At Descendants of the Truth, we are dedicated to promoting social justice and equality for all marginalized communities. Our mission is to educate, advocate, and empower individuals to make a positive impact in their lives and society.
Lateef “Cal” Calloway is the founder of The Phoeion Group, LLC, operating as Calliwood Productions, LLC, where he focuses his passion and expertise on film production and direction. Since 1999, Mr. Calloway has successfully led his company through more than 26 film projects, including creative narratives, documentaries, and technical training films.
Born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Lateef was deeply influenced by his mother, a proud member of the group known as The Sojourners during her time. It was through her that he was introduced to the powerful legacy of Sojourner Truth—a former enslaved person, renowned abolitionist, and trailblazing women’s rights advocate whose story left a lasting impression on him.
A graduate of the prestigious Motion Picture Institute (MPI)—Michigan’s oldest and most reputable film school—Mr. Calloway continues to honor that legacy through his work. Currently, he is leading the Calliwood Productions team in the pre-production of a full-length feature biopic chronicling the extraordinary life and times of Sojourner Truth as well as a powerful documentary that was filmed during the height of Covid. Lateef and (2) 5th generation grandsons of Sojourner Truth walk in the footsteps of this iconic woman tracing her past of the places she frequented. From the law offices where she sought help , to the courthouse where she fought to get her son back out of slavery , to the fields where she tilled the land, and the path she believe to have traveled when she walked away to her freedom. This project seeks to bring her enduring message of equality, justice, and unity to audiences worldwide, continuing her mission to bridge divides and inspire future generations.
For more information on MPI, visit: www.mpifilm.com
Top Notch Kids mission statement:
Top Notch Kids is a personal vision and community engagement effort to encourage and inspire youth ages 8 to 19 years of age to help revitalize their neighborhoods making the infrastructure more energy efficient and LEED Certified as well as safer for residents. As we know, crime, poverty, vandalism, and violence have no boundaries. Gun violence in schools has also been on the rise. Top Notch Kids provides a fun, positive, and safe alternative to this culture of violence.
Although the history of the gun has been one filled with the taking of life and the destruction of communities, Top Notch Kids will change the narrative of the gun and how it effects our communities by providing real life opportunities to save lives and revitalize communities using the “GUNS” of home improvement. Not only does this community effort allow for residents to take part in the beautification of their communities making them more attractive to new businesses and various investments, but it also allows for children to attain a valuable skill set which helps with career readiness and future orientation. Our motto is “We don’t kill with guns, we build with guns” as they learn how to improve the conditions of their community with caulk guns, staple guns, nail guns, and paint guns!
heat gun , paint gun, nail gun , caulk gun
Descendants of the Truth Foundation (founded in 2005) by her 5th generation grandson Cory Mcliechey is a community-centered initiative dedicated to preserving historical truth, promoting social justice, and empowering future generations through education, cultural awareness, and community development. Founded to uplift underserved communities and inspire positive change, the foundation seeks to connect the legacy of historical figures and movements with modern solutions that strengthen families and neighborhoods.
The inspiration behind the foundation is rooted in the enduring legacy of freedom fighters and truth-tellers such as Sojourner Truth, whose life and advocacy for abolition, civil rights, and women’s equality continue to inspire new generations. Through storytelling, educational initiatives, and community outreach, the organization works to ensure that history remains alive and relevant for today’s youth and communities.
Founding Purpose
Descendants of the Truth Foundation was established with the purpose of:
Community Initiatives and Programs
The foundation focuses on practical community impact through several initiatives and programs, including:
1. Youth Empowerment and Skills Programs
Through initiatives such as the Top Notch Kids program, young people are encouraged to learn practical skills while participating in projects that improve their communities. These programs emphasize teamwork, craftsmanship, and civic pride while helping youth develop leadership and life skills.
2. Educational and Historical Awareness Projects
The organization supports projects that preserve historical knowledge and promote cultural education, including documentary films, educational presentations, and digital experiences that highlight the lives and contributions of influential historical figures.
3. Community Revitalization and Service Work
Descendants of the Truth works with volunteers, families, and community partners to beautify neighborhoods, assist community centers, and support projects that strengthen local infrastructure and pride in underserved areas.
Geographic Impact
The foundation aims to create meaningful impact in Michigan and Georgia, while also building partnerships that extend its educational and cultural initiatives nationally and internationally. By connecting communities across regions, the organization promotes collaboration, cultural understanding, and shared progress.
Vision for the Future
Descendants of the Truth Foundation envisions a future where communities are empowered through knowledge, unity, and opportunity. By combining historical truth with modern innovation, the organization strives to inspire young leaders, strengthen families, and build communities rooted in dignity, equality, and prosperity.
Brea Schott and Kimani Schott serve as youth leaders and community advocates within Descendants of the Truth / South, where they work respectively as President and Program Director of the southern chapter. Through their leadership, they are dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
Their work focuses on developing programs that encourage youth leadership, community responsibility, and cultural awareness. One of their key initiatives is the Top Notch Kids Program, which provides mentorship, educational support, and hands-on community engagement opportunities designed to help young people build confidence, discipline, and life skills while becoming positive contributors to their neighborhoods.
A unique component of the Top Notch Kids Program is its mission to change the narrative surrounding the word “gun.” Instead of associating it with violence, youth in the program are introduced to constructive tools used in building and renovation, such as caulk guns, nail guns, heat guns, and paint guns. Through supervised instruction and mentorship, participants learn how these tools are used in carpentry, maintenance, and neighborhood improvement projects. The program’s motto, “We don’t kill with guns, we build with guns,” reflects its philosophy of transforming tools into instruments of craftsmanship, responsibility, and community revitalization while also exposing youth to potential career pathways in the skilled trades.
Brea and Kimani Schott also collaborate with community partners such as Charles Sharper, founder of the Healthy Youth USA Foundation. Through these partnerships, they work to create safe spaces and meaningful opportunities for youth through initiatives that promote education, physical wellness, teamwork, and character development.
Together, Brea and Kimani Schott strive to uplift the next generation by combining mentorship, community service, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Their goal is to inspire young people in Atlanta to recognize their potential, take pride in their communities, and become leaders who help build stronger and more positive neighborhoods throughout the region.
Your generous donations empower us to continue our mission of supporting our initiatives like the Sojourner Truth educational hologram project as well as the Top Notch Kids agenda. Join us in making a difference in our community. Every contribution counts and helps us create a brighter future for all.
