Intercultural
Civil Rights & Social Justice
Civil Rights & Social Justice:
President of the ACLU
The first person of color to lead America’s premiere civil rights and civil liberties organization in its over 100-year history, Deborah Archer is a leading civil rights and civil liberties advocate, civil rights lawyer, professor and writer.
Human-Centered Thought Leader, Bestselling Author, Managing Director at Seramount & The Pemberton Podcast
Steve Pemberton is a visionary human-centered thought leader and the Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University
One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience.
Former President & CEO, NAACP & Professor, Harvard Kennedy School
As an activist and former leader of the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots-based civil rights organization, Brooks works to secure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all.
Grandson of Nelson Mandela, Co-Founder & Chairman of Africa Rising Foundation
Nelson Mandela had a “long walk to freedom,” yet his footprints still remain. Following in the footsteps of his beloved and iconic grandfather, Ndaba Mandela has taken the torch – and ran with it.
Civil Rights & Peace Activist
A pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement, Nash helped form the Nashville Student Movement and coordinated the Freedom Ride from Birmingham to Mississippi. Her work was featured in the PBS film Freedom Riders.
Daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Educator, Author & Human Rights Activist
The daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Naomi carries on the family legacy to heal the wounds of racism. After years spent as a development consultant, educator and race and gender activist she accepted her call to ordained ministry.
Leading National Voice on Restorative Justice
A long-time social justice activist, civil rights trial attorney, writer, professor and scholar, Davis speaks on the power of restorative justice and search for healing.
Public Intellectual & Best-Selling Author
Featured on NPR and MSNBC, Professor Dyson melds scholarly insight with contemporary culture and examines civil rights and race relations. This thought-provoking talks foster social change.
Award-Winning American Historian, Bestselling Author & Journalist
Best-selling author, prize-winning journalist, acclaimed biographer and cultural historian Wil Haygood tells the story of America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of change-making African-Americans.
Founder & President, World Without Hate, 9/11 Hate-Crime Survivor
Rais Bhuiyan has a remarkable story — one that continually inspires people to interview him about his campaign, World Without Hate. His captivating speeches educate others on the regenerative power of forgiveness.
NBA Legend & NY Times Best Selling Author
A global icon that changed the game of basketball, Kareem is a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner who now works to bring innovative educational opportunities to underserved communities.
NYT Best-Selling Author & Motivational Leader
Moore energizes audiences with his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader.
Educator, Author, Intersectionality Expert & Award-Winning Change-Maker
Twice named one of the 100 most influential people in Philadelphia and named one of the top 50 feminists in the world, Dr. Michelle Taylor—the social media icon known as Feminista Jones—is an educator, writer, public speaker and community activist.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning NYT Columnist
How good do you really have to be, to be christened the reporter’s reporter…by other reporters? You have to be Nicholas Kristof – good.
FOX News Commentator
Widely regarded as one of America’s top speakers, New York Times Best-selling Author, Fox News Political Analyst and Award-winning Columnist Juan Williams has a talent for motivating and inspiring audiences.
Emmy & Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist
Maria Hinojosa is the Pulitzer Prize-winning founder of Futuro Media based in New York City. She has written four books, won multiple awards, and is the Anchor and Executive Producer of the Peabody Award-winning show Latino US.
ABC News Veteran, Creator & Host, What Would You Do?
A lifetime of “never taking no for an answer” took Quiñones from migrant farm work to the anchor desk at 20/20 and Primetime and creating, What Would You Do?, the hit show he hosts.
Civil Rights Activist & Politician
Presidential candidate and civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson is the voice of American activism. Called “the great unifier,” he has played a pivotal role for civil rights and economic and social justice.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Journalist
Nazario has spent over 20 years writing about social issues including immigration. Her acclaimed book, Enrique’s Journey, recounts a Honduran boy’s struggle to find his mother in the U.S.
Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author
Sharing the legacy of her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Ilyasah is an inspirational role model, youth advocate and champion of women and girl empowerment.
Executive Director of the ACLU
The first Latino and openly gay head of the ACLU, Romero has transformed the ACLU into an organizational powerhouse championing civil liberties, individual freedom and human rights.
Author, Activist, Educator & Historian
As co-founder of the Free South Africa Movement, Berry helped to end apartheid. Today, she is one of the most respected activists in the cause of civil rights, gender equality and social justice.
Civil Rights Activist
Myrlie Evers-Williams was the first woman to lead and restore the NAACP’s credibility in a time of controversy. She continues to fight for racial and gender equality and co-authored Medgar Evers’ autobiography.
Filmmaker
An outspoken social critic, Spike Lee has directed critically acclaimed, socially conscious films such as Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, When The Levees Broke, 4 Little Girls and his latest, BlacKkKlansman.
Principal & CEO of IMPACT Strategies
Angela Rye is Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies. Featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several media outlets, Rye has an unwavering commitment to ensuring positive change in politics.
Civil Rights Activist & Sociologist
Sociologist Joyce Ladner is one of the nation’s pre-eminent thought leaders. Her career was shaped by her involvement with the civil rights movement in Mississippi and as an organizer of the March on Washington.
Founder, Homeboy Industries
Father Gregory Boyle is the founder and CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and re-entry program in Los Angeles County.
Daughter of Lead Plaintiff, Brown v Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education is named for Brown Henderson's father, Oliver L. Brown. She works to affirm the tenets of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision; and to promote civic engagement, diversity and equal educational opportunity.
Global Head of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix
A thought leader, advocate and writer on gender, race and orientation equality and intersectionality, Davis is the NFL’s first LGBTQ+ consultant and works with numerous pro teams.
Renowned Broadcaster, Author & Host, On Shifting Ground, NPR Veteran
Journalist and author Ray Suarez hosts On Shifting Ground, a radio program syndicated on NPR and PRX stations across the U.S.
Miss Liberia USA & Activist/Organizer
Nupol Kiazolu is a powerhouse in the field of activism, from being on the front lines of the Charlottesville protests to taping "Do I look suspicious?" behind her hoodie in the wake of Travyon Martin's death.
Transformative Presentation
I Am The Change is an exciting program that exemplifies how “the power of one” can transform the world.
Cross-Cultural Performance
In The Color Orange, long-time friends Mohammed Bilal and Josh "Boac" Goldstein challenge American notions by offering a vibrant new look at race, racism and how we get along.
Award-Winning Investigative Journalist at NBC News & Criminal Legal Reform Activist
In 2002, Dan Slepian, award-winning NBC News journalist and veteran producer of its newsmagazine Dateline, received a letter from Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, a man incarcerated and serving 25 years to life in person for a crime he didn’t commit.
Thought Leader, Social Entrepreneur, & Prison Abolitionist
Imam Taymullah Abdur-Rahman is an educator, social entrepreneur, and prison abolitionist.
Innovative Educator & Chair of the Acosta Institute for Healing-Centered Education
Dr. Angel Acosta is a transformative leader, educator, and speaker, renowned for his innovative work at the intersection of social justice, mindfulness, and education.
Executive Director, American Islamic Congress
As co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit American Islamic Congress, Zainab Al-Suwaij works to promote a positive Muslim American voice.
Award-Winning Author & Curator
Samina Ali is an award-winning author, curator, and popular speaker. Her debut novel, Madras on Rainy Days , was the winner of France’s prestigious Prix Premier Roman Etranger Award and a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award in Fiction.
TIME Women of the Year 2023, Journalist, Activist & Author
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist who gained worldwide attention when she removed her veil, or hijab, and posted a photo on her Facebook page standing proudly with her hair blowing in the wind.
Co-Executive Director of the CPD
Ana María emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia at the age of 17 and has become a leading voice for racial justice, economic justice and immigrant rights in New York and nationally as co-Executive Director of the CPD.
