African American
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African American
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Comedic Actor Best Known for Spoofs like "Scary Movie" and "Dance Flick"
Shawn Wayans is the second youngest of the 10 Wayans siblings, a close-knit family of actors, screenwriters and directors best known for comic spoofs such as "Don't Be a Menace…
Philosopher, Social Activist and Professor
Dr. Cornel West, philosopher, social activist and professor, has long held a place in the African American culture for his thought-provoking theories on politics, race relations and religion. West is…
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…
Tony Award-Winning Entertainer
Few entertainers today are as accomplished or as versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy. A…
Black Violin is the blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music
Black Violin is the blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music. Accompanied by a drummer and a DJ, Black Violin (declared one of the “hottest bands of SXSW”)…
Nationally Recognized Relationship Expert, Author, and Trainer
Dr Brenda Wade, nationally recognized relationship expert, author, and trainer creator and founder of the Love, Money & Seva Seminars and Power Coaching and Training International, Dr. Wade ignites change…
Former New York City Schools Chancellor and Deputy Mayor
Dennis Walcott is the President and CEO of Queens Library. He joined Queens Library March 2016. Walcott is a life-long resident of Queens and has spent his entire career in…
Author, The Color Purple
Alice Walker is an internationally celebrated writer, poet and activist whose books include seven novels, four collections of short stories, four children’s books, and volumes of essays and poetry. She…
Best-selling author, acclaimed speaker and teacher, and award-winning visionary and activist. Daughter of Alice Walker
Time Magazine named Rebecca Walker one of the fifty most influential American leaders under forty because of her transformative views on race, gender, sexuality and power-an award which has been…
President & CEO Robert L. Wallace is a high-energy and widely successful entrepreneur, author and keynote speaker
Robert L. Wallace is an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, author, business consultant and in ternationally known keynote speaker. He is the founder of three companies BITHGROUP Technologies, Inc., BITHENERGY, Inc., and…
Actor, Comedian, Director, Author and Activist
Aisha Tyler, is an actor, comedian, director, author and activist. she is currently co-host of the hit cbs daytime talker "the talk" until end of the seventh season. Aisha joined…
Award-Winning Author
Omar Tyree, is a New York Times best-selling author, journalist, lecturer, poet, screenwriter, songwriter, playwrite, host, blogger, publishing consultant and literacy advocate, who has won a 2001 NAACP Image Award…
Award-Winning Actor, Author and Education Advocate
A charismatic and versatile actor, Blair Underwood has found success acting in television, on stage, and on the big screen. His success has been driven by the underlying belief that,…
Actress & Women's Rights Activist
One of today’s hottest stars, Gabrielle Union, continues to shine. Gabrielle is currently the star of BET’s Being Mary Jane, which will air its second season in 2015. She plays…
Comedian and Actor Known for Portraying "Bud" on "Grace and Frankie"
Baron Vaughn is a series regular on Netflix’s Grace & Frankie in the role of “Bud” with 3 seasons currently streaming. He is the voice of "Tom Servo" in the…
Award-Winning Filmmaker & Former CEO of the Black Family Channel
Robert Townsend started out as an extra in movies and has since become a heralded actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, and cable network programming CEO. That’s not so bad for…
Veteran Newspaper Journalist and Pulitzer Prize Winner
Cynthia Tucker, a veteran newspaper journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, is a Visiting Professor of Journalism and Charlayne Hunter-Gault Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at the University of Georgia. She is also a…
Actor and Comedian
There is nothing tranquil about comedian/actor Chris Tucker. A limber, wiry fellow with a high-pitched voice and a delivery as fast as a mosquito's wing beats, he seems energy incarnate.…
Miss America 1990 & Youth Advocate
Since 2001, Debbye Turner Bell has been enjoying her role in broadcast journalism as a staff correspondent for CBS News. She covers a variety of subjects, and is from time…
Inspirational speaker, columnist, author, poet, radio and TV personality Jewel Diamond Taylor's high energy keynotes and workshops go beyond the average
Inspirational speaker, columnist, author, poet, radio and TV personality Jewel Diamond Taylor's high energy keynotes and workshops go beyond the average. Jewel Diamond Taylor lifts the low, pushes the slow,…
Reality show personality, singer and songwriter, having appeared on both the fifth season of American Idol and The Real World: Hollywood
Brianna Taylor, a reality show personality, singer and songwriter, having appeared on both the fifth season of American Idol and The Real World: Hollywood.
NBA TV studio analyst and retired NBA basketball player
Isiah Thomas began his business career mid-way through his tenure in the NBA. In his free time he read up on business and related issues, met with contacts and eventually…
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…
Preacher & Hip-Hop Generation Leader
Selected in 2009 as "Pastor of the Year" in Brooklyn, New York, by Church Women United and in 2005 and 2006 by Beliefnet.com as one of "The Most Influential Spiritual…
TV Personality, Lawyer, Author, Arbitrator on "Divorce Court"
Judge Lynn Toler is currently the host of the nationally syndicated and Emmy Nominated television show, Divorce Court. She is a graduate of Harvard University and The University of Pennsylvania…
Writer, Author, Publisher and two time Grammy award winning co-writer of the hit songs “Tennessee” and “Revolution” with the music group Arrested Development
Aerle Taree, two time Grammy award winning co-writer of the hit songs “Tennessee” and “Revolution” with the music group Arrested Development, has expanded her writing talent in the newly published…
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…
Award-Winning Author, Veteran Journalist and Nationally-Recognized Communications and Political Strategist
Kristin Clark Taylor is an award-winning author, veteran journalist, and nationally recognized communications and political strategist. Taylor was a member of USA Today’s original creation and launch team. She remained…
Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement & Editor of Essence Magazine
After 27 years as the chief editor of Essence magazine and the visionary credited with building the brand, Susan L. Taylor left publishing to devote her life to building an…
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…
They address issues of covert or overt racism, isolation, hostility and promote multicultural co-existence
Dr. Bertice Berry, talk show host and sociologist, along with Dr. Bernita Berry, professor of sociology, provide survival skills to people of color who live or work in a predominantly…
First player to be signed in the WNBA when it was created in 1996. She has won three Olympic Gold Medals, 4 Time WNBA Champion
Inspired by her mother, Louise, who single-handedly raised four children, Sheryl Swoopes’ first basketball memory is “going to nationals with the Little Dribblers team when she was eight years old.”…
Emmy Award-Winning Comedian, Actress & Author
Wanda Sykes has been called "one of the funniest stand-up comics" by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand-up has sent her…
Actress and Singer; Known for "The Cosby Show" and Disney's "That's So Raven"; Former Co-Host of "The View"
Raven-Symone, actress, comedian, model, singer, songwriter, dancer, television producer and talk show host. She first appeared on television in 1989 on The Cosby Show as Olivia Kendall. She released her…
Akuyoe Graham is an award-winning playwright, actor and educator who has also dedicated her life to helping youth in the juvenile justice system realize their spiritual identity
Award-winning actor/author/educator Akuyoe Graham possesses an extraordinary gift – the ability to sit with society’s outcasts and rapidly guide them to a life-changing experience of their own Beauty of Being.…
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,…
Expert on Race Relations
Shelby Steele is currently a senior research fellow at The Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He has a BA in political science, an MA in sociology and a Ph.D. in…
Doctor, Author & Media Consultant
Ian K. Smith, M.D. is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of SUPER SHRED, SHRED, THE 4 DAY DIET, THE FAT SMASH DIET and EXTREME FAT SMASH DIET among…
Rap Artist & Community Activist
Born in the Bronx and raised in the projects, Sister Souljah is a fighter who came up from the bottom. A graduate of Rutgers University, she earned a degree in…
Actor, Comedian, Writer and Producer
It's hard to keep a straight face when talking to Chris Spencer. Extremely talented and hilarious, this quick-witted funnyman began his stint in the entertainment industry at the age of…
Leading Rusher in NFL History; Three-Time Super Bowl Champion; Best-Selling Author
A respected entrepreneur, a sought-after speaker, bestselling author and one of the most valuable personal brands in the sports-entertainment field — these are just a few of the ways to…
Former US Secretary of Transportation
Rodney E. Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation has had a long and distinguished career of accomplishment in both the public and private sectors. He is nationally recognized for his…
Stand-Up Comedian and Television Personality. He currently co-hosts the podcast Race Wars with comedian Kurt Metzger
Born and raised by his mother and two sisters in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York, Sherrod Small is one of the top stand-up comics coming out of New…
Broadcaster, Author, Publisher, Advocate, and Philanthropist
From his celebrated conversations with world figures to his work to inspire the next generation of leaders, Tavis Smiley broadcaster, author, publisher, advocate and philanthropist has emerged as an outstanding…
Comedian, Radio Host and Star of "The Rickey Smiley Show"
Rickey Smiley is the host of BET’s highly popular nightly comedy showcase, ComicView. ComicView, currently in its ninth season on BET, is consistently among the network’s highest rated programs, and…
Actress, Dancer, Singer-Songwriter and Businesswoman
Jada Pinkett Smith has proven herself to be one of today's most versatile and gifted young actresses. Recently, she landed one of Hollywood's most sought after roles, as Niobe in…
Author, Activist, and Independent Scholar
Barbara Smith is best known for her innovating work as a critic, author, activist and lecturer. She was among the first to define an African American woman's literary tradition and…
Abuse Survivor & Author
Growing up as an only child in Richmond, Virginia, Kemba Smith Pradia graduated high school and continued her education at prestigious Hampton University. What happened to Kemba in her new…