MICHAEL ERIC DYSON

Called "a streetfighter in a suit and tie," Dr. Dyson is one of America's foremost public intellectuals. A prolific author, scholar, cultural observer, ordained minister, media commentator, and Georgetown professor, his sharp wit and profound thought is captured in his latest book, Can You Hear Me Now?, and on his radio show, "The Michael Eric Dyson Show."

MARC LAMONT HILL

An activist, cultural critic, and one of America's leading hip-hop generation intellectuals, Hill's work has been published widely, covering such topics as popular culture, politics, sexuality, education, and religion. He authored Beats, Rhymes, and Classroom Life, exploring the appeal of hip-hop culture and how it can dramatically affect youth identity and educational processes.

TERRY MCMILLAN

The best-selling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Waiting to Exhale, and its recent sequel, Getting Back to Happy, McMillan has captivated critics and readers alike with her tales of the lives and loves of contemporary African American women. With several of her books made into hit movies, she has made her mark both on the literary world and in Hollywood.

GEOFFREY CANADA

As president and CEO of Harlem Children's Zone, Canada dedicates his life to securing opportunity for underprivileged children. Featured prominently in the documentary Waiting for Superman, Canada continues to transform the lives of youth; recently, President Obama launched an initiative to create "Promise Neighborhoods" around the country to combat poverty, modeling them on his work.

ASRA NOMANI

The author of the critically acclaimed Standing Alone in Mecca: An American Woman's Struggle for the Soul of Islam, Nomani is a former Wall Street Journal correspondent and friend of slain reporter Daniel Pearl. Her character figures prominently in A Mighty Heart, the film based on the life and death of Pearl at the hands of Pakistani militants, starring Angelina Jolie.

LUIS ALBERTO URREA

An award-winning poet and essayist, Urrea authored the epic novel The Hummingbird's Daughter, as well as The Devil's Highway, a best-selling nonfiction account of Mexican immigrants crossing over the US border. His upcoming book is The Queen of America.

JUAN WILLIAMS

A Fox News analyst and former senior correspondent for NPR, Williams is also an Emmy-winning columnist and editorial writer for The Washington Post. He is the author of the hotly debated Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements, and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America.

SHERYL WUDUNN

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author, WuDunn recently penned Half the Sky with husband Nicholas Kristof, exploring the oppression of women in the developing world. She remains a strong voice in calling us to action against all human rights violations, offering the inspiring message that we can each make a difference.

SUSAN L. TAYLOR

The soul of Essence for over three decades, Taylor was the driving force behind one of the most celebrated African American businesses. Now, as founder of the National CARES Mentoring Movement, she shares her passion for empowering African Americans in a call to action to recruit mentors for at-risk youth.

BEN VEREEN

His legendary performances transcend time and have become woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy. His strong sense of social consciousness make him an excellent speaker on overcoming adversity, black history, and motivational topics.