African American
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African American
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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…
America's No. 1 Crisis Management Expert and Inspiration for ABC's Hit Show, "Scandal"
As a result of her wide ranging and ground breaking career, Shonda Rhimes, creator of ABC’s hit television dramas Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, developed a television drama about the…
Spoken Word Poet
Dwayne Morgan began his career as a spoken word artist in 1993. In 1994, while still in high school, he founded Up From The Roots entertainment, to promote the positive…
Pulitzer-Prize Winning National Reporter for the Washington Post covering law enforcement, justice, race and politics
Wesley Lowery is national reporter who covers law enforcement, justice, race and politics. He previously covered Congress and national politics. Prior to joining the Washington Post in February 2014, he…
#BlackLivesMatter Movement, Cultural Theorist, Co-founder of the Hip-Hop Infused Blog Crunk Feminist Collective and Rutgers Professor
Brittney Cooper is Assistant Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University. She is a Black feminist theorist who specializes in the study of Black women’s…
Actress, Singer & Activist.
Tatyana Ali is a Broadway-trained actress, singer, producer, activist and graduate of Harvard University. Known to millions worldwide from her role as “Ashley Banks” on the iconic television series “The…
Tuskegee University 7th President (2014-2017); W.E.B. Du Bois Scholar & Higher Education Administrator
Dr. Brian L. Johnson was the seventh President of Tuskegee University where he was appointed on April 28, 2014. He has held administrative and academic posts in the following capacities:…
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…
Civil Rights Activist & Politician
The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, president and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, is one of America's foremost political figures. Called the "conscience of the nation" and "the great unifier," he…
Pioneer of the NBA
Julius Erving, is one of only three players in history to score a career total of over 30,000 points as a professional. In the 1970s, Julius Erving did more than…
The Duke Ellington Orchestra, now led by grandson Paul Mercer Ellington, which continues to entertain a worldwide audience while gaining international acclaim. In 2007, The Duke Ellington Orchestra traveled over…
Former Captain and Shortstop of the New York Yankees and Co-Owner & CEO of the Miami Marlins
Derek Jeter, a five-time World Series champion Turn 2 Foundation. For the duration of the evening, Jeter was joined on-stage by Fox News lead analyst and former MLB second baseman…
Media Personality, Actress, Author, and Host of "The Wendy Williams Show"
Mother, wife, media mogul, entrepreneur, performer and bestselling author, Wendy Williams is best-known for her long-running talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. Named one of the ’35 Most Powerful People…
Activist, Lawyer & Educator
Kathleen Neal Cleaver has spent most of her life advocating for human rights. Since 2000, she has served as the co-director of the Atlanta-based Human Rights Research Fund, part of…
Linda Villarosa runs the journalism program at CCNY. A former editor and contributing reporter for the New York Times, she also served as the executive editor of Essence Magazine
Linda Villarosa is a professor, freelance writer and editor. Professor Villarosa runs the journalism program at CCNY.
Actress, Author, and Domestic Abuse Awareness Advocate
A successful actress, Robin Givens long oscillated between a glamorous movie star life and the domestic abuse she suffered at home. Today, she speaks out about the abuse she suffered,…
Noted Afrocentric Author & Psychologist
Dr. Na'im Akbar has been acclaimed by Essence Magazine as "one of the world's preeminent Psychologists and a pioneer in the development of an African-centered approach in modern psychology." Akbar…
African-American opera stars Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon, and Thomas Young make up the acclaimed THREE MO' TENORS
THREE MO’ TENORS is the brainchild of Marion J. Caffey, a highly acclaimed veteran Broadway performer, writer and director. While watching the 1994 PBS Television special The Three Tenors –…
Dance & Song that celebrates the rich history of South Africa
Based in New York City, JUXTAPOWER is a production company of Dance & Song that celebrates the rich history of South Africa, and the coming of age of Africa as…
Conservative Media Personality
Called “one of the most recognizable conservative voices in America” by The Washington Post, Armstrong Williams is a pugnacious, provocative, and principled voice for conservatives and Christian values in America’s…
Most recognizable for having played “Aunt Viv” to Will Smith’s “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” on NBC from 1993 to 1996
Daphne Maxwell Reid, an actress, producer, entrepreneur and author, People remember Daphne as “Aunt Vivian” from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Throughout her years of work on television, she…
Former U.S. Secretary of Education
On January 21, 2001, the United States Senate confi rmed Dr. Rod Paige as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education. For Paige, the son of a principal and a librarian…
Russell Simmons Presents Def Comedy Jam Comes To Your School
Here you will find performers from the Def Comedy Jam show. Click on the individual performer and read more about them and their performance. You are also welcome to call…
Award-Winning Writer, Composer & Performer
Daniel Beaty is an award-winning actor, singer, writer, and composer. Recently he had an extended off-Broadway run of his acclaimed solo play Through The Night produced by Daryl Roth. For…
