The Ida B. Wells Center on American Exceptionalism and Restorative Justice advance varied perspectives, strategies, and solutions by drafting legislation, testifying before legislative committees, placing op-eds in newspapers, magazines and on-line across the United States and worldwide, appearing on lecture panels, radio, and television news programs, holding town meeting and lobbying. It carries out investigative research and the publishing of original, peer-reviewed datasets about the lives of enslaved black Englishmen, who served as the bedrock of America’s slave pool after America agreed to release English subjects in the Definitive Treaty of Peace in 1763 signed with Great Britain. Further, the Wells Center conducts grass roots advertising campaigns on radio and on the internet, which brings key research findings to millions of people, world-wide.
Andrew Alexander, Executive Director
Andrew Alexander serves as Executive Director of the Ida B. Wells Center on American Exceptionalism and Restorative Justice, continuing the work and mission established by his father, founder and president, Larry Kenneth Alexander.
Since the Center’s inception in 2020, Andrew has worked closely alongside his father in the development of the organization’s research initiatives, strategic direction, documentary projects, and public education efforts. Working hand in hand with Larry for years, Andrew played an integral role in shaping the Center’s vision to examine the legal, historical, and constitutional foundations of colonial slavery and systemic racial injustice in America. Through that collaboration, he developed a deep understanding of the Center’s scholarship, objectives, and long-term goals.
As Executive Director, Andrew is responsible for carrying forward the Center’s commitment to historical inquiry, public education, restorative justice, and civic dialogue. His leadership focuses on preserving and expanding the work established by his father while building the institutional capacity necessary for future research, programming, partnerships, and media initiatives.
Andrew’s leadership reflects both continuity and stewardship — honoring the intellectual legacy of Larry Alexander while guiding the Ida B. Wells Center into its next chapter of growth and public impact.
Samuel A. McSwain, Marketing Director
Samuel A. McSwain serves as Marketing Director of the Ida B. Wells Center on American Exceptionalism and Restorative Justice, supporting the organization’s public engagement, communications, strategic partnerships, and educational initiatives.
Since 2023, Samuel had the privilege of being mentored by the Center’s founder, Larry Kenneth Alexander. Through their collaboration and many conversations, he gained a deeper understanding of Alexander’s research, perspectives on American history, restorative justice, and the intellectual framework that shaped the Center’s mission.
As Marketing Director, Samuel works alongside the Center’s leadership and advisory team to expand public awareness of its research and educational efforts while helping preserve and advance the work established by Larry Kenneth Alexander.
Samuel is committed to supporting the Ida B. Wells Center’s mission as a forum for historical inquiry, civic discourse, and the development of innovative perspectives and solutions addressing systemic race-based policies and practices rooted in America’s colonial past.
Larry Kenneth Alexander, Founder
In Memoriam: Larry Kenneth Alexander
Larry Kenneth Alexander was a cultural theorist who committed nearly three decades to his research. He was an author of numerous books and three are on the subject of colonial slavery, including Smoke, Mirrors and Chains: America’s First Continuing Criminal Enterprise, King’s Native Son: Lies, Lessons and Legacy, and Hidden in a Book: Forty Trillion and Keep the Mule.
Dr. James Brewer Stewart, Advisory Board
In Memoriam: Dr. James Brewer Stewart
Dr. James Brewer Stewart was the James Wallace Professor Emeritus, Macalester College and the founder and director of Historians Against Slavery and the Pay Attention Project. He was an author of countless books on the subject of slavery, including William Lloyd Garrison and the Challenge of Emancipation, Abolitionist Politics and the Coming of the Civil War, and Holy Warriors: The Abolitionists and American Slavery.
Mark Nygard, Advisory Board
Mark Nygard is a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has served parishes in Senegal and North Dakota, taught at the Centre de Formation Biblique in Cameroon, and directed graduate studies at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC). He holds a master of religion degree in Islamic studies from the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, and a doctorate in systematic theology from Luther Seminary in St. Paul.
Gina Alexander, Advisory Board
Gina Alexander is a business and financial leader who is the chief financial officer of a healthcare organization with experience in Fortune 500 companies and private equity backed ventures. She earned her BA in Economics from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and her MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
May Brown, Advisory Board
May Brown is an industrial and organizational strategist for several not-for-profit, for-profit and government organizations. In her role as chief strategy officer, she formulates, articulates, and facilitates the organization’s strategic visions and initiatives. She holds several bachelor degrees in business administration and computer science from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL, as well as, a MBA from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, and a MS in Military Operations and Science from Air University in Montgomery, AL. She is currently on a doctoral sabbatical from her studies in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Northcentral University in AZ.