Grammy Award-Winning Singer
Born in Denver and later relocating to Atlanta as a teen, India.Arie went from “singing under a tree in the park” to the Grammy Awards stage in five years. She invites audiences to join her in a Songversation.
Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign & NYT Best-Selling Author
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach; Co- Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign; Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; and Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary.
Award-Winning Multidisciplinary Artist, Writer & Cultural Worker
Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, writer, pedagogue, and cultural worker based in Philadelphia PA.
Theologian, Essayist & Social Media Influencer
Candice Marie Benbow is a theologian and essayist whose work lies at the intersections of beauty, faith, feminism and culture. As a public educator, Candice cares about bridging the gap between the academy and community through digital projects.
Award-Winning Journalist & Author of The Movement
Clara Bingham is an award-winning journalist and author whose work has focused on social justice and women’s issues. She is the author of four books.
New York Times Best-Selling Author & Award-Winning Historian
Dr. Keisha N. Blain is one of the most innovative and influential young historians of her generation. Her research and writing examine the dynamics of race, gender, and politics in both national and global perspectives.
Subject of Film, Facing Fear
As the subject of the Academy Award-nominated documentary Facing Fear, Matthew Boger describes one of the darkest moments in his life and opens our eyes to the impact we can all have on the people around us.
Youngest Ever New York Times Opinion Writer & Host of ASK VIV Podcast
Bianca Vivion Brooks is a writer, artist, and designer from East Atlanta, Georgia. Born in Los Angeles and later raised between Atlanta and Oakland, Brooks was marked from an early age as an imaginative storyteller and critical thinker.
Dean of Harvard’s Renowned Radcliffe Institute
Tomiko Brown Nagin is a prize-winning author, eminent legal scholar and historian, dean of Harvard’s renowned Radcliffe Institute, and pathbreaking leader in higher education.
Senior ESPN Writer
The author of eight books on sports and legendary black athletes, Bryant’s latest work examines the intersection of race, sports, politics and patriotism in a divided America.
CEO of Robin Hood
Richard is the CEO of Robin Hood and former Chief Executive Officer of Achievement First, a network of 37 public charter schools providing an excellent education to 15,000 students across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Former Child Slave, Modern Day Abolitionist
Francis Buk is a native of southern Sudan. At age 7, he was captured and enslaved during an Arab militia raid on the village of Nymlal (outside Aweil) in 1986. When Buk speaks, he tells the story of his life in captivity and in freedom.
International Activist & Humanitarian
Danielle Butin is the Founder and Executive Director of the Afya Foundation. Since its inception in 2007, Afya has shipped several hundred 40-foot containers packed with recovered humanitarian and medical supplies to more than 70 countries globally.
Inner-City Youth & Education Advocate
Founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone, Canada addresses inner city poverty and violence. His model was featured in Waiting for Superman and has been replicated across the U.S.
New York Times Bestselling Author & Political Analyst
Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, radio host, political analyst and a New York Times bestselling author. The Grift, an instant New York Times bestseller, was released in January 2024.
Mother of Eric Garner
The matriarch of one of Staten Island's largest African-American families, Gwendolyn Garner earned national recognition as the mother of Eric Garner, a man murdered by the New York Police Department in July 2014.
Historian & Author
Clayborne Carson was selected by the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King to edit and publish the papers of Martin Luther King Jr. He studies his life and the movements he inspired.
Civil Rights Leader
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., entrepreneur, global business leader, educator, chemist, civil rights leader, NAACP Life Member, syndicated columnist, theologian, and author is currently the President and CEO of the NNPA.
2008 United States Vice-Presidential Candidate
Rosa Alicia Clemente is an award-winning organizer, speaker, political commentator, producer, independent journalist, scholar-activist and former vice presidential candidate.
Former Broadcaster & Professional Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player.
