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…
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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!
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FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
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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
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