Keith Boykin
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 that time, Boykin’s broad and wide-ranging career has taken him from the halls of Harvard to the Clinton White House to a political commentator position…
Categories :
Full Bio
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 that time, Boykin’s broad and wide-ranging career has taken him from the halls of Harvard to the Clinton White House to a political commentator position on major networks such as MSNBC, CNBC, and CNN.
As a special assistant to the president and a spokesman for the administration, Boykin was once the highest ranking openly gay person in the Clinton White House. He later went on to teach political science at American University in Washington, DC, starred in a Showtime political television series, and became the founder and first president of the National Black Justice Coalition.
His newest book is “For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out, and Coming Home.” It responds to the crisis of youth development and suicide in the African-American community, specifically among young gay men of color.
Keith Boykin has spoken to a variety of audiences around the world, including 200,000 people at the Millennium March on Washington and the 2006 Gay Games.
New York Times Best-Selling Author and TV’s Leading Commentator on Politics, Race, and Sexual Orientation
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
- For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out, and Coming Home
In this lecture, Keith Boykin addresses longstanding issues of sexual abuse, suicide, HIV/AIDS, racism, and homophobia in the African-American and Latino communities, and more specifically among young gay men of color. During his lecture, Keith shares stories of real people coming of age, coming out, dealing with religion and spirituality, seeking love and relationships, finding their own identity in or out of the LGBT community, and creating their own sense of political empowerment.
- One More River to Cross: Black & Gay In America
Ever since his groundbreaking book, One More River to Cross: Black & Gay in America was published in 1996, Boykin has been the nation’s leading commentator on the intersection of race and sexual orientation. His compelling journey unveils the myths and the reality of black homophobia, gay racism, and the influence of the church on today’s LGBT community. - Diversity without Division
Diversity – whether in the corporate boardroom or college classroom – has been a consistent struggle. A leader in the faculty diversity movement at Harvard Law School along with then-classmate Barack Obama, Boykin pushed for better hiring policies to attract more women, women of color, African Americans, Latinos, and gays and lesbians. Since the 1990s, Boykin’s humorous, personal and relevant presentations have shown dozens of companies, government agencies, and universities how working toward a common goal creates effective diversity strategies and ultimately stronger institutions.
Videos
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Eastern Michigan University
Stonewall Dem speech
News
Testimonials
The message you shared with students was intelligent, informed, and inspirational. Thank you for fighting the good fight for the many people whose voices are not heard.
Ohio Northern University
His speech was exactly what we were looking for and more. A few words that might sum it up: Amazing, Extraordinary, Exhilarating, Insightful, Honest!
Fordham University
Keith educated the students about issues they were concerned with and affected change among those who engaged with him.
Drexel University
GET IDEAS
1 HOUR OR LESS