Best-Selling Author, The Campus Color Line & Higher Education Thought Leader
Dr. Eddie R. Cole is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA. His research focuses on college presidents’ historic role in shaping racial policies and practices both inside and outside of the educational sphere.
Civil & Women's Rights Activist
Known for coining the term “intersectionality,” Crenshaw offers a critical examination of how social structures interact with gender and race on multiple levels, resulting in social inequality.
Feminist & Writer
Drawing from her experience on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List and the ensuing “Free Angela Davis” campaign, Davis delivers riveting messages of tolerance.
Award-Winning Conflict Navigator
With a TEDx talk at over 10 million views, Davis examines the truths about conflict, hate, intolerance, and communication. His extraordinary journey is chronicled in his first book, Klan-Destine Relationships.
National Book Award-Nominated Author & Executive Editor of YES! Media
Evette Dionne, known across the internet as @freeblackgirl, is a journalist, critic, and magazine editor. She’s the National Book Award-nominated and Coretta Scott King honor author of Lifting As We Climb.
Political Strategist, Social Activist & Writer
Marcia L. Dyson has been hailed as one of our nation's foremost religious figures. Using her special brand of wisdom, Rev. Dyson's speeches address issues on race, gender inequality, and other national concerns.
Child Advocate
Founder and Director of the Children's Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman achieved victories in mandatory education for children with disabilities and health benefits for uninsured children.
Teacher & Diversity Trainer
Chosen as one of Peter Jennings' ABC-TV's "Person of the Week," Jane is the adaptor of the "Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes" discrimination experiment. This ground breaking exercise is the pinnacle of all other diversity programming in the country today.
National Award Winning Author, Professor & Activist
Sanderia Faye (Smith) is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Southern Methodist University (SMU). She is also a professional speaker, activist and sommelier, where she pairs wine with books.
Nationally Acclaimed Litigator
Kristen Feden concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation, securities litigation, education law, employment & labor, and white-collar defense. Most recently, she was prosecutor in the trial and re-trial of Commonwealth v. Cosby.
Brother of George Floyd & Activist
On May 26, 2020, Floyd learned that his older brother, George “Perry” Floyd, Jr. had been murdered by four police officers in Minneapolis after a store clerk alleged that he passed a counterfeit $20 bill.
Executive Director at Waic Up, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Member
Jerome Foster II is an environmental justice activist, social entrepreneur, and renowned public speaker. At 18, he made history becoming the youngest person ever to advise the White House.
Mother of Trayvon Martin
After the death of her son made national headlines, Fulton channeled her loss to become a gun control law activist and motivational speaker.
Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter
Alicia Garza is someone who believes that black communities deserve what all communities deserve — to be powerful in every aspect of their lives. That’s what drives Garza as an innovator, strategist, internationally recognized organizer and writer.
Afghan American Actress & Activist
Azita Ghanizada began her journey to the U.S. as a political refugee when her family fled Afghanistan, where they gained asylum. It was the world of TV that captured her imagination and set her on a strictly tabooed path for a girl from Afghanistan.
Best-Selling Author & Harvard Professor of Education and African American Studies
Jarvis R. Givens is a professor of education and faculty affiliate in the department of African & African American studies at Harvard University.
Actor & Activist
The recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Academy Award, actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 30 years.
Intersectional Activist & Co-Founder of March For Our Lives
X González (they/them) is a gun-violence prevention activist born and raised in Parkland, Florida. A survivor of the Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting, X became a leading voice in the gun-violence prevention movement.
Acclaimed Director of Straight Outta Compton
F Gary Gray is one of the industry’s most prolific directors as the mind behind Straight Outta Compton and The Italian Job. He is known for consistently pushing the envelope and spotting new trends and talent.
Member of the "Little Rock Nine" / Consultant
One of the nine students that integrated Central High School in 1957, Green speaks out on the vestiges of past injustices, connecting them to present-day issues of race and education.
