Black History Month & MLK
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Black History Month & MLK
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Musician, Author, Racial Justice Activist, Compelling Unifier, Klan Whisperer, and Award-Winning Conflict Navigator
Daryl Davis is committed to helping people ignite positive change – using conversation to build bridges. His jaw-dropping experiences speak for themselves.
Olympic Gold Medal-Winning Gymnast, Former Co-Chair of President Obama's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
Dominique Dawes is best known for her tremendous success as an Olympic gymnast who competed in three Olympic Games, winning team medals in all three Olympic Games becoming the only…
Academy Award-Nominated Director: Known for "Empire," "The Butler," and "Precious"
Lee Daniels background is filled with bold stories as real and gritty as the narratives from the films he creates. By the age of 21, Daniels founded and ran his…
Anthropologist, Educator and Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Cole Was The First African-American Female President of Spelman College
One of the most powerful and well-regarded African American women in the US, Johnnetta B. Cole has a way with making history. She was the first female African American president…
40 Years Of Experience Working In Education & 2014 former President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Comer to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
Dr. James P. Comer is the Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine's Child Study Center, and has been a Yale medical faculty member…
Former Reporter and Editor at the New York Times, is the best-selling author of the "Black Pearls"
Eric V. Copage was a reporter at the New York Times and has also been an editor at the New York Times Magazine. He is also a book author and…
Award-Winning Relationship Specialist and Former TV Talk Show Advice Expert
People across the United States and abroad know Dr. Grace Cornish Livingstone, as "Dr. Grace," the award-winning relationship specialist, dynamic minister, keynote speaker, former TV talk show advice expert, and…
Award-Winning Author & Analyst on the Future of Work, Jobs, Presidential Politics & Race Relations
Farai Chideya has combined media, technology, and diversity during her 20-year career as an award-winning author and journalist. Chideya is currently a political contributor to WNYC, where she also hosts…
One of the United States Most Prominent Gospel Choirs
The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir is the most renowned gospel choir in America and a preeminent gospel choir worldwide. It travels the globe, sharing the joy of faith through…
Civil Rights Activist, MLK's Smallest Freedom Fighter and The Recipient Of The Congressional Gold Medal from President Obama in 2016
Civil rights & voting rights activist, author, humanitarian & the recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal From President Barack Obama.
Playwright & Novelist
Pearl Cleage is an Atlanta based writer whose work has won commercial acceptance and critical praise in several genres. An award winning playwright whose Flyin' West was the most produced…
Powerful African-American Storyteller, Educator, and Social Activist. Delivering Important Autobiographical, Historical, and Fictional Stories About Issues Surrounding Race and Class
Lorene Cary’s novel, If Sons, Then Heirs (Atria Books, April 2011), recounts a love story for our time while exploring a searing racial history that haunts—and impoverishes—its unforgettable characters. Publishers…
Civil Rights Leader
Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis, Jr. is an African American civil rights leader born on Jan. 22, 1948 in Oxford, N.C. As a 12-year-old, Chavis effectively desegregated his hometown’s whites-only public…
Accomplished actress whose movie career spans over nearly three decades
Vanessa Bell Calloway’s work on stage, screen, and television clearly demonstrates why she has maintained her staying power. She is a favorite of audiences across the country and her work…
The First Woman and First African-American Neurosurgeon in the U.S.
Dr. Alexa Irene Canady-Davis was the first African American woman in the United States to become a neurosurgeon. Canady-Davis was born to Elizabeth Hortense (Golden) Canady and Dr. Clinton Canady,…
Film Star, Comedian, Musician, Writer/Director, Philanthropist; Host, "Wild N Out" and "America's Got Talent"
Cited by People Magazine as one of the Top Ten most successful young people in Hollywood and featured on the Cover of Black Enterprises 40 Under 40, Nick Cannon, 28…
HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam"
Lamont Carey a native of Washington, DC, is an internationally known and award winning spokenword artist, as well as a filmmaker, author, workshop facilitator and motivational speaker. In 2005, Mr.…
1968 Olympian and Civil Rights Legend
With a black-gloved fist raised and his head bowed, Olympic medal winner John Carlos made history in 1968. The moment of defiance when he and Tommie Smith raised their arms…
Actor and Comedian; Cast Member on MTV's "Guy Code" and "Girl Code". Recently Nominated for Best Male Comic of the Year
Jordan Carlos is a popular alternative comic. He is best known for his hilarious commentary for MTV2’s hit series "Guy Code" and MTV’s sister show "Girl Code." He also appears…
Award-Winning Actor, Writer, Producer, Director & Literacy Advocate
LeVar Burton has been capturing the attention of admiring audiences and industry peers for four decades, and continues to enjoy a career longevity truly rare within the industry. Whether acting,…
Actress and Comedienne. Featured Cast Member on VH1's "Best Week Ever"
Born in New Jersey to Caribbean parents, comedian/host/performer Michelle Buteau brings a cheeky swagger, unique perspective and big personality to stage and screen. You can catch her co-hosting on VH1's…
Professor John Sibley Butler holds the Gale Chair in Entrepreneurship and Small Business in the Graduate School of Business
Dr. John Sibley Butler is Professor and the Director of the Institute for Innovation and Creativity at the University of Texas in Austin. He is also the Director of the…
Legendary Activist and Former Chairperson of the Black Panther Party
Elaine Brown is a former leader of the Black Panther Party, and author of A Taste of Power and The Condemnation of Little B. — A Taste of Power was…
Comedic Portrayal of Former U.S. President Barack Obama
While he always felt a greater calling, no one could have ever predicted that Reggie Brown would one day become the President of the United States…Well…Sort of…. No stranger to…
Comedian Known as "The Mayor of Comedy"
Bruce Bruce is a name synonymous with keeping audiences rolling with laughter thanks to his captivating improv skills and larger than life comedic style. Bruce’s steady style of comedy has…
Stand-Up Comedian, Actor and Television Writer; Starring on Comedy Central's "Broad City."
