Our Mission

The REM Foundation, honors the life and legacy of Rodney Earl McBride, Jr.. The Foundation is committed to fostering the intellectual curiosity, artistic talents, and emotional well-being of Black youth. Through educational and arts-related programming, we aim to provide a supportive environment that nurtures Black youth and empowers them to thrive academically and creatively.

Learn More

About Rodney

Rodney Earl McBride (October 18, 2005 – January 17, 2021) was a remarkable individual whose life, though short, was filled with accomplishments and contributions that left a lasting impact on his community. The son of Rodney McBride, Sr. and Dr. Chantee L. Earl, Rodney attended Carver Early College High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was awarded an honorary diploma posthumously in May 2024. His earlier education included Brown Middle School, The Paideia School, and Centennial Academy Charter School.

As a brilliant scholar and talented musician, Rodney was active in numerous clubs and academic associations. At Centennial, he was a member of the National Beta Club, competed in the Chess Club, and was active on the robotics team, which excelled at the Georgia State Convention Robotics Showcase. As a Better Chance Scholar, Rodney participated in Georgia Odyssey of the Mind at The Paideia School, placing second in the state finals in 2018. He also showcased his athletic abilities as a member of the junior varsity cross country and track teams.

Rodney’s musical talents were exceptional. He played several string instruments, including the piano, organ, and violin. His musical journey began at age three, performing in concert with his father, and he later became his mother’s pianist until he started playing independently at church at age nine.

Rodney was a dedicated member of the Young People’s Division at Greater Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church and Greater Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he served as a musician for both youth and adult choirs. Additionally, he was an honorary member of Mount Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, employed as a professional organist. His musical prowess extended to the Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta, where he was a prominent member.

Rodney’s talents were not confined to music. He performed on his first live recording in 2020 with the Savannah Grove Baptist Church Reunion Choir, and the title song “Take Over” was released in January 2021 by the Atlanta Music Association record label. Beyond his musical contributions, Rodney was a technological genius and entrepreneur. At the age of nine, he founded a computer repair business, refurbishing and repairing computers using donated and purchased parts. He invested in a 3D printer, creating various items for sale. Rodney also mastered crocheting, crafting blankets, scarves, and hats for friends and family.

Rodney is remembered by many as an intelligent, charismatic, witty, and all-around good guy. His imprint on life and those around him will never fade.

REM Foundation Board

Chantee Earl

President

Dr. Chantee Earl is passionate about education and is committed to improving the educational landscape for all people. A former high school Social Studies teacher, Dr. Earl has over twenty years of K-12 classroom teaching experience.

She is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education at Georgia State University. Chantee Earl is very active within the Atlanta Metro community and greater international educational community. She along with her students have sponsored monthly Social Studies days and weekly tutoring sessions at various afterschool programs, and hosted summer camps and several reading events in collaboration with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Summer Reading Club.. Dr. Earl is dedicated to supporting youth and hopes through her teaching and service, she can provide opportunities that develop the skills, and talents of all people.

Rodney McBride

Vice President

Rodney McBride is the President/Ceo of the Executive Structure Productions and Rodney McBride’s Music (ASCAP). He is an accomplished musician who has
combined his musical experience and production

capabilities to become one of the most efficient executive producers in the music industry. Executive Structure Productions provides audio/video pre and post production. Rodney McBride’s Music (ASCAP) is the publishing component that catalogs and administrates musical works. With this combination of musical entities, Mr. McBride has become one of the leading new executives in the music industry. Rodney’s mission is to bring out the best in each individual’s talents and ability by
providing comprehensive quality service that consists of creating, developing and
providing content for his clients and artists. Rodney McBride has one of the highest
standards of music in the industry and is definitely one of the most diverse and unique producers on earth.

Ashley Wysong

Secretary

Dr. Ashley Wysong is a tenured Professor, Founding Chair and the William W. Bruce MD Distinguished Chair at the University of Nebraska Department of Dermatology. She is an accomplished leader, a nationally recognized Mohs

micrographic surgeon, a translational skin cancer researcher, and a dedicated mentor. Dr. Wysong obtained her master’s degree in epidemiology at Stanford University and her medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine where she was valedictorian. She completed her residency in dermatology at Stanford University where she was chief resident and her fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology at Scripps Clinic. Dr. Wysong is entrepreneurial, growth-minded, and a highly innovative leader. She has a personal interest in helping individuals and young adults have the resources and opportunities to be at their best and to reach their highest potential.

Larry Earl

Treasurer

Larry Earl, Jr. is the founder and principal consultant for 1619 Exhibits, an arts and culture firm that aids institutional and private collectors in preserving and monetizing their fine art and other cultural assets. 1619

Exhibits specializes in designing distinctive exhibitions, providing expert archival solutions for diverse collections, producing engaging public programming, and activating public spaces with vibrant civic art. His portfolio of clients include George Washington’s: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Independent Television Services, the New York Historical Society, the National Portrait Gallery, and Destination Crenshaw. With over three decades of experience in the museum field, Larry has held executive positions at some of our nation’s preeminent cultural institutions including The Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum, The Houston Museum of African American Culture, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and the Charles H. Wright Museum. He has authored several scholarly works including an enhanced music CD titled, Ear to Ear: The Passage of African Music through American Slavery, and Only Toni, a retrospective catalogue of Houston fashion designer, Toni Whitaker’s enduring designs. Larry has also contributed to several Emmy award winning works on film including Jefferson’s Monticello, Liberty, Slavery in the Making of America, and the educational broadcast, No Master Over Me. Larry currently serves as the Senior Curator and Historian for the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection, and Lead Historian for Destination Crenshaw, a 1.3-mile transformative infrastructure project that is installing community pocket parks, and over 100 commissioned works of public art in the Crenshaw District of South Los Angeles. Larry resides in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.