Activist, Pastor & Thought Leader
The Rev. Stephen A. Green is a global thought leader at the intersection of faith and social justice. He leads with radical love in action through his ministry at St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in NYC.
Professor & Writer
Melissa Harris-Perry is a college professor and an award winning writer, speaker, and media host.
Former President of the American Civil Liberties Union
Former President of the ACLU, Susan Herman helps audiences understand today’s social issues in national security, marriage equality, women’s and voting rights, the criminal justice system and civil liberties.
New York Times Politics Reporter & Podcast Host
Astead W. Herndon is a national politics reporter for the New York Times and a political analyst for CNN. He reports and hosts "The Run Up," a political podcast from The New York Times that debuted ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
Writer & Social Justice Educator Focused on Gender, Race & Media
Dr. Higgins is a speaker, writer, and social justice educator who focuses on issues related to gender, race, and media. Named Business Equality Magazine’s “Top 40 LGBTQ Under 40” for 2020, they have written for numerous media outlets.
Expert on Anti-Black Violence & Historical Remembrance
Dr. Karlos K. Hill founded the Distinguished African American History Month Lecture Series at TTU. His research explores how black Americans have resisted racial violence and how black resistance has changed.
Award-Winning Journalist
Civil Rights trailblazer Hunter-Gault discusses her historic entry into the University of Georgia as its first black female student and the road she took through the Jim Crow South to get there.
Attorney & Legal Analyst for CNN
Joey Jackson is a nationally recognized Attorney who has for more than two decades represented individuals and Labor Unions in State and Federal Court.
NAACP President & CEO
In 2017, the executive committee of the NAACP National Board of Directors elected Derrick Johnson President and CEO. Derrick Johnson formerly served as vice chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.
Activist & Survivor
Alice is an icon for the prison reform movement and a humble servant who embraces gratitude and God for her freedom. She recalls all of the firsts she has experienced through her activism and provides an authentic portrait of mass incarceration.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Advisor & Speechwriter
An influential confidant of Dr. King, Jones played a pivotal role in drafting the “I Have a Dream” speech. He delivers passionate presentations on the challenges still facing civil rights.
Thought Leader & Founding Director, LBJ School of Public Affairs CSRD
In Fall 2015, Dr. Peniel E. Joseph joined the University of Texas at Austin as Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy.
Founder of the Global Soap Project, Executive Director for Clean Production Action & Renowned Human Rights Activist
Derreck Kayongo's remarkable journey exemplifies the power of combining profit with purpose. As a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and renowned human rights activist, Derreck has demonstrated that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the world.
Son of Martin Luther King, Jr. & Civil Rights Activist
As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III serves as an ambassador of his parent’s legacy of nonviolent social change.
Award-Winning Artist & Subject of the Hulu Series, Woke
Keith Knight is one of the funniest and most highly regarded cartoonists in America, and the creator of three popular comic strips. His life and cartoons are the inspiration of the Hulu streaming-series Woke, which he also co-created.
Native American Environmentalist
An advocate for frontline native environmental groups and ecological balance, LaDuke was twice Ralph Nader’s vice-presidential candidate for the Green Party.
Award-Winning Journalist, Creator of Queer News Daily & Author
Nico Lang is a multi award-winning journalist, editor, culture critic, and essayist. In the decade they’ve spent in journalism, Lang has also served as the deputy editor for Out magazine.
Executive Public Policy Storyteller & Convener
Jeff Le has had a career at the highest levels of public policy and politics at the state, federal and international levels. He is a recognized thought leader in political advocacy and representation, and his analysis and opinion-writing has been featured in many publications.
VP of News & Men's Programming, Interactive One
Jamilah Lemieux is VP of News and Men's Programming for Interactive One. As Senior Editor at EBONY, she helped lead the reimagining of its website in 2012 and was later promoted to Senior Digital Editor.