Hannibal Buress is a comedian, actor, writer, musician, magician, and poker dealer from Chicago. He’s appeared on television a lot. At least 10 times. Actually it’s way more than that.…
Former United States Congresswoman and the First Black Woman to be elected to congress from California & Former Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Yvonne B. Burke, served four terms on the Los Angeles County Board Supervisors and Los Angeles Metro serving as Chair of the Board of Metro in 2005. She was appointed…
Journalist, Academian, Comedian and Businessman
This media entrepreneur has been an innovator in many areas. Tony Brown has distinguished himself as a producer, bestselling author, educator, radio host, television commentator and film director. Now, he…
Criminologist, Public Administrator, Politician and Businessman. Lee Brown's life in itself is an inspiration
Lee Brown, Born to migrant farm workers in rural Oklahoma, his birth certificate read, "Baby Brown." From that humble beginning, he rose to the pinnacle of American politics, serving in the…
Actress and Comedienne Best Known for her Role as Jennifer in Tyler Perry's "For Better or Worse"
When actress and comedian Cocoa Brown takes the stage, the world stands still. Brown is undeniably one of the most talented comics and performers of this generation. The Newport News,…
CNN Political Commentator and New York Times Best-Selling Author and TV's Leading Commentator on Politics, Race, and Sexual Orientation
When Keith Boykin led the movement for diversity at Harvard Law School, he never imagined that his classmate Barack Obama would one day become President of the United States. Since…
Best-Selling Author and Social Activist
Sherry Brantley, Inspirational speaker and author of the book Choices: The Power Is Within You,Sherry Brantley is known for her dynamic, energetic seminars and workshops. As she states: "I was…
Rapper, Poet, Playwright and Educator. Multi-Faceted Hip-Hop Artist
Dahlak Brathwaite, is a multi-faceted hip-hop artist that maximizes his abilities as musician, actor, poet, and educator within the transformational space of the theater. Since launching into the national spoken word…
President, Professor of Unitarian Universalist Ministry and Heritage Executive Staff, Full-time Core Faculty, Trustee
The Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt became President of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA on July 1, 2014. For 13 years, she was Senior Minister of The Fourth…
Veteran Democratic Political Strategist, Adjunct Professor, Author and Syndicated Columnist
Donna Brazile Veteran Democratic Political Strategist; Analyst, CNN and Contributor, ABC News Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, television political commentator, vice chair…
Substance Abuse Prevention Advocate. Internationally Known Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and Consultant
Dr. Lonise Bias has moved from grief to empowerment, passing on over thirty years of wisdom inspiring, encouraging and empowering her audiences. She has become a internationally known motivational speaker,…
Poet, Musician & Social Educator
Mohammed Bilal is best known as "the even-tempered, dread- locked rapper guy” on MTV's Real World III: San Francisco. He is also a diversity consultant, a musician, a poet, and…
Senior Managing Director and Head TIAA Institute
Stephanie Bell-Rose was elected to Knight Foundation’s board of trustees in 2011. She is the chair of the Audit Committee and serves on the Governance and Investment committees. She serves…
Musician, Author, Style Icon and TV Personality: MTV's "From G's to Gents"
Recognized in the hip hop world, the fashion scene and as a pop culture figure, Fonzworth Bentley is making his mark in some of the hardest industries in the world.…
Renowned Radio Personality, Author and Motivational Speaker
Michael Baisden a author, motivational speaker, former TV talk show host, and host of his own nationally-syndicated radio show. Baisdens first book, Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat, was…
Activist; Storyteller from Sierra Leone; Author, "A Long Way Gone"
Ishmael Beah is a human rights activist and author of the powerful memoir A Long Way Gone (Sarah Crichton Books, 2007) which recounts his childhood journey through war-torn Sierra Leone.…
Hip-Hop Recording Artist, Record Producer, Disc Jockey, Creative Director, Fashion Designer
Swizz Beatz, Artist. Designer. Producer. Philanthropist. Each label describes Swizz Beatz, but none define him.
Health Care Activist and Founder of The Black Women's Health Imperative
A dreamer, visionary, and grassroots realist, Byllye Avery combines activism and social responsibility by developing a national forum for the exploration of health issues of African-American women. By gathering and documenting…
Lawyer and Politician from Michigan. A Democrat, Archer served on the Michigan Supreme Court and as mayor of Detroit
Dennis W. Archer is Chairman and CEO of Dennis W. Archer PLLC and Chairman Emeritus of Dickinson Wright PLLC, a Detroit-based law firm with more than 270 attorneys, with five…
Actress Best Known for Role on Sitcom, "Martin", "Everybody Hates Chris"
Tichina Arnold is from Queens, New York. She discovered her penchant for entertainment when she was four, in a performance for her familys church congregation. In her youth she appeared…
In 1966, in Paterson, New Jersey, John Artis, 19, had a promising future. He was an athlete, Boy Scout, altar boy and a college scholarship recipient
He was an African American man driving a white car with Rubin "Hurricane" Carter the same night three people were killed by two other African American men driving the same…
Actress and Model. Best Known for the Series "Are We There Yet?" and UPN's "Half & Half"
Trained as a dancer from early childhood, Essence Atkins made the switch to acting as a teenager when she was cast in a guest role on "The Cosby Show" (NBC,…
Hip-Hop Activist
Harry Allen, Hip-Hop Activist & Media Assassin, writes about race, politics and culture, for publications like VIBE, The Source, The Village Voice and others, and has been doing so for…