​RETREAT INFORMATION
Brothers Ascend Retreat 2026
September 10-13.2026
The Chattanoogan Hotel, Chattanooga, TN
Brothers Ascend is a 3-day transformational retreat created for professional Black men in midlife who are ready to reset, refocus, and rise.
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Set in a mountain setting, this immersive experience blends spiritual grounding and prayer, guided hikes/fitness, meditation, powerful brotherhood conversations, and strategic vision planning.
TOGETHER WE'LL EXPLORE:
• The masks we wear
• Grief, pressure, and responsibility
• Fatherhood, legacy, and identity
• Wealth, work, and long-term vision
This is not a conference. It’s a reset. A recalibration and restoration.
You’ll leave with clarity, renewed energy, authentic brotherhood, and a personal plan for your next chapter.
OUR SPEAKERS

Justin L. Perry
Justin Perry, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI is founder and therapist at Perry Counseling Healing and Recovery PLLC where he and his clinical team use talk, art, and movement modalities to treat individuals, families, and couples aged who struggle with shame, insecurity, and personal relationships. In the space of mental health, substance use, and trauma, their mission is to Promote Healing and End Stigma. He and his team have brought mental health sessions into corporations, nonprofits, early childhood learning centers, houses of faith, and community groups.

Darnell Gray
Darnell Gray is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, pastor, and motivational speaker with a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to lead with purpose and excellence. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, he combines practical business acumen with transformational leadership principles. Darnell is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Redeemed Church, a church committed to sharing the redemptive power of Christ globally by loving, living, and leading with intentional purpose.

Shannon Thompson
With more than 20 years of experience across wealth management, investment advisory, and comprehensive financial planning, Shannon has built a distinguished career as a trusted advisor, and Partner in Creative Wealth Management. Shannon has dedicated his career to helping individuals cut through the noise, simplify what often feels overwhelming, and turn financial goals into clear, achievable action steps.
His passion lies in empowering people to take control of their financial future with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Lynch Hunt
After serving ten years in federal prison, Lynch Hunt transformed his life and has become a nationally recognized health and wellness expert, personal development coach, and the author of 17 powerful books focused on mindset, transformation, and success. As the founder of AWOL Fitness, Lynch has built more than a gym—it’s a movement for mental, physical, and spiritual growth. Lynch’s energy is contagious, and his impact is undeniable. His life’s mission is to Educate, Motivate, and Empower others to take control of their health, their mindset, and their future.
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Stephon Chaney
Stephon Chaney is a businessman turned church planter whose life was radically transformed, reshaping both his priorities and his direction. That personal encounter with God became the foundation of a lifelong calling to help others live activated, purpose-driven lives. After a successful career in SaaS, Stephon stepped away from corporate success to pursue Kingdom impact. He now serves as the Lead Pastor of Activate Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, and speaks at the intersection of faith, wholeness, leadership, and family, calling men to alignment, integrity, and a life that reflects the fullness God intended.

Tim Atwell
Tim Atwell is a servant leader, technology and data executive, consultant, and coach with 30 years of leadership experience across Supply Chain and Financial Services. Known for building strong partnerships, developing high-performing teams, and delivering innovative business solutions, Tim has held global leadership roles spanning the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America. His experience includes executive leadership roles at General Electric, Bank of America and most recently Wells Fargo.
Today, Tim serves as a consultant and executive coach, helping senior leaders strengthen executive presence, navigate organizational complexity, and improve team performance. He has remained committed to empowering others, advancing talent, and positively shaping culture.

Eric Bigger
Eric Bigger is a speaker, author, and creator of the Spiritual Fitness movement—a lifestyle philosophy that blends faith, fitness, mindset, and emotional mastery. Rising from humble beginnings in Baltimore, he transformed personal struggle into global impact, inspiring millions to build inner strength, confidence, and clarity. Through coaching, content, and community, Eric teaches that true success begins within. His mission is to help people heal, grow, and live in alignment with their highest potential.
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