Political & National Issues
Liberal Voices
Liberal Voices:
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.
Consumer Advocate
A former Green Party candidate for president, Ralph Nader fights for the people on the issues that matter most: healthcare, safety, environment, ethics, education, and economic & social equality.
Host, Democracy Now!
Amy Goodman is the host and executive producer of the independent news program Democracy Now! She speaks on political, gender, human rights and economic issues as well as her book Breaking the Sound Barrier.
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.
New York Times Columnist & Pulitzer Prize-Winner
Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary and author of three New York Times best sellers, became an Op-Ed columnist in 1995. In August 2014, she also became a writer for The Times Magazine.
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.
Comedian
Star of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, Bill Maher is one of today’s most politically astute comedians. His unflinching honesty and commitment to never pulling a punch have garnered him respect and admiration.
Democratic Political Strategist
The first African-American to run a major presidential campaign, Brazile is a CNN commentator and served as interim chairperson of the DNC.
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.
Anchor, The Beat with Ari Melber
Ari Melber is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, writer and attorney. He serves as Chief Legal Correspondent for MSNBC, covering the Justice Department, Supreme Court, FBI, prominent court cases and national legal issues.
NYT Bestselling Author, Political Commentator & Cultural Critic
Molly Jong-Fast is a New York Times bestselling author, political commentator, and cultural critic known for her sharp wit, fearless honesty, and unwavering commitment to truth.
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.
CEO, Citizen University & Civic Evangelist
One of the country’s most sought-after speakers on citizen power, civic health, the future of democracy and American identity, civic evangelist Eric Liu celebrates shared values and challenges Americans to live up to them.
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.
Nobel Prize-Winning Economist
Speaker Joseph Stiglitz helped create a new branch of economics, "The Economics of Information." He discusses market performance and government intervention.
White House Advisor on ISIS & the Middle East
One of the most respected experts on the Middle East, Robert Malley was the Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf Regions and Senior Advisor to the President for the Counter-ISIS campaign.
Chief of Staff to Chief Content Officer, Netflix
As Obama’s personal aide, Ferial Govashiri spent the past 10 years within arm’s length of one of the world’s most powerful leaders. She is now the Chief Of Staff to Chief Content Officer at Netflix.
Opinion Columnist for The Washington Post
Catherine Rampell writes a twice-weekly, nationally syndicated opinion column for The Washington Post. She covers economics, public policy, politics, and culture, with a special emphasis on data-driven journalism.
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.
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.
Editor-in-Chief, The Cut
One of the nation’s rare Black female editors-in-chief and a 2020 Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, The Cut’s Lindsay Peoples shares an invaluable view of women’s empowerment, marketing to GenZ and elevating your brand in the era of BLM.
CNN Political Analyst & Anchor for theGrio
Natasha S. Alford an award-winning journalist, host and media executive driven by the
power of storytelling to inspire and change people’s lives.
Bridging the Divide
Honest, candid, reflective, and intelligent conversation from two forward-looking professionals. From the stories behind the headlines, to the ones you’ve never heard of, Maska and Farah will deliver the serious and light-hearted alike, with class.
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.
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 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.
Author & Professor
Corey Brettschneider has studied and taught politics and constitutional law for nearly all of his adult life. Corey has written and taught in Brown's political science department and his focus has been on issues central to our democracy.
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.
Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter
LaTosha Brown is an award-winning visionary thought leader, institution builder, Cultural Activist and Artist, and Connector. She is a nationally recognized, “go-to” expert in Black Voting Rights and Voter Suppression.
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.
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.
12th U.S. Secretary of Education
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona is an American leader and educator. He served as the 12th United States Secretary of Education, a position he was nominated for by President Joe Biden.
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.
Washington Correspondent for the Daily Beast
As a former White House correspondent, speaker Eleanor Clift writes on the Washington power structure and the influence of women in politics, among other topics.
Anchor, Anderson Cooper 360°
As host of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360°, speaker Anderson Cooper presents the news in an unconventional and wide-ranging format.
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.
Former Mayor of Miami
As former mayor, speaker Manny Diaz transformed Miami from a poor, crime-ridden, and economically stagnant city to a flourishing metropolis with a hurtling skyline.
Transgender Public Scholar & Intellectual Activist
Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza is passionate about the politics of radical difference and the ways that our collective differences might shed light on how we become a better body together. He is also a teacher at heart and loves being with people and teaching the community.
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.
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.
Award-winning Journalist
A longtime columnist for The New York Daily News and co-host of Democracy Now, Gonzalez is one of the country’s best-known Latino journalists with a career that spans four decades.
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.
