 7-year tenure at the university medical campus. Previously, he served as Associate Director of Operations Management and Community Support Services at Volunteers of America- Greater New York and Assistant Director at CAMBA overseeing operational efficiencies, client services and programming for homeless, mental health and substance-use communities seeking support.
His work continues into being appointed chair and co-chair on several professional working groups, including employee resource groups and as sustainability liaison to the University as the chair of the School of Nursing sustainability committee.
Matthew attended the College of New Rochelle in New York, majoring in liberal arts with a concentration in psychology and continuing his educational journey at Western Governors University, College of Business. During his leisure time, Matthew enjoys exploring new cultures, traveling the world, architecture as well as his interests in cars, and, more importantly, trying new cuisines.
Tony C. Mize Jr. (TJ) is a Co-Founder of Theta Rho Nu Fraternity, Incorporated, and serves as its inaugural Chief-of-Staff.
As a current SNHU student working towards a degree in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Communications, Tony holds a position on the Dean’s list. His academic aspirations extend to achieving a master’s degree in Public Health Administration and a doctorate in Public Health by 2029.
Tony’s professional journey has been rooted in direct patient care, where he served as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Research Specialist, and Client Services Manager for Whitman Walker Health. In addition to his healthcare roles, Tony has been successfully involved in multiple boards dedicated to community improvements and non-profit startups, gaining diverse experiences across 10 different states. A proud Washington, D.C. native, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and accomplishments to the table.
As a United States Army Veteran, Tony has dedicated over 16 years to managerial roles, consistently demonstrating a commitment to growth and excellence. His professional philosophy revolves around passion, organization, and reliability. Tony excels in efficiently managing diverse priorities while maintaining a positive outlook. Eager to take on additional responsibilities, he ensures the successful realization of project objectives.
Tony’s strengths lie in a profound understanding of performance expectations, a strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional organizational abilities. These qualities underscore his dedication to achieving team accomplishments.