Social Justice Leader & Movement Strategist
Tamika D. Mallory is a Harlem born award-winning social justice leader, activist and mother. Quick-witted, strategic, and bold, Tamika speaks truth to power no matter the consequences. She is being hailed as one of the most influential Black voices.
President & CEO, TheCaseMade
Dr. Tiffany Manuel is the President and CEO of TheCaseMade, which is transforming communities by helping leaders effectively build the public's will to participate in equitable and inclusive systems change.
Son of Thurgood Marshall & Public Safety Sec.
The son of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, John W. Marshall began his career in public safety as a state trooper and has since served as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety.
Host & Managing Editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered
A dynamic and influential voice on the intersection of politics, social justice and race, Martin gives a voice to the voiceless and speaks truth to power on the issues of the day.
National Leader on Belonging & New York Times Bestselling Author
Rev. Ben McBride is a native of San Francisco, spiritual leader, and longtime activist for peace and justice in the Bay Area.
Subject of the Disney+ film Safety
The Disney+ film Safety shares Ray Ray’s story as a shining example of perseverance triumphing through repeated adversity and the message of family above everything.
Award-Winning Social Entrepreneur, Cultural Thought Leader, Founder & CEO of NOOR by Grant Blvd
Dr. Kimberly McGlonn is an award-winning social entrepreneur, cultural thought leader, and motivational speaker who inspires bold, intentional living at every level — from how we build businesses to how we design our lives.
SAG Award-Winning Actor & Activist
Matt McGorry is a SAG award winning actor and activist, known for his dynamic on-screen performances and his commitment to social justice.
GLBT Expert
McNaught is the best-selling author of three watershed books on gay issues, and is the country's leading corporate diversity consultant dealing with gay issues in the workplace.
Mother of Michael Brown
McSpadden is the mother of Michael Brown, the slain Missouri teen who was killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson following an altercation at a convenience store in St. Louis city in August 2014.
Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
Desmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC).
Community Activist & Circuit Court Judge
Judge Mitchell, who was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court in 2016, handles juvenile court cases. For him, demystifying the criminal justice system is an essential part of his job, particularly when his audience includes people of color.
2021 Nobel Peace Prize Winner & Editor-in-Chief of Novaya Gazeta
Dmitry Muratov is a Russian journalist who, as editor in chief of the newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was a vocal advocate for an independent press and known for investigating abuses of power. In 2021 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, cited for his “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.”
Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU School of Law
Melissa Murray knows the transformational power of women’s rights and gender justice. As a leading scholar of constitutional law and reproductive rights and justice, she researches and writes about the structures, systems, and institutions.
Professor & Author
Christopher Parker is an expert on the ways in which race and racism impact Western democracies. In doing so, he challenges conventional explanations for the persistence of racism, while explaining the nature of the movements that have proven capable of making social progress.
Global Policy Expert
Controversial author, journalist, professor and food policy expert Raj Patel continuously challenges our presumptions about the global economy with his work both as a policy analyst and activist.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC's Nightline & Best-Selling Author
Byron Pitts is an award-winning journalist who has covered some of the most horrific and dangerous news stories in the world, from Sept. 11 to Hurricane Katrina to the Boston Marathon to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Attorney & Recovery Advocate
Christopher Poulos is an attorney and the Executive Director of the Washington Statewide Reentry Council. Poulos is a national leader in criminal justice policy and addiction recovery.
GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books
Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America today. Kevin has gone on to author 14 books, including When We Free The World, his new short essay collection about freedom in America.
Granddaughter of Bob Marley; Filmmaker & Poet
Continuing her grandparent’s legacy and message, Donisha offers an inside look into her family’s life and speaks on how to embody the idea of “One Love” in the community.
Attorney, Trayvon Martin & Michael Brown Family
Known for her representation of the Trayvon Martin family, Jasmine Rand excels in the civil rights arena. Rand is currently scheduled to provide lectures worldwide on her I Am the Change World Tour.