Civil Rights Activist/Television Personality
Judge Greg Mathis is a national figure known for his advocacy campaigns for equal justice. His inspirational life story as a street youth who rose from jail to judge has…
Emmy Award-Winning Actress, Activist for Human Rights
Known for the challenging roles she's played on film and in television, critically acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard's work has earned her an Oscar nomination, four Emmy Award wins and 16…
Professional Golfer Who Is Among The Most Successful Golfers Of All Time
Tiger Woods set an amazing pro golf career in motion in 1997, when he became the youngest man and the first African American to win the U.S. Masters. The 2013…
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.…
Human Rights Activist
Adeeb Yousif was born in the village of Guldo in Darfur, Sudan. For 14 years, he worked with grass roots and social justice movements throughout Sudan. In April 2001, Adeeb…
NFL Hall of Famer
Kellen Winslow was the 13th player taken in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft. He enjoyed a nine-year career with the Chargers; earning All-Pro honors five times and…
Wizards basketball team can pump up your school, organization, or charity fundraising while providing an enthusiastic community building event
The Harlem Wizards show brings oohs, aahs and serious laughter inspired by sky-high slams, hilarious humor, dynamic energy, fan participation, world class tricks and basketball wizardry. The aerodynamic athleticism coupled…
Combining traditional instruments with lush vocals, this renowned group performs original and traditional music from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas
Combining traditional instruments, vocals and traditional music forms with contemporary influences, Women of the Calabash has enchanted audiences of all ages for over twenty years, performing music from Africa, The…
Actor, Comedian, Radio Personality and a correspondent on The Daily Show w/ Trevor Noah
Currently a correspondent on The Daily Show w/ Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr. has been described by the Hollywood Reporter as “A Standout”, and Entertainment Weekly called his brand of…
Actress and Comedian Known From "My Brother and Me" and "Sparks"; Star of OWN Reality Show "Raising Whitley"
Kym Whitley is a funny, talented and driven quadruple-threat; actress, producer, director and stand-up comedienne. Kym Whitley is a staple on television, guest-starring on popular shows such as ABC’s “Grey’s…
Veteran Print Columnist who also has worked as a commentator for CBS News, Black Entertainment News and the Tom Joyner Morning Show
DeWayne Wickham, a columnist with USA Today and Gannett News Service, Wickham is a distinguished professor and director of the Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies at North Carolina Agricultural and…
Tennis Superstar & Activist
Venus Williams is an athlete, entrepreneur, best-selling author, Olympic Gold medalist, activist, designer, and tennis champion. Williams entered the pro ranks of the Women's Tennis Association when she was 14…
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…
Grammy Nominated Singer and Actress, Known for "Soul Food" and "Ugly Betty"
Throughout her performing career, Vanessa Williams has maintained a reputation as one of the most respected and multi-faceted entertainers in the world, amassing one accomplishment after another. She has conquered…
Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist, Actor, Singer and Musician
Saul Williams, rapper, singer-songwriter, musician, poet, writer, and actor. He is known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop, and for his lead roles in the 1998 film…
Singer-Songwriter, Producer and Entrepreneur; Known for the Hit Single, "Happy"
Pharrell Williams, the Grammy awarding winning musician and entrepreneur whose recent collaboration with Despicable Me 2 has inspired the world to be “happy,” Starting his producing career as one half…
Award-Winning Journalist, Healthcare Authority
Juan Williams, Political Analyst, Fox News Channel; Author, We the People: The Modern-Day Figures Who Have Reshaped and Affirmed the Founding Fathers’ Vision of America; Drawing on his nearly 10…
Stand-Up Comedian, Actor, Rapper, Singer and Voice Artist
Comedian Katt Williams is often compared to iconic comedian Richard Pryor because of his troubled and tragicomic life. The Ohio native, known for his routines on pimp philosophies, the perils…
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…
Global Media Entrepreneur
Talk show host, entrepreneur and entertainer Oprah Winfrey journey from her grandmother's Mississippi farm to becoming one of the world's most admired women is one of the great American success…
Grammy-Winning Rapper & Sought After Producer
Kanye West, rapper, songwriter, record producer and fashion designer. West first became known as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records; he achieved recognition for his work on rapper Jay-Z's The Blueprint…
Award Winning Actor and Filmmaker
Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington is a man constantly on the move. Never comfortable repeating himself or his successes, Washington always searches for new challenges through his numerous and…
Renowned Motivational Speaker and Activist
Dr. Dennis Rahiim Watson is a motivational speaker who has received hundreds of commendations, including ones from notable names such as President Barack Obama, President George Bush and Secretary Hillary…
Social Activist, Author and Businesswoman
Faye Wattleton is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal and Heads the board governace advisory practice, in New York. Ms. Wattleton’s distinguished career spans more than three decades, during…