African American Speakers

Terry McMillan

Since McMillan's breakout novel Waiting to Exhale surged onto The New York Times bestseller list, critics and readers alike have been captivated by her irreverent, often-hilarious take on the issues faced by contemporary African-American women. With several of her bestsellers, including Waiting to Exhale, How Stella...

Paul Rusesabagina

Considered the "Rwandan Schindler," Rusesabagina saved over 1,200 lives during the Rwandan genocide. His story is chronicled in both his book, An Ordinary Man, and the Oscar-nominated film, Hotel Rwanda, a riveting account of a man finding strength within himself to save others in the midst of his country's darkest moment. A...

Johnnetta Cole

A pioneer and role model for African American women across the country, Cole is the president of Bennett College. Her ground-breaking career has made history, as the first African American woman to serve as president of Spelman College and the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the Board of United Way of America.

Aaron McGruder

Creator of "The Boondocks" comic strip and animated series, McGruder is a young, fresh, and outspoken political satirist who dispenses social commentary with subversive humor. In his insightful presentation, "Negrology, the State of Black America," he demystifies all aspects of the truth about where African Americans are today and...

Hill Harper

Harper has stared in numerous television shows, mainstream movies and independent movies and is currently starring in CSI:NY. He is also the author of Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest your Destiny and Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny.

Susan L. Taylor

As editorial director of Essence magazine, Taylor is the driving force behind one of the most celebrated black-owned business success stories of the past three decades. Her firm belief that tapping into the power within and motivating her employees to adopt the best practices they can achieve has led Essence to become...

Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Hunter-Gault made civil rights history as the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Georgia. Now, as one of television's premier journalists, she challenges convention with her insights. A special correspondent for NPR based in South Africa, she has written News Out of Africa, which provides a balanced per...

Spike Lee

One of America's most outspoken social critics, Lee is an all-around respected and talented filmmaker. Director of critically acclaimed, social conscious films including Inside Man, Malcolm X, and Do the Right Thing,his work is technically original, politically-inspired, and often controversial. His most recent work, Mi...

Tracee Ellis Ross

Charming, classy, versatile, and beautiful are just a few of the characteristics that define Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred in CW’s hit comedy Girlfriends. Her portrayal of “Joan Clayton,” has earned her six NAACP Image Award nominations including one win in 2007 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Robin Kelley

Author and historian Robin D.G. Kelley is one of the most distinguished experts on African American studies and a celebrated professor who has lectured at some of America’s highest learning institutions. He is currently Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California.

Jeffrey Johnson

The host and producer of BET's The Cousin Jeff Chronicles, Johnson is the former National Director of the Youth, College and Young Adult Division for the NAACP. Johnson is a social activist, AME minister, public speaker, and past vice president of the Hip-Hop Summt Action Network. He was named by Savoy magazine as the c...

Kevin Powell

As a talented political activist, poet, journalist, essayist, hip-hop historian, public speaker, and entrepreneur, Powell is widely considered one of America's most important voices in these early years of the 21st Century. An astute and enlightening observer, he comments on race, gender, class, and American pop culture and politics.

Alvin Poussaint

A veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Poussaint is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School who is renowned as an expert and educated crusader for the African American family within our multicultural society. He has worked closely with Bill Cosby, serving as an advisor on The Cosby Show, and has partnered wit...

Desmond Tutu

A Nobel Peace Laureate, Archbishop Tutu served as South Africa's voice of conscience during its long struggle against apartheid, soothing the spirits and rallying the hearts of his people with simple words of passion and dignity. After leading the process to heal the world as head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he cont...

Julian Bond

Beginning with his pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement, Bond has always been on the cutting edge of social change and leadership. Legendary as the first black US vice presidential nominee, he is now Chairman of the NAACP and continues to deliver a powerful message of equality, freedom, and justice with a renewed sense of relev...