Peabody and GLAAD-Award Winning Actress and Journalist
Eva Reign is a Peabody and GLAAD Award winning Brooklyn-based actress, writer and artist from St. Louis, Missouri.
Public Policy & Diversity Activist
Rice, co-director of The Advancement Project, is known for tackling problems of inequity and exclusion. She's received more than 50 awards for her work in expanding opportunity and advancing multiracial democracy.
Member of the Exonerated 5
April 19, 1989 changed 14-year-old Kevin D. Richardson's life and American society forever. After the brutal attack and sexual assault of jogger Trisha Ellen Meili in Central Park, the NY Police Department arrested suspects, including Richardson.
Domestic Violence Activist, Actor & Author
Born in Cuba, Rivers came to the US at the age of two, endured horrific child abuse and witnessed domestic violence at the hands of his father, which he chronicles in his bestseller, A Private Family Matter.
One of the "Little Rock Nine"
Dr. Roberts was one of the first to integrate the Little Rock Public Schools. In his presentations, he guides participants through the lessons to be learned from the chaotic episode at Central High School.
Executive Director of ColorOfChange
For over a decade, Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of ColorOfChange, has helped to mobilize communities across the country to create more inclusive cultural and political institutions.
Award-Winning Scholar & Professor of Political Science at Brown University.
Melvin Rogers is an award-winning scholar and stands as a distinguished academic renowned for his insightful contributions to the discourse on race and democracy within the realms of American culture and politics.
Emmy-Nominated Actor, Star of Pose & American Horror Story on FX, Producer & Writer, Human Rights Advocate, Singer & Songwriter
From the board room, to film and TV sets to Capitol Hill to the music studio, Angelica Ross is a leading figure of success and strength in the movement for human rights advocacy focused on Transgender and racial equality.
Real Life Hero of Hotel Rwanda
Known as the "Rwandan Schindler," speaker Paul Rusesabagina saved countless lives during the Rwandan genocide. His story is chronicled in the film Hotel Rwanda.
HIV Primary Care Physician & Public Health Practitioner
A board-certified practicing HIV primary care physician and public health practitioner, Dr. Stella Safo, MD, MPH is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the best healthcare.
16th US Surgeon General
A former US Surgeon General who created the first government-released report on obesity, speaker David Satcher works to eliminate racial disparities in healthcare.
Former Managing Director of Black Lives Matter Global Network
Kailee is a global strategist, champion of social justice, and public speaker. She has served as the former Managing Director of Black Lives Matter Global Network.
Political Activist & Humanist
One of the last surviving architects of the Black Panther Party, speaker Bobby Seale shows how civil rights are interconnected with environmental issues and global economics.
Political & Social Activist
A leading voice in civil rights, speaker Al Sharpton is founder and president of the National Action Network, which supports community businesses and combats corporate racism.
Chairman, Special Olympics
Shriver is a social leader, educator, author, film producer and entrepreneur. As the Chairman of Special Olympics, he serves over 4.9 million athletes with intellectual disabilities from 172 countries around the world.
Entrepreneur, Music Icon & Spiritual Leader
Once a rapper with Run DMC, today Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons is the star of Run's House, a fashion mogul, and a minister.
Founder of Pacific Educational Group, Inc.
A product of public elementary and independent secondary school, Singleton founded Pacific Educational Group, Inc. (PEG) to support families in their transitions within and between K–12 and higher education.
Award-Winning Journalist at NBC News & Author of The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice
Dan Slepian is an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist at NBC News, a leading authority on the criminal justice system, and a seasoned public speaker.
Political Commentator & TV Personality
From his conversations with world figures to his work to inspire the next generation, Tavis Smiley—broadcaster, author, publisher, advocate, and philanthropist—has emerged as an outstanding voice for change.
Author & Criminal Justice Advocate
Smith attended the prestigious Hampton University, but what happened at her campus was a nightmare, and led to a 24.5-year sentence in a federal prison. In 2000, after serving 6.5 years, President Clinton commuted her sentence to time served.