Investigative Journalist / Author
Journalist and author David Goodman is an avid human rights speaker. He encourages us that we can make a difference and that it is everyday citizens who have the power to challenge government and prevail.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist & Commentator
Ellen Goodman's Pulitzer Prize-winning commentary appears in more than 400 newspapers. Humorous and perceptive, her syndicated columns keep a close eye on American culture, relationships, and social change.
Parkland Parent & Founder of Orange Ribbons for Jaime
Fred Guttenberg is an activist against gun violence. His 14-year-old daughter Jaime Guttenberg was killed in the Parkland school shooting. Fred and his wife started a nonprofit organization dedicated to Jaime’s life called “Orange Ribbons for Jaime.”
Professor & Writer
Melissa Harris-Perry is a college professor and an award winning writer, speaker, and media host.
Fox News Legal & Democratic Contributor
Tamara Holder founded xpunged.com and is a practicing lawyer focusing on governors’ pardons and clemency and formally practiced criminal defense. She is regularly on Fox News as a legal and democratic contributor.
Former White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to Former President Biden, Author, Activist & Media Personality
Karine Jean-Pierre is the former Press Secretary and Special Advisor to former President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. She is the first Black person and first openly queer person to serve as the White House Press Secretary and is the longest serving female in this role.
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.
Oil Expert / Author
Antonia Juhasz is a leading oil and energy expert. She is an award-winning policy-analyst, author, and journalist covering all aspects of oil and energy policy with a specialization on the role of oil in conflict.
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.
Author, Notorious RBG, Attorney & Activist
Knizhnik is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of New York City’s Criminal Defense Practice. While a student at NYU School of Law, she created the Notorious RBG Tumblr, and in 2015 she co-wrote Notorious RBG with journalist Irin Carmon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Racial & Cultural Economics Expert
Provocative and progressive, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, is an economist, author, commentator and the 15th President of Bennett College for Women. She speaks on the economic impact of race, culture, and gender.
Writer, Journalist, Rabbi, Meditation Teacher & Scholar of Religion
Jay Michaelson is a writer & journalist, rabbi & meditation teacher, keynote speaker, and scholar of religion.
Award-Winning Diversity Activist, Changemaker & Political Commentator
Subject of the #1 Netflix film WHITE HOT: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch Ben is known for his transformative work in culture, politics, and entertainment.
Attorney Mediator & Zen Meditation Instructor
Angela E. Oh serves as the Executive Director of the Western Justice Center Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advances peaceful conflict resolution. She has worked as an attorney and public lecturer.
1st Actively & Openly Serving Transgender U.S. Military Member
Shane Ortega is a human rights equity advocate, diversity educator, fitness model, DJ, and mixed-media artist. He/they are retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Marine Corps Veteran.
Co-Host, Pod Save America
Dan Pfeiffer is a former White House communications director, noted political and digital strategist, Pod Save America co-host, CNN contributor, and best-selling author.
Macroeconomist, Geopolitical Finance Expert, Bestselling Author & Founder Prinsights Global
A former Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, Nomi Prins, PhD, is one of the highest ranking Wall Street insiders to publicly critique the synergies between banking and politics. She is a TV commentator and author.
Legendary Journalist & News Anchor
One of the most renowned reporters of our time, Emmy-winning Dan Rather has experience and perspective few can match. He offers insight into world events and the significance of journalism today.
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.
Pulitzer-Winning Columnist
A Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist known for her honest and heartfelt take on the realities of life, speaker Connie Schultz lures readers with her astute observations and wit.
Former Senior White House Official, CNN Political Contributor & Co-Host of the Trailblaze Podcast
Jamal Simmons has been at the nexus of politics and media for three decades. He is currently a Political Commentator on CNN and Co-Host of the TralBlaze Podcast on Politicon.
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.
Chief of Staff at the EPA under President Obama
Thompson is an experienced and successful executive in policy, program, and management. She was the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the first four years of the Obama Administration.
President, Futuro Media & Founder, Latino Rebels
As Editorial Director for Futuro Media, Julio (Julito) Ricardo Varela is responsible for the overall editorial vision and voice of Latino USA, Latino Rebels and In The Thick.
Columnist & Law Professor
The recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Award," speaker Patricia J. Williams is the author of Seeing a Color-Blind Future.
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.
Co-Founder of Vox.com
A pioneering political blogger since the Internet Dark Ages of 2002, Matthew Yglesias co-founded the popular Vox.com in 2014 where he currently works as a senior correspondent covering politics and economic policy and hosts The Weeds podcast.
Former White House National Climate Advisor & Leading Authority on the Clean Energy Economy
Ali Zaidi served as Assistant to the President of the United States and National Climate Advisor. In this role, he led the White House Climate Policy Office, which coordinated policy development and the U.S. government’s overall strategy on climate and clean energy.
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.