The Presidential Continuity of National Invest In America Week℠

Officially Featured on: www.investinamericaweek.com

In the layered narrative of America’s evolving civic identity, rarely does a single thread connect art, politics, economic vision, and generational legacy so clearly as the one drawn from Jim Freeman—founding member of the iconic doo-wop group The Five Satins—to his grandson Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® and visionary architect of National Invest In America Week℠.

To fully grasp the sophistication and societal importance of National Invest In America Week℠ (NIAW), one must first appreciate its inheritance—not just from a congressional lineage, but from a historical moment where cultural performance and presidential policy intersected with national ideology.

Act I: Harmonies of Civic Purpose — Jim Freeman and the Nixon Campaign

In the early 1970s, the Committee for the Re-Election of the President (CREEP) executed an elaborate campaign strategy that employed America’s most beloved entertainers as cultural ambassadors. Among them, The Five Satins, The Coasters, Danny and the Juniors, Bobby Lewis, Johnny Thunder, and Gary U.S. Bonds were selected to lead a six-city patriotic “rock and roll revival” tour. The purpose was clear: galvanize America’s youth, restore civic pride, and build a cultural bridge to Nixon’s reelection platform.

A memo dated September 12, 1972, from Raymond Caldiero to Jeb Magruder explicitly outlines this:

“Performers who have agreed to donate their talent are: The Five Satins, The Coasters, Danny and the Juniors, Bobby Lewis, Johnny Thunder, Gary and the U.S. Bonds.”.

This tour, which spanned Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C., was more than music—it was mobilization. The document titled “Celebrity/American Music Update” records it as a youth-targeted revival showcasing patriotism through pop culture—an effort mirroring the now emergent NIAW’s hybrid model of civic engagement and cultural resonance.

Jim Freeman, having exited The Five Satins as a touring performer in the early '60s, nonetheless played a critical behind-the-scenes role in sustaining the group’s cohesion and credibility—a quiet force whose influence would echo two generations later in the form of a civic doctrine authored not through song, but through structural impact.

Act II: The Nixon Doctrine on Investment

Two years prior to this youth tour, President Richard Nixon made a profound statement on civic responsibility:

“Without the private investor, America would simply not be the country we know and love.”
— President Richard Nixon, April 27, 1970

This declaration, made in recognition of National Invest-In-America Week (April 26 – May 2, 1970), articulated a vision of economic nationalism not through tariffs or subsidies, but through community-led enterprise. Nixon’s framing of private investment as a civic imperative—“to produce goods, to provide jobs, to build houses”—stands as the policy soul of today’s NIAW.

The Nixon-era campaign playbook didn’t just seek votes; it operationalized the arts, entertainment, and economic discourse to create a fully immersive civic campaign, one grounded in authenticity. This strategy echoes profoundly in the Shuford Roadmap™ that now powers both National Invest In Veterans Week® and National Invest In America Week℠.

Act III: The Shuford Legacy—Transforming Heritage into Civic Capital

Jeff Shuford’s vision for NIAW is not a political nostalgia project. It is a generational transformation—a transmutation of cultural capital into civic infrastructure.

As the grandson of Jim Freeman, Shuford inherits not just a last name, but a legacy of cultural leadership. He has extended this inheritance far beyond music. In 2019, he co-founded National Invest In Veterans Week®, which was later entered into the U.S. Congressional Record on March 8, 2024. In 2025, he expanded that vision to encompass NIAW—an initiative that leverages regional governance, social storytelling, and institutional scalability.

This continuity—spanning from the soulful harmonies of “In the Still of the Night” to the civic anthems of regional investment—is both rare and revolutionary. Freeman and Shuford may have spoken in different registers, but the melody is unmistakably patriotic.

Framework for a Civic Renaissance

National Invest In America Week℠ (July 1–7) is built around seven core pillars:

1. Regional Governance: Rather than 50 states, NIAW activates macro-regions, each led by Chairs inspired by gubernatorial structure. This allows scalable action without federal bottlenecks.

2. Invest In America Challenge™: A call-to-action for individuals, businesses, and institutions to complete a civic or economic activity during the week—ranging from hiring locally to launching mentorship networks.

3. Cultural Identity: A stylized tree “T” logo adorned with regional stars symbolizes rooted strength and national unity.

4. Policy Integration: Informed by historical proclamations and recent support from Congressman Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

5. Transnational Connectivity: Through the infrastructure of NIVW, which spans 40 global markets, NIAW gains international interoperability.

6. Narrative Branding: Every region tells a story. Every action becomes a post, a pledge, a proposal.

7. Economic Nationalism Without Exclusion: Unlike protectionist ideologies, NIAW promotes inclusive growth, welcoming immigrant-owned, minority-led, and veteran-founded businesses under the same economic tent.

