Political & National Issues
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
"Maria" on Sesame Street & Best-Selling Author
Having retired her iconic Sesame Street character “Maria,” Manzano now dedicates her time to speaking and writing on education, communication, and Hispanics in the media.
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.
Great-Great-Great Grandson of Frederick Douglass
Mr. Morris descends from two of the most influential names in American history: he is the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.