College / Campus - New Speakers

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...

Shirin Ebadi

An extraordinary woman of many firsts, Iranian lawyer and activist Ebadi has made history as the first Muslim to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous defense of human rights in Iran. One of the most intelligent, passionate, and respected voices of dissent from within this complex nation, she speaks to the world about demo...

David Silverman

Silverman was the Supervising Animation Director behind the massive effort that brought Bart Simpson and the rest of his peculiar but beloved television family to life each week. He is now Supervising Director for The Simpsons, overseeing seven production teams.

Saul Williams

Lead actor and co-writer of Slam, the 1998 Sundance Film Festival Winner and Best First Feature at the Cannes Film Festival, Williams has defined and redefined poetry as an accessible, living art form. His newest book is Dead Emcee Scrolls: The Lost Teachings of Hip-Hop.

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.

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...

Jeremy Scahill

An award-winning investigative journalist and frequent contributor to The Nation magazine, Scahill is widely viewed as one of the world's leading experts on privatized warfare. His first book, Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army is a New York Times bestseller.

Mary Robinson

As first female President of Ireland, Robinson increased the status of the nation. Formerly the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she now advises businesses worldwide on ethical practices and management. In addition to her role as Executive Director of the Ethical Globalization Initiative, she is one of five members of the Mas...

Michael Eric Dyson

Named by Essence magazine as one of the 50 most inspiring African Americans, Dyson is one of the nation's most renowned public intellectuals, revitalizing the role with the fervor of an ordained Baptist minister. Called "a street fighter in a suit and tie," he takes on the toughest and most controversial issues of the day, inc...

Graham Hill

Alternately described as serial entrepreneur, do-gooder, and designer, he finds his future happily confined to the social entrepreneurship arena as founder of the website Treehugger.com, a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information. Treehugger.com is also part of the Planet Green initiative at Discovery Communi...

Joe Hernandez-Kolski

Joe Hernandez-Kolski, aka "Pocho Joe," is committed to creating work that challenges the audience while it entertains. He combines poetry, comedy and his unique socio-political "Chicagoan" point of view to create a performance that embraces the conundrums of America. Among others, he is applauded by Dr. Cornel West and Marc "So Wha...

James McBride

An award-winning jazz musician, McBride is the author of The New York Times bestseller, The Color of Water, a memoir that has become a modern classic. Currently, Spike Lee is directing the film adaptation of McBride's book, Miracle at St. Anna, paying tribute to African American soldiers who fought in WWII.

A.J. Jacobs

Jacobs is the author of The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible, a hilarious journey for followers of all faiths. With wry humor, he chronicles 12 months living a strict biblical life full of charity, chastity, and morality. Throughout his experience, he learned to...

Justin Bua

World-class commercial and fine artist, Hip-Hop cultural icon and entrepreneur, he brings his paintings to life in his theatrical presentations. Combining autobiography with social, cultural, and political history, he transforms himself into a slice of his native New York's multi-ethnic, multi-cultural population as it experiences...

Naomi Klein

Klein is an award-winning journalist, syndicated columnist, and author of the international bestseller, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. Exploring the flaws of neoliberal economics and globalization, her stunning revelations and well-researched insight provides a backdrop to the connections between the envi...