From Nixon’s Doctrine to Shuford’s Strategy

In the campaign document, celebrity programming wasn’t incidental—it was integral. Nixon’s team envisioned multiple media events, including:

• A television special combining live performance and film content, showcasing “massive support for the president from all areas of the entertainment industry.”

• A celebrity radio plan, featuring scripted PSA-style messages from Charlton Heston, Sammy Davis Jr., and Chad Everett.

• A recruitment strategy targeting former Humphrey and Muskie supporters, eventually securing endorsements from Danny Thomas, Debbie Reynolds, and Jimmy Durante.

These strategies formed a civic marketing campaign that transcended policy, positioning art and business as allies in national rejuvenation.

Today, NIAW carries this model forward with authenticity. It does not repackage history—it repurposes it, embedding civic capital into contemporary platforms, from regional websites to syndicated podcasts, from social entrepreneurship funds to international trade hubs.

Civic Memory in Motion

What does it mean when one family, through both cultural and legislative avenues, spans 70 years of civic influence?

It means NIAW is not merely a commemorative week—it is a continuum. It absorbs the Nixon doctrine on investment, applies the community-first ethos of Jim Freeman, and executes it through the technocratic efficiency and visionary ambition of Jeff Shuford.

“In less than a year, our gross national product will reach a trillion dollars... But without private enterprise, the goals themselves would be meaningless.”
—President Nixon, 1970

Now, under NIAW, those goals are not just economic metrics—they are civic commitments.

Conclusion: The Future Has Roots

As National Invest In America Week℠ evolves, it brings with it a rare form of civic originality. Few initiatives are backed by a Congressional Record, a Grammy legacy, a presidential proclamation, and 21st-century branding acumen.

Shuford has reframed the nation’s economic potential—not as a ledger entry, but as a lived commitment. NIAW isn’t just a new observance; it’s the relaunch of America’s civic contract, authored not only in D.C., but in Buffalo, in Pittsburgh, in Cleveland—in every place where a song was sung, a campaign was staged, or a future was built.

To invest in America is to invest in its people, its culture, and its unfinished symphony of civic possibility.

For continued coverage, visit:
National Invest In America Week Website
National Invest In Veterans Week Website

Download the full Nixon memo here: Contested Materials, Nixon Library, September 12, 1972.

Dr. Richard S. Freeman: The Legal Titan of Civil Rights and Corporate Justice, Anchored by a Legacy of Leadership, Music, and Veteran Advocacy

A Family Defined by Excellence, Leadership, and Multigenerational Influence

Dr. Richard S. Freeman is not just a lawyer—he is an institution. His career, spanning over four decades, has impacted civil rights law, labor justice, international humanitarian efforts, and corporate governance. His work has shaped major industries, protected marginalized communities, and established legal precedents that continue to influence policy today. As a legal strategist, educator, and civil rights champion, Dr. Freeman has built a reputation as one of the foremost legal minds of his generation.

Yet, his legacy does not exist in isolation. He is a cornerstone of the Shuford-Freeman family, a lineage that has redefined music, business, law, and veteran advocacy. His older brother, Jim Freeman, is a founding member of The Five Satins, the iconic group behind "In the Still of the Night," a song that has sold over 34 million records and remains one of the most influential songs in American music history.

This same legacy of impact continues through Jim’s grandson, Jeff Shuford, an Iraq War veteran, nationally syndicated technologist, and retired founder of Tech From Vets & National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). Jeff’s wife, Angel Shuford, a decorated Army air traffic controller, now leads NIVW as President and CFO, bringing a new vision to veteran entrepreneurship.

Now, Dr. Freeman’s appointment as Legal Advisor to NIVW cements his role in shaping the economic and legal framework for veteran-owned businesses. His expertise ensures that veteran entrepreneurs receive the legal protections, economic opportunities, and structural support necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive business world.

Dr. Richard S. Freeman: The Legal Architect Who Reshaped Corporate America

The Road to Becoming One of America’s Most Impactful Civil Rights Attorneys

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Richard S. Freeman was destined for greatness. As a child, he demonstrated exceptional academic promise, leading to his acceptance into Yale University’s Ulysses S. Grant Scholarship Program, an elite initiative that provided intensive training in math, English, Latin, and French. This early exposure to rigorous education set him apart, leading to a scholarship to The Hotchkiss School, followed by undergraduate studies in political science at Coe College. His trajectory ultimately led him to Drake University Law School, where he was awarded the Martin Luther King Scholarship, cementing his path toward civil rights and corporate law.