Actress & Human Rights Advocate
Mira Sorvino is an Academy Award-winning actress, documentary filmmaker, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and a passionate voice for victims of social injustice. She's a powerful voice for global causes.
Former Chairman of the RNC & Former Lt. Governor of Maryland
When he was elected Lt. Governor of Maryland in 2003, Michael Steele made history as the first African American elected to statewide office; and again with his subsequent chairmanship of the Republican National Committee in 2009.
Award-Winning Actor, Activist & Author
A breakout star of FX’s Golden Globe-nominated series, Pose, Ryan Jamaal Swain is a triple-threat actor, dancer, and singer who was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for his LGBTQIA+ activism.
Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement
The visionary that built the Essence brand, Taylor left the magazine to found an organization devoted to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty among African-Americans.
Founder of Intersectional Environmentalist & Author of The Intersectional Environmentalist
Coining the term ‘eco-communicator’ to describe her style of environmental activism, Leah uses her passion for writing to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism.
Preacher & Activist
The “Original Hip-Hop Minister” Rev. Conrad Tillard has made a tremendous contribution to the advancement of African-American for nearly 30 years and yet his message is more timely today than it ever was.
Champion for Women's and Refugee Rights, First Rhodes Scholar from Afghanistan & Founder of Dosti Network
Summia Tora is the founder of Dosti Network, an organization dedicated to empowering Afghans both within Afghanistan and those living as refugees with crucial resources and education.
Actor, Activist & Philanthropist
An actor known for his roles on Sex and the City and In Treatment, speaker Blair Underwood is the co-founder of Artists for New South Africa.
Founder of the Theory of Enchantment
Chloé Valdary is a speaker, writer, musician, and founder of the Theory of Enchantment, a New York-based startup that trains and develops inclusion and belonging strategies for businesses.
Three-Time NAACP Image Award Nominee, Poet & Social Media Influencer
Three-time NAACP Image Award Nominee Lynae Vanee is a profoundly multifaceted talent, shining as a poet, producer, director, and starring personality.
Criminal Legal Reform Activist
With more than 23 years of lived experience, incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, Mr. Velazquez has worked tirelessly to redefine the humanity of men who are or have been incarcerated.
Leading Mental Health Speaker & Teamwork Facilitator
Mike Veny loves working with leaders who are tired of bringing the same old textbook presentations on mental health or Diversity & Inclusion to their events.
Financial Expert & Social Activist
As the founder of YourBlackWorld.com, speaker Boyce Watkins fights for economic and social justice in America. He is the resident financial expert for AOL Black Voices.
Columnist & Law Professor
The recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Award," speaker Patricia J. Williams is the author of Seeing a Color-Blind Future.
Sports/Entertainment Legal Expert
An attorney, author, educator and former FBI agent and federal prosecutor, Williams has held positions as an NFL and NBA executive. He shares vast legal, business and community advocacy expertise.
Cultural Critic, Best-Selling Author & The Atlantic Contributing Writer
A cultural critic for extraordinary times, Thomas Chatterton Williams brings his insightful perspective to subjects of race, Black identity and history, cancel culture, social justice and inequality in America and the world.
Public Intellectual, Author & CNN Commentator
Theo Wilson is a founding member of the Denver Slam Nuba team, who won the 2011 National Poetry Slam. Wilson is the executive director of Shop Talk Live, Inc. The organization uses the barbershop as a staging ground for community dialogue and healing.
Award-Winning Advocate and Trans Justice Leader & Campaign Manager at the ACLU
LaLa B Zannell is an advocate, organizer, and artist working towards liberation for transgender and nonbinary communities, with a particular focus on trans women of color and trans sex workers.
Expert on Race Relations
Leading the way as an academic voice on race relations, Dr. Tukufu Zuberi is an inspiring champion for social justice. He hosts PBS's The History Detectives.