The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society (RBPS) announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Sonja Elise “Queen Diva” Freeman, EMBA, as the official 2026 RBPS Ambassador. A visionary leader and scholar-practitioner, affectionately known as Queen, will serve as the Society’s global face during the historic Centennial of Black History Month (1926–2026).
For the past six years, Queen has been the driving force behind the Society’s organizational growth, serving as the Chief Curriculum Officer and Vice President of Marketing and Communications. In these roles, she has been responsible for developing all educational curricula, marketing materials, and the strategic brand identity that have positioned the RBPS as a leader in cultural restoration.
“Queen Diva embodies the intersection of scholarship, soul, and social enterprise,” said Mr. Perry “The Maestro” Thompson, Founder/Executive Director for the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society. “Her appointment as Ambassador is a natural evolution of her six-year commitment to ensuring the 250-year legacy of Black American music is protected for future generations.”
Innovation Through Fashion: The RootsRhythmBlues Sneaker
In a groundbreaking fusion of philanthropy and fashion, Queen Diva is also the lead designer for the RootsRhythmBlues Sneaker. Created under her fashion and shoe design division, Divine Voices’ Created by Queen Diva, this signature footwear represents the “rhythm of the streets” and the “soul of the preservationist.” In support of the mission, 50% of the proceeds from every pair sold will go directly to supporting RBPS’s educational programs and archival efforts. www.aliveshoes.com/rootsrhythmblues
A Scholar and Artist-in-Residence
A distinguished academic and newly named a 2026 National University Brand Ambassador, Sonja Elise currently maintains a 3.96 GPA within the Ph.D. in Education (Curriculum and Teaching) program at National University’s Sanford College of Education. She is the producer and star of the Off-Broadway acclaimed and the ONLY Phyllis Hyman tribute supported by the Hyman Family & Friends, Former Mayor Bill de Blasio and Former First Lady Chirlane McCray, who spearheaded the Thrive NYC Initiative (Now called the “Mayor’s Office of Community Metal Health (OCMH) under the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene), “Strength of a Woman: A Phyllis Hyman Tribute Starring Queen Diva,” which will be returning to the 2022 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre winning Broadway supperclub 54 Below on September 12, 2026 and “Love, Life & Activism: A Nina Simone Tribute Starring Ayanda Sunshine,” both are used as fundraisers for the Society, and her latest R&B/Soul single, “Kisses in the Dark,” serves as a sonic backdrop to her academic research, proving that Black music is a “living archive” that continues to evolve.
2026 Availability
As the 2026 RBPS Ambassador, she is available for global bookings throughout the centennial year. She is currently accepting invitations for:
Keynote Speaking Engagements
Guest Lectures on Black Music History, DEI and Social Justice in Education, and K-12 Curriculum Development
Visiting Professor Residencies
Moderator/Panelist Opportunities
Organizations, universities, and media outlets interested in booking Dr. Freeman “Queen Diva” email: RBPSOC2018@gmail.com or phone: 347.330,5066
More about supporting the RootsRhythmBlues Athletic Shoe Fundraiser go to: www.aliveshoes.com/rootsrhythmblues