Upon earning his Juris Doctor, Freeman entered the legal field with a sharp focus on corporate accountability, labor rights, and discrimination law. His tenure as a legal strategist at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) placed him at the center of some of the most historically significant employment discrimination cases in the country.

His cases against corporate giants forever altered the landscape of labor law and employee rights, including:

• General Motors ($50 million consent decree)

• Ford Motor Company ($25 million consent decree)

• J.P. Stevens Inc. (multi-million-dollar settlements)

• Cargill (one of the largest food manufacturers in the world, forced to reform hiring practices due to Freeman’s litigation efforts)

These cases established critical legal precedents in employment equity, workplace protections, and corporate compliance, ensuring generations of workers received fair treatment under the law.

Beyond the Courtroom: An Educator, Policy Strategist, and Global Advocate

Dr. Freeman’s legal brilliance extended beyond litigation. His passion for mentorship, education, and social justice led him to lead institutions and advise international organizations on economic and corporate law. His career includes:

• Vice President of International Affairs at Sojourner-Douglass College, where he expanded global educational opportunities

• Executive VP & General Counsel at Cleveland Carter Enterprises, advising on corporate compliance and business strategy

• President and CEO of the Joe Beasley Foundation, providing legal and economic resources to underserved communities in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean

• Professor of Law at DeVry University, where he shaped the legal minds of future business and policy leaders

Dr. Freeman’s ability to merge law, policy, and economic development has made him a sought-after expert in corporate governance, social justice, and international law.

The Shuford-Freeman Family: A Legacy of Influence Across Generations

The Freeman legacy does not begin or end with Richard S. Freeman. His older brother, Jim Freeman, laid the foundation for the family’s cultural and entrepreneurial influence.

Jim Freeman: The Musical Pioneer Who Defined an Era

Jim Freeman, co-founder of The Five Satins, helped shape the golden age of American doo-wop. His contributions to music history include:

• Co-writing and performing "In the Still of the Night" in 1956, a song that went on to sell over 10 million records

• Ensuring The Five Satins’ longevity even when key members, including himself, were drafted into military service

• Securing the group’s place in the R&B Hall of Fame (1986) and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2003)

• Having the song enshrined in the “Songs of the Century” list by the RIAA and National Endowment for the Arts

• Influencing multiple generations, as the song was later used in The Irishman (2019), Dirty Dancing, and various covers by The Beach Boys and Debbie Gibson

His commitment to excellence and innovation is mirrored in his family.

Jeff and Angel Shuford: The Next Chapter of the Shuford-Freeman Legacy

Jim Freeman’s grandson, Jeff Shuford, is an Iraq War veteran, technologist, and nationally recognized entrepreneur. His wife, Angel Shuford, now leads National Invest In Veterans Week® as President and CFO, ensuring that veterans receive the resources, visibility, and advocacy necessary to succeed in business.

Jeff’s achievements include:

• Co-founding National Invest In Veterans Week®, a congressionally recognized initiative

• Expanding NIVW into 62+ domestic and international markets

• Developing technology solutions for veteran-owned businesses

Angel, a decorated Army air traffic controller, is the driving force behind NIVW’s future expansion. Under her leadership, the organization is:

• Adding six new markets to its global reach

• Strengthening corporate partnerships to benefit veteran businesses

• Introducing legal oversight with Dr. Freeman to ensure economic protections for veterans

Her ability to integrate strategy, military discipline, and business acumen into NIVW’s future ensures that the organization will continue to thrive.

Dr. Freeman’s Role in NIVW: The Future of Veteran Entrepreneurship

As Legal Advisor to National Invest In Veterans Week®, Dr. Freeman will bring his extensive legal expertise to the forefront of veteran entrepreneurship advocacy. His focus will be on:

• Expanding legal protections for veteran business owners

• Developing new policies that provide long-term economic security for veteran entrepreneurs

• Strengthening legislative outreach to ensure veteran businesses receive fair treatment in government contracts

His appointment is a historic moment for both the Shuford-Freeman family and the future of veteran advocacy.

"My uncle has spent his life fighting for justice, and now he’s ensuring that veterans—who have already given so much—receive the opportunities they deserve," said Angel Shuford.

Conclusion: A Family That Defined Generations and Continues to Lead

The Shuford-Freeman family has reshaped American culture, business, and advocacy. From Jim Freeman’s musical legacy to Richard Freeman’s legal influence, and now Jeff and Angel Shuford’s leadership in veteran entrepreneurship, their impact spans industries, eras, and generations.

With Dr. Freeman leading legal oversight, Angel driving strategy, and Jeff expanding NIVW’s influence, the family’s legacy is secure—and the future is brighter than ever.

"We are building something that will last beyond our lifetimes," said Angel Shuford.