Dr. Richard S. Freeman Joins National Invest In Veterans Week® as Legal Advisor, Marking a New Chapter for the Shuford-Freeman Legacy

A Family Built on Leadership, Advocacy, and Generational Excellence

ATLANTA, GA – JACKSONVILLE, FL – NEW HAVEN, CT — National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has long been a movement driven by leadership, resilience, and unwavering advocacy for veteran entrepreneurs. Now, with the appointment of Dr. Richard S. Freeman, JD, as Legal Advisor, the organization is entering its most ambitious phase yet.

For the Shuford-Freeman family, this marks another milestone in a multigenerational legacy that has shaped music, civil rights, business, and now, veteran entrepreneurship.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time as LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA (Ret.) steps down, and Angel Shuford assumes the role of President and CFO of NIVW. In addition, Sherman Williams will take over as Director of Partnerships, and Jim Freeman—founding member of The Five Satins and Rock & Roll pioneer—will serve as Advisor for Cultural Partnerships.

Dr. Richard S. Freeman: A Legal Powerhouse Strengthening Veteran Advocacy

A Career Spanning Civil Rights, Corporate Law, and Policy Reform

Dr. Richard S. Freeman is not just a legal mind—he is a force in civil rights law, labor justice, and corporate governance. As a lead attorney at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), he won some of the largest employment discrimination cases in U.S. history, including:

✅ General Motors ($50 million consent decree)
✅ Ford Motor Company ($25 million consent decree)
✅ Cargill and J.P. Stevens (multi-million-dollar settlements)

Beyond the courtroom, Dr. Freeman has built institutions. As Vice President of International Affairs at Sojourner-Douglass College, he expanded educational opportunities for underrepresented communities worldwide. His work with the Joe Beasley Foundation has impacted South America, Africa, and the Caribbean.

His appointment as Legal Advisor at NIVW will focus on:

✔ Strengthening veteran policy advocacy
✔ Expanding legal protections for veteran entrepreneurs
✔ Ensuring compliance and corporate partnerships that benefit veteran-owned businesses

His expertise, combined with Angel Shuford’s leadership and strategic expansion plans, positions NIVW as a globally recognized institution for veteran economic empowerment.

Jim Freeman’s Role in Cultural Partnerships: Expanding NIVW’s Media Influence

A Rock & Roll Pioneer Joins the Fight for Veteran Entrepreneurship

Jim Freeman, a founding member of The Five Satins, is not just a music icon—he is a cultural architect. With over 10 million records sold, his influence transcends generations.

His hit song, “In the Still of the Night,” recorded in 1956, remains one of the most celebrated doo-wop classics, featured in:

🎬 The Irishman (2019, Martin Scorsese)
🎥 Dirty Dancing
🎶 Covers by The Beach Boys, Debbie Gibson, and more

For his contributions to American music history, Jim Freeman was honored in the Congressional Record, making his family one of the few in history to be recognized in multiple generations.

Now, as Cultural Advisor for NIVW, he will work closely with his granddaughter, Angel Shuford, to:

✔ Expand veteran entrepreneurship into media, entertainment, and branding
✔ Leverage music and pop culture to amplify veteran business awareness
✔ Create new partnerships between veterans, corporate sponsors, and the arts

Drayton Florence’s Retirement and the Future of NIVW

As Drayton Florence officially steps down due to medical circumstances, NIVW recognizes the enormous contributions he has made to veteran advocacy.

A former NFL cornerback with an 11-season career, Florence co-founded Tech From Vets and helped NIVW become a congressionally recognized movement. His impact will be felt for generations, and Sherman Williams is now set to carry forward his legacy.

Williams, a serial trademark owner, retired U.S. Army Captain and CEO of Body Aqua, will take over as Director of Partnerships, bringing expertise in:

✔ Navigating corporate monopolies and business innovation
✔ Creating veteran-friendly market opportunities
✔ Expanding NIVW’s corporate reach

"Owning numerous Trademarks through the USPTO while running my business taught me, Veterans should not only be at the table—we should own the table," said Williams. "Drayton, Jeff, LTC Pope, built something incredible, and I am committed to ensuring that NIVW continues to thrive."

A Family That Redefined American Culture, Business, and Advocacy

The Shuford-Freeman family legacy is unlike any other.

🔹 Jim Freeman revolutionized American music with The Five Satins
🔹 Dr. Richard S. Freeman reshaped U.S. labor laws and corporate accountability
🔹 Jeff Shuford co-founded NIVW, bringing veteran entrepreneurship to national prominence
🔹 Angel Shuford now leads NIVW into its next era

Now, with Sherman Williams stepping into leadership and Angelina Shuford representing the next generation as Junior Spokesperson, this is a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Final Thoughts: The Future of National Invest In Veterans Week®

With these strategic moves, NIVW is no longer just a veteran entrepreneurship initiative—it is a movement that merges business, culture, and advocacy on a global scale.

💠 Dr. Richard S. Freeman will ensure its legal and corporate foundation remains strong.
💠 Jim Freeman will elevate its cultural partnerships and branding influence.
💠 Sherman Williams will drive business partnerships and market expansion.
💠 Angel Shuford will continue leading with vision and strategy.

"Our family has always been about breaking barriers—whether in music, law, or business," said Angel Shuford. "Now, it’s about making sure veteran entrepreneurs are seen, heard, and empowered. We’re just getting started."

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® is the leading initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting veteran entrepreneurs. Founded in 2019 by Jeff Shuford and Drayton Florence, NIVW highlights the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses while providing mentorship, resources, and visibility to veterans in business.

With operations in 62+ markets and expanding, NIVW is at the forefront of veteran economic advocacy, ensuring that those who served receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.