Black History Month / MLK Speakers

Paul Rusesabagina

Considered the "Rwandan Schindler," Rusesabagina saved over 1,200 lives during the Rwandan Genocide. His story is chronicled in both his book, An Ordinary Man, and the Oscar-nominated film, Hotel Rwanda, a riveting account of a man finding strength within himself to save others in the midst of his country's darkest ...

Susan L. Taylor

As editorial director of Essence, Taylor was the driving force behind one of the most celebrated black-owned business success stories in recent times. Her firm belief in personal empowerment and tapping into the power within motivates and inspired her employees to lead Essence to become a successful global mul ...

Julian Bond

Beginning with his pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement, Bond has always been on the cutting edge of social change and leadership. Legendary as the first black US vice presidential nominee, he is now Chairman of the NAACP and continues to deliver a powerful message of equality, freedom, and justice with a renewed sense ...

Herman Boone

When he became head football coach at T.C. Williams High School, Boone faced the daunting challenge of uniting a racially divided team, and through his hard work and dedication, he led the Titans to a championship title. Portrayed by Denzel Washington in the highly acclaimed film, Remember the Titans, Boone delivers ...

Johnnetta Cole

One of the most powerful well-regarded African American women in the US, Johnnetta B. Cole has a way with making history. As the first female African American President of Spelman College, the first woman ever elected to the Board of Coca-Cola Enterprises, and the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the Board ...

Juan Williams

Prize-winning columnist and editorial writer for The Washington Post, Juan Williams is also NPR’s Senior Correspondent and a keynote speaker on issues including diversity, ethics, leadership, media and national issues. There are few voices as clear and intelligent on the power of diversity within today's business, ...

Manning Marable

One of America's most influential and widely read scholars, Marable is Professor of History and Founding Director of the African American Studies Institute at Columbia University. A fervent activist and prolific author, he explores issues of black leadership and politics, culture and society.

Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Hunter-Gault made civil rights history as the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Georgia. Now, as one of television's premier journalists, she challenges convention with her insights. A special correspondent for NPR based in South Africa, she has written New News Out of Africa, which pr ...

Kevin Powell

As a talented political activist, poet, journalist, essayist, hip-hop historian, public speaker, and entrepreneur, Powell is widely considered one of America's most important voices in these early years of the 21st Century. An astute and enlightening observer, he comments on race, gender, class, and American pop culture and ...

Alvin Poussaint

A veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Poussaint is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School who is renowned as an expert and educated crusader for the African American family within our multicultural society. He has worked closely with Bill Cosby, serving as an advisor on The Cosby Show, and has par ...

Myrlie Evers-Williams

Wife of slain civil rights activist, Medgar Evers, Evers-Williams became the first woman to lead and restore the credibility of the NAACP during a time when it was surrounded by scandal and controversy. She continues her activism on behalf of racial and gender equality and is co-author of The Autobiography of Medgar Eve ...

Jesse Jackson

Former Presidential candidate, civil rights activist Reverend Jackson is one of the best known and most influential voices of American political and social activism. Called “the great unifier,” he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic a ...

Lou Gossett, Jr.

As one of the most sought after veteran actors, Oscar winner Gossett has reached the heights of success. His unique talent for portraying powerful and charismatic characters has charmed audiences worldwide. As Founder of the Eracism Foundation, he is dedicated to fighting racism, ignorance, and social apathy.

Patricia J. Williams

She writes the monthly "Diary of a Mad Law Professor" for the Nation magazine. Her wry, witty columns cover broad issues of social justice, including the rhetoric of the war on terror, race, ethnicity, gender, all aspects of civil rights law, bioethics and eugenics, forensic uses of DNA, and comparative issues of cl ...

Kweisi Mfume

Former President and CEO of the NAACP, Maryland Congressman, and Chairman of the Black Congressional Caucus, Mfume is credited with rebuilding and revitalizing the NAACP. As a leader, activist, and seasoned political voice for diversity, he continues to follow his dream of impacting society and shaping a more humane public ...

Michael Eric Dyson

Named by Essence magazine as one of the 50 most inspiring African Americans, Dyson is one of the nation's most renowned public intellectuals, revitalizing the role with the fervor of an ordained Baptist minister. Called "a street fighter in a suit and tie," he takes on the toughest and most controversial issues of th ...

Robin Kelley

Author and historian Robin D.G. Kelley is one of the most distinguished experts on African American studies and a celebrated professor who has lectured at some of America’s highest learning institutions. He is currently Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California.

Mary Frances Berry

Former Chairperson of the US Civil Rights Commission, law professor, and esteemed civil rights historian, Berry continually defends the rights of all people with her actions and dedication to equality. From fair housing to equal opportunity to voter's rights, she has been a strong advocate for the disempowered and continue ...

Mos Def

Mos Def's devotion to hip-hop and passion for social consciousness combine with a synergy seldom witnessed in rap history. Def’s first solo album, a multi-dimensional portrait of an MC who embodies the best of hip-hop’s past and one of its brightest hopes for the future, is entitled Black On Both Sides. The albu ...

Aaron McGruder

Creator of "The Boondocks" comic strip and animated series, McGruder is a young, fresh, and outspoken political satirist who dispenses social commentary with subversive humor. In his insightful presentation, "Negrology, the State of Black America," he demystifies all aspects of the truth about where African Americans are ...