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Judge Judy Smart, savvy and opinionated, the irrepressible Judge Judy Sheindlin holds court as presiding judge over real-life cases on the syndicated reality courtroom show, "Judge Judy." Having made a name for herself as a tough but fair judge in New York's Family Court, Judge Judy retired from the bench in 1996 and segued to television to host the successful series. Judge Judy brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the only half-hour series currently on the air that takes viewers inside an actual courtroom where justice is dispensed at lightning speed.
The First Black President of the United States A one man show featuring Dennis Rahiim Watson as the first Black President in a real live simulated press conference with an African-American president prepared to answer the hot button domestic and international issues facing America and the world today.
Windtalkers Zonnie Gorman, Navajo Code Talker historian, who acted as a consultant for the John Woo movie, Windtalkers, presents a lecture telling the true story of the Navajo Code Talkers role in World War II and their contributions to winning the war. The code, created from the Dina language, the Navajo native tongue, was never broken nor was it revealed until 1968, when the military declassified the secret. Last year President Bush awarded Congressional medals to the surviving Code Talkers for their pivotal roles in America's victory in the Pacific. Zonnie Gorman's lecture is also available with one of the original twenty nine Navajo Marine Code Talkers. With slides and filmclips.
Boys Choir of Harlem The Boys Choir of Harlem has entertained audiences worldwide with a broad collection of music including classical, contemporary, spirituals, gospel and jazz. Combining soulful music and well-orchestrated choreography, the choir puts on 80 to 100 concerts annually, including tours through Europe and the Orient. Founded by nationally known educator and conductor Walter J. Turnbull in 1968, the organization not only provides children between the ages of eight and 18 the opportunity to realize their creative potential, but it also educates and broadens their creative perception. Its purpose is to provide – in addition to music – counseling, tutoring and recreational activities.
Ice T Ice-T (born Tracy Morrow) has proven to be one of hip-hop's most articulate and intelligent stars, as well as one of its most frustrating. At his best, the rapper has written some of the best portraits of ghetto life and gangsters, as well as some of the best social commentary that hip-hop has produced. He has become an influential spokesman for America’s youth, regardless of color. He also joined the cast of TV's "Law & Order SVU" (consistently a number-one Friday night show) as a series regular playing the part of Detective Finn. Additionally, Ice T has been the keynote speaker at a number of Internet conventions including the 1999 College Music Journal Conference in New York, and in 2000, the New York Music & Internet Expo, Rotterdam Film Festival, and Canadian Music Week.
Coach Carter Coach Carter is a coach, author, educator and inspiration for the movie Coach Carter, featuring Samuel L. Jackson. The movie recounts Carter’s decision to literally lock his undefeated, state play-off bound basketball team out of the gym and force them to hit the books. Coach Carter is an advocate for Richmond's youth and is active in his community. He is diligent in providing them with opportunities to build meaningful relationships with their peers and caring adults, and recognizes the advantages inherent in a sound sports program. In October, 2000 he announced his plans to travel from Richmond High School to the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Using only a kick scooter, Carter traveled for 3 days to Sacramento hoping to draw awareness to the deteriorating state of our schools and the need for students, parents, teachers, and school board officials to commit to making a difference. His efforts proved successful, and subsequently Richmond High received building enhancements and computers from the Office of the Secretary of Education. Under the direction and guidance of Coach Carter, in December of 2000, 11 students from Australia arrived in the U.S. to promote peace and to learn first hand what it takes to be an American high school basketball player. Coach Carter found a way to bring something positive to the lives of Richmond High students, where heroes and positive role models are few and far between. Using basketball as the common bond, the intention of the visit was to offer these students an opportunity to meet each other, gain awareness about each others' culture and communities, and to learn hands-on about what it takes to be a top-notch American athletic. Carter feels that exchanges such as these are needed to promote a more just and peaceful place for us all to live in.
Lost Boys of Sudan Lost Boys of Sudan is a feature-length documentary that follows two Sudanese refugees on an extraordinary journey from Africa to America. Orphaned as young boys in one of Africa's cruelest civil wars, Peter Dut and Santino Chuor survived lion attacks and militia gunfire to reach a refugee camp in Kenya along with thousands of other children. From there, remarkably, they were chosen to come to America. Safe at last from physical danger and hunger, a world away from home, they find themselves confronted with the abundance and alienation of contemporary American suburbia. Lost Boys of Sudan won an Independent Spirit Award and screened theatrically in 70 cities across the U.S. to strong audience and critical praise. The film was broadcast nationally on the PBS series POV in the fall of 2004 and earned two Emmy nominations. The story of the Lost Boys of Sudan has touched people from all walks of life. From movie stars and politicians to the average housewife, people from around the world have fallen in love with these courageous young men. Joan Hecht was no exception. When hearing of their story for the first time, Joan Hecht’s eyes filled with tears and she felt a deep stirring in her soul. She knew that helping them was not an option. It was a call to her heart from God and Joan Hecht responded. She hoped to be instrumental in making their new lives in America better than the ones they had left behind. Like many others, Joan Hecht felt compelled to be a mother to these young men who couldn't even remember the faces of their own mothers. “Mama Joan” hoped only to help change their lives, never realizing how knowing each of them would so drastically change her own.
Nathan Keliikui Brown Nathan coordinates Research & International Law for the Ohana (family) Council - a leading organization in the dynamic Native Hawaiian movement to re-assert independence & self-determination. In 1878 Captain Cook came upon, "400,000 island residents with a well-developed, flourishing culture and lifestyle. They were robust & healthy and had a coherent system of spiritual beliefs, economics and scholarship." In 1893 armed white settlers and the U.S.Marines overthrew the Sovereign Hawaiian Kingdom in violation of a Treaty of Peace & Friendship. For Nathan's people, self-determination is the right to choose ones destiny in compliance with The U.N. Charter, Article 73. Nathan is of Kanaka Mooli (Hawaiian) descent from a family of 14 children raised in a rural lifestyle in the heart of Downtown Honolulu. After several arrests, he is under federal indictment for exercising his human rights. He is currently assisting Kanaka Maoli communities with the Ohana Council Self-government Charter that lays a foundation for self-determination & self-governance. Nathan engages in eloquent unveiling of truth through the spirit of Aloha.
Paper Clips Paper Clips is an inspiring 2004 documentary about a consciousness-raising project that blossomed into something beautiful at a rural Tennessee school. When the principal of Whitwell Middle School sought a program that would teach diversity to a predominantly white, Protestant student body, the notion of focusing on the Holocaust--specifically Hitler's extermination of six million Jews--seemed like an obvious way to go. But understanding what "six million" looks like became a challenge. Thus was born the idea of collecting that number of paper clips at Whitwell as a visual reference. But then it turned out paper clips actually have, in historical terms, symbolic value where the Holocaust is concerned. In this moving film, one sees Whitwell students dig into research on Germany's genocidal campaign, solicit clips from a variety of leaders and celebrities, and make a name for themselves on the national news. In time, the world comes to Whitwell's doorstep, via unsolicited donations of clips from people around the world, and in a tearful meeting of students and Holocaust survivors. The dimensions of the project, the lessons about prejudice and intolerance, are stunning to watch grow beyond anyone's wildest expectations. This is a great film for families and classrooms to watch together. --Tom Keogh
Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell is well known as one of the most respected and charismatic leaders in the US Congress over the past 15 years. An inspiration to everyone who meets him, Senator Campbell is a rancher, jewelry designer, former educator, Olympian, and sheriff. Above all, he is a family man and an outspoken champion of American values. Senator Campbell was first elected to the Senate in 1992, after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for five years. Sen. Campbell was the only American Indian to serve in the United States Senate at the time, and is one of the 44 Chiefs of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Before entering college Sen. Campbell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1953. Stationed in Korea, he attained the rank of Airman 2nd Class. Sen. Campbell received a bachelor's degree in physical education and fine arts from San Jose State University in 1957 and later attended Meiji University in Tokyo in 1960 as a special research student. He was the U.S. Judo Champion 1961-1963, and All-American 1964. Also in 1964, he was captain of the U.S. Olympic judo team and placed fourth at the Tokyo Olympics. Sen. Campbell is a renowned jewelry designer, rancher, and trainer of champion quarter horses. He has been married to his wife Linda for more than 35 years. He is the father of two grown children, Colin Campbell and Shanan Longfellow. He is grandfather to Luke and Saylor Longfellow and Lauren Campbell. First elected to the Senate in 1992, Sen. Campbell was re-elected in 1998 with 62% of the vote. Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Campbell served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987-1992 and served in the Colorado State General Assembly from 1982-1986. Throughout his career, he has fought to reduce spending in order to balance the federal budget and lower tax rates across the board. He has worked steadily to decrease crime, improve education, and support veterans' issues. In 1997 Sen. Campbell became the first American Indian to chair the Indian Affairs Committee. In addition to furthering several lands projects that are significant to American Indian history, he has sponsored legislation aimed at addressing Indian health, education, and economic needs. During the 106th Congress, Sen. Campbell had more free-standing Senate legislation passed into law (12 public laws) than any other member of Congress. Today, he continues his efforts to champion projects important to Colorado and to improve the safety and well being of all Americans. A true original, Senator Campbell has been known to park his motorcycle in front of the Capitol on the way to work, drive delivery trucks around his home state in the off time, and will never shy away from telling you exactly what he thinks about a particular issue.
Judge Alex Former police officer, attorney and Florida Circuit Court Judge Alex E. Ferrer hosts "Judge Alex," the new court room strip from Twentieth Television that will make its launch in first-run national syndication on September 12, 2005. The first new court show in four years, the half-hour strip features Judge Alex, the only television judge with extensive police, legal and judicial experience, presiding over a wide array of cases, resolving complicated issues with his straight forward approach and cogent rulings. Most recently, Judge Alex served as the Associate Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division of Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which services Miami-Dade County, the largest trial court in the state and fourth largest in the United States. Born in Havana, Cuba, Judge Alex and his family escaped from Fidel Castro’s Communist regime to America when he was one year old. Growing up in Miami with a passionate interest in law enforcement, at 19 he joined the Coral Gables Police Department, making him one of the youngest officers in the state. While on the police force, he served as a patrolman, detective and in an undercover capacity. He was also trained to be on the department’s SWAT force. Intent on building a career in the legal profession, Judge Alex performed his duties as a police officer while attending both college and law school.
Judge Marilyn Milian Judge Milian is probably the most popular judge on television. In her courtroom justice is fast, fair, and often fierce. She provides a compassionate voice for victims while verbally beating the bad guys. With humor, compassion, and a temper that can make grown men tremble, there is no doubt that Judge Milian owns the courtroom. I've been to two tapings and can tell you the show is run like a regular courtroom. You hear Curt Chaplin speaking as each litigant enters. Douglas swears them in and then asks the audience to rise and Judge Milian enters. The cases begin, and if it weren't for the cameras you would think you were in a regular courtroom. It's case after case until lunch break. Before going to lunch, the judge comes out and greets the audience, answering questions and posing for photos with fans. This is repeated after the last case of the day.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a prominent, often controversial author, film maker and critic of Islam. She was a member of the Tweede Kamer (the Lower House of the States-General of the Netherlands) for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from January 30, 2003 until May 16, 2006. Hirsi Ali has had to maintain a high level of security due to threats against her life for voicing views critical of certain aspects of Islam. For example, her film Submission, directed by Theo van Gogh (who himself was assassinated for his works), made her one of the targets of the Hofstad Network. On May 15, 2006, officials of the Netherlands government cast doubt on Hirsi Ali's status as a Dutch national, due to concerns related to the fact that in order to obtain refugee status in the Netherlands she had provided false information. She later used the same false information when she applied for, and was granted, Dutch citizenship. The Dutch minister of immigration and integration, Rita Verdonk, moved to annul her citizenship, a move that was overridden by order of the Prime Minister. She released to the New York Times personal letters from her father and other family members that affirmed her story about fleeing a forced marriage. On June 27, 2006, the Dutch government announced that Hirsi Ali would keep her Dutch citizenship. On May 16, Hirsi Ali announced resignation from parliament and confirmed her previous statement that she would move to the United States to work at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. Her prospective arrival in September 2006 was welcomed by Deputy US Secretary of State Robert Zoellick.
The Three Doctors During a time where few heroes materialize, The Three Doctors served as an extraordinary model of leadership for anyone who has been through any kind of hardship whether it's coping with the struggles of the street or internal challenges of dealing with self, finding our place in the world and determining our own unique destinies. A decade and a half ago, three teenage boys from the streets of Newark, New Jersey made a pact: They would stick together, go to college, and become doctors. Now, over 13 years later, these three men have overcome obstacles and proudly bear the subtitle of doctors. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt deliver a well needed and urgent message of hope and inspiration everywhere they go. Their key messages-Never underestimate the power of self-reliance and inner strength-attach a timeline and devise a strategy for achieving your goals-and finally-Surround yourself with like-minded people who are in line with your aspirations. Growing up in the streets of Newark, they know first hand the pressures and struggles of life in the inner city. Determined not to become victims of their environment, the trio stood firm in their mission and together became one of the most remarkable success stories of inspiration, dedication and determination. The Three Doctors are frequently asked about their formula for becoming prominent men and doctors. While their list is long, they are certain that success comes in many different forms, as does talent. Dr. Rameck Hunt is a Board Certified Internist at University Medical Center at Princeton and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. George Jenkins serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry at Columbia University. Dr. Sampson Davis is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician at St. Michaels Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center. Davis is also consultant for the Violence Prevention Institute focusing on gang awareness and preventative medicine in Essex County. The doctors have additionally authored two inspiring books about their lives: The Pact, for adults, and We Beat the Streets, for children. A third book The Bond, highlighting fatherhood relationships will be released in 2007. The Three Doctors received the prestigious Essence Award for their accomplishments and leadership. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts one can give is the gift of self and these men do it often wholeheartedly. Their effect on their communities has indeed been tremendous. These young men continue to speak out on life's challenges and together symbolize a new walk, talk, and attitude about facing the world. Children can identify with them, as well as at-risk teens and adults. Perhaps it's because of the impact of their message, perhaps the essence of their story. The reason is irrelevant, the results remarkable. The Three Doctors are young visionaries that bring forth new hope and have become some of the most sought after public speakers.
Vernice Armour Vernice Armour First African-American Female Combat Pilot in American History PASSION, Fueled by FIRE! Live with PASSION and breathe with PURPOSE! These are the words Vernice lives by and she will bring that passion to you and your organization! You will walk away with leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that will bring you through your own “Combat” situations in your business and personal life. She knows what it takes to get the mission accomplished because she blazed the trail to become the first African-American female combat pilot in American history. She speaks to a wide variety of audiences. If your organization is ready to take flight then book Vernice today! Vernice has been featured on Oprah Winfrey, CNN, Tyra Banks, NPR, Tavis Smiley and numerous news shows and TV/radio interviews. Let her share her story with you, but if you’re looking for more than inspiration and motivation, join corporations such as Bank of America, Booz Allen Hamilton and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab on topics such as diversity, leadership and teamwork. Meeting planners recommend Vernice because she understands getting the job done, what it takes to be a great leader, and how to motivate a winning team! Her energy fills the room and is dangerously contagious! One of the speakers Vernice has shared the stage with, the world-renowned motivational speaker, Les Brown, has said, “She will change your life!” Vernice was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on December 12, 1998. When Vernice earned her wings in July 2001, this ambitious pilot ranked No. 1 out her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. As the top graduate, she made the Naval Air Station's prestigious Commodore's List, received the Academic Achievement Award and made history as the Marine Corps’ first African-American female pilot. In 2003, Vernice became the First African-American Combat pilot in American history, during her tour in Iraq. Vernice was one of our Nation’s finest, as a Nashville Police Officer, prior to becoming a United States Marine. She was Camp Pendleton's 2001 Female Athlete of the Year, two-time titleholder in Camp Pendleton's annual Strongest Warrior Competition, and was a running back for the San Diego Sunfire women's professional football team. Taking your organization to the next level is the only direction you’re going when you bring in the “Military Motivator!”
Jim Morris (The Rookie) Jim "The Rookie" Morris' inspirational and motivational message about following through on your dreams and promises to others connects with all audiences, young and old, male and female. His life story is also the inspiration behind the Walt Disney blockbuster film, "The Rookie," starring Dennis Quaid. This family film won the ESPY for best sports film of the year and was recently recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the 50 best sports films of all-time. Jim is much more than just a sports personality. Imagine having Tom Hanks or Jimmy Stewart over for a cup of coffee and that's what it's like to bring Jim to your corporate meeting, church, school, or fundraiser. A school teacher by trade, Jim is a polished speaker but never slick. Audiences connect with him because he's one of them. In a world lacking in real-life heroes, Jim's message about following your dreams and keeping your promises resonates with audiences. Jim's childhood dream of becoming a major league baseball player was derailed by injuries and, admittedly, a lack of maturity. Eleven years after his retirement from baseball, Jim's dream was re-ignited by his then rag-tag high school team, when he was trying to inspire them to follow their dreams. They made each other the following bet: If they won a District Championship, Jim would have to try out for a major league team. In case you didn't see the movie, Jim's team won the District Championship and Jim followed through on his promise, going to a tryout where he threw 12 consecutive pitches at 98 mph! Three months later in front of family and his high school team, Jim achieved his dream of pitching in the big leagues by striking out all-star Royce Clayton with a 98 mph fastball! Jim can tailor his universal message about following your dreams and keeping your promises to your audience, whether it be corporate, school kids, or a church. Jim is a loveable and humorous storyteller who will inspire and motivate your audience to never give up on their dreams.
Hank Aaron Legendary baseball superstar and all-time home run king. Hank is now corporate vice president of community relations for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS) and a member of the TBS Board of Directors. He also serves as vice president of business development for The Airport Network, a service of Turner Private Networks, Inc. and is currently senior vice president and assistant to the president of the TBS owned Atlanta Braves.
Jim Abbott Famed one handed major league baseball player, who overcame a birth defect of having only one hand, to be an amazing major league pitcher. Through stories, anecdotes, jokes, some self deprecation, and even failure and pain, Jim Abbott shows how people can overcome perceived limitations, and reach their dreams. Southpaw, Jim Abbott went directly from the University of Michigan to the California Angels starting rotation in the spring of 1989 without spending a day in the minor leagues. Many considered the move a publicity stunt, but after struggling early, Abbott proved his doubters wrong by winning 12 games with a 3.92 ERA in his rookie season. On the mound, Abbott wore a right-hander's fielder's glove over the stump at the end of his right arm. While completing his follow through after delivering a pitch, he rapidly switched the glove to his left hand so he could handle any balls hit back to him. An inspiring and motivational lecture.
Dr. Keith Ablow Keith Ablow is a psychiatrist, writer and television personality who treats men and women across the country, in Europe and in Asia who come from every corner of society—college students, married couples, Fortune 500 executives, the homeless, mental health professionals and high-ranking government officials. In addition to Dr. Ablow’s ongoing work with patients, he has testified as an expert witness on forensic psychiatry in some of America’s most highly-publicized trials. The root of Ablow’s unique ability to "reach" patients and the foundation of his writing is that all of us suffer, that none of us is born evil, and that we must be helped to confront the truth about our lives. Ablow graduated Brown University and the Johns Hopkins Medical School. While a medical student, he worked as a reporter for Newsweek magazine and a freelancer for the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun, as well as a medical editor and producer for Lifetime Medical Television in New York and Los Angeles. He also wrote his first book, a guide to gaining admission to medical school and preserving one’s humanity during the four grueling years that follow. Following his studies, Ablow entered a psychiatry residency at Tufts/New England Medical Center hospitals (where he is now an assistant professor). He continued to write about psychiatry and social issues for publications such as U.S. News and World Report and USA Today. He also wrote three more books: How to Cope with Depression, To Wrestle with Demons, and Anatomy of a Psychiatric Illness. In 1990, Dr. Ablow’s close friend and fellow psychiatry resident was murdered. This tragedy prompted him to write Without Mercy, a true crime book examining the killer’s life and the use of the insanity defense at his trial. After residency, Ablow served as medical director of the Tri-City Mental Health Centers, one of the country’s oldest networks of community psychiatry clinics. He also was medical director of Heritage Health Systems, a state-wide spectrum of medical, psychiatric and addiction facilities. Today, Ablow is busier than ever. His USA Today bestselling psychiatric thrillers featuring Dr. Frank Clevenger include Denial, Projection, Compulsion, Psychopath, Murder Suicide and The Architect. His true crime book, Inside the Mind of Scott Peterson, hit the New York Times Bestseller list this year. He is a contributing editor to Good Housekeeping magazine, and his columns have appeared there, as well as in The New York Times and Cosmopolitan. He is also a frequent guest on programs including Oprah, Tyra, Good Morning America, Good Day NY, Catherine Crier Live and many others. Dr. Ablow is now at work on a self-help book (Little, Brown, April, 2007) that will make his healing philosophy and techniques available to readers everywhere. His syndicated talk show, Dr. Keith Ablow, produced by Telepictures and LMNO TV, will begin airing across the nation in September.
Lorenzo Abundiz Lorenzo Abundiz, a real life hero and his wife Peggy have a unique and powerful story to share with the world. They would be honored to attend any future conference as inspirational guest speakers. They made television history by being the first couple married in the middle of NY Times Square on national television. Lorenzo has defeated three types of cancers including a rare HIGH GRADE LEIOMYOSARCOMA without chemotherapy. This true love story will inspire and prove that miracles are real. Lorenzo Abundiz, age 54 is an honored fireman who touched the heart of America when he married a real life angel named Peggy in the middle of Times Square New York. This incredible wedding took place on June 22, 2001 on ABC’s Good Morning America during Lorenzo’s first cancer battle. Millions of television viewers fell in love with their most amazing love story as they made television history that day for being the first couple ever married in the middle of NY Times Square on national television. In the last six years since there story book wedding Lorenzo, has triumphed over three types of cancers and survived over 250 surgeries, ER trips, and medical procedures. Lorenzo’s medical battles were relating to his firefighting career. The first cancer battle started on May 13, 1998 just one month after Lorenzo and Peggy first met. Doctors discovered a high grade leiomyosarcoma after Lorenzo was injured while rescuing a child from an apartment fire. A tumor board of oncologists and doctors met to discus his complex case and to come up with a treatment plan. One doctor recommended the removal of right shoulder against his chest wall and the other doctors could only offer him a 4% chance of survival using maximum amounts of chemotherapy. To this day doctors are amazed by Lorenzo’s courage and strength to have defeated the high grade cancer sarcoma and without using chemotherapy. He was able to return to full duty on March 10, 1999 after 36 treatments of radiation and many months of physical therapy. Lorenzo’s second cancer battle started on October 19, 2003 when doctors found cancer in his bladder. The discovery was made just one month after doctors declared him cancer free from the sarcoma cancer. Lorenzo’s (angel) Peggy has lived through one medical nightmare after another and somehow she always manages to find that one miracle she needs to save her husbands life. Peggy is a devoted wife who takes her marriage vows very seriously especially when it comes to “sickness and in health.” Peggy looked more toward nature for healing her husband rather than the treatments offered by doctors. They would take regular nude nature hikes and would hug trees. Lorenzo also became a vegetarian and would drink large amounts of pure concord, grape juice. Throughout Lorenzo’s firefighting career he was exposed to toxic smoke while performing many rescues of people and animals. Some of those rescues reached national media attention. Lorenzo was awarded the California State Fireman’s Medal of Valor for saving the lives of firefighters who were trapped under a ¾ ton wall of fire. He appeared on many talk shows and television news programs such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, CBS RESCUE 911, PAX TV It’s A Miracle and The Discovery Channel. On March 9th 2006 Peggy’s love was put to the test again when she was hit with another medical battle to save her hero. This happened when Lorenzo needed an emergency kidney surgery. A nation wide blood search was conducted by the National Red Cross and the Firefighters Cancer Support Network. Doctors from USC Medical Center had to cancel Lorenzo’s kidney surgery just as he was about to be wheeled into surgery. The reason was because the doctors discovered Lorenzo had rare blood factors and no blood was available for him at the hospital or the blood bank. Peggy took action and stood in front of the USC Blood Donor Center waving a sign that read “Cookies for blood’’ to passing motorist driving by. The news media captured Peggy’s quest and broadcasted the news on television across the country. America answered the angels call for help and soon the USC Blood Donor Center was flooded with phone calls from people across the country wanting to donate blood and save Lorenzo’s life. Although only two matching units of blood were located in the entire country, doctors were able to move forward with the surgery to remove Lorenzo’s left kidney and save his life. The pathology report of the tumor concluded it was a rare oncocytoma Although Lorenzo’s firefighting career of saving lives took a toll on his health he has no regrets because he was awarded a real life angel for his service. There story will prove miracles are real and that true love can conquer anything that stands it its way even cancer. On August 6, 2007, as part of his current battle against bladder cancer, Lorenzo underwent yet another surgery at USC Norris Cancer Center to search for any cancerous tumors in his bladder. His and Peggy’s prayers were answered when doctors found his bladder was clear. In 2008, Lorenzo will undergo another bladder surgery, and if no tumors are found it will be his last, as he will be declared cured from his bladder cancer after a five-year battle. . Now that Lorenzo’s cancer battles will soon be over, Lorenzo and Peggy are ready to talk about their amazing love story of survival and miracles. Lorenzo’s heroic firefighting career, along with the true life experience in the battle against cancer, will inspire, motivate and prove to the world that you can overcome any type of adversity. There story will bring out the spirit of hero in everyone. There are millions of people who wonder what happened to Peggy and Lorenzo since that story book wedding in NY Times Square. Now you know. In addition to their speaking talents Lorenzo and Peggy both sing and dance to provide entertainment while they deliver a powerful message of courage and hope.
Janus Adams Nationally syndicated columnist, broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and award-winning author. Her latest book is Sister Days: 365 Inspired Moments in African-American Women's History. The third volume of a series, it continues the saga begun in Glory Days:365 Inspired Moments in African-American History; and Freedom Days-a history of the civil rights movement in which she was a participant. In February 1998 and again in 1999, McDonald's Corporation licensed Glory Days for its Black History Month campaign. Her national advice column, "What Do We Tell Our Children?" explores race relations and other bias-related issues.
Andre Agassi Andre Agassi began playing professionally in 1986, and by 1988 had won more than $2 million in prize money. Throughout the 1990s, men's tennis was dominated by the back-and-forth rivalry of Agassi and Pete Sampras. Agassi's flashy clothes, stylish hair and bad-boy attitude were the perfect counterpoint to Sampras's steady, clean-cut power game. In his career Agassi won more than 850 singles matches, including 60 titles, 8 Grand Slams and an Olympic Gold Medal (Atlanta, 1996). In later years Agassi shaved his head and became a more sober and beloved figure in tennis, still ranking highly after 20 years in the game. In 2005 he made it to the finals of the U.S. Open at age 35 (he lost to Roger Federer). Plagued by back problems, he retired after losing in the third round the 2006 U.S. Open. Agassi was married to actress Brooke Shields from 1997-99... He married tennis great Steffi Graf in 2001, and they have two children... Agassi's sister was married to tennis pro Pancho Gonzales... Agassi's father, Emmanuel "Mike" Agassi, was an Olympic boxer for Iran in 1948 and 1952 before emigrating to Chicago.
Kimberly Aiken Kimberly Clarice Aiken Cockerham was Miss America 1994. Aiken was 18 years old when she won the coveted title. She won Miss Columbia and Miss South Carolina en route to her 1994 Miss America crown. Kimberly's pageant coach was CB Mathis of CBs Limited in Lancaster, SC.[2] Aiken used the plight of the homeless as her platform. Her year of service as Miss America helped generate public awareness about homelessness and brought a better public understanding of this significant social dilemma. Aiken has made numerous television appearances and was once recognized by People Magazine as one of the "Fifty Most Beautiful People in the World". After graduating from New York University, Aiken pursued a career in public accounting with Ernst & Young LLP, one of the Big Four accounting firms. Today, she is an image consultant and motivational speaker. A professional speaker for nearly ten years, she entertains and inspires audiences with her programs, using her varied experiences and sharing stories of overcoming obstacles, such as brain surgery. She is also a regular columnist for Pageantry Magazine, as well as a wife and mother.
Troy Aikman Troy Aikman was one of the most dominant professional football players in the United States during the 1990s, leading the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships. After playing for the University of California at Los Angeles, Aikman was drafted by the Cowboys in 1989, a starter in his rookie season. By 1992 he was named the Most Valuable Player in his first Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XXVII). Aikman sustained 10 concussions and several injuries in his career, forcing him to retire in 2001. He then joined FOX television as a commentator.
Buzz Aldrin The image of Buzz Aldrin standing on the moon's surface on July 20th, 1969 will forever mark the technological achievements of the 20th Century. It leaves an indelible mark in our public consciousness, representing the highest values of the human spirit, of teamwork and of vision. Buzz brings this vibrancy to his relationships as a corporate spokesperson for Fortune 500 companies seeking the dimension and authority of a living legend and an icon. Buzz works closely with organizations associated with innovation, technology, and advancement through commercial endorsements and promotional appearances. Buzz is entering his 4th year as corporate spokesperson for the Accutron line of Bulova watches--America's premiere watch brand. Bulova provided NASA with the timekeeping technology for America's first trip to the moon. Radio Shack chose Buzz Aldrin to serve as the Tandy brand's space spokesperson as part of their Vacations in Space commercial advertising campaign. The highly successful marketing effort also featured Buzz in a series of personal appearances at the openings of megastores across the United States.
Jason Alexander Jason Alexander's nine seasons as hapless schlep George Costanza on Seinfeld have been the crowning glory to a 25-year career on stage, screen and television. But with looks that can be pitiful, sympathetic, charming, devious, and even unscrupulous--combined with an equally malleable talent--this multi award-winning actor is in little danger of being stereotyped. For his portrayal of George, Alexander has earned six Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations, an American Television Award and two American Comedy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series. The Screen Actors Guild went one better and chose him as Best Actor in a Comedy Series despite his role as a supporting actor. Born and raised in New Jersey, Alexander first found an audience among his classmates, entertaining them in an effort to distract from his chubbiness. At 16, he earned his first professional job when he was spotted in a children's theater group and was asked to perform on a local New York children's program. Two years later he landed his first film, The Burning, while studying acting at Boston University. In 1995, Alexander returned to Boston University to receive an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts. In film, Alexander recently appeared in Rocky and Bullwinkle as 'Boris Badenov,' opposite Rene Russo and Robert De Niro. His other film credits include Brighton Beach Memoirs, Mosquito Coast, Jacob's Ladder, White Palace, Coneheads, Blankman, The Last Supper and the Academy Award-nominated live-action short film Down on the Waterfront. Alexander's most memorable roles include those in Rob Reiner's North, Ron Howard's The Paper, and as Richard Gere's villainous lawyer in Pretty Woman. Alexander earned an Emmy nomination for a supporting guest role on HBO's Dream On. He has also hosted Saturday Night Live, and performed song-and-dance numbers for The Comedy Hall of Fame, The Kennedy Center Honors and the 1994 Emmy Awards (for which he was nominated for an American Comedy Award) and as co-host of The 1995 Emmy Awards with Cybill Sheperd. Most recently, he performed with the Boston Pops on PBS and with the orchestra again at Carnegie Hall. On stage, his theatrical capstone came in the award-winning Jerome Robbins' Broadway, for which he won a Tony as well as Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards for Best Actor in a Musical. Alexander also was the author of the show's narration. In Los Angeles, Alexander received critical acclaim and a Dramalogue Award for his portrayal of Harry Truman in the one-man play Give 'Em Hell Harry. Alexander's voice has also become famous for his work both in animated features and television series. For four seasons, he starred in the USA Network's critically acclaimed adult animation series Duckman. In film, his voice has been used in Aladdin, The Return of Jafar, Hercules and as 'Hugo the Gargoyle' in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In addition to acting, Alexander has been receiving attention as a director. His first effort behind the camera, for an episode of Seinfeld, was nominated for a DGA Award in 1993. He directed the independent film Just Looking, which starred Patti Lupone, Gretchen Mol and Ryan Merriman. Alexander's feature film directing debut was the romantic comedy For Better or Worse, in which he also starred opposite Lolita Davidovich and James Woods. Jason refuses to be type cast and continues to seek different roles in which he can prove his versatile and broad talent.
Kirstie Alley Kirstie Alley's career has encompassed success in top-grossing films and highly acclaimed television, garnering multiple awards. Most recently, she made her return to network television by producing and starring in the hit show, "Veronica's Closet." In the show's first season, Kirstie won a People's Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series as well as nominations for the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Emmy Awards. Kirstie first gained notoriety for her portrayal of bar-owner Rebecca Howe on the long-running television comedy, "Cheers." During her six years on the show, she won the Emmy, Golden Globe and People's Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. She has an overall deal with Warner Bros. that encompasses features and television series. Her screen career includes recent performances in Woody Allen's acclaimed "Deconstructing Harry" and with Tim Allen in the romantic comedy, "For Richer or Poorer." She also stars in "The Mao Game," based on the New York Times bestseller, and reteamed with John Travolta with whom she starred in the "Look Who's Talking" series in the drama, "Common Ground."
Stacy Allison The first American women to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, the world's highest mountain. Stacy then went on to become the leader of a successful K2 expedition, the world's second highest mountain, considered to be the most difficult peak on earth to climb. Stacy's mission is to encourage people to move beyond limitations and reach for their dreams. She challenges her audiences to lay the foundation for risk taking by accepting full responsibility for their lives. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing everyone's contribution as a team member in life's pursuits. Stacy recounts the Everest challenge in her book, Beyond The Limits: A Women's Triumph on Everest. It is a suspenseful, triumphant adventure story-a primer for anyone who has ever faced a mountain, physical or metaphorical and reached for its summit. Her new book is; Many Mountains to Climb: Reflections on Competence, Courage and Commitment.
Dan Alon Dan Alon, an Israeli fencer and 1972 Olympic athlete, never talked about his experience at the Munich Games and the Palestinian terrorist attack on the Israeli delegation. The reason was simple: No one ever asked him. At the time, he said, the media was focused on the victims and their families. I couldnt just go out on the street and shout, Im a survivor, I want to talk! says Alon, 61. So I didnt talk about it for 30 years.
Wally Amos As the father of the gourmet chocolate chip cookie industry Wally Amos is a household name, first as founder of Famous Amos Cookies in 1975 and now the Uncle Noname Cookie Company. His fame is grounded in quality, substance, and a unique positive mental attitude. A nationally sought-after inspirational author and lecturer, Wally is also a television host on PBS. He has received the Horatio Alger Award and the President's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence. In addition, he has used his fame to support educational causes. Since 1979 Wally has been National Spokesman for Literacy Volunteers of America. He is also a Board Member of the National Center for Family Literacy and Communities in Schools. He is the author of The Famous Amos Story, The Face That Launched A Thousand Chips, The Power In You, Ten Secret Ingredients To Inner Strength, which is a hopeful, inspirational book sharing Wally's philosophy and life experiences and his most recent book, Watermelon Magic: Seeds of Wisdom, Slice of Life, where he uses watermelon as a metaphor for life, sharing his personal path to wisdom, humor, joy and a positive outlook on life.
Claud Anderson A leading intellectual, historian and economist, Dr. Claud Anderson is the author of the best selling books,Black Labor, White Wealth: A Search for Power and Economic Justice,; Dirty Little Secrets about Black History: It's Heroes & Other Trouble Makers; and PowerNomics: Unleashing Blacks Potential. Dr. Anderson is president of the Harvard Institute, a pro-active public policy research organization. He is igniting a national movement among Blacks for the economic, social and political solutions necessary to create an economically self-sufficient and competitive Black America.
Dr. David W. Anderson Dr. David W. Anderson is the Director of Home and Congregational Renewal at The Youth & Family Institute in Bloomington, MN. He has been one of the key individuals in developing a new paradigm for youth and family ministry, The Child In Our Hands Initiative, and resources to accompany it. He is also the co-developer of the Hand in Hand and Four Key Congregational Training events that tailor the Child In Our Hands Initiative to individual congregations. Dr. Anderson is an ecumenically and internationally recognized leader in faith and family life enrichment. In addition to working with numerous denominations across the United States, his ministry has also taken him to Canada, Australia, Norway, and Sweden.
Dr. Maya Angelou Dr. Maya Angelou chosen by President Bill Clinton, Dr. Maya Angelou delivered her dedicatory poem "On The Pulse of Morning" at the inaugural ceremony in January 1993. Considered one of our national treasures, and the author of many best-selling books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, her performance/lecture stresses the value of ethnic, economic and religious diversity in all undertakings. A passionate and powerful speaker, Dr. Angelou challenges her audiences to invest their spirits and hearts in the elevation of the human condition. Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. A poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, Dr. Angelou continues to travel the world making appearances on college campuses, spreading her legendary wisdom. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves, Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. She has the unique ability to shatter the opaque prisms of race and class between reader and subject throughout her books of poetry and her autobiographies. Dr. Angelou has authored numerous best-selling books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Even The Stars Look Lonesome. In 1981, Dr. Angelou was appointed to a lifetime position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. In January 1993, she became only the second poet in U.S. history to have the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration. Dr. Maya Angelou and Hallmark Cards, Inc. have collaborated to make a gift selection that offers inspiration, hope and joy. Now available in select Hallmark stores, the collection features vases, pilows, wind chimes, frames and other charming trinkets. With compassion and candor, Dr. Angelou's works speak to the heart, encouraging us to love life, to perservere through its challenges and to share our gifts with others.
Neil Armstrong Apollo 11 astronaut and first man to walk on the moon.
Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong became a household name by showing his determination, dedication and strength. The number one ranked cyclist in the world, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Not only did his cycling career seem over, but his doctors game him a 50/50 chance to survive. Armstrong survived and he went on to become the first professional cyclist to win the Tour de France seven times. In the process, he became a leading advocate in the search for a cancer cure and for people living with the disease. The Lance Armstrong Foundation disseminates grants focused on improving the quality of life for cancer survivors and funds research that is not readily fundable from traditional sources. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $9.6 million in research grants. It focuses its funding on cancer survivorship centers and research grants. From the podium, Armstrong delivers lessons of courage from his battle with cancer and his career as a cyclist. He talks about teamwork and what it takes to turn dreams into realities.
John Artis Arrested with Rubin "Hurricane" Carter in 1966, and convicted of a triple murder that he did not commit. At the time of his arrest, Artis was 19 years old, preparing to attend college on a track scholarship and dreaming of making the U.S. Olympic track team. Artis was offered his freedom if he would falsely testify against Carter, but he refused to lie to prosecutors. After spending fifteen years in prison, he was exonerated and now lives in Virginia and works with troubled youth. He is a man who does not know the meaning of the word resentment. Without question, he is one of the most uplifting and motivational speakers you will ever come across.
Byllye Avery A dreamer, visionary, and grassroots realist, Ms. Avery combines activism and social responsibility by developing a national forum for the exploration of health issues of African-American women. By gathering and documenting African-American women's health experiences she is providing a supportive atmosphere for African-American women. Prior to her entry into the health care arena, Ms. Avery taught special education to emotionally disturbed students and consulted on learning disabilities in public schools and universities throughout the southeastern United States.
Dan Aykroyd Daniel Edward Aykroyd is an Academy Award nominated and Emmy Award winning actor, comedian, screenwriter, and most recently business entrepreneur. He attended Carleton University in Canada, but dropped out before receiving his degree. He veered away from his study of criminology in college in order to pursue his interest in acting. He began as a comedian in various Canadian nightclubs and went on to gain experience in the SecondCity comedy troupe and the National Lampoon stage shows. He became a regular on Saturday Night Live in 1975 due to his political satire powered by flawless impersonations of Presidents Nixon and Carter. Collaborating with fellow cast members from SNL led to the creation of such memorable duos as Two Wild and Crazy Guys (with Steve Martin) and The Blues Brothers (with John Belushi), which gained big-screen life in The Blues Brothers (1980) and Blues Brothers 2000 (1998). His interest in crime led him to film roles on both sides of the law, including good-guy Sgt. Joe Friday in Dragnet (1987), hit man Grocer in Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), and break-in expert Mother in Sneakers (1992). He recently appeared in the films Stardom (2000), The House of Mirth (2000), Pearl Harbor (2001), Bright Young Things (2003), 50 First dates (2004) and I know Pronounce you Chuck and Larry (2007) with Adam Sandler. Aykroyd has been honored numerous times for both his acting and screenwriting capabilities. In 1977 he received an Emmy Award for writing on SNL and he later received two more nominations for writing, and one each for acting and Outstanding Comedy-Variety series. He received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for Driving Miss Daisy.
Ernie Banks Baseball Hall of Famer who for many years was an all-star infielder for the Chicago Cubs. An inspirational and motivational speaker.
Tiki Barber Tiki Barber Former NFL Pro Bowl Running Back, NBC Broadcaster is the unique individual who combines a stellar portfolio of athletics and broadcasting with a captivating story-telling presence at the podium. He is a renaissance man without equal today, as evidenced by a resume that includes: NBC correspondent, Pro Bowl running back, Sirius Satellite radio host, author, producer, actor, corporate spokesman, scholar and philanthropist. Barber joined NBC Universal in 2007 on the heels of his Hall of Fame-caliber NFL career. A three-time Pro Bowler, he will split time as a correspondent for the "Today" show and as an analyst for NBC`s "Football Night in America," while also contributing to the 2008 and 2010 Olympics. In 10 seasons on the gridiron, Barber joined Marshall Faulk and Marcus Allen as the only players in NFL history with at least 10,000 yards rushing and 5,000 yards receiving. He retired ranking third all-time in yards per carry (4.7) and 10th all-time in yards from scrimmage (15,632; rushing and receiving). Barber holds every conceivable Giants rushing record--total yards, rushing yards, rushing attempts and rushing touchdowns--and in his final regular-season game broke his own franchise single-game rushing mark with 234 yards, in a win vs. the rival Washington Redskins. A tireless entertainer and communicator, during his playing days Barber was a weekly co-host on FOX News Channel`s morning program "FOX and Friends" (2005-07). He further debunks the jock stereotype as a co-host of "Ronde and Tiki`s Barber Shop," broadcast on Sirius Satellite radio with his twin brother/fellow NFL'er. Previously, Tiki also hosted "The National Sweep with Tiki Barber," a radio program delving into politics, news and entertainment that featured guests including: John McCain, U.S. Senator; Matt Lauer, host of the "Today" show; Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, U.S. Surgeon General; and Daniel Kurtzer, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel. As active in the community as he was on the gridiron, Barber devotes generous time and money to the Children`s Miracle Network, the Fresh Air Fund and the Robin Hood Foundation, among others. A staunch advocate for literacy, he has co-authored with Ronde three successful children`s books, and is under contract to write a motivational memoir and two young-adult novels.
Vernon Bellecourt Vernon is a principal spokesman for the American Indian Movement and a leader in actions ranging from the 1972 occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington to the 1992 Redskin Superbowl demonstrations. He is Co-founder and first Executive Director of the Denver AIM Chapter. His involvement at Wounded Knee in 1973 led to a Federal indictment. He is a special representative of the International Indian Treaty Council and helped organize the first Treaty Conference in 1974. He was jailed for throwing his blood on the Guatemalan Embassy to protest the killing of 100,000 Indians. He was elected to a 4-year term in his White Earth tribal government and developed a model program for the spiritual education of Indian prisoners. Vernon is President of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports & Media and recipient of the City of Phoenix, Martin Luther King Human Rights Award 1993.
Clyde Bellecourt Clyde is a founder and Director of the American Indian Movement. He was a major figure in the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973 and played a founding role in an ongoing Indian School System, Legal Rights Center and the International Indian Treaty Council. He is also directing the Peacemaker Center for Indian youth and the AIM Patrol which provides security for the Minneapolis Indian community. He is an organizer of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media. He is founder and currently Chairman of the Board of American Indian OIC, an innovative job program that has moved over 14,000 people from welfare to full-time employment. Clyde sees a bright future: "This generation of little children is the 7th Generation.
Johnny Bench Long time star of baseball's Cincinnati Reds, and one of the greatest catchers in the history of the major leagues.
Dr. Bertice Berry Comedian, motivational speaker, sociologist and talk-show host. Dr. Bertice Berry combines inspiration, folk wisdom, humor and pathos in her lecture presentation. She is the author of Bertice: The World According To Me; and Sckraight from the Ghetto: You Know You're Ghetto If...
John Gray.... BLACK, WHITE & GRAY A psychodrama, presented by John Gray, confronts issues related to stereotyping, bigotry, affirmative action and social "isms". He con-ducts seminars for business, university, government and profes-sional organizations on developing skills and awareness on human relations in a multi-cultural society. The John Gray program goes beyond the black/white and male/female confrontations that tend to block communication.
Billy Blanks The developer of Tae-Bo, Billy Blanks is the dominant martial artist of today, a world renownes star of martial arts films, the top phyical trainer in the country, a member of the Karate Hall of Fame and a motivational speaker.
Julian Bond From his student days to his current Chairmanship of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Julian Bond has been an active participant in the movements for civil rights and economic justice. As an activist who has faced jail for his convictions, as a veteran of more than 20 years service in the Georgia General Assembly, a university professor and a writer, he has been on the cutting edge of social change since 1960. He was a founder, in 1960 while a student at Morehouse College of the Atlanta student sit-in and anti-segregation organization and of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). As SNCC's Communications Director, Bond was active in protests and registration campaigns throughout the South. Elected in 1965 to the Georgia House of Representatives, Bond was prevented from taking his seat by members who objected to his opposition to the Vietnam War. He was re-elected to his own vacant seat and un-seated again, and seated only after a third election and a unanimous decision of the United States Supreme Court. He was co-chair of a challenge delegation from Georgia to the 1968 Democratic Convention. The challengers were successful in unseating Georgia's regular Democrats, and Bond was nominated for Vice-President, but had to decline because he was too young. Bond serves as Chairman of the Premier Auto Group PAG (Volvo, Land Rover, Aston-Martin, and Jaguar) Diversity Council and is on the Boards of People for the American Way, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Council for a Livable World, and the advisory board of the Harvard Business School Initiative on Social Enterprise, among others. He was a commentator on America's Black Forum, the oldest black-owned show in television syndication. His poetry and articles have appeared in numerous publications. He has narrated numerous documentaries, including the Academy Award winning "A Time For Justice" and the prize-winning and critically acclaimed series "Eyes On The Prize." He has served since 1998 as Chairman of the Board of the NAACP, the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States. In 2002, he received the prestigious National Freedom Award.
Barry Bonds The name Bonds is synonymous with baseball greatness following in the footsteps of his late father Bobby and godfather, Willie Mays. Living legend, Barry Bonds, is the power hitter for the San Francisco Giants who broke Hank Aaron’s All-Time Home Run Record on Aug. 7, 2007, when he hit his 756th career home run at AT&T Park. Now sitting on 762 home runs, Bonds continues to reach historical heights with each home run he belts. A dominant force in the game, Bonds is in his 22nd season and has crafted one of the finest careers the game has ever seen, a collection of feats that has permanently etched the name Barry Bonds into baseball history. From sports icon to commercial spokesperson along with his philanthropic missions, Bonds proves to be one of the most recognizable sports figures in the country. It is his longevity as a superstar and all-around greatness that will navigate his course to the Hall of Fame.
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 homeless, jobless, car-less and hopeless--all at the same time, but thankfully not clueless!" Sherry's belief: "We all have a Spiritual, Personal Power. We have always possessed this power. The power is within us. All of us. Without exception. We can learn to tap into this power on a daily basis, to begin to make positive choices in how our lives should go, resulting in the changes that we want to accomplish. There is a universal law that states: 'What you focus on in life, you expand in your life.' Begin to focus on what you want to expand in your life!" Start To Exercise Personal Power (STEPP) a program founded by Sherry, is designed to not merely assist people of various backgrounds to realize their potential, goals and purpose in life, but also assist them Sherry Brantley is known for her dynamic, energetic seminars and workshops.
Rosemary Bray Journalist and writer, Rosemary Bray is the author of the critically acclaimed book Unafraid of the Dark, a powerful memoir of growing up on welfare in Chicago's Black Belt, her triumphant rise to a Yale degree, and becoming a respected journalist in New York
Jim Brown All-American football and lacrosse player who starred for Syracuse University, Jim Brown was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history with the Cleveland Browns. An inspiring and motivational speaker, Brown founded Amer-I-Can, a self-help program aimed at prison inmates and street gangs.
Tony Brown Called "television's civil rights crusader," Tony Brown is a distinguished producer, educator, writer and film director. His Tony Brown's Journal on PBS was selected as one of the top ten television shows in history presenting positive African-American images. He is the author of Empower the People: A 7-Step Plan to Overthrow the Conspiracy That Is Stealing Your Money and Freedom. Tony Brown is considered by many to be a true renaissance man, cultural diversity consultant, TV journalist/commentator, self-help advocate, radio talk show host, keynote speaker, syndicated columnist, media entrepreneur, film director, educator and author. His efforts in all arenas have garnered national recognition and support. His first book, Black Lies, White Lies: The Truth According to Tony Brown, was published in 1995 and offers an innovative plan for making America more competitive and helping the country solve its race problem. It also examines his Team America concept and discusses cultural diversity as America's industrial salvation. Brown is also the author of Empower The People: A 7-Step Plan to Overthrow the Conspiracy That is Stealing Your Money and Freedom.
President George Bush In 1989, few could have imagined that four years later the Cold War would be won; the threat of nuclear war would be all but eliminated; the Soviet Union would be replaced by a democratic Russia; Germany would be unified; and age-old enemies would be discussing lasting peace in the Middle East.

Yet, these and so many more dramatic events unfolded at home and abroad-each day, it seemed-and leading America through this period of unprecedented change was President George Bush. Mr. Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts on June 12, 1924. On his 18th birthday, he graduated from Phillips Academy and enlisted in the Navy. During active duty in the Pacific, he flew torpedo bombers off the USS San Jacinto. He was shot down on September 2, 1944 afte4r completing a bombing raid on Chi Chi Jima and was eventually awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.

Mr. Bush returned from the battle in 1945, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University in 1948, and moved to Texas to begin making his way in the oil industry. His career in public service began in 1966 when he was elected to the first of two terms representing Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Bush was named ambassador to the United Nations in 1974; and in 1976 director of the CIA. Ronald Reagan selected George Bush to be his running mate in 1980, and they went on to serve two terms in office together.

In 1988, he earned the GOP nomination and the support of the American people to become the 41st president of the United States.

Dick Butkus Motivational speaker, All-time great linebacker for the Chicago Bears and member of the pro football Hall of Fame.
Richard Butler UN arms negotiator and executive chairman of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) which was charged with the disarmament of Iraq from 1997 to 1999. Prior to that Richard Butler was Australian Ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations. He is now a diplomat in residence at the Council on Foreign Relations.
John Calipari No Coach in Division 1 College Basketball History has won more games in a single season. Caliparis refuse to lose attitude and his us against the world motivational speeches helped inspire his team to the NCAA Championship Game. He is arguably one of the greatest and most innovative college coaches of all time. He is an inspiration to his players both on and off the court, encouraging them to never give up, never back down and to constantly persevere against all odds. He is a great orator who has proved to the world that a little motivation can go a long way. Its the second Naismith award for Calipari after winning in 1996 by leading the UMass Minutemen to the Final Four. This season he led the Tigers to the program's first Final Four since 1985 and their first title game since 1973. Memphis won an NCAA Division I record of 38 games and was ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in national polls for a school-record 16 straight weeks. Calipari is one of five coaches in NCAA Division I history to lead two different programs to a No. 1 national ranking.
John Carlos Track and field champion and an Olympic Medal winner in the 200 meter race during the summer Olympics in Mexico City. John Carlos made international headlines during the victory ceremony when he and Tommy Smith raised their fists in protest against racism and the economic mistreatment of all oppressed peoples in the world. The controversial protest was one of the most memorable events of the civil rights era.
Andrea Carmen Andrea is currently Executive Director of the International Indian Treaty Council. Much of her work involves expanding the support network for Indians throughout the hemisphere. She speaks fluent Spanish and has extensive experience working with Indigenous Peoples in North and Central America. She recently worked with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Rigoberta Menchu, at the First World Summit of Indigenous Peoples held in Guatemala during the coup d'etat. She also was an advisor to the World Council of Churches on their relationship with traditional Indian peoples. She lives in Chickaloon, Alaska and is past coordinator of the Native Alaskan Elders Sovereignty Network as well as current co-coordinator of the Chickaloon Village Environmental Protection Program. She consults with several Indian communities and organizations on economic and community development. She graduated from the U of California in Women's Studies and was selected "Speaker of the Year" by People Are Speaking in San Francisco.
Carlos Carsolio Both a professional motivational and testimonial speaker, Carlos Carsolio has dedicated himself since 1985 to share, mainly with corporate audiences, his experiences on the highest mountains of the planet. He is a world record mountain climber, who has become a leader in personnel training based on his powerful team building skills. The fourth and youngest person to climb the world's 14 tallest peaks is now a corporate trainer who teaches a philosophy of full team work, assertive communication, self confidence and trust, basic concepts that apply to all walks of life.
President Jimmy Carter As 39th President of the United States, President Jimmy Carters most significant singular achievements were the signing of the historic Camp David Agreements, the Panama Canal Treaties, the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China, and his strong focus on an adherence to human rights around the world. As a private citizen, President Carter founded the Carter Center, addressing vital world issues through nonpartisan study and consultation. He continues to demonstrate his solidarity with the peoples struggling for their rights in various parts of the world. President Carter is the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development. In his speeches, Mr. Carter draws upon his experiences as President of the United States to address almost any vital world issue particularly human rights.
Suzette Charles Former Miss America, entertainer and TV personality.
Leon Charney An influential lawyer and an advisor to U. S. presidents and Israeli leaders, Leon Charney has been involved in the heady affairs of international politics - - affairs which frequently took him on important missions abroad. Those missions were the foundation of important contacts at the highest echelon of power. Mr. Charney served as special counsel to President Carter during the negotiations that resulted in the Camp David accords signed by Israel and Egypt and was considered the “unsung hero” of the peace process. An expert on Middle East issues, Mr. Charney has been the recipient of numerous honors for service to Israel and America and to the cause of peace. He is the author of Special Counsel, a fascinating behind-the-scenes story of the Camp David peace treaty.
Dr. Benjamin Chavis When Russell Simmons established the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) to empower the Hip-Hop community to utilize their commanding cultural influence for freedom, justice and equality, he needed someone with a strong mind and commitment to youth, national civil rights experience, political skills, vast spiritual knowledge and an adept human touch to head up the organization. That man was Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, also known as Minister Benjamin Muhammad, who had already proved his mettle by organizing the historic New York Hip-Hop Summit in 2001. That two-day event an unprecedented meeting, according to the Los Angeles Times found Chavis and Simmons guiding industry hip-hop leaders, artists, and civil rights and political organizations towards an agreement on a series of initiatives and commitments that will affect the artistic and social landscape of American society and the global community, as a whole. One month later, the HSAN was born and Dr. Chavis was named President and CEO. Chavis comes to the HSAN with a professional history of solid principles, demonstrated courage and immense diversity. A native of Oxford, North Carolina, he holds a number of prestigious degrees: He received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from University of North Carolina; a Master of Divinity, M.Div., magna cum laude, from Duke University; a Doctor of Ministry, D.Min., from Howard University; and completed course requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, from Union Theological Seminary.
Sheyann Webb Christburg Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Smallest Freedom Fighter" and co-author of the book, Selma, Lord, Selma. As an eight year old, Sheyann Webb-Christburg marched with Dr. King in the Selma March across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965 known as "Bloody Sunday." Selma, Lord, Selma is the moving, often dramatic story of a young courageous girl who for three turbulent months in 1965 was caught up in the tumult of the civil rights demonstrations in Selma, Alabama. Sheyann is also a major part of "Eyes On The Prize," talking with Dr. King as a child and talking about her experience as an adult and the impact Dr. King made on her life. Disney Films recently produced a made-for-television movie about her experiences during the Selma march entitled "Selma, Lord, Selma".
Dan Clark Author of Chicken Soup for the Sou; and Chicken Soup for the College Soul, Dan Clark is a top motivational speaker with an international reputation for making people laugh, deeply feel and initiate immediate change in their lives
Kathleen Cleaver Kathleen Cleaver, a major voice in the Black liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s, continues today, to speak out against racism, sexism and economic inequality. In 1966, Cleaver fist became active in the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). From 1967 to 1971, she was the Communications Secretary of the Black Panther Party and the first woman member of its Central Committee. After sharing years of exile with her former husband Eldridge Cleaver, she returned to the United States in late 1975. Since graduating from Yale Law School in 1987, Cleaver has combined legal work, teaching and activism. She has taught at numerous universities including Emory, Yale and Sara Lawrence. She served on the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Courts and became a Board Member of the Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights. She has been active in the campaigns to free death row prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal and former Panther Geronimo Pratt (released in 1997). Her writings and essays have appeared in numerous magazines, books and newspapers and her memoir, Memories of Love and War, is forthcoming from Random House.
Max Cleland Former U.S. Senator Max Cleland (D-GA) is a member of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). President George Bush nominated Cleland on Nov. 21, 2003. He was subsequently confirmed by the Senate and sworn in on Dec. 15, 2003 for a term expiring January 20, 2007. Cleland has a long and distinguished career in public service at the state and national levels in both the executive and legislative branches of government. In 2002, Cleland was appointed to the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States to report findings and recommendations to prevent future terrorist attacks. More recently he has served as a Distinguished Adjunct Professor to American Universitys (AU) Washington Semester Program, and as a Fellow in AU’s Center for Congressional & Presidential Studies. Cleland successfully ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Sam Nunn in 1995. He served on four Senate Committees: Armed Services; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Governmental Affairs; and Small Business. Previously, Cleland had the distinction of serving as the youngest Secretary of State in Georgia’s history, and the youngest member of the Georgia State Senate. Under President Jimmy Carter, Cleland became the youngest head of the U.S. Veterans Administration. In that capacity, he instituted the revolutionary Vets Center program that, for the first time, offered psychological counseling to combat veterans to heal the emotional wounds of war. Cleland volunteered for duty in Vietnam and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1968. He was seriously wounded in a grenade explosion that year, costing him both legs and his right arm. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Silver Star for gallantry in action. Cleland holds a master’s degree in American History from Emory University. He majored in history at Stetson University. Both institutions subsequently awarded him honorary doctorate degrees. Cleland grew up in Lithonia, GA.
Johnnetta Cole One of the most powerful well-regarded African American women in the US, Johnnetta B. Cole has a way with making history. Shes been the first female African American President of Spelman College, the first woman ever elected to the Board of Coca-Cola Enterprises, and the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the Board of United Way of America. In over 30 years in education, she has also served two US Presidents in leadership roles. As a scholar, author, and activist for social and economic justice, Cole spearheads breakthrough thinking about diversity, leadership, and womens issues. Now chairing the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute at Bennett College, she partners diversity with academic institutions, businesses, corporations, civic and community organizations, and government and global thought leaders. An inspiring force, Cole rallies everyone to embrace diversity as not only a moral and social value, but as a compelling case for business. She encourages audiences to move beyond the status quo to fully take advantage of the innovative and profitable ideas that stem from a more diverse workforce, membership, and student body. Barriers are meant to be broken and success will follow notes Cole: "How much better our world would be if each of us respected difference until difference doesn't make any more difference."
David Coleman Real-life date coach David Coleman sees plenty of parallels between Will Smith's character in the new movie Hitch and his own career helping others find love. Coleman says he has called himself The Dating Doctor since 1985. ... Meet a real-life 'Hitch' is known nationwide as The Dating Doctor and "America's Real-Life Hitch." He has been named the National Speaker of the Year on 10 separate occasions - 7 times by Campus Activities Magazine and 3 times by The National Association for Campus Activities. He recently won again for 2006! He is a highly sought after speaker, entertainer, and retreat facilitator. David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology ('83) and his Master of Arts Degree in College Student Personnel Administration ('85) from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. His second book, Date Smart! How to Stop Revolving and Start Evolving in Relationships has remained a top seller. His third and fourth books, Let Your Leadership Speak and Leadership's Greatest Hits (both co-authored), offer experiences, strategies and ideas to expand your leadership potential. His most recent work, Making Relationships Matter, is an honest look at how to live a life with no regrets while getting the most from every day and every relationship in a post 9/11 world. David has been featured in such fine publications as Us Magazine, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, Celebrity Living, The Wall Street Journal, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Washington Post and The New York Times. David has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, WGN, Fox and CNN as well as hundreds of radio and television stations nationwide. He is a regular guest on Star 105.7 in Grand Rapids, Star 94 in Atlanta, MIX 105.1 in Orlando, KLITE in Bakersfield and The Big One, 700 WLW, in Cincinnati and has worked closely with MSN to promote their Streets and Trips software release and their Shopping.MSN.com website. From his appearances on radio, TV, live and in print, David has impacted more than 10,000,000 people worldwide. Audience members at more than 2,500 college campuses, conferences, single's organizations, churches, corporations and marriage encounter groups have experienced his energetic and entertaining programs.
Dennis Conner Skipper of the Stars and Stripes and four time winner of the America’s Cup.
Anderson Cooper Anderson Cooper is the leading voice of a new generation of journalists who are covering news stories in a fresh and meaningful way. He is the host of CNNs popular Anderson Cooper 360, an unconventional, wide-ranging news program, and the newest contributor to 60 Minutes. Since joining CNN, Anderson has anchored many of the decade's major news stories: he traveled to Sri Lanka to cover the tsunami, and was in Baghdad for the Iraqi elections. He also anchored much of CNNs live coverage of the funeral of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican City, as well as the Terri Schiavo story in Florida. For "America Votes 2004," he moderated a Democratic presidential candidates forum co-sponsored with Rock the Vote. But the reporting that made him a household name winning him the admiration of his peers and the respect of the American people was his nearly non-stop live coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Prior to joining CNN, Anderson worked for ABC News, as a contributor to World News Tonight and 20/20, and as the anchor of ABC's live, interactive, overnight news program, World News Now. His work on their coverage of Princess Diana's funeral won him an Emmy. Other awards he has received include: a Silver Plaque from the Chicago International Film Festival for his report from Sarajevo on the Bosnian civil war; a Bronze Telly for his coverage of famine in Somalia; a Bronze Award from the National Educational Film and Video Festival for a report on political Islam; and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Journalism for his 20/20 Downtown report on gay high school athlete Corey Johnson. In May 2006, Anderson became the newest contributor to CBSs venerable news institution, 60 Minutes. That same month, he released his acclaimed memoir, Dispatches from The Edge. In it, he discusses seeing death and destruction while covering stories in far-flung corners of the world, even as he tries to find meaning in the death of his father when he was only 10, and the suicide of his brother. Inspired by his time in New Orleans during the Hurricane, he says, "I'd been sort of writing it in my head for the last 15 years." What does Anderson Cooper talk about? Today's Headlines with Anderson Cooper Anderson Cooper brings a common touch and deep cultural awareness to his work, and it is these same qualities that are on display in his speeches. He explores major political, cultural, and social issues of the day, giving audiences insights into the stories behind the headlines. From a major keynote before an audience of several thousand, to a meeting with a small group of journalism students, Anderson's appearances create a buzz and generate discussion and debate long after the event is over.
Dr. Grace Cornish Well known relationship expert, image consultant, family therapist, Gracie Cornish delivers a positive message of self-reliance directed to women from all walks of life. She is the author of three books of empowerment for women: The Fortune of Being Yourself; Think and Grow Beautiful; and Radiant Women of Color and Womens Rights Womens Power, a book which has won critical acclaim as a total self-empowerment guide for Black women. A much sought after guest on the TV talk show circuit, she has appeared on "The Montel Williams Show," "Ricki Lake," "Rolanda" and NBC's "Positively Black."
Bill Cosby Bill Cosby is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it is through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill has the ability to touch people's lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence as he seeks to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Without resorting to gimmickry or low-brow humor, his comedy has a point of reference and respect for the trappings and traditions of great American humorists such as Charlie Chaplin, Will Rogers, W.C. Fields and Groucho Marx. It is the fusion of these qualities that resulted in one of television's biggest and most influential hits of the modern era, "The Cosby Show." In the publishing world, he has shattered records with each of his books. "Fatherhood," published by Doubleday/Dolphin in May 1986, became the fastest-selling hardcover book of all time. Booking Bill always assures a packed house and a most memorable event.
Dorothy Cotton Dorothy Cotton translates years of experience and learning into words and song bearing messages of hope. Through "Songs of the Movement," laughter and storytelling, Dorothy synthesizes the lessons from our history into a working vision for the future. Dorothy gets us to laugh, sing, and join together to create a more caring and humane world. Dorothy Cotton was the Education Director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for twelve years under the direct supervision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Working closely with Dr. King, Dorothy served on his executive staff and was part of his entourage to Oslo, Norway, where he received the Nobel Peace Prize. She served as the Vice President for Field Operations for the Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. Dr. Cotton was the Director of Student Activities at Cornell University for nine years, and served as the Southeastern Regional Director of ACTION, the Federal Government's Agency for volunteer programs for three years. She holds a Masters Degree from Boston University in the area of Special Education. Dorothy has designed and conducted training programs for corporations, schools, universities, government agencies and nonprofit organizations working with well over 100,000 participants. She has delivered commencement speeches and has addressed students at hundreds of colleges and universities including The University of New England and Spelman College (both of which gave her an Honorary Doctorate degree for her public work), Stanford University, The Albuquerque Academy, Brown University, City College of New Jersey and many more.Dorothy was recently featured in an ABC special "The Century" with Peter Jennings. She has spoken and traveled extensively throughout the world, including India, Africa, the People's Republic of China, Switzerland, the former Soviet Union, and Vietnam. Dorothy serves as a valuable resource to organizations on diverse topics addressing race relations, multiculturalism/diversity, communication, personal development, spiritual growth, human relations, citizenship education, civic organizing for the 21st century and nonviolence education. Currently she is involved in the expansion of the National Citizenship School in conjunction with Civic Organizing, Inc. of Minnesota. Dorothy's upcoming book will focus on lessons from the historic citizenship education program and her work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Danny Cox Motivational, sales and leadership speaker and author of Leadership When the Heat’s On and Seize the Day.
Mick Cronin Mick Cronin was named the 26th head men's basketball coach in University of Cincinnati history in March 2006. The appointment reunites the Cincinnati native with his alma mater and the school at which he launched his coaching career. The 34-year old Cronin is widely-recognized in the college basketball circles as one of the nation's top up-and-coming coaches. He compiled a 69-23 record during his three seasons as head coach at Murray State, directing the Racers to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. Cronin, who built a reputation for his ability to recruit top talent during his seven seasons as an assistant coach, wasted little time establishing his credentials as a head coach upon taking over the Murray State program in 2003. Cronin directed the Racers to a 28-6 record, the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. His 28 wins are the fifth-most for a first-year head coach in NCAA history. Following a 17-11 campaign in 2004-05, Cronin piloted the Racers to a 24-6 ledger this past season. Murray State claimed the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title with a 17-3 record, and then won the OVC Tournament. Cronin was voted league Coach of the Year honors. Cronin launched his coaching career on the college level in 1997-98 at Cincinnati when he was promoted from video coordinator to assistant coach. He made an immediate impact as a recruiter, playing a key role in signing five Bearcats who went on to be NBA draft picks. Cronin helped UC attract Top 5-rated recruiting classes in two of his last three seasons and another that was ranked in the Top 10. His work as a coach helped UC compile a 108-26 record, capture five C-USA regular season titles and a pair of tournament crowns. Cronin left UC to become associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Louisville in 2001-02. In his very first year, he helped attract a Top 10 recruiting class. One of his key signees, Francisco Garcia, was the C-USA Freshman of the Year in 2003 and eventually was drafted by Sacramento in the NBA. Mick Cronin speaks nationally to audiences about teamwork, leadership and communication.
Walter Cronkite Retired journalist, best known for his work as a television news anchorman. During his tenure at CBS Evening News, he was often cited in viewer opinion polls as "the most trusted man in America," because of his experience and professional demeanor.
Larry Csonka NFL Hall of Fame running back for the Miami Dolphins. An all-American collegiate football player at Syracuse University, Larry Csonka was voted MVP of Super Bowl VII. He co-hosted for three years the popular syndicated program, "American Gladiators," and is now host of ESPN's "Suzuki's Great Outdoors." A humorous, motivating and entertaining speaker.
Tim Daggett Olympic gold medalist who achieved the pinnacle of athletic success by clinching the Gold Medal for the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Team. Topic: “How to Win at Life.”
John Daly Started playing at the age of 4. Gave up baseball and focused on golf and football. Senior year, gave up football and devoted everything to golf. Enjoys writing lyrics and playing guitar...Recorded a largely autobiographical album entitled "My Life," featuring guest performances by Darius Rucker, Willie Nelson, Johnny Lee and Daron Norwood...Instead of flying to tournament sites, purchased large RV and drives to many events...Involved in many charitable causes, most notably Make-a-Wish Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America...Donated $25,000 to Nationwide Tour's State Farm Open in 2002, increasing the purse from $425,000 to $450,000.
Dominique Dawes Dominique Dawes is a champion in life. Bursting into the international spotlight in 1992 as part of the bronze medal winning womens Olympic gymnastic team, she was the first African American gymnast to ever qualify and compete in an Olympic games. A three-time Olympian, Awesome Dawesome catapulted into stardom, winning more national championship medals than any other athlete, and is now the most decorated gymnast on the US womens Olympic team. Since her Olympic glory, Dawes hasnt rested on her laurels. Her dedication, determination, and desire have served her well as a positive role model to young people across the nation. A popular speaker, she shares her insights about leading a healthy and balanced life, achieving confidence and self-esteem through both athleticism and citizenship. As spokesperson for The Girl Scout/Unilever Self-Esteem Program for girls, she helps the youth of today realize their fullest potential and inspire them to achieve a higher sense of self-esteem, paving the way for an easier and empowered adolescence. Talented and versatile, Dawes has appeared in the hit Broadway musical, "Grease" and is establishing a fledgling career in broadcasting. Active in numerous organizations such as Sports United Against Drugs, and as President-Elect of the Womens Sports Foundation, she continues to be a winning force for young women of all ages.
Len Dawson Motivational speaker, host of HBO’s “Inside the NFL,” member of the NFL Hall of Fame and cancer survivor.
Oscar De La Hoya The only fighter to win eleven world titles in six different weight classes, and as CEO of Golden Boy Promotions the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional firm, Oscar de la Hoya is one of the most charismatic and beloved figures in the history of the sport. From the podium he recounts the thrilling story of his journey from a scrawny, bullied child in East Los Angeles to Olympic gold medal-winner, six-time world champion, revolutionary fight promoter and businessman. He talks about his Foundation and his biggest battle, to knockout Cancer. Oscar uses his experiences to motivate others to aim high and achieve their dreams too—no matter what obstacles seem to stand in their way. Boxing’s Golden Boy streaked to fame with his gold medal victory in the 1992 Olympics, a medal he had promised his mother he would win as she lay dying of cancer. His electrifying success inside the ring, as well as his personal character and charisma, have made him a worshiped figure in the Hispanic community and one of the most respected fighters in the world. While continuing his quest as a fighter, Oscar is revolutionizing the business side of the sport as CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. Founded in 1994 and already one of the nation’s leading fight promotion firms, but Oscar's business interests extend well beyond Boxing, he has applied his golden touch to land development, boxing promotion and newspaper publishing. From the Podium, he shares the lessons he's learned as a boxer, businessman and father, and the message that any dream can be achieved through hard work, vision and a desire to be a world champion, whether in business, life or philanthropy. SPEECH TOPICS: § From East L.A. to World Champ § Turning Dreams Into Reality § Battling Cancer: Oscar’s Biggest Fight
Barbara DeAngelis One of America's leading experts on relationships and a highly respected leader in the field of personal growth. As a best selling author, popular television personality and sought after motivational speaker, Barbara has reached millions of people with her positive messages about love, happiness and the search for meaning in our lives. Her latest book is "Chicken Soup for the Romantic Soul."
Frank Deford Sports commentator and journalist.
Robert DeForrest Shelley Leading hypnotherapist and motivation consultant, Robert Shelley's stage hypnosis programs are fascinating, funny and informative. The audience is taken on a joyous ride of laughter and amazement as he reveals the untapped power of the human mind. His follow-up workshops lead participants on an adventure into the imagination that they never before experienced. The author of six books and 150 motivational audio learning titles, Robert Shelley reveals in his workshops the simple secret to stress management, self-empowerment and enhancing the quality of life at home, at school and at work.
Gabriel Bol Deng Gabriel Bol Deng has overcome unbelievable obstacles. He was 10 years old when North Sudan Arab militiamen led a violent attack on his village in South Sudan. He fled, not knowing the whereabouts of his parents or siblings. After his escape, Gabriel embarked on a harrowing, four month journey across the Nile River and the untold miles of Desert, surviving disease and paralyzing hunger to reach Ethiopia. While at the Dimma Refugee Camp in Ethiopia, Gabriel first learned English by writing on cardboard with pieces of charcoal. Four years later, he fled from violence again, leaving Ethiopia and traveling cross-country to Kenya, where, with the help of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Gabriel received an education at the Kakuma Refugee Camp. In 2000, he was offered the chance to join a refugee resettlement program in the United States. Gabriel is one of the Sudanese orphans known as The Lost Boys of Sudan.
Kate Dillon Plus-size model Kate Dillon talks about body acceptance and the necessity of having self-esteem- no matter what your size. Named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People," she is also the founder of Echo, a nonprofit organization that develops programs in the arts for children. Kate Dillon started modeling and walking the Paris runways at age 16, landing such major campaigns as L'Oreal, Christian Dior and Missoni. Pegged to be the "New Cindy Crawford," she was, however, anorexic and run-down from years of starving herself. Finally, she began eating normally and gaining weight- against the advice of clients and her manager, who wanted her 5'11" figure to stay a bony size six. At first, she tried to lose the pounds again, but then had a revelation that she was free to look however she wanted and did not have to conform to the modeling business' standard of beauty. Now a natural, healthy size 14, Dillon is taking the full-figure market by storm and not limiting beauty to what the scale says. One of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People," she was named the 1998 "Model of the Year" by Mode magazine and has been featured on a Times Square billboard. Called the "Curvy Comeback Kid" by Glamour magazine, she has appeared on several television spots, including The Maureen Boyle Show and Today, and has graced ads for Liz Claiborne, Gucci and Lane Bryant. Dillon is also the founder of Echo, a nonprofit organization benefiting arts programs for children. "We don't have enough role models who used to be skinny but gained weight and said, 'That's okay.' We're all different; we all have different bodies - so let's stop trying to make them all alike." -Kate Dillon
Mike Ditka Mike Ditka's NFL career began in 1961 when the Bears made him their first round selection from the University of Pittsburgh. He had an immediate impact, catching 56 passes and earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Ditka played five more seasons with the Bears, earning a Pro Bowl trip each year, before being traded to Philadelphia in 1967. After two years with the Eagles, he played four more in Dallas, where he caught a touchdown pass in the Cowboys' 24-3 win over the Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. The final accolade to Ditka's outstanding playing career was bestowed upon him 16 years after his retirement when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988). His 427 career receptions included 75 catches in 1964, a NFL record for tight ends until San Diego's Kellen Winslow broke it in 1980. Ditka still holds four Bears records: consecutive games with a reception, touch down receptions, most receptions by a rookie, and most touchdown catches by a rookie. Ditka retired from playing following the 1972 season, but was hired by Cowboys' head coach Tom Landry as an offensive assistant and special teams coach. In Ditka's nine seasons the Cowboys were in the playoffs eight times, won six division titles, three NFC Championships, and the NFL crown following the 1977 campaign. Prior to the 1982 season, Ditka signed on as head coach of the Chicago Bears, taking over a team that had had just two winning seasons in the previous 19 years. During his ten-year tenure as head coach, Ditka led the Bears to six NFC Central titles, three additional appearances in the NFC title game (each time, their opponent went on to win the Super Bowl), and a Super Bowl victory (1986). He has been awarded Coach of the Year honors (1985 and 1988) by The Sporting News, the Associated Press, and pro football writers. Ditka is one of only two men to have won a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. He is also one of only four head coaches to have recorded over 100 coaching victories in only ten seasons. Having retired from coaching after the 1992 season, Ditka served as an NFL analyst on NBC-TV's Sunday NFL news and highlight show, NFL Live, until January 1997, when he became the coach for the New Orleans Saints. After a short stint with the Saints, Ditka rejoined the NBC network (1993 – 1996) as an analyst on NFL Live and as a color commentator for other NBC broadcasts. Currently, Mike is a member of The NFL Today, the CBS Television Network’s NFL pre-game studio show. Today, Ditka shares his drive and teambuilding skills with audiences across the country. His presentation shares the lessons learned in a life of commitment, attention, and victory. Most Requested Topic: ACE--Attitude, Character and Enthusiasm: Mike Ditka delivers a powerful presentation that highlights the key characteristics people need to achieve their personal and professional goals. With his first-hand experience, clear illustrations and humorous anecdotes, he shows why he is considered one of the best motivational speakers in all of the NFL. His presentation has impact and immediate, take-home value.
Jason Ryan Dorsey Jason Ryan Dorsey knows the courage and determination it takes to turn a calling into a career. Growing up in small-town Texas, Jason never quite fit in. He started high school at 4’10” and often felt picked on. He responded to the bullying with humor and by hanging out with local “troublemakers.” At a critical time, Jason’s tenth-grade science teacher intervened. The teacher, Mr. Price, challenged Jason to do something positive with his quick wit and street smarts. Inspired by Mr. Price’s belief in his abilities, Jason left high school to start college early. Going to college early and out-of-state changed Jason’s perspective about what was possible for his future. He spent a summer studying medicine in south Florida, another summer working on an archeological dig in Ashkelon, Israel, and a year in upstate New York attending college full time. Jason’s New York experience included tutoring college students who were struggling academically and from difficult backgrounds—an area in which he excelled. After his year in New York, Jason enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin as an 18-year-old junior. Through hard work and calculated risks he positioned himself for excellent job opportunities upon his graduation. But on January 7, 1997, at 1:58AM, Jason made a life-changing decision. He decided to forego his safe path into corporate finance and instead follow his passion for helping his peers from tough backgrounds transition into college and the workforce. To do this Jason chose to write a book revealing the lessons he learned going from a small-town with seemingly few opportunities to being 18 years old and having an extensive network, experienced mentors, valuable internship, and excellent job prospects. Jason keynoted his first national education conference at age 20. The other keynote speaker was First Lady Barbara Bush! Taking a major financial and personal risk, Jason wrote and self-published Graduate to Your Perfect Job at age 18. Soon he was $50,000 in debt and sleeping on the floor of a friend’s one-car garage apartment. With nowhere to go but up, Jason told everyone he could about his book and mission. Eventually a local school invited Jason to speak to their toughest students on how to get a great job. The students enjoyed Jason’s humor and practical strategies. That speech led to Jason keynoting a statewide teacher conference, which led to him keynoting a statewide business leaders conference, which led to many more speeches…Only two years after taking the risk to follow his passion, Jason keynoted his first national conference for 5,000 education and business leaders—the other keynote speaker was First Lady Barbara Bush! Jason’s unique high-energy humor quickly made him the most sought after young speaker in America. He has now delivered over 1,500 keynotes at events across the US and as far away as India, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, and Egypt. And he’s been featured as a voice for his generation on 20/20, NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s The View, TeenPeople and in The Wall Street Journal. In recognition of his entrepreneurial success, Jason won the Austin Under 40 Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Education when he was 25 years old. Graduate to Your Perfect Job has now sold over 200,000 copies and is currently used in 1,650+ schools, colleges, and workforce development programs. Jason followed the success of his first book with two more critically acclaimed books, Violence Not Allowed and 50 Ways to Improve Schools for Under $50. These books have been recognized by leaders such as the President of the United States and multiple Commissioners of Education for their innovative approach and inspiring call-to-action. Three years ago, Jason realized that many of his peers were struggling to find their place in the “real world.” These talented but frustrated Twentysomethings did everything their parents and college advisors told them to do, but they were disappointed with the results. Jason felt this emerging generational crisis of purpose and direction—one he understood from his own life journey—warranted his full attention. He’s now spent three years researching this complicated issue and the result is My Reality Check Bounced! The Twentysomething’s Guide to Cashing In on Your Real-World Dreams. This peer-to-peer book shares the inspiring stories, step-by-step actions, and practical strategies any Twentysomething can rely on to break free of their rut and start living with more meaning and courage. To read the first chapter of My Reality Check Bounced! CLICK HERE. Ten years after choosing to follow his passion, Jason has expanded his speaking and consulting expertise to benefit corporate executives, managers, community leaders and entrepreneurs. He teaches them exactly how to retain, motivate, and lead new hires and young professionals. Jason’s message is credible and entertaining. He uses his unique frontline perspective—gained from speaking to 350,000 of his peers about workplace strategies—to candidly reveal his generation unique perspective, personality, and workplace priorities. Jason is an ideal liaison between his generation and employers, because it is estimated that 100,000 of his peers have used his books to land their first job or a better job.
Frederick Douglass IV Frederick Douglass IV will mesmerize you with the speeches and stories of his great, great grandfather, Frederick Douglass. A great orator and writer, a leading figure in the abolitionist movement, Frederick Douglass was born in 1817 into slavery in Maryland. He escaped in 1838 and in 1841 addressed an abolitionist meeting recounting his life as a slave. This was followed by lectures throughout the East and the publication of The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. Douglas also published the abolitionist North Star, the first of a series of journals he was to create. Increasingly, he came to reject the moralistic stance against slavery in favor of political struggle and the support of the Republican party.
Dave Dravecky Former major league pitcher, cancer survivor and motivational speaker.
Walter E. Fauntroy A prominent minister, an associate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a civil rights activist in the 1960's, Walter Fauntroy served as a United States Congressman representing Washington, DC for twenty years and became a pivotal voice in shaping and implementing many significant changes in national public policy.
Gil Eagles Gil Eagles is a dedicated researcher, educator and is an avid exponent of the more serious applications of hypno-therapy. His hilarious stage show is designed to be both a lot of fun and educational. Using his 20 years of experience as a stage hypnotist, Gil skillfully and tastefully guides his audiences through the amazing possibilities of their own minds. With miraculous speed, he unlocks his volunteers' creativity to create one of the most fascinating, entertaining, and informative programs you'll ever see.
Pegine Echevarria Author, stand-up comedian and motivational speaker on leadership, mentoring and personal and professional success. Pegine's experience in the corporate world and social service have given her a unique understanding. She was associate editor of "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul". Author of For All Our Daughters, How Mentoring Helps Young Women and Girls Master The Art of Growing Up.
Marian Wright Edelman Marian Wright Edelman was born in and grew up in Bennettsville, South Carolina, one of five children. Her father, Arthur Wright, was a Baptist preacher who taught his children that Christianity required service in this world and who was influenced by A. Phillip Randolph. He died when Marian was only fourteen, urging in his last words to her, "Don't let anything get in the way of your education." Marian Wright Edelman went on to study at Spelman College, abroad on a Merrill scholarship, and she traveled to the Soviet Union with a Lisle fellowship. When she returned to Spelman in 1959, she became involved in the civil rights movement, inspiring her to drop her plans to enter the foreign service, and instead to study law. She studied law at Yale and worked as a student on a project to register African American voters in Mississippi. In 1963, after graduating from Yale Law School, Marian Wright Edelman worked first in New York for the NAACP Legal and Defense Fund, and then in Mississippi for the same organization. There, she became the first African American woman to practice law. During her time in Mississippi, she worked on racial justice issues connected with the civil rights movement, and she also helped get a Head Start program established in her community. During a tour by Robert Kennedy and Joseph Clark of Mississippi's poverty-ridden Delta slums, Marian met Peter Edelman, an assistant to Kennedy, and the next year she moved to Washington, D.C., to marry him and to work for social justice in the center of America's political scene. They had three sons. In Washington, Marian Wright Edelman continued her work, helping to get the Poor People's Campaign organized. She also began to focus more on issues relating to child development and children in poverty. Marian Wright Edelman established the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) in 1973 as a voice for poor, minority and handicapped children. She served as a public speaker on behalf of these children, and also as a lobbyist in Congress, as well as president and administrative head of the organization. The agency served not only as an advocacy organization, but as a research center, documenting the problems and possible solutions to children in need. To keep the agency independent, she saw that it was financed entirely with private funds. Marian Wright Edelman also published her ideas in several books. The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours was a surprising success. In the 1990s, when Bill Clinton was elected President, Hillary Clinton's involvement with the Children's Defense Fund meant that there was significantly more attention given to the organization. But Edelman did not pull her punches in criticizing the Clinton administration's legislative agenda -- such as its "welfare reform" initiatives -- when she believed these would be disadvantageous to the nation's neediest children. As part of the efforts of Marian Wright Edelman and the Children's Defense Fund on behalf of children, she has also advocated pregnancy prevention, child care funding, health care funding, prenatal care, parental responsibility for education in values, reducing the violent images presented to children, and selective gun control in the wake of school shootings.
Terry Edmonds Assistant to the President of the United States, Chief domestic policy speech writer for Bill Clinton and the first Black director of the White House speech writing office. Terry Edmonds was responsible for the production of all spoken remarks of President Clinton including the President's 2000 State of the Union Address. He also assisted in drafting the President's report to the nation on race relation in 21st century America.
Joycelyn Elders When she was sworn in as Surgeon General, Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders became the first African American and the second woman to hold that post. As Surgeon General, Dr. Elders initiated programs to combat youth smoking and teen pregnancy and to increase childhood immunizations. As a private citizen, she continues to lobby tirelessly for the health needs of the young, the poor and the powerless. A pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Elders has a deep concern for the welfare of children. She believes that violence, sexually transmitted diseases, poverty and substance abuse are the biggest threats to the health and wellness of our children. Dr. Elders has always spoken from her heart on health care issues. She advocates public health over profits in health care reform, openness over censorship in sex education, and rehabilitation over incarceration in the war against drugs. Her presentations on sexual health and education are both frank and informative. In her lectures and in her book, Joycelyn Elders M.D.: From Sharecropper’s Daughter to Surgeon General of the United States, she addresses the importance of good prenatal care, the future of healthcare reform, women’s health concerns, current treatments for HIV/AIDS, and meeting the needs of older Americans.
John Elway ohn Elway, the former quarterback in the NFL for the Denver Broncos will always be remembered for his 47 game-winning or game-tying drives in the fourth quarter, his spectacular passing statistics, and his enduring competitive spirit. Elway was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 as the only quarterback to have started in five Super Bowls. Elway retired after the 1998-99 season leaving a big void in the NFL. Known for his come back victories, his cannon arm and his great leadership, Elway will go down in history as one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game. Aside from his devotion to the game of football, Elway keeps busy by dividing his time between his family and his business interests. Elway serves as GM and Co-owner of the AFL’s Colorado Crush. He has created a signature line of furniture under the name of Elway Home, owns Crown Toyota in Southern California, and Elway’s Restaurant in Denver. Elway has also established the Elway Foundation, an organization that contributes finds and resources to the prevention and treatment of child abuse. Articles • John Elway's NFL Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Biography John Elway was born in Port Angeles, Washington and later attended High School in Granada Hills, California. Elway spent his college years at Stanford University where he played both football and baseball. His last football game at Stanford was one of the most famous games of all time, the 1982 Big Game versus the University of California, Berkeley which ended with "The Play", an amazing (and infamous) play with five lateral passes that allowed Cal to win the game. Although his team never qualified to play in a college bowl game, in 2000, Elway was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Elway graduated with a degree in economics, and he is a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. In the 1983 NFL Draft, Elway was selected as the 1st overall pick by the Baltimore Colts, and was later traded to the Denver Broncos before the start of the next season. In Denver Elway stormed into the mile high air as one of the most highly anticipated athletes in the history of the NFL. The local newspapers ran a section that was called, "The Elway Watch". He soon became known to by all the Broncos fans simply as "The Duke" of Denver. Elway played football from 1983 to 1998 and is regarded as one of the top quarterbacks ever to play the game. He is the only player in NFL history to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for 200 yards in the same season for seven straight years and in ten different seasons. He was only one of two players in NFL history to rush for 3,000 yards and pass for over 50,000 yards in a career.
Eve Ensler Award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler has just completed a 20 North American cities tour from October 2005-April 2006 with her newest play The Good Body, following engagements on Broadway in NYC, at ACT in San Francisco. The Good Body addresses why women of all cultures and backgrounds - whether undergoing Botox injections or living beneath burkhas - feel compelled to change the way they look in order to fit in, to be accepted, to be good. Ms. Ensler's The Vagina Monologues has been translated into over 45 languages and is running in theaters all over the world, including sold-out runs at both Off-Broadway's Westside Theater and on London's West End (2002 Olivier Award nomination, Best Entertainment.) Her experience performing The Vagina Monologues inspired her to create V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Ms. Ensler's performance in The Vagina Monologues can be seen in the HBO original documentary of the play (2002). Ms. Ensler has devoted her life to stopping violence, envisioning a planet in which women and girls will be free to thrive, rather than merely survive. The Vagina Monologues is based on Ensler's interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace the piece celebrates womens' sexuality and strength. Today, V-Day is a global movement that supports anti-violence organizations throughout the world, helping them to continue and expand their core work on the ground, while drawing public attention to the larger fight to stop worldwide violence (including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual slavery) against women and girls. V-Day exists for no other reason than to stop violence against women. In just eight years, it has raised over $35 million and was named one of Worth magazine's "100 Best Charities. "V-Day stages large-scale benefits and produces innovative gatherings, films, and programs to educate and change social attitudes regarding violence against women. These include the documentary Until The Violence Stops; Karama, a program to support ending violence towards women in the Middle East. Africa and Asia: community briefings with Amnesty International on the missing and murdered women of Juárez, Mexico; the December 2002 V-Day delegation trip to Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Jordan; the Afghan Women's Summit; the Stop Rape Contest; the Indian Country Project. In 2006, more than 2700 V-Day benefit events - produced by local volunteer activists and performed in theaters, community centers, houses of worship, and college campuses will take place around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls and raising funds for local groups within their communities. Ms. Enslers play Necessary Targets, set in a Bosnian refugee camp, opened Off-Broadway at the Variety Arts Theater in February 2002, after a hit run at Hartford Stage. Other plays include Conviction, Lemonade, The Depot, Floating Rhoda and the Glue Man, and Extraordinary Measures. The Good Body, The Vagina Monologues. and Necessary Targets have been published by Villard/Random House. Vagina Warriors, words by Eve Ensler and photos by Joyce Tenneson, was published by Bulfinch Press for V-Day 2005.Ms. Ensler’s newest play, The Treatment, will premiere in September 2006 at the Culture Project in New York City. Her first book Insecure At Last: Losing It in A Security Obsessed World will be published by Random House in October. Ms. Ensler is the recipient of many awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship Award in Playwriting, the Berrilla-Kerr Award for Playwriting, the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, and the Jury Award for Theater at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, as well as the 2002 Amnesty International Media Spotlight Award for Leadership and The Matrix Award (2002). She is the Executive Producer of What I Want My Words To Do To You, a documentary about the writing group she has led since 1998 at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. The film had its world premiere at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival where it received the Freedom Of Expression Award and premiered nationally on PBSs P.O.V. She has received numerous Honorary degrees, including Doctor of Letters from her alma mater, MiddleburyCollege.
Judge Mablean Ephriam With over twenty years of experience behind her as a trial attorney and mediator, Mablean Ephriam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the bench of DIVORCE COURT, the half-hour, relationship-oriented courtroom show by Monet Lane Prods., Inc. and Twentieth Television. DIVORCE COURT features real-life couples, real conflicts and powerful human drama in a compelling true-life courtroom setting where litigants abide by Ms. Ephriam’s legally-binding decisions. Ms. Ephriam began her legal career in law enforcement as a correctional officer at the Women’s Division of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Terminal Island. Pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer, Ms. Ephriam, while raising a family, accepted a job as a legal secretary. Simultaneously, she attended and completed Whittier College of Law. (Ms. Ephriam is divorced and the mother of four.) After five years as a Deputy City Attorney in Los Angeles, where she served as Domestic Violence Coordinator for spousal, parent and child abuse, Ms. Ephriam’s hard work and dedication paid off. In 1982, she went into private practice emphasizing family law, personal injury and probate. She also served as a Hearing Examiner for the City of Los Angeles, Civil Service Commission. Formerly a member of the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar and State Bar of California Family Law Sections, Ms. Ephriam is well known for her noteworthy contributions to the Los Angeles legal community. Additionally, her commitment and dedication to community service in the area of family law has earned her many prestigious awards throughout her career. In 1993, the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles recognized Ms. Ephriam with the Distinguished Service Award for her numerous contributions as co-founder of the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, a legal assistance program that provides services to indigent persons in the areas of family law, guardianship and paternity. Ms. Ephriam also received the 1995 Woman of the Year Award -- California State Assembly -- 48th District. The following year, the Los Angeles County Bar Association bestowed Ms. Ephriam with the Spencer-Brandeis Award. The Harriet Buhai Family Law Center paid tribute to her with the Zephyr Ramsey Award for her many years of exceptional service to the community. In 1997, Whittier College of Law, Ms. Ephriam’s alma mater, named her Alumni of the Year.
Michael Eric Dyson Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, named by Essence magazine as one of the 40 most inspiring African-Americans and by Ebony magazine as one of the 100 most influential black Americans is one of the nations most renowned public intellectuals. The Philadelphia Weekly contends that Dyson is reshaping what it means to be a public intellectual by becoming the most visible black academic of his time. When one hears Dysons name, one thinks of the many hats he wears: prolific author, scholar, public intellectual, ordained minister, media commentator and talk radio show host. In his books, Dyson has taken on some of the toughest and most controversial issues of our day, including Martin Luther King, Jr.s radical legacy, in I May Not Get There With You: The True Martin Luther King, Jr. the virtues and crises of hip-hop culture in Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur; racial conflict and black identity in Race Rules: Navigating the Color Line; and more recently the political and racial fallout from Hurricane Katrina in Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster.and Debating Race, a collection of his previously unpublished intellectual encounters--cordial and combative--with some of today's most influential thinkers and politicians. Dyson has been nominated for the prestigious NAACP Image Award three times and has won it twice, first in 2004 for his book, Why I Love Black Women, and in 2006 for his New York Times bestselling book, Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind? , which dissects class warfare in black America. Dysons New York Times bestselling Mercy, Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye, was optioned for a major motion picture. His newest book Know What I Mean? : Reflections on Hip Hop, returns to the subject of Hip Hop music and culture. While Dysonhas taught at some of the nations most prestigious universities including Brown, UNC at Chapel Hill, U. Penn and Columbia his influence has carried far beyond the academy into prisons and bookstores, political conventions and union halls, and church sanctuaries and lecture stages across the world. Dyson has also taken the media by storm through appearances on The Today Show, Nightline, OReilly Factor, The Tavis Smiley Show and Real Time with Bill Maher and he has cemented his star appeal on such shows as Rap City, Def Poetry Jam and The Colbert Report. Dyson is also the host of the syndicated radio show, The Michael Eric Dyson Show, which addresses social, cultural and political issues in a contemporary vein. Dysons powerful scholarship has won him legions of admirers and has made him what The Washington Post terms a superstar professor. His fearless and fiery oratory led the Chronicle of Higher Education to declare that with his rhetorical gifts he can rock classroom and chapel alike. Dysons eloquent writing inspired Vanity Fair magazine to describe him as one of the most graceful and lucid intellectuals writing on race and politics today. Dr. Dyson is presently University Professor at Georgetown University where he teaches Religion, English and African American Studies. His legendary rise from welfare father to Princeton Ph.D., from church pastor to college professor, from a factory worker who didnt start college until he was 21 to a figure who has become what writer Naomi Wolf terms the ideal public intellectual of our time may help explain why author Nathan McCall simply calls Dyson a street fighter in suit and tie.
Mike Eruzione Mike Eruzione Olympic Gold Medal Champion in Hockey Program Title - Teamwork: The Winner's Goal Mike Eruzione served as the captain that led the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team to its Gold Medal victory in Lake Placid, NY. The highlight of the games for Eruzione was scoring the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union. The victory against the Soviets advanced the U.S. Hockey Team to the Gold Medal Game where they beat Finland to win the gold medal. The movie, Miracle, from Disney, chronicles one of the greatest moments in sports history. ESPN has also named the victory the sports world's most memorable moment! A native of Massachusetts, Eruzione was a well-know sports talent, who excelled in all-scholastic baseball, football and hockey. While attending Boston University, Eruzione captained the hockey team his senior year and finished his college career as the third leading scorer in B. U. history. The years he played at B.U., his team won four Eastern Collegiate Championships. Eruzione was regarded as the Best Defensive Forward in the Hockey East Conference and eventually was inducted into the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame. Eruzione played on two U.S. National Teams and played two years with the Toledo Goaldiggers of the International Hockey League. The IHL rewarded him with the McKenzie Award, which is annually presented to the most outstanding American born player in the IHL. The following year Eruzione was chosen to join the 1980 Olympic Team. He was honored by being elected captain by his Olympic teammates. After the victory in Lake Placid, Eruzione spent several years in New York and New Jersey as a sports commentator for Madison Square Garden. In 1984 Mike joined ABC and did broadcasting for the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. In 1992 Mike did broadcasting for CBS in Albertville, France and in Lillehammer, Norway during the 1994 Olympic Games. The 1980 Olympic Team received many accolades after winning the goal medal, including being inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. On December 2, 1999 the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team was given the ultimate compliment when Sports Illustrated Magazine voted their moment the #1 sports moment of the century. On February 8, 2002 Eruzione and his teammates had the honor of lighting the Olympic Flame at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. For the past several years Eruzione has traveled throughout the country representing major corporations as their spokesperson and / or motivational speaker. Presently he is employed by Boston University as the Director of Development for Athletics. Eruzione is the Vice President of Business Development for Gymamerica.com which is a health & fitness website. Eruzione remains in his hometown of Winthrop with his wife and their three children. He is actively involved in fund raising events for the Olympic Committee as well as several Charitable and Youth Organizations. In December of 2001 he Appeared on "Who wants to be a Millionaire" where he won over $100,000.00 for local charities.
Sgt. Matt Eversmann Sgt. Matt Eversmann the hero of "Black Hawk Down" Played by Josh Hartnett in the 2002 Blockbuster Movie.
Ferguson Ferguson America's Youngest Nationally Syndicated Talk Show Host With his new book "It's My America Too", Ben Ferguson, the voice of America's youth and the host of The Ben Ferguson Show, one of the country's fastest-growing syndicated radio shows, delivers his views on all the issues, from politics to current affairs to popular culture. Everyone wants to know what Ferguson will say next -- and here's your chance. Ben Ferguson is a conservative who is also an independent thinker unafraid to take contrary positions. In It's My America Too, the twenty-two-year-old media star shoots from the hip and the lip on numerous topics. Ferguson tells us why he thinks the voting age should be lowered to sixteen; who the "New Minority" is -- the twenty-something men and women who are overworked, underpaid, overmarketed, and drastically underrepresented; why politicians talk about and at young adults, but never to them; how he feels about everything from homeschooling to sex, NASCAR, and George W. Bush; and much more. Ferguson's message is clear. He is not on a campaign to reform liberals and turn them into right-wing Republicans. He is presenting his views on American society and challenging those who do not agree with him to an open debate. Some will not agree with his political and religious views. What he hopes to accomplish, with both his radio show and this book, is to energize future generations about politics. The way to do this is through open communication. He is encouraging his generation (and even some in previous generations) to get involved and be heard. Hip and forthright, funny yet never pedantic, Ferguson offers a fresh viewpoint and insights on topics such as "What the Republican Party can learn from Bill Clinton"; "Why anti-Americanism is our problem"; and "Dubya: my favorite redneck." He reveals a positive outlook on the economy, offers his opinions on bias in the media, and also includes chapters on Donald Rumsfeld, affirmative action, and the values instilled in him by his mother and father. Ferguson's pride in his country, in his religious beliefs, and in his choices reflects his vision of the American dream. He is informed and determined to make a difference. Youthful as he is, he has a unique perspective not only on America and its history, but also on current events and issues. You may applaud his opinions or perhaps you will disagree with them. But for those of you who are angered by this book, Ferguson instructs: "Don't just get mad. Do something about it."
Sarah Ferguson An international personality, successful career woman and single working mother, Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is an inspiring role model whose extraordinary life is a testament to the powers of faith, resolve and resiliency. Against the backdrop of celebrity and privilege, Ferguson speaks candidly about her perils on the world stage and about her journey from near-ruin to reinvention and redemption. As the author, most recently, of What I Know Now: Simple Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Ferguson shares the hard-won lessons that have helped her work through challenges, told with her characteristic candor and down-to-earth charm. Her thoughtful, simple approach to dealing with obstacles applies to the struggles we all face in life. Bringing her natural warmth and talent as a storyteller to the podium, Ferguson draws from her extraordinary life to illuminate a wide range of topics. From overcoming personal struggles to living authentically, Ferguson shares compelling memories from her own life to engage audiences in an inspiring, candid speech. After graduating from Queen?s Secretarial College, Ferguson worked in public relations and fine art. After a year-long romance with Prince Andrew, the couple married in 1986. They had two children, Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary of York and Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena of York. Suddenly catapulted into international view, Ferguson had a short honeymoon with the media that was followed by constant attacks in the British media that scrutinized her clothes, weight and personality. After several years of her personal struggles being played out on the public stage, her rocky marriage with Prince Andrew ended in separation in 1992. Since her divorce from Prince Andrew, Ferguson has remained in the media spotlight as a commercial spokesperson, passionate humanitarian and successful author. She has represented leading companies such as Weight Watchers International, Waterford-Wedgwood and Compex Technologies. Ferguson is internationally recognized for her support of health-related causes around the world and humanitarian work for children in need. Her books include an autobiography, My Story; several self-help and dieting books such as Reinventing Yourself with The Duchess of York and Dieting with The Duchess; and children?s stories, including the Budgie the Little Helicopter series and Little Red books. Media interest in Ferguson remains as strong as ever. She is frequently the subject of interviews seen in leading national newspapers and magazines and she is a popular guest on top-rated television and radio programs. A true testament to her popularity and recognition internationally, she was recently a featured presenter at the Golden Globes Award ceremony in Los Angeles.
Dr. John Hope Franklin Dr. John Hope Franklin is the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History and, for seven years, was Professor of Legal History at Duke University Law School. He is a graduate of Fisk University and earned his A.M. and Ph.D. degrees in history from Harvard University. Widely known for his literature in history, Franklin has produced numerous works such as: The Emancipation Proclamation, The Free Negro in North Carolina, The Militant South and his best known, From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans, now in its seventh edition. Professor Franklin has served on many national commissions and delegations, including the National Council on the Humanities; the President's Advisory Commissions on Public Diplomacy, as well as Ambassadorial Appointments. He currently serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of One America: The President's Initiative on Race, and is the newly-appointed Chair of the National Park System Advisory Board.
Joe Frazier The son of a South Carolina sharecropper, Joe Frazier became a boxer by accident. He first went to a gym to work himself into shape. Shortly after, he began fighting competitively and became one of the best amateur heavyweights in the nation. He didn’t lose until he ran into Buster Mathis, who beat him in the 1964 Olympic trials. But, Mathis suffered a hand injury and Frazier replaced him at the Summer Games in Tokyo and came home with a gold medal. Joe Frazier turned pro under the guidance of Yank Durham in 1965 and ran off 11 straight wins until he ran into tough guy Oscar Bonavena, in September 1966. The Argentine dropped Frazier twice in one round, but Smokin’ Joe came off the deckk–showing the Madison Square Garden crowd the heart and character that would mark his career–to win a 10-round unanimous decision.
Morgan Freeman Morgan Freeman earned his first Academy Award nomination for his chilling performance as a homicidal pimp in the drama Street Smart, which also brought him the LA, N.Y., and National Society of Film Critics Awards for best supporting actor of 1987, as well as an Independent Spirit Award and a Golden Globe nomination. The part of the pimp, Fast Black, was a far cry from his big screen debut as the genial character Afro in his film debut, the 1971 childrens adventure Who Says I Cant Ride a Rainbow, and it signaled the film world that one of its most versatile stars was on the rise. The 16 year span between those titles saw Freeman range from Shakespeare to an undercover policeman in Eyewitness. The next two decades would see him become one of Hollywoods true luminaries. Freeman earned his second Oscar nomination in 1989, this time as Best Actor, recreating his award-winning Broadway role in Driving Miss Daisy. He garnered his third Academy Award nomination playing opposite Tim Robbins in the critically praised 1994 hit The Shawshank Redemption. His fourth nomination for Clint Eastwoods Million Dollar Baby won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2005. The Memphis-born actor began his career on New York stages in the early 1960s, following a stint as a mechanic in the Air Force. A decade later, he became a nationally known television personality when he created the popular character Easy Reader on the popular childrens show, The Electric Company. Throughout the 1970s, he continued his work on stage, winning the Drama Desk Award, the Clarence Derwent Award and receiving a Tony Award Nomination for his outstanding performance in The Mighty Gents in 1978. He also won an Obie Award for his portrayal of Shakespearean anti-hero, Coriolanus, at the New York Shakespeare Festival. In 1984, Morgan won another Obie for his role as The Messenger in the acclaimed Brooklyn Academy of Music production of Lee Breuer's Gospel at Colonus. In 1985, he was winner of the Dramalogue Award for the same role. The part of Hoke Coleburn in Alfred Uhrys Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Driving Miss Daisy brought him his third Obie Award. His last stage appearance was as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew at the New York Shakespeare Festivals Delacorte Theater with Tracey Ullman. In 1993, Freeman made his film directorial debut with Bopha!, starring Danny Glover and Alfre Woodard, and soon after formed Revelations Entertainment, a production company developing entertainment product in all existing and emerging media that enlightens, inspires and glorifies the human experience. Their most recent production was the Brad Silberling comedy 10 Items or Less, in which Freeman starred with Paz Vega. His other early film acting credits include Brubaker, Harry & Sons, Teachers, Marie; That Was Then, This Is Now, Clean & Sober, Johnny Handsome, the multiple award-winning Glory, Chain Reaction, the Steven Spielberg production, Amistad, Hard Rain, Deep Impact, Nurse Betty, Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, High Crimes, The Sum of All Fears and Warner Bros Dreamcatcher and The Big Bounce. Other recent films include Luc Bessons Unleashed, Robert Redfords An Unfinished Life, Batman Begins and narration on the Academy Award-winning documentary March of The Penguins. He also recently starred in Lucky Number Slevin, with Bruce Willis and Josh Hartnett and will soon be seen in the comedy sequel Evan Almighty, Ben Afflecks Gone Baby Gone, Robert Bentons The Feast of Love and the next chapter in the Batman saga The Dark Knight.
Juliet Funt Juliet Funt, daughter of Candid Camera's Allen Funt helps businesses nurture the human capital that is the fuel behind every organizational success. She has been featured in the L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Shape, and Professional Speaker Magazine. She is co-author of "The Communication Path" and "The Wellness Path," in the Path Training Series. In addition to her first career as an improvisational comedienne, Ms. Funt has had a varied business resume which includes managing in a large live events company, Human Relations training for the Los Angeles Police Department and even liaison work in a Palestinian/Israeli peace project.
Charles Garcia Charles Patrick Garcia is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a highly decorated military officer, a Columbia Law School graduate and a former White House Fellow. In 1997, at the age of thirty-six, he founded Sterling Financial Group of Companies with three people, which has grown to more than sixty offices in seven countries. The company was named the number one fastest growing Hispanic-owned business in the country by Hispanic Business Magazine, and number eight on the Inc 500 list of fastest growing privately-held companies in the nation. For his success across many fields, Garcia was named one of the nation's 100 most influential Hispanics and his leadership abilities have earned him a role in the administration of three U.S. Presidents, a Cabinet Secretary, a Governor and a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander. Garcia's commentary has been sought by CROSSFIRE, FOX News, CNN, CBS, Univision, Telemundo, CNN en Espańol and The Cristina Show. During the War in Iraq, Garcia served as Telemundo's military analyst providing daily live-behind-the-desk commentary.
Cristina Garcia In 1960, Cristina Garcias family fled Cuba in the wake of Fidel Castros Communist revolution. Drawing on her personal experiences in an expatriate family, Garcia speaks directly on the current issues of cultural identity and Cuban-American relations. As a powerful speaker with a marvelous charm she illuminates the complexities and contradictions of a dual cultural identity by exploring questions such as; What does it mean to have Hispanic roots and also to succeed within mainstream America? What are the drawbacks and benefits of this duality? Garcia has been a Guggenheim Fellow, a fellow at Princeton University, and is the recipient of the Whitting Writers Award.
Steve Garvey Baseball superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres and an excellent motivational speaker.
Luther Gatling Financial expert and founder and President of Budget & Credit Counseling Services, Inc. Buccs, which was the first credit counseling organization in the country to not only deal with the broad spectrum of consumer debt but also to serve as a kind of laboratory for bank products and their effect on community needs.
Marla Gibbs Best known as "Florence" on the CBS television hit series, "The Jeffersons." A highly successful film and television actress, Ms.Gibbs has been the recipient of numerous awards for her community service. A very funny and motivational lecture.
Malcolm Gladwell Malcolm Gladwell has an incomparable gift for generating value by interpreting groundbreaking research in psychology, sociology and neurology and applying it to business. In 2005, Time Magazine named Malcolm one of the 100 Most Influential People. He is the author of two New York Times #1 bestsellers With his first book Malcolm embedded the concept of The Tipping Point in our everyday vocabulary and gave organizations new tools for understanding how and why change happens, and how to create positive epidemics of ideas and behavior. In Blink he analyzes intuition—the judgments we make unconsciously and instinctively—and he explores how we can master this important aspect of successful decision-making. He is currently a staff writer for the New Yorker magazine. His editor describes his work as a new genre of story, an idea-driven narrative that’s focused on the everyday and combines research with material that's more personal, social and historical. He was previously a reporter for the Washington Post. Malcolm is an extraordinary speaker: always on target, aware of the context and the concerns of the audience, informative and practical, poised, eloquent and delightfully warm and funny. Magically, he entertains and shakes up your perspective at the same time. The Books Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking In the Blink of an eye, the unconscious mind decides lots of (often very important) things for us without our even knowing what we know or how we know it. In his groundbreaking book Blink, Malcolm describes how we make these decisions—both the good ones and the bad—why some people are so much better at it than others, and how we can improve our skill at interpreting these details correctly to become better decision makers—in our homes, in our offices, and in everyday life. Blink examines the smallest components of our experience, the content and origin of those instantaneous impressions and conclusions that bubble up whenever we meet a new person, or confront a complex situation, or have to make a decision under conditions of stress. If we paid more attention to these fleeting moments, it would change how we do a lot of things. If you combined all these little changes together, you’d end up with a different and happier world. Malcolm’s books are intellectual adventure stories. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference The Tipping Point is a book about change, in particular, a book that presents a new way of understanding why change happens as quickly and as unexpectedly as it so often does. It's that ideas and behavior and messages and products sometimes behave just like outbreaks of infectious disease. They are social epidemics. The Tipping Point is an examination of the social epidemics that surround us. In The Tipping Point, Malcolm describes how trends work and he helps companies apply this knowledge to their own business strategies. Using the principles of epidemiology—the study of epidemics—to understand the movement of ideas, he explains how trends start and spread and he offers tools for igniting, steering and/or sustaining the trends—“positive epidemics”—that matter to his audiences. Credentials Staff writer for The New Yorker Former science and medicine writer for The Washington Post Winner, National Magazine Award “Gladwell and his ideas have reached a tipping point of their own.” ~ Fast Company
Lillian Glass Relationship expert, motivational speaker and author of such books as He Says-She Says: Closing the communication Gap Between the Sexes; and Toxic people, Ten Ways to Handle People Who Make Your Life Miserable.
Danny Glover From Places in the Heart and the Lethal Weapon series to the award-winning To Sleep with Anger (which he also executive produced), Danny Glover is one of Hollywood's most renowned and respected leading men. An actor, producer, and director, this versatile superstar has impacted stage, screen, and television for over a decade.Glover's impressive and diverse body of work has earned him a host of awards, including several NAACP Image Awards, an ACE Award and Emmy nominations. Off-screen, Glover is a powerful advocate for literacy and has spoken to grammar and high school students around the nation about the joys of reading and education.
Cuba Gooding Academy award winning actor best known for his role in the movie, "Jerry McGuire."
Ellen Gootblatt Relationships expert and a former ABC Talkradio show host and a nationally syndicated advice columnist, Ellen Gootblatt's topics include, Sex, Passion & Intimacy; "Meeting, Dating and Mating: 250 Important Questions to Ask Before You Go Further in a Relationship and Men Aren't Women Understanding and Appreciating the Inherent Differences Between the Sexes." Ellen presents an upbeat, humorous, entertaining and motivational program that will be the highlight of your booking season.A "relationships" expert, a nationally syndicated advice columnist and author, Ellen Gootblatt was the host of the #1 rated ABC evening talk show heard in thritynine states, Getting Together with Ellen Gootblatt. Her radio talk show was about just that: how to build and sustain the finest relationships one can in a positive, optimistic way. Her topics varied widely from program to program, and her shows unpredictability was part of its appeal. The umbrella was male-female relationships: marriage, divorce, the lifestyle of singles and widows. But on any given night, the topic may have been parents and children; neighbor and friend or any other aspect of the human condition that piqued her interest and what she thought might be meaningful to her listeners. Ellen Gootblatt is a person who lives a full life and, whey they're relevant, shared her experiences with her listeners and guests. A former educator, her curiousity about people, common sense and sense of humor set the tone for the show. She questioned her guests celebrities and ordinary people about just the topics most of us would wonder about but wouldn't dare ask and disarmed them by being open, vulnerable and honest about herself. Ellens personal warmth and her ability to draw out her guests brought to her program such celebrities as Steve Allen, Valerie Harper, John Denver, David Brenner, David Steinberg, Kris Kristofferson, George Carlin, Patricia Neal, Phyllis Diller and Lucille Ball and somehow, in her presesnce, each of these prestigious stars found new stories to share.
Lou Gossett, Jr. Winner of an Academy Award for his performance in "An Officer and a Gentleman," Lou Gossett, Jr. is recognized as one of the leading actors of his generation. He speaks on civil rights as well as racism in Hollywood.
Nancy Grace Nancy Grace hosts Headline News' legal analysis program, Nancy Grace, on Headline Prime. She is based in CNN's New York bureau. One of television's most respected legal analysts, Grace comes to Headline News from Court TV, where she hosts the live daily trial coverage program, Closing Arguments. She also has appeared as a legal commentator on CNN's Larry King Live, ABC's The View, The Oprah Winfrey Show and numerous other cable and network programs. Her book, Objection!, was published by Hyperion in April 2005 and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Nancy Grace joined Court TV from the Atlanta Fulton County District Attorney's Office where she served for a decade as special prosecutor of felony cases involving serial murder, rape, child molestation and arson. Grace gave up career plans to become an English professor after the murder of her fiancé. She enrolled in law school, eventually becoming a prosecutor and an outspoken victims' rights advocate. Grace helped staff the hotline at an Atlanta battered women’s center for 10 years. She has written articles for the American Bar Association Journal and other law reviews. She was also a litigation instructor at Georgia State University's School of Law and a business law instructor at the university's school of business. Previously, Grace clerked with a federal court judge and practiced antitrust and consumer protection law with the Federal Trade Commission. Grace is the recipient of several American Women in Radio & Television Gracie Awards for her Nancy Grace Investigates primetime report on Court TV and for "Individual Achievement for Best Program Host." She has also been recognized for her ongoing support and advocacy of victims' rights by various groups, including the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation, Crime Victims United of California and The Retreat.
Lawrence Otis Graham Nationally known author, attorney and commentator on race, politics and diversity in America. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Larry is the author of 13 non-fiction books including Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class. His business diversity book Proversity: Getting Past Face Value was selected by the Society of Human Resource Managers and is used widely by coporate diversity managers. He previously wrote The Best Companies for Minorities.
John Gray Best selling author of numerous best selling books including, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus; Venus On a Date; and Mars And Venus Starting Over. Dr. Gray is an internationally regarded expert in the fields of communication, relationships and personal growth. His unique focus is assisting men and women in understanding, respecting and appreciating their differences.
Fred D. Gray The leading civil rights lawyer in America, Fred Gray's legal career spans a time period of over forty years. His career began in 1954 when he represented Rosa parks who was arrested because she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, which ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He was also Martin Luther King Jr.'s first civil rights attorney. Fred Gray is the author of Bus Ride to Justice (1995) and The Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1998).
Ernest Green Ernest Green Member of the "Little Rock Nine" Consultant born in Little Rock, Arkansas, September 22, 1941, Green earned his high school diploma from Central High School in Little Rock. He and eight other black students were the first to integrate Central High, following the 1954 US Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education that declared segregation illegal. They later would become known as the "Little Rock Nine." Green then went on to receive his bachelors in social science and masters in sociology from Michigan State University. He also received honorary doctorates from Michigan State University, Tougaloo College, and Central State University. Ernest G. Green is presently the Managing Director of Public Finance for Lehman Brothers' Washington, DC office. Since joining Lehman Brothers in 1987, Green has served as senior investment banker on transactions for such key clients as the City of New York, State of New York, and the City of Chicago to name a few. He has also been appointed as chairman of the African Development Foundation, by President Clinton, and chairman of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board by Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley. Prior to joining Lehman Brothers, Green was president of Ernest Green & Associates, a minority consulting firm that provided technical assistance in marketing, financial management, and economic forecasting. Green served as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training during the Carter Administration where he formulated the US Presidential Policy and directed implementation of a vast range of activities. Prior to his appointment as Assistant Secretary, Green served as Executive Director of the Recruitment and Training Program, Inc., an organization that recruits minorities for apprenticeship programs in the building trades. Green is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Executive Leadership Council, the Legislative Action Committee of the Public Securities Association, and chairs the National Association of Securities Professionals and Africare. Recently, he joined Winrock International's board of directors. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the March of Dimes Foundation and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. The recipient of numerous awards Green was the youngest recipient of the NAACP's Spingard Medal, at the age of seventeen. On November 9, 1999, President Clinton presented Green, along with the rest of the "Little Rock nine," the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor given to a civilian, for outstanding bravery during the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Several books, movies and documentaries have been produced chronicling Green and his eight classmates historic year at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas - the most recent being the Ernest Green Story, produced and distributed by the Walt Disney Corporation.
Jehmu Greene Jehmu Greene is a political activist, strategist, and motivational speaker. She served as President of Rock the Vote from 2003 - 2005. From 2000-2003, she served in numerous positions at the organization including Executive Director, Deputy Director, Campaign Director, Public Relations Director, and Partnership Director. Prior to Rock the Vote, she served as the Director of Women's Outreach and Southern Political Director at the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Jehmu also served as the Program Director for the Center for Policy Alternatives' Youth Voices Project and National Student Voter Education Day. Jehmu has been recognized as one of Essence Magazine's 40 Women Under 40 Shaping the World, and received the National Conference for Community and Justice's Community Service Award, American Association of University Women's Women of Distinction Award and National Council for Research on Women Women Making a Difference Award.
Monique Greenwood Monique Greenwood Former Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine & Author of Having What Matters: The Black Woman's Guide to Creating the Life You Really Want Program Title - Having What Matters... Monique Greenwood knows that having it all isn’t where it’s at—it’s having what matters. The former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine and author of *Having What Matters: The Black Woman’s Guide to Creating the Life You Really Want* has achieved enormous professional success which she measures not in dollars, but in personal satisfaction and fulfillment. For three years, Greenwood served as editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, the nation’s leading publication for African American women. She is co-founder and national president of the Go On Girl! Book Club, the largest African American book club in the country. She is an owner of two acclaimed bed-and-breakfast inns, entrepreneur, community activist, wife and mother. Greenwood graduated magna cum laude graduate from Howard University and is an alumna of the Program for Developing Managers at Simmons Graduate School of Business. An inspirational speaker, Greenwood’s varied experiences provide a fascinating backdrop for actionable advice on how to achieve a balanced life. Her lecture topics include making time for “me,” building community for “the new urban entrepreneur, bursting through boundaries and not being limited by the limited imaginations of others and how to make your dreams come true
Wayne Gretzky On June 2, 2000, Wayne Gretzky – the greatest player in the history of hockey – was introduced by Phoenix Coyotes owner and chairman Steve Ellman as the managing partner of the Coyotes in charge of all hockey operations. One year after retiring from the game he loved, Wayne returned to hockey, not as a general manager or coach, but as the man with the final say on all on-ice decisions for the Phoenix Coyotes. The Great One officially joined the Ellman ownership group on May 26, 2000, the same day it made a $10 million down payment to purchase the team from Richard Burke for $87 million. At 40, Wayne announced his retirement as a player on April 16, 1999, after 20 seasons in which he dominated the National Hockey League unlike any other player in history. He helped win four Stanley Cup Championships and three Canada Cup tournament titles during his illustrious career. He became the NHL's all-time leading goal, assist and point producer for both regular season and playoffs. He won 10 Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer, nine Hart Trophies as the League's MVP and two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP. He earned five Lady Byng Trophies as the NHL's most gentlemanly player and made 18 consecutive All-Star Game appearances, securing three All-Star MVP Awards. Wayne is an eight-time First All-Star Team member and seven-time Second All-Star Team member. He holds virtually every offensive record in the NHL and his tireless support of the game has contributed significantly to the popularity it enjoys today.
Alexander Haig One of the Most Decorated Military and Civilian Figures of Our Time Upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1947, Alexander M. Haig was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army, serving in Japan with the 1st Cavalry Division and on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur, in the Korean War with the X Corps and as aide to Lieutenant General Edward M. (Ned) Almond, and in Europe. He served in the Pentagon from 1962-1965 and in Vietnam in 1966-1967 as battalion and brigade commander, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism. Among his many other military decorations are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple heart, and decorations from Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Morocco, France, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Portugal. In January 1969, he became the Senior Military Advisor to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, Dr. Henry Kissinger, and later became Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. In 1972, he was promoted to full General. During his four years in the White House, he served as the personal emissary of the President to negotiate the Vietnam ceasefire and the return of U.S. prisoners of war. He also coordinated President Nixon’s historic visit to China. General Haig was serving as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army when President Nixon named him White House Chief of Staff, at which point he retired after twenty-six years in the Army. In October 1974 at his request, President Ford recalled him to active duty as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. European. Two months later he was appointed Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, responsible for the integrated military forces of NATO. In 1979, he resigned his post and retired from the Army. He was elected president and COO of United Technologies Corporation, also serving on its board of directors. In January 1981, he was sworn in as the 59th U.S. Secretary of State. General Haig is currently chairman of his own advisory firm, Worldwide Associates, Inc., assisting corporations around the world in providing strategic advice on global, political, economic, commercial and security matters. He is host of the weekly television program, “World Business Review,” and is a member of the board of directors of Metro-Goldwyn Mayer, Inc, MGM Mirage, inc., Indevus Pharmaceuticals, inc., and the Chairman of the Board of DOR BioPharma, Inc. He was a founding Director of America Online, Inc. General Haig is the author of two books: Caveat: Realism, Reagan and Foreign Policy (1984), and his autobiography, Inner Circles: How America Changed the World – A Memoir (1992).
Shirley Taylor Haizlip Shirley Taylor Haizlip's best selling book The Sweeter the Juice: A Family Memoir in Black & White,is a provocative memoir that goes to the heart of our American identity. While searching for her mother's family, Blacks who passed for whites, she confronts the tensions of race and skin color.
Arsenio Hall Well known comedian, actor and television talk show host.
Mia Hamm Mia is widely recognized as the world's best all-around women's soccer player. In Atlanta at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games she proved it by leading her team to Team Gold in front of 80,000 screaming fans in Athens, Georgia. Never in history had so many spectators come out to watch a women's sporting event. The Games highlighted female athletes like no other time in modern history and Mia emerged as one of the Game's true examples for people of all ages who have a dream and go for it. The 1999 Women's World Cup, where the USA took home the championship in front of 40 million viewers in this country alone, sold over 650,000 tickets, including sellouts at Giants Stadium and the Rose Bowl. There is no stopping women's soccer and Mia's enormous impact, both on and off the field. Having played collegiately at UNC and leading her team to four consecutive NCAA championships, she inherited the nickname "Jordan" (after a basketball player at NC named Michael!) because of her athletic ability on the field and sportsmanship, determination and commitment off it. Her awards and accomplishments only tell part of the story of this remarkable athlete; she gives much of her precious free time to charitable causes and strives, in anything she does, to promote women's athletics, the sport of soccer, and a feeling of confidence and sense of purpose in young people (male or female). Mia was the youngest player ever to play for our National Team (age 15) and has been a member ever since (the team won the World Championships in 1991, Mia's second time on the team). Her records in appearances and goals, MVP awards and overall performance put her at the top of the sport as she looks forward to the 2004 Olympics (she has been US Soccer's Female Athlete of the year five consecutive years). As Phil Knight, Chairman of Nike says "I think we've had three athletes who just played at a level that added a new dimension to their games. That's been Michael Jordan, in basketball, and in some ways Mia Hamm in women's soccer and Tiger Woods in golf." In April of 1999, Nike named the largest building on its corporate campus after Mia. Having seen the enormous support her and her teammates received at the '96 and '00 Games, Mia became a founding member of the Women's United Soccer Association and led the Washington Freedom to the Founder's Cup. Poised, articulate and honest, Mia is a pioneer in her sport and a role model for athletes and fans alike who believe in equal opportunity, Title IX legislation, and the love of the game.
Quay Hanna Authentic is one of the best ways to describe Quay Hanna. When he began his career as a speaker, he didn't get paid for any engagements for the first 3 years. In fact, he would take time off from his construction job to visit the schools that were in need. He is truly dedicated to the cause of getting teenagers to respect one another, regardless of differences they may have. His interaction with students has been shown to effectively change attitudes of young people and the entire school environment. Not only do students begin to break through the labels they are given, but they also begin to look at others very differently. In 1993, Quay set out on a mission. After graduating from college with a B.A. in English, he left his small town of Strasburg, PA to see America. He hopped on a Greyhound bus and began traversing the country. Nine weeks, thirty-seven states, and twelve-thousand miles later, he got more than an incredible journey and hundreds of stories to tell. As he traveled he was forced to confront his own racist and prejudiced beliefs, causing him to realize that life had more to offer than his lifelong hatred of others. Upon his return to Strasburg, he had a new objective: to reach out to his subculture- rural, white America – and to challenge racist beliefs as his were challenged on the trip. Quay published a book about his life-changing experience entitled, Bus America: Revelation of a Redneck and began telling his story to audiences around the country in 1997. Nine years and hundreds of schools later, he is still entertaining and educating students on a daily basis. He is not your "bells-and-whistles" type of speaker. It is only a man in his t-shirt and jeans with a microphone. No multimedia. No magic tricks. No stand-up routine. Quay presents in a simple and honest way that has caused hundreds of thousands of students to take an introspective look at their lives. Quay's programs are extremely effective in schools that are looking to act in a proactive way towards student relations, or for schools that are currently struggling with racial and prejudicial issues. In addition to his assembly speaking, he also offers consultation to school officials and communities dealing with hatred and violence, along with private consultation for individuals or groups that are showing interest or are involved in hate-filled beliefs and activities. Rest assured, Quay's participation in your school will help put it on the path to reconciliation and peace.
Sean Hannity Co-Host of “Hannity & Colmes” (Fox News), host of "The Sean Hannity Show" (ABC Radio) Sean Hannity joined the FOX News Channel in September, 1996 as co-host of "Hannity & Colmes." He serves as the program's conservative counterpart to liberal Alan Colmes, and the show has now become the highest-viewed debate show on cable television. He also hosts "The Sean Hannity Show" three hours daily from his studios at ABC Radio Network. Syndicated on 430 stations nationwide, Sean's voice reaches 14 million listeners daily. In October, 2003 Sean received the Marconi Award (NAB) for "Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year." Four months later he was named "National Talk Host of the Year" at the Annual Radio & Records Talk Radio Seminar in Washington, D.C. Talkers Magazine has also named Sean "Talk Show Host of the Year" and one of the "Top 100 Talk Hosts in America." His most recent book, "Deliver Us From Evil: Defeating Terrorism, Despotism, and Liberalism," was released in February, 2004 and debuted at the #1 spot on New York Times bestseller list and maintained that position for five weeks. Sean is also the author of New York Times bestseller "Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty Over Liberalism," published in 2002.
Hill Harper Despite his many accolades and awards, or maybe because of them, Hill Harper made a commitment to work in service of our youth. To pass along the lessons he learned and provide a foundation for young brothers and sisters to use as a launching pad to success. Hill knew early on that education is the key to unlock potential and open doors. He pursued his education with a passion and determination that resulted in him graduating Magna Cum Laude from Brown University. But not satisfied with that success, he went on to earn graduate degrees in Law and Public Administration from Harvard University.After achieving his goals in higher education, Hill began to pursue his career in acting with the same dedication and discipline he exhibited in the classroom. His hard work paid off as he is now seen in the hit CBS drama, CSI:NY. His appearance on the show has earned him two NAACP Image Awards. Prior to his current series Hill appeared in the CBS series' City of Angels and The Handler and he made numerous guest starring appearances in top shows such as Soul Food, The Sopranos, ER, NYPD Blue, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Of course, Hill is also an accomplished and acclaimed film actor he recently starred in the HBO movie, Lackawanna Blues and received critical acclaim for his performance in the independent film, The Visit. Again, Hill's film credits are numerous and include appearances in In Too Deep, Beloved, He Got Game, Get On The Bus, Zooman, and One Red Rose [which he co-wrote for Showtime.]He has been awarded an additional three NAACP Image awards for his literary accomplishments Outstanding Literary Work: Youth/Teens (2007, 2008) and Outstanding Literary Work: Debut Author (2007). Hill has authored his first book for adults: The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships; it has also been recognized as a New York Times Bestseller. Also Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny, published in 2008 and "The Conversation", published in 2009.
Keith Harrell Popular author and motivational speaker, Keith Harrell is a dynamic life coach who specializes in changing behavior through a positive attitude. His latest book is Attitude Is Everything: Ten Life Changing Steps to Turning Attitude Into Action.
Judge Glenda Hatchett Judge Hatchett is a nationally-syndicated television program produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. It stars the Honorable Glenda Hatchett and is modeled after "judge shows" such as The People's Court and Judge Judy. In addition to dealing with traditional small-claims lawsuits (with a plaintiff, a defendant, and monetary awards sought), she also handles DNA Paternity Tests and Out of Control Teens. Judge Hatchett is criticised by some for being overly harsh to younger defendants, especially minors in her "Out of Control Teens" situations. Her fans, however, interpret her seemingly harsh demeanor as "tough love" and proof that she cares about them and wants to set them on the right path. Judge hatchett's program is featured on the news station Fox 5 at 3 P.M. through 4 P.M., after the hour-long Judge Alex and preceded by another hour-long Fox 5 News At 5 program. It features real cases in a variety of different kinds of civil cases, from unprotected sex and pregnancy at a young age to fights at an older age, as well as rich cases of harassment and classic civil lawsuits.
Roy Hawthorne Navajo code talker and World War II Marine veteran, Roy Hawthorne passed battle orders and maneuvers between himself and other Navajos like "whispers in the wind" in the war's Pacific Theater. The code, created from the Dine language, the Navajo native tongue, was never broken nor was it revealed until 1968, when the military declassified the secret. In 2001, Hawthorne received the congressional silver medal for his role in World War II and with the release of the movie, Windtalkers, Roy Hawthorne is now free to tell the story of Native American contributions to winning the war.
Henry J. Heimlich, MD Famous medical researcher, surgeon and developer of the “Heimlich Maneuver.”
John Hennessy The founder of MIPS Computer Systems Inc., is currently serving as the 10th President of Stanford University. He earned his Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Villanova University, and his Master's degree and Ph.D. in computer science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Hennessy became a Stanford faculty member in 1977. In 1984, he used his sabbatical year to found MIPS Computer Systems Inc. to commercialize his research in RISC processors. In 1987, he became the Willard and Inez Kerr Bell Endowed Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Hennessy served as director of Stanford's Computer System Laboratory (1989-1993), a research center run by Stanford's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments. He was chair of the Department of Computer Science (1994-1996) and Dean of the School of Engineering (1996-1999). Hennessy and David A. Patterson have written two well-known books about computer architecture, Computer Organization and Design: the Hardware/Software Interface (2 editions; latest is ISBN 1558604286) and Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach (3 editions, latest is ISBN 1558603298). They have been widely used as textbooks for graduate and undergraduate courses since 1990.
David Hilliard Former Chief of Staff of the Black Panther party. He was active throughout every major event in the Panther's history and speaks about the FBI's secret war against them that resulted in false imprisonment and murder. Hilliard is author of This Side of Glory: An Autobiography and History of the Black Panther Party and Active and Dangerous: The U.S. War Against the Black Panthers. Hilliard currently serves as the Executive Director of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation.
John Hockenberry Three-time Peabody Award winner, four-time Emmy award winner and Dateline NBC correspondent, John Hockenberry has broad experience as a journalist and commentator for more than two decades. He has reported from all over the world, in virtually every medium, having anchored programs for network, cable and radio. Hockenberry was responsible for two of the most innovative programs to air on MSNBC. The program “Hockenberry’ was a smart provocative news interview program which broadcast live from the war in Kosovo in 1999, while “Edgewise” was a unique blend of raw documentary filmaking and interviews with newsmakers passionate about politics and culture. Hockenberry joined NBC as a correspondent for Dateline NBC in January 1996 after a fifteen-year career in broadcast news at both National Public Radio and ABC News. Hockenberry's reporting for Dateline NBC earned him three Emmys, an Edward R Murrow award and a Casey Medal. His most prominent Dateline NBC reports include an hour-long documentary on the often-fatal tragedy of the medically uninsured, an emotionally gripping portrait of a young schizophrenic trying to live on his own, and extensive reporting in the aftermath of September 11th. His programs have illuminated issues and events from corporate downsizing and the new face of homelessness to the mysterious world of Saudi Arabia post 9/11. Hockenberry obtained the first television interview with a family member of two of the terrorist hijackers in Saudi Arabia. His investigative work has scrutinized pharmaceutical industry scandals and discrimination against people with disabilities in employment and housing.
Brain Holloway A Stanford All-American, 1st round draft pick, and 5 time All-Pro, Brian Holloway excelled as the powerhouse and team leader at the core of the 1985 New England Patriots Super Bowl team. In 1986, Brian was elected by his peers to forge the new directions in NFL policy, becoming the youngest Vice President of the NFL Players Association at age 23. He retired from the NFL in 1992 after eight seasons with the New England Patriots and two with the Los Angeles Raiders. Look for his distinguished football accomplishments to someday be recorded in Pro Football's Hall of Fame. Today, Holloway is an international motivational speaker and renowned corporate trainer. Brian's strategies and case studies are his own. They are based on practiced disciplines and proven results, not old management theories that do not reach the people. His personal style establishes trust and builds instant rapport -- the key to bringing a team together. Entertaining while instructing, Brian uses multi-media technology along with actual game footage to show his critical points on achieving new levels of excellence. These powerful, high impact presentations have immediate value for every person competing for market share in a changing and turbulent economy. Holloway's accomplishments have landed him appearances on Good Morning America, the Today show, ESPN, USA Network, and NBC Sports, and feature coverage in USA Today, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The L.A. Times, and The Chicago Tribune. He has testified before Congress, guest lectured at Harvard Business School, and been the featured speaker at the Stanford University Centennial Celebration. Holloway has also maintained qualifying entrance for Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Born to an Air Force family in Omaha, Nebraska in July 1959, Brian grew up to face and overcome many challenges--his youth spent adjusting to life in 12 different states, even being labeled a "slow learner." Persistence and an unstoppable spirit propelled Brian through his early struggles and on to academic and athletic awards though his high school and college years. He was heavily recruited by Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and Princeton, and showered with over 350 scholarship offers. He chose Stanford, and there earned varsity letters in both football and track under Coach Bill Walsh. Brian's commitment to service grew throughout his playing days, when he helped develop the first College Degree Completion Program for Professional Athletes. Beyond the game, he helped establish the Challenger Center for Space Education--a living educational memorial to the ill-fated crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger. His community activism embraces the homeless and inner city youth, and he vigorously supports the Special Olympics. Brain maintains a seat on Stanford's Athletic Board and also shares his energy with D.A.R.E. and United Way. President Bill Clinton recognized Brian Holloway in 1995 as one of America's top young leaders. Holloway assists private sector organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit groups to achieve their goal of increased productivity and maximized profits. Topics: *** Unstoppable Teams and the Leadership Within: In the NFL, winning was about great dreams that could only be achieved by working seamlessly together. The culture exuded confidence. Leadership and decisions were pushed down to the front line. We were absolutely empowered to win! Winning teams excelled at speedy information sharing -- in short, learning and improving at every level. The Leaders, their language, their attitudes, and their vision created the pathways to a dynamic future and the breakthroughs to get there. In the corporate world, organizations and work teams that operate under this team commitment and learning context are worlds apart from those that operate under the traditional command and control model of management.
Mike Huckabee Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is the host of the number one rated weekend hit "HUCKABEE" on the Fox News Channel, and is heard three times daily across the nation on the "Huckabee Report" on the ABC Radio Network, the fast growing new program on the ABC Radio Network in years. He is the author of 6 books, the most recent being "Do the Right Thing," which spent its first 7 weeks of release in the top ten of the New York Times Bestseller list. After his quest for the Republican nomination for President in 2008, in which he finished second to John McCain, he formed HuckPac to assist Republicans running for office nationwide and has amassed a volunteer army of thousands of activists in all 50 states. From 1996-2007, Huckabee served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas and was recognized as a national leader, having been honored by several renowned publications and organizations for his numerous accomplishments. Governing Magazine named him as one of its 'Public Officials of the Year' for 2005, Time Magazine honored him as one of the five best governors in America, and later in the same year, Huckabee received the American Association of Retired Person's Impact Award. In 2007, he was presented with the Music for Life Award by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for his commitment to music education. He served as the Chairman of the prestigious National Governors Association as well as the Education Commission of the States and the Interstate Oil and Gas Commission. Huckabee became governor in July 1996 when his predecessor resigned. He was one of the youngest governors in the country at the time. Huckabee was elected to a full four-year term as governor in 1998, attracting the largest percentage of the vote ever received by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Arkansas, and was re-elected to another four-year term in November 2002. Huckabee first was elected lieutenant governor in a 1993 special election and was elected to a full four-year term in 1994. He was only the fourth Republican to be elected to statewide office since Reconstruction. A significant part of his early adult life was spent as a pastor and denominational leader. He became the youngest president ever of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, the largest denomination in Arkansas. Huckabee led rapidly growing congregations in Pine Bluff and Texarkana. He said those experiences gave him a deep sense of the problems faced by individuals and families. Huckabee's efforts to improve his own health have received national attention. Diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2003, he lost 110 pounds. Barely two years later, he had completed four marathons: The 2005 and 2006 Little Rock Marathons, the Marine Corps Marathon and the ING New York City Marathon. As a result of his accomplishments, The Road Runners Club of America named him its 'Southern Region Runner of the Year' and USA Track & Field has named him their 'Athlete of the Week' for the country. Continuing to call for a national emphasis on living a healthy lifestyle, Huckabee completed his fourth book, "Quit Digging Your Grave With A Knife and Fork." This 12-stop program is a no-nonsense approach to managing one's health through lifestyle change rather than a simple diet and exercise plan. Huckabee, 53, is an avid musician and is bass player in his rock-n-roll band, Capitol Offense, which has opened for artists such as Willie Nelson and the Charlie Daniels Band, and has played the House of Blues in New Orleans, the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, CO and for two presidential inauguration balls. He is featured each week in the musical segment of his Fox show with the Fox house band, "The Little Rockers." His hobbies include hunting, fishing, running, and music. He was named one of the 25 most influential people for conservation by Outdoor Life magazine, and has was named as Man of the Year by the American Sportfishing Association in 1997. The former governor and his wife, Janet, live in North Little Rock. They have three grown children: John Mark, David and Sarah.
Dog The Bounty Hunter Considered the greatest bounty hunter in the world, Duane "Dog" Chapman has made more than 6,000 captures in his 27-year career. This highly intense, charismatic ex-con and born-again Christian is the king of the comebacks. This modern-day hero once served time in a Texas prison. "I am what rehabilitation stands for," Dog says. Now on the right side of the law, Dog is tireless in his efforts to bring in the bad guys and encourage them to turn their lives around. Over the years, the list of fugitives Dog claims to have either helped catch or single-handedly brought to justice reads like a who's who of America's most wanted, including high-profile rapist and Max Factor heir, Andrew Luster. Dog credits much of his success to his knack for getting the most out of his informants. "Seventy percent of all my captures happen because some good ol' American has turned them in by giving me information," he says. Raised in Denver, Dog is the oldest of four children born to Wesley and Barbara Chapman. His dad was a welder in the U.S. Navy, while his mother was a minister with the First Assembly of God who often traveled to Native American reservations to teach the gospel. Dog currently resides in Hawaii with his wife and business partner, Beth, and three of his children
Immaculee Ilibagiza Immaculee Ilibagiza is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and author of Left to Tell and Led by Faith. Immaculee is a living example of faith put into action. Immaculees life was transformed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide when she and seven other women spent 91 days hiding, huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastors house. She emerged to find that nearly her entire family had been brutally murdered. Immaculee found solace and peace in prayer and began to pray from the time she opened her eyes in the morning to the time she closed her eyes at night. Through prayer, she eventually found it possible, and in fact imperative, to forgive her tormentors and her familys murderers. This is a powerful presentation of faith and forgiveness.
"Bo" Jackson Bo Jackson was one of the most talented and versatile athletes this country has ever seen. An All-Star in baseball for the Kansas City Royals and an All-Pro in football for the Oakland Raiders, Jackson was one of a handful of athletes who ever successfully played both professional baseball and football in the same year. Tragically, Bo's career was cut short by injuries, but fans certainly will remember him for the time when he was in the spotlight. Off the field, Bo rose to greatness as well. In his book, Bo Knows Bo (a play on his habit of referring to himself in the third person), Jackson revealed problems that he had off the field, especially as a younger man, with anger and relationships (Jackson had a troubled childhood, growing up without a father). Today, even though his playing days are over, Jackson has gone on to great success, including a reputation as a terrific dad himself and one of the nicest guys in sports.
Jesse Jackson Reverend Jesse Jackson is one of America's foremost political figures. For more than thirty years he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, economic and social justice. A two-time presidential candidate and a leader in the fight against South African apartheid, he has been on the Gallup List of "Ten Most Respected Americans" for the past ten years. Reverend Jesse Jackson serves as president of the National Rainbow Coalition and is one of America's foremost political figures. Over the past three decades he has played a major role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality and economic and social justice. Rev. Jackson has been called the "conscience of the nation" and "the great unifier," challenging America to establish just and humane priorities and bringing people together on common ground across lines of race, class, gender and belief. Years before they were common positions, Rev. Jackson was advocating national health care, a war on drugs and peace negotiations with the Soviet Union and the Middle East. His strong stand against apartheid in South Africa in 1984 made it a forefront national issue. Rev. Jackson's two presidential campaigns broke new ground in U.S. politics. His 1984 campaign won 3.5 million votes, registered over a million new voters and helped the Democratic Party regain control of the Senate in 1986. His 1988 candidacy won seven million votes and registered two million new voters. His clear progressive agenda and his ability to build an unprecedented coalition inspired millions to join the political process. As a highly respected world leader, Rev. Jackson has acted many times as an international diplomat in sensitive situations. In 1984, he secured the release of captured Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman from Syria, as well as the release of 48 Cuban and Cuban-American prisoners in 1987. He was the first American to bring hostages out of Kuwait and Iraq in 1990. Rev. Jackson was elected a U.S. Senator from Washington, D.C. in 1990, a position also known as "Statehood Shadow Senator." The office was created to advocate for statehood for Washington, D.C. A hallmark of Rev. Jackson's work has been his commitment to the youth. He has visited thousands of high schools, colleges and universities, encouraging excellence and challenging students to stay in school and away from drugs. He has also been a major force in the American labor movement, working with unions to organize workers, mediating labor disputes, walking picket lines and speaking at labor rallies. He has visited prisons, bringing comfort to the abandoned and discouraging recidivism. Rev. Jackson has received numerous honors for his work in human rights and social justice. In 1991, the U.S. Post Office placed his likeness on a pictorial postal cancellation, only the second living person to receive such an honor. He has been on the Gallup List of Ten Men Most Respected by Americans for 10 years. He has also received the prestigious NAACP Springarn Award and been awarded over 40 honorary degrees.
Keith Jackson Keith Jackson has also combined his college degree in communications and his professional playing experience to become a broadcast analyst with TNT television for one year, the Oklahoma Sooner football radio network in 1998, Fox Sports Network in 1999 and the Arkansas Razorback Sports Network in 2000. He has become one of the most dynamic and inspirational speakers in the country. His speaking engagements include churches, civic groups, corporations and schools. Keith speaks from one gamut of the spectrum to the next. And when it comes to pleasing the crowd, Keith has a natural knack for doing just that. With his wealth of knowledge and sense of humor, all audiences regardless of age, sex, race or political agenda are completely focused on what he has to say. One conference attendee said, "Your speech was the highlight of the conference for me. I found your stories and your passion for helping those in need to be very inspiring. Most of all, your practical approach to education and self-suffiency was so down-to-earth and refreshing. You inspired me a great deal and put a renewed spark in my efforts to make a difference." Keith speaks from an array of topics such as: Community Building, Teamwork, Education, Sports, Religion, as well as, other motivational topics. If there is someone or an entire group needing uplifting or that extra push to become all they can be, Keith is certainly the one to get them to the next level in their life or business.
David Jacobsen Motivational speaker and former Middle East hostage who lectures on coping with adversity in everyday living.
Dan Jansen 1994 Olympic gold medalist Dan Jansen is a symbol of strength, hard work and perseverance. He first captured the world’s attention during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Hearts went out to him when the world learned that his sister, whose last words were ones urging him to victory, had died mere hours before his first race. He announced that he wanted to win as a tribute to her and as he stepped onto the ice, we cheered a little louder than normal. When he fell not once--but twice--we felt his pain as if it were our own. After the 1988 Olympics, letters poured in from fans worldwide, President Reagan invited him to the White House, and the U.S. Olympic Committee honored him with the Olympic Spirit Award. The speed skating champion embodies the competitive spirit, and his story inspires us to reach for our own personal Jansen continued to train and in 1989, he skated a personal best in the 500 meter, earning a silver medal at the Sprint Championships and two silvers at the World Cup. The following year, he won two silvers at the World Cup and this time, earned a gold at the Sprint Championships. The winning streak continued in 1991, when he won two World Cup gold medals. In preparation for the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, he set a U.S. Track Record at the U.S. Trials again, won two gold medals in the World Cup and skated his career fastest 500 meter, breaking the world record. But again, the Olympic gold eluded his grasp. During his final chance in the 1994 Olympic games Dan told himself to relax and enjoy himself. His performance dazzled the spectators with a world record and an Olympic gold medal in the 1000 meter event. As he took his victory lap, there was not a dry eye in the arena. Among numerous awards and honors he has received throughout the years, in 1995 Dan was awarded the Amateur Athletic Union’s James E. Sullivan Award, presented annually to the outstanding athlete in the U.S. who exhibits the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship, and the ideals of amateurism. In honor of his sister, the Dan Jansen Foundation was established, contributing funds for Leukemia research, youth sports, and educational programs. The youngest of nine children born to Harry and Gerry Jansen, a retired police officer and a retired nurse, Dan is a first class competitor. He is also a man who knows about dreaming big and the work, positive attitude, and strength it takes to make those dreams come true. As a public speaker, he uses his story to inspire others to turn their dreams into reality.
Benjamin Todd Jealous Benjamin Todd Jealous grew up believing that there was no higher calling than to further the cause of freedom in this country and in the world. It is a mindset he inherited from of his parents and grandparents. Their drive for community betterment blazed the trail for Jealous own deep commitment to social justice, public service and human rights activism. Now, as the 17th President and Chief Executive Officer of the NAACP, and the youngest person to hold the position in the organization’s nearly 100-year history, Jealous is well positioned to answer the call. During his career, he has served as president of the Rosenberg Foundation, director of the U.S. Human Rights Program at Amnesty International and Executive Director of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a federation of more than 200 black community newspapers. From his early days of organizing voter registration drives up until his nomination and election as NAACP president, Jealous has been motivated by civic duty and a constant need to improve the lives of America's underrepresented. All things considered, Jealous’ leadership roles and active community involvement have well prepared him for his current duties as president of the NAACP. In fact, his path through journalism and the Black Press is not unlike several other former NAACP presidents, including Roy Wilkins, Walter White, Ida B. Wells and W.E.B. Dubois. As a student at Columbia University, he worked in Harlem as a community organizer for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. On campus, Jealous led school-wide movements, including boycotts and pickets for homeless rights, a successful campaign to save full-need financial and need-blind admissions when other national universities were cutting such programs, and an environmental justice battle with the University. These protests ultimately led to the suspension of Jealous and three other student leaders. Jealous used this time off to work as a field organizer helping to lead a campaign that prevented the State of Mississippi from closing two of its three public historically black universities, and converting one of them into a prison. He remained in Mississippi to take a job at the Jackson Advocate, an African American newspaper based in the state’s capital. His reporting -- for the frequently firebombed weekly -- was credited with exposing corruption amongst high-ranking officials at the state prison in Parchman. His investigations also helped to acquit a small black farmer who had been wrongfully and maliciously accused of arson. His work at the Jackson Advocate eventually lead to his promotion to Managing Editor. In 1997, Jealous returned to Columbia University and completed his degree in political science. With the encouragement of mentors, he applied and was accepted to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar where he earned a master's degree in comparative social research. Jealous eventually went on to serve as Executive Director of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). While at the NNPA, he rebuilt its 90-year old national news service and launched a web-based initiative that more than doubled the number of black newspapers publishing online. Most recently, Jealous was President of the Rosenberg Foundation, a private independent institution that funds civil and human rights advocacy to benefit California's working families. Prior to that, he was Director of the U.S. Human Rights Program at Amnesty International. While there he led efforts to pass federal legislation against prison rape, rebuild public consensus against racial profiling in the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks, and expose the widespread sentencing of children to life without the possibility of parole. Active in civic life, Jealous is a board member of the California Council for the Humanities, and the Association of Black Foundation Executives, as well as a member of the Asia Society. He is married to Lia Epperson Jealous, a professor of constitutional law and former civil rights litigator with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. They presently reside in Washington, DC with their young daughter.
Bruce Jenner Bruce Jenner captivated the world’s attention when he broke the world record in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal, earning the title, “World’s Greatest Athlete.” Since that time, he has been far from removed from the public eye. He has become a highly respected motivational speaker, sports commentator, entrepreneur, commercial spokesperson, television personality, actor, producer, and author. A devoted father and husband, he is also a loyal supporter of many non profit and charitable organizations such as the Special Olympics and the Pediatric Aids Foundation. Bruce is vice chair of the most preeminent network marketing company in the United States, Longevity Network. Also, he serves as director of special promotions for Allegiance Telecom, one of the nation’s leading telecommunication programs. Public appearances and endorsements on behalf of a wide variety of corporate sponsors are a major part of his busy schedule. Bruce’s first corporate relationship put him on the Wheaties cereal box cover for seven years, and he still represents Wheaties through a variety of personal appearances. Also, he is the subject of a new CD-ROM game entitled Bruce Jenner’s World Class Decathlon. He has been appointed to the Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports and serves on numerous advisory boards including Angel Planes Children’s Miracle Flights, The National Dyslexia Research Foundation, and David Rickey Company. Corporate and community audiences nationwide are captivated by his message, Finding the Champion Within. Bruce’s energy translates easily into his presentation, and audiences are visibly moved by his unique success story. Several companies have taken notice of his ability to motivate and appeal to the public. He was the 1991 national spokesperson for the General Aviation Task Force and represented NeoLife health care products worldwide. He and his wife, Kris, travel with the Coca Cola team, making appearances for such events as the Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Cup. Sports continue to be an important part of Bruce’s life. He is a commercially rated pilot who flies his own jet and he races cars professionally in Grand Prix events around the world. A guest host and special correspondent on Good Morning America, he served as their official representative to the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. He has been a commentator for a wide variety of NBC sports coverage. A gifted media personality, Bruce can often be seen in guest-starring roles on prime time television series. He has been the subject of countless magazine and newspaper articles worldwide and has acted in movies and is also a highly regarded author. His latest book is entitled Finding the Champion Within. Bruce and his wife, Kris, are well known for launching their successful infomercial series entitled “SuperFit with Bruce and Kris Jenner.” The show can be seen in over 35 countries and in 17 different languages. They recently completed their first video together, ” Women’s Self Defense and Fitness Program.” Over the years, Bruce has received numerous accolades. He was honored as the Associated Press “Male Athlete of the Year” and was inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame. Among other honors and awards, he is the recipient of the Celebrity Outreach Award for his extensive work assisting and aiding in charity fundraisers. Most Requested Topics: Finding the Champion Within: This is an invigorating program, summoning and directing the forces within all of us to be champions, no matter what the playing field. Jenner takes the audience step by step through his decathlon training leading to his victorious Olympic gold medal in 1976...the decathlon victory being a larger metaphor for all our dreams and goals in life. Jenner offers his own tried and true methods to buckle down and make what matters most in one's life come to fruition. His advice is solid and clear and his motivational style will make you want to jump out of the starting blocks with a winner's determination.
Tommy John Baseball pitching great and inspirational speaker.
Magic Johnson Earvin Johnson, Jr. may best be known for his winning ways during his illustrious 13-year NBA career, but today the basketball legend directs his efforts toward his growing business and philanthropic empire, Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE). Unparalleled Athletic Success Earvin Magic Johnson is famous for his brilliant passing skills, all-around sublime talent, illuminating smile, and engaging personality. During his 12-year pro basketball career, Johnson led the LA Lakers to five NBA championships and nine appearances in the NBA Finals. After announcing that he was HIV-positive and retiring from basketball in 1991, he was voted as a starter in the 1992 All-Star Game, and later chosen as a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team. We Are the Communities We Serve While Mr. Johnson may be best known for his prowess on the basketball court, he is also a successful businessman and committed philanthropist. The Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) is a non-profit organization that provides support to community-based organizations that serve the health, educational and social needs of inner-city youth and organizations. In addition, the Foundation is committed to raising awareness about several health and social concerns that threaten under-served communities.
Willie Jolley Willie Jolley is “America’s Premier Celebrity Speaker – Singer – Author… Inspiring Millions with Music & Motivation!” He is an award winning speaker, a world-class singer, and a best selling author and media personality all in one person! He specializes in Accelerating Success and Growing Businesses by Growing People, Performance and Profits. Willie Jolley was recently inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, a lifetime award for speaking excellence and professionalism. He joined luminaries like Ronald Reagan, Zig Ziglar, Harvey McKay and Les Brown. And in 1999, Willie Jolley was named “One of the Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” by Toastmasters International. Less than 50 speakers worldwide have been bestowed that honor! Former winners include Christopher Reeve, Margaret Thatcher and Colin Powell! In 2003, the McDonald’s Corporation named him “A Black History Maker of Today!” Willie Jolley is a Five Time Washington Area Music Association (WAMMIE) Award Winning singer for “Best Jazz Singer” and “Best Entertainer”. His new ‘Jolley’ music is now the number one downloaded Motivational Music on the Apple I- Tunes site! Willie Jolley is the author of two international best selling books, “It Only Takes A Minute To Change Your Life!” and “A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback.” His books have been translated into eight languages. As a co-author of “Go M.A.D. (Go Make A Difference),” a best selling book for youth - teaching life skills and encouraging academic excellence - his message is spreading around the world! And Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul - II features Willie Jolley along with Joyce Meyers, Tony Campolo and Naomi Rhode! As host of the syndicated radio show “The Willie Jolley Motivational Minute,” Willie Jolley is heard daily in over 50 markets, on the ABC Rejoice Radio Network, The Radio One Praise Network; and on WHUR-FM in Washington, DC. Plus, he writes a column that is syndicated by the National News Press Association and read by over 6 million readers via the internet with the Electronic Urban Report. He’s seen on television with his PBS ground breaking special for teens “Dare 2 Dream, Dare 2 Win” and as a spokesperson for Mercedes Benz and the District of Columbia Government Community Outreach Programs. Willie Jolley is a graduate of The American University and Wesley Theological Seminary. His mission in life is to help people maximize their God given talents and abilities so they can Do More, Be More and Achieve More!
Donna Richardson Joyner Richardson Joyner is today's vibrant trailblazing pioneer for health and fitness, who has enjoyed enormous success in the workout video world. Widely known for her series of twenty five award-winning fitness videos, most notably the wildly popular "Sweating In The Spirit," and "Buns Of Steel," Richardson Joyner (wife of popular syndicated radio personality, the "Fly Jock," Tom Joyner), is a lively, gorgeous advocate for health, vitality and fitness. She's the ultimate, fit example of inner beauty combined with outer beauty and she's ushering in a new paradigm of fitness in America. A mover and a shaper with infectious spirit and energy, the Silver Springs, MD native created and produced her videos to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle among Americans. Her "Sweating In The Spirit" video, which combines spirituality with health, is the #1 gospel exercise video in the country, featuring live performances by gospel greats Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Shirley Murdock. "This is the music that gets your soul stirring," Richardson Joyner says, "you are giving praise to God and taking care of your temple at the same time."
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Perhaps the most gifted female athlete of all time, Jackie Joyner-Kersee has won gold medals at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Her desire and dedication to be the best catapulted her to the top of the sports world. An inspirational and motivational speaker.
Naomi Judd Naomi Judd has always dared to do the impossible. A former nurse and single mother, she turned a musical pairing with daughter Wynonna into a six-time Grammy Award-winning country music phenomenon. She is the best-selling author of Love Can Build a Bridge, a moving story of the human spirit. Although she would modestly insist otherwise, there has never been anything simple or commonplace about Naomi Judd - not her vision, her life, her faith, nor the music she and her daughter, Wynonna, created as The Judds. She dreamed bigger, worked harder, took greater risks and triumphed more resoundingly than most people ever will. From the beginning of The Judds' meteoric rise, her "china doll" looks and magnetic personality paralleled the duo's music for the public's attention and appreciation. As their songs became #1 hits, their RCA albums went platinum and their concerts became sellouts. Their popularity kept them undefeated for eight consecutive years at all three major country award shows. They received six Grammys and a vast array of other awards and honors. Bringing values and insistence on integrity to every aspect of her public and personal life, Judd helped The Judds set new standards of excellence and ushered in the resurgence of country music's popularity. America fell in love with the self-proclaimed country girl from Ashland, Kentucky. From small town humble beginnings, this daughter of a gas station owner father and riverboat cook mother became a hope seller to the duo's legions of fans. The music industry labeled her the "Cinderella" of country music because of her real life rags-to-riches story. During the Judds' eight-year reign as superstars, she became infinitely more to the public than a singer, songwriter and engaging performer. She came to represent every woman. Having been an R.N., a secretary, waitress and clerk, the divorced, working mother stood for the modern American family, with all its defects and glories.
Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis was born in Hungary and is descended from a great rabbinic dynasty that can trace its lineage back to thedays of King David. Prior to the Holocaust there were 85 rabbis bearing the name“Jungreis” in Hungary. Following W.W.II, only ten remained. Having experienced the Holocaust first hand as an inmate of Bergen Belsen, the Rebbetzin.
Karl Kani Leading African-American fashion designer who is known as the originator of urban fashion in America, Karl Kani has quickly became on e of the most respected and renowned leaders in the fashion industry today. As a designer innovator, entrepreneur and educator, founder of Karl Kani Infinity, he has built an empire that 12 years later has quadrupled in size. In 2001, Kani founded his own record label called Kani Life. Karl has also pioneered an entrepreneurial program that educates children and teaches them how to run their own business.
Maulana Karenga Historian, educator, civil rights leader and author of The African American Holiday of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family; Community and Culture. In 1966, Dr. Karenga introduced Kwanzaa ("first fruits" in Swahili) to the U.S. It is a non religious cultural observance celebrated by millions of African Americans.
Dean Karnazes Dean Karnazes was proclaimed, "The fittest man in the world" by Men's Fitness magazine. An internationally recognized endurance athlete and bestselling author, Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits. Among his many accomplishments, he has run 350 continuous miles, foregoing sleep for three nights. He's run across Death Valley in 120 degree temperatures, and he's run a marathon to the South Pole in negative 40 degrees. On ten different occasions, he's run a 200-mile relay race solo, racing alongside teams of twelve. Dean Karnazes has swum across the San Francisco Bay, scaled Half Dome in Yosemite, mountain-biked for 24-hours straight, surfed the gigantic waves off the coast of Hawaii, and is an accomplished windsurfer. Dean Karnazes has won the Vermont Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run, holds eleven Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run Silver Buckle's, has raced and competed across the globe, and has won the world’s toughest footrace, the Badwater Ultramarathon, running 135 miles across Death Valley in the middle of summer. His most recent endeavor was running 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days, finishing with the NYC Marathon, which he ran in three hours flat. Dean Karnazes and his incredible adventures have been featured on 60 Minutes, The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS News, CNN, ESPN, The Howard Stern Show, NPR's Morning Edition, the BBC, and many others. He has appeared on the cover of Runner's World and Outside, and been featured in TIME, Newsweek, People, GQ, The New York Times, USA TODAY, The Washington Post, Men's Journal, Forbes, The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, and the London Telegraph, to mention a few. He is a monthly columnist for Men's Health, the largest Men's publication in the world. His first book, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner, is a National Bestseller, and was the #7 bestselling sports book worldwide in 2005. Ultramarathon Man is currently in print in eleven languages and available in audio format. Always wanting to do more, to give more, to help others in need, Dean Karnazes has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity through his running and sports career. He has participated in the Leukemia Society of America's "Team-In-Training" and "Man of the Year" programs, has raised money for the Special Olympics, YouthAIDS and childhood organ donation programs, and has contributed his time and energy to numerous environmental organizations. Beyond being a celebrated endurance athlete, philanthropist, and bestselling author, Dean Karnazes is an accomplished businessman with a notable professional career working for several Fortune 500 companies and startups alike. He is uniquely able to demonstrate how the lessons learned from athletics can be applied to business, and he is able to convey with authenticity the many insights he has gleaned along the way as an athlete and business professional. Dean Karnazes is a sought after speaker who has captivated audiences across the country with his stories of persistence and perseverance. His dynamic, engaging and inspirational presentations focus on going beyond perceived limitations to be the best that you can be. He talks about unlocking an inner strength to achieve extraordinary results. His real-life examples explore the topics of: dealing with adversity, overcoming obstacles, setting and reaching lofty goals, the importance of teamwork, even in solo endeavors, and excelling in a competitive, and often confusing, world. In his presentations, he examines and discusses the essential ingredients necessary for high-achievement, and developing the ability to prevail against staggering odds. Dean Karnazes is believable, because his achievements and accomplishments are real, and he delivers his message with the insight and candor that only one who has lived through such experiences can. His tales of endurance and perseverance are often comical, sometimes tear-jerking, and always entertaining. His roster of clients include: Nike, Roche Pharmaceuticals, The Gap, Accenture, Genentech, The North Face, L'Oreal Cosmetics, Stanford University, CNET, JP Morgan Chase, and a host of others.
John Kasich John Kasich is a former U.S. Republican Representative turned television show host for FOX News Channel. He hosts Heartland with John Kasich, and also guest hosts The O'Reilly Factor, filling in for Bill O'Reilly when necessary. In 1993, he became the Ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee where he authored an alternative to President Clinton's deficit reduction plan that relied on spending reductions rather than tax increases. Later that year, the Penny-Kasich Plan failed by only six votes to cut federal spending by an additional $90 billion on top of the deficit reduction forecasted by President Clinton. After the 1994 Republicans became the majority party in Congress, Kasich became Chairman of the House Budget Committee working towards the balanced budget, and served as chair of the congressional committee on welfare reform. During the 1996 presidential campaign, Republican nominee Bob Dole seriously considered Kasich as a vice presidential running mate, but instead selected Jack Kemp, a former congressman and HUD Secretary. It is possible Kasich was dropped in response to rumors instigated by Kasich's Democratic opponent in his House race, Cynthia Ruccia, regarding Kasich's sexuality. Ruccia raised the question of the propriety of bachelor Kasich sharing a Washington townhouse with his male chief-of-staff. Kasich nonetheless won the 1996 election, and subsequently married in March of 1997. Kasich's book, Courage is Contagious, was a New York Times bestseller. Kasich is of Croatian descent. Kasich's new book Stand for Something: The Battle for America's Soul was released on May 10, 2006.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a nationally known attorney, environmental activist, university professor and author. He serves as chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper Program; as senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council; and as a clinical professor and supervising attorney at the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law in New York. He is regarded as a pioneer in the area of municipal and government responsibility for environmental problems. Kennedy's reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of legal actions which include the prosecution of governmental agencies and industrial companies for polluting the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, winning settlements for the Hudson Riverkeeper, arguing cases to expand citizen access to the shoreline, and suing sewage treatment plants to force compliance with the Clean Water Act. Kennedy is credited with leading the fight to protect New York City's water supply. The New York City watershed agreement, which he negotiated of behalf of environmentalists across the state, is regarded as an international model in stakeholder consensus negotiations and sustainable development. On the national front, he was instrumental in helping defeat several anti-environmental bills during the 104th Congress. He has also worked to tackle environmental issues across the Americas and has assisted several indigenous tribes in Latin America and Canada in successfully negotiating treaties protecting traditional homelands. Although Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is known as an activist for environmental protection everywhere, he considers fighting pollution in the Hudson River a priority. In an interview with the Natural Resources Defense Council, Kennedy avowed that he would continue to fight pollution in the Hudson River, despite the many governmental barriers that have been erected to discourage the works of citizens who wish to hold polluting agencies accountable. Kennedy stated, "The Hudson is my backyard, and the primary obligation of anyone in the environmental community is to clean his or her own backyard first. Global reform starts with local reform." Earlier in his career, Kennedy served as assistant district attorney in New York City. He has worked on several presidential campaigns, including those of Edward M. Kennedy in 1980 and Al Gore in 2000. Kennedy is the author of numerous articles and three books, including Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr., A Biography (1977), the New York State Apprentice Falconer's Manual, and his latest book, The Riverkeepers (1997), co-written with John Cronin. His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post, among other publications. Kennedy is a graduate of Harvard University. He studied at the London School of Economics and received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School. Following graduation he attended Pace University School of Law, where he was awarded a master's degree in environmental law. March 20, 2003 Quick LinksAcademics @ Guilford Academic Departments Academic Skills Center BannerWeb Certification Programs College Calendar Course Catalog Course Schedules First Year Program Guilford Writing Manual Library Study Abroad Programs What's Going On @ Guilford? Art Gallery Athletics Campus Life Guilfordian Guilford Buzz Local Events and Activities News Services Where Can I Find Help? Admission Information Adult Programs Campus Ministry Campus Map Employment Opportunities Information Technology International Student Info Office of College Relations Office of Public Safety Services & Administration Ways of Giving.
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch Lieutenant Colonel , U.S. Army (Retired) Highest Ranking Hispanic Woman in U.S. Army’s Combat Support Field; Founder of Educational Achievement Services An Evening with Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch Born and raised in a tiny barrio in Laredo, Texas where she overcame the fierce challenges of poverty, discrimination and illiteracy, Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch grew to become a successful leadership role model for her community. Breaking barriers and setting records in the military, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Consuelo Kickbusch rose to senior officer position and became the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field of the United States Army. Acknowledged as a charismatic, passionate and entertaining speaker, Consuelo Kickbusch, carries her powerful message of what it takes to be an effective leader in today’s global marketplace to hundreds of colleges/universities, corporations and government institutions, both here in the U.S. and abroad. During her distinguished military career, Consuelo Kickbusch held a variety of demanding and critical leadership positions ranging from Executive Officer for Information Systems Command to Technical Advisor to the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center to Company Commander of an all-male platoon. Along the way, she has earned numerous illustrious decorations including the Legion of Merit, the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four times), the Army Achievement Medal (twice) and the National Image’s Uniformed Services Award for significant contributions in the areas of civil/human rights, race relations, equal opportunity, human resources, and public service. In 1996 LTC (Ret.) Consuelo Kickbusch was selected out of 26,000 candidates to assume a command post, which would put her on track for General Officer rank. Consuelo Kickbusch respectfully declined the honor, retired as a twenty-year veteran and founded Educational Achievement Services Inc. (EAS) to realize her personal dream and mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders today. Through EAS, she shares her years of leadership experience, success techniques and motivational messages to empower people of all ages in all environments (schools, corporations, government and non-profits). Consuelo Kickbusch’s results-oriented seminars/workshops use real life case studies, successful leadership behaviors and guiding principals and role-playing situations, to provide a dynamic and interactive learning environment. As a result, participants develop leadership skills, the ability to become change agents and achieve optimum performance. She also helps them to examine the role and value-added that our diverse cultures and backgrounds bring to leadership development. Because of her strong dedication to saving the youth of America living in the same barrios she did as a child, Consuelo Kickbusch has worked with over one million children, their parents and educators, in the roughest neighborhoods in America, covering 43 states. She inspires these young “diamonds in the rough” by encouraging them to believe that “we can all make our dreams come true, to not give up hope, but rather to take charge of your lives, make a real difference in your families/communities and follow a disciplined road map to success”. To assist them, she produced a well-received video entitled, “Porque No – Why Not?”which provides practical techniques that helped Consuelo Kickbusch leave the barrio, develop self-esteem and achieve her personal success. Currently, she is writing a book for young readers, Journey to the Future, a primer providing young people with a framework for early leadership development. In recognition of her organization’s success, accomplishments and citizenship, Consuelo Kickbusch has been honored by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the 2002 Business Achievement Award.
Kurt Kilpatrick Business humorist and mimic with a motivating message.
Kwame Kilpatrick Since taking office in 2002 as the youngest mayor of any major U.S. city, Kwame M. Kilpatrick has led tremendous growth in the city of Detroit including the biggest housing and commercial construction boom in 50 years, the largest road and infrastructure improvement program in decades, and a $2-billion overhaul of Detroit’s riverfront. After decades of decline, Detroit is experiencing a revival thanks to Mayor Kilpatrick’s leadership that has been recognized by media including the New York Times, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, and the Financial Times of London.
Dennis Kimbro Entrepreneur, business consultant and best-selling author of Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice, Daily Motivations for African-American Success and his newest book, What Makes the Great Great, Dennis Kimbro has written extensively on African American entrepreneurship and success. A PBS special entitled "The Legacy of Achievement with Dr. Dennis Kimbro" was recently aired on Public Broadcasting Systems (PBS). He has appeared on numerous television programs including "Today" on NBC and "Larry King Live" and has been featured in many magazines and newspapers such as Success, Black Enterprise, Essence, The New York Times and USA Today. Dr. Dennis Kimbro combines his vast knowledge of business, contemporary affairs and the vibrant nature of Black America in a motivational and practical lecture on the secrets of success.
Gayle King Gayle King is a popular television personality who regularly appears on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She has been the Editor-at-Large for O, The Oprah Magazine since its inception in 1999 and for O at Home since its inception in 2003, acting as a liaison between the publications' Founder and Editorial Director Oprah Winfrey and the magazines' staffs. She also consults on the editorial and creative direction for the publications.
Larry King Celebrating his 49th year in broadcasting in 2006, CNN's Larry King is the host of the network's Larry King Live, the first worldwide phone-in television talk show and the network's highest-rated program. The Emmy Award-winning King and author of multiple books has been dubbed "the most remarkable talk-show host on TV ever" by TV Guide and "master of the mike" by TIME Magazine. Larry King Live debuted on CNN in June 1985 with its now famous mix of celebrity interviews, political debates and topical discussions. Telecast each weeknight at 9 p.m. (ET), the program also features phone calls from viewers around the world. CNN's Larry King Weekend airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m. and offers in-depth profiles and career retrospectives of news and entertainment figures. In June 1994, King created the first daily radio/TV talk show by simulcasting CNN's Larry King Live on Mutual/Westwood One radio stations nationwide. King has been asking famous people questions throughout his career, having accumulated more than 40,000 interviews, including every U.S. president since the Ford administration. King's famed NAFTA debate between Al Gore and Ross Perot in 1993 broke cable industry ratings records (outside of the first night of Gulf War coverage) and obtained the highest rating in CNN history--reaching more than 16.3 million viewers. In 1995, King showcased his extraordinary skill in international diplomacy when he hosted a historic hour on the Middle East Peace process with PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, King Hussein of Jordan and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. King's award-winning jailhouse interviews include: convicted murderers Sante Kimes and her son, Kenneth; Karla Faye Tucker, the first woman to be executed in Texas; and Mike Tyson.
Rev. Bernice King Rev. Bernice King Ordained Minister and Daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. As a nationally renowned orator, Bernice A. King has inherited the gift of oratory and ecumenical power that her father was famous for, and has inspired thousands of people from all walks of life. In 1980, at age 17, she spoke in her mother's stead to the United Nations on Apartheid, and discovered her oratorical gift. The youngest child of Mrs. Coretta Scott King and the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bernice is remembered by most as the five year-old in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken of her as she lay in her mother's lap during her father's funeral.
Bobby Knight Bobby Knight - Few coaches have possessed the ability to carry sports past being simply a game. Bobby Knight is one of the few. Bobby Knight is a winner. No other coach in the United States has guided teams to every major title-three NCAA championships, an NIT title, the Pan American gold and the Olympic gold medal. He is an innovator. When Bobby Knight arