African American
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African American
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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…
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.
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…
Informant for the DEA for 16 years. He worked all over the country and is responsible for the arrest of 445 drug dealers and the seizure of 1.5 tons of cocaine, and $6 million in assets
Andrew Chambers, The Feds tagged him "The Exterminator"; and to any crook he's their worst nightmare. The Government has an on-again off-again love affair with him. For 30 years he…
Author & Poet, often referred to as "Bob Marley with a pen," due to the spiritual, sensual, social themes presented from a literary Jamaican perspective
Colin Channer was born in Jamaica, and educated there and in New York. His most recent book is the poetry collection Providential (2015), which Eileen Myles describes as "one of…
Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Writer, and Producer
David Chappelle is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. After beginning his film career in 1993 as Ahchoo in Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men in Tights, he landed supporting…
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…
Former Chairman and CEO American Express Co. He was the CEO and Chairman of American Express from 2001 until 2018.
Kenneth Chenault joined American Express in September 1981 as Director of Strategic Planning. He was named President of the Consumer Card Group in 1989, and in 1993 he became President…
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…
Singer and Stage and Television Actor. Former star television's "Living Single,"
Former star television's "Living Single," T.C. Carson, who played the role of "Kyle," has become a household name. While he is best known for his work in the sitcom, he…
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…
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,…
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…
Award-Nominated Author of Such Historical Novels as Emily; The Yellow Rose; Black Gold; and Starlight Passage
An NAACP IMAGE AWARD nominee and a member of the TEXAS INSTITUTE OF LETTERS, author, Anita Bunkley was voted one of the 50 favorite African American authors of the twentieth…
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…
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…
World Famous Violinist
Karen Briggs's near four decade span through genres as a violinist includes an eclectic range of Orchestral, Gospel, R&B, Latin, New Age, Rock, Hip Hop and several Jazz styles. All…
First African American to Fly into Space
Dr. Guy Bluford spent 15 years with NASA as one of its elite astronauts. Selected to be a part of the first class of Space Shuttle astronauts in 1978, Bluford…
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…
Comedian
Kevin Bozeman uses his high-energy act and knack for the obvious to give a unique perspective on traveling, dating, social and controversial issues. No subject is sacred from his hilarious truths.…
Emmy Award-Winning and GRAMMY-Nominated Actor and Comedian
Wayne Brady, actor, singer, dancer, improviser, songwriter and television personality is known for his work as a regular on the improvisational comedy television series, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” He has…
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…
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…
World-Renowned Neurosurgeon. Serves as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Dr. Keith L. Black serves as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Director of Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. An internationally renowned neurosurgeon and scientist, Dr.…
Actor and Comedian. Has been called one of the most original stand-up comics in the country
Michael K. Blackson, has been called one of the most original stand-up comics in the country, and his performances leave audiences laughing in tears. Michael Blackson, aka, ‘The African King of…
Fitness Guru, Martial Artist, Actor, And The Creator Of The Tae Bo workout system, fitness guru
Billy Blanks has crafted a successful career out of teaching people how to get fit utilizing his patented blend of tae kwon do and kick boxing. Billy Blanks appearances on…
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…
Comedian and Actor. Best Known for Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam
Using his experiences growing up in Newark, Bill Bellamy started doing stand-up while he was a student at Rutgers University.
Award-Winning Vocalist
Regina Belle is an singer-songwriter from Englewood, New Jersey. At a young age she began performing at Englewood's Mount Calvary Baptist Church. She was introduced to the Manhattans by New…
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.…
America's Got Talent
Lawrence Beamen is a native of the Deep South (Mississippi) and his quiet, humble upbringing is a complete contrast to his booming voice and intense passion for music. The remarkable gift…
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.
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…