African American
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African American
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Actress; Best-Known for Role in "Two and a Half Men"
Melanie Jayne Lynskey (b. May 16, 1977 in New Plymouth, New Zealand) is an actress.
One of Wall Street’s First Black Women Traders & Chief of Strategic Partnerships, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs
From humble Southern beginnings to breaking barriers on Wall Street, Martina Marshall Edwards.
Founder of "Brevity & Wit" & Author
Minal Bopaiah is an author, speaker, and strategic consultant with more than 20 years of professional experience.
award-winning director, writer, and producer.
Matthew A. Cherry is an award-winning director, writer, and producer. His animated short film, HAIR LOVE, follows the relationship of an African-American father, his daughter, and her hair. It won the Academy…
Activist,Entrepreneur
Michael Render, pka Killer Mike, is a Grammy-award winning rapper, businessman and activist. He is one half of the hip hop duo, Run the Jewels, host of the Netflix series,…
TV Personality, Entrepreneur & Activist
Matt James is an American television personality, entrepreneur, and activist, most recently known for his historical role as the first Black male lead on ABC’s hit show, The Bachelor.
African American Woman USAF U-2 Pilot
Colonel Merryl Tengesdal (ret.) is the first and only African American woman to fly the United States Air Force’s U-2 “Dragon Lady” high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. As a former Naval Aviator…
First African American Woman in Space, Founder and President, the Jemison Group and BioSentient Corp, Two Medical Technology Companies
Dr. Mae C. Jemison broke more than the sound barrier in 1992 when she climbed aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and became the first woman of color to travel into space.
98th Mayor of Philadelphia
Michael Nutter served as the 98th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, his hometown. He served 22.5 years as an elected official in Philadelphia, serving 14.5 years as a City…
Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, Founder, Giants of Africa Foundation, Advocate for Youth Development
Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri is a charismatic and visionary leader credited with driving the team to its most successful period in franchise history, including…
James Beard Award-winning Chef and Owner, Red Rooster, New York Times Bestselling Author
Marcus Samuelsson is the acclaimed chef behind many restaurants worldwide including Red Rooster Harlem, Red Rooster Shoreditch, and Marcus B&P. Samuelsson was the youngest person to ever receive a three-star…
Renowned Artist, Activist & Star of Quibi's Centerpiece
Maurice Harris is a Los Angeles based artist who is best known as the visionary behind Bloom & Plume, a bespoke floral design studio located in Echo Park. Maurice's unique…
Star, Netflix's "CHEER"
Morgan Simianer is an American athlete, cheerleader, and breakout star from the hit Netflix docuseries Cheer. She became a fan favorite thanks to her perseverance, talent, close relationship with coach Monica…
Speaker, Author, Servant Leader - One of the Original Freedom Writers
An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 hit movie, Freedom Writers, Manuel Scott has energized almost two million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide with…
Poet, Author, Activist
Mahogany L. Browne is a writer, organizer, educator, and Interim Executive Director of Urban Word NYC & Poetry Coordinator at St. Francis College. She has received fellowships from Agnes Gund,…
Former Lt. Governor of Maryland and Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee
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…
Photographer, Creative Director, and Social Activist
Misan Harriman is a world-renowned British-Nigerian photographer, creative director, and social activist. Born in Nigeria, Harriman moved to the United Kingdom at a young age for school.
Former NFL Player & Subject of Drama Film "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock
Michael inspires audiences to see their greatest challenges as opportunities. “As I look back, it’s crazy how I got here,” he says. “But it didn’t seem tough at the time.…
Actor and Activist
Marque Richardson is a high energy, multi-faceted actor, writer, and producer.
Former Mayor of Stockton, CA and Founder, Chair of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income
What were you doing at age 26? Michael D. Tubbs was making history. At the age of 26, Tubbs became the youngest Mayor of any major city in American history.
President and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments & Chairman of DreamWorks Animation
Mellody Hobson has been the Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, LLC, an investment management firm, since 2019 and President and Director since 2000. She has also served as Chair of the…
Educator, Entrepreneur, and Human Rights Activist/Advocate
Monica Lewis-Patrick is an educator, entrepreneur, and human rights activist/advocate. She has served as Director of Community Outreach & Engagement since 2009. She was unanimously elected by the Board to…
Marijuana Attorney and will introduce you to the history of marijuana growth and its use in the US, the political reasons for why it became illegal, and the origins of its classification as a Schedule
Merwin Moe Spencer is a marijuana attorney and will introduce you to the history of marijuana growth and its use in the US, the political reasons for why it became…
Award-Winning CBS Journalist
Award-winning CBS journalist Maurice DuBois, a respected journalist who received the New York Association of Black Journalists’ Trailblazer Award, is an anchor at CBS-2. Over the course of an impressive…
Sportscaster, producer, writer, and actress for NBC Sports
Maria Taylor is a television host and producer.
Actor, Producer and Director
Mario Van Peebles is an film director and actor. He brings a unique perspective to his work as an actor, director and producer having been born in Mexico to legendary…
Hip-Hop Model and Actress. Star of Blood, Sweat & Heels, HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention Advocate
Melyssa Ford has been a fixture in the realm of entertainment for well over a decade. Ford can currently be seen on Bravo’s hit reality docu-series Blood, Sweat & Heels,…
Professor at New York University; Playwright and Author
Michael Dinwiddie is an associate professor at the Gallatin School, NYU, where he teaches courses in dramatic writing, cultural studies, and African American theatre. He holds an M.F.A. in Dramatic…
Grammy Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Entrepreneur & Mental Health Advocate
Is there anything Michelle Williams can’t do? The beautiful and talented star has evolved many times in her life and she is nowhere near done.
Urban Revitalization Strategist
Majora Carter is a visionary voice in city planning who views urban renewal through an environmental lens. The South Bronx native draws a direct connection between ecological, economic and social…
Presidential Endowed Professor in Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University, Executive Director of the Pro Humanitate Institute, & Former MSNBC Host
Melissa Harris-Perry is the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University. There she is the Executive Director of the Pro Humanitate Institute and founding director of the Anna Julia…
Co-Host of 'Good Morning America,' Fox NFL Sunday Analyst, NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion
Emmy winner and Super Bowl Champion Michael Strahan currently co-hosts ABC’s Good Morning America and serves as an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday. This summer, Strahan hosted the top-rated primetime…
Hip-Hop Crew
Massive Monkees are a Hip Hop crew that came together as a group of grade school friends who enjoyed dancing, playing and creating art together. 16 years later, the essence…
Has energized almost two million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope
An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 hit movie, Freedom Writers, Manny Scott has energized over a million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide…
Actress, Comedian and Former SNL Cast Member Known for "Bridesmaids" and "Up All Night"
Actress and comedian Maya Rudolph, who rose to fame as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and went on to star in films such as Bridesmaids, The Way Way…
Actor Known for his NAACP Image Award-Winning Role in "New York Undercover" ABC's Hit Show 'Designated Survivor'
Malik Yoba is an award-winning actor, a playwright and a published author. He composes and performs original music and is a gifted singer, lyricist and poet. He’s a sex symbol.…
Vocalist and Founding Member of The Supremes
Ms. Mary Wilson still performs with the same passion as she did singing with the original Supremes, but the world renowned celebrity is now using her fame and flair to…
Emmy-Winning TV Host, MS and Health Advocate, Wellness Entrepreneur, Decorated Naval Officer
Montel Williams earned his media celebrity status as an inspirational Emmy Award winning television personality whom Americans invited into their homes for more than 17 years. He is a decorated…
Editor-at-Large, Essence Magazine
Mikki Taylor is the quintessential authority on all matters regarding beauty and style. From A-list celebrities and world-renowned cover models to women in the know, Taylor influences all types of…
Politician and State Representative, Georgia, District
That is the nature of “Able” Mable, a servant of the people who will always answer the call when asked to; especially by those who have been historically overlooked and…
Award-Winning Actor, Columnist, Radio, TV Personality and Author
During the span of seven years award-winning columnist, Mi-Ling Stone Poole wrote a weekly syndicated lifestyles and decorating column entitled, “Ask Mi-Ling.” Her column was featured in The Oklahoman and…
Rhythm and Blues and Gospel Singer, Actress, and Civil Rights Activist; Member of Family Band, The Staple Singers
Soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. From her early days sharing lead vocals with her groundbreaking family group,…
President of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, A leader in education, the arts, and the public sector for nearly 40 years, Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., began her tenure as the 10th president of…
Film Director, Screenwriter and Video Game Executive
Most will remember Matty Rich from his directorial and acting debut in the 1991 indie film, Straight Out of Brooklyn, which earned the young filmmaker critical acclaim and accolades for…
Award-Winning Singer, Actress, Speaker and Philanthropist
Award winning singer, actress, speaker and philanthropist, Melba Moore's enduring talent has earned her a rewarding career in theater, television, music and film.
Political and Civic Leader and the Current President of the National Urban
In a distinguished professional career that has spanned 25 years, Marc Morial has served as one of the most accomplished servant-leaders in the nation. As an entrepreneur, Morial started several…
New York Times Best-Seller "Kaffir Boy"
South African writer Mark Mathabane, author of the best-selling autobiography "Kaffir Boy," In "Kaffir Boy," published in 1986, Mathabane told the true story of his coming of age under apartheid…
Former CBS Weatherman, TV Personality & Author of "Change in the Weather: Life After Stroke"
CBS journalist and popular television news personality, Mark McEwen served for many years in a variety of high profile positions, including anchoring "CBS This Morning" and serving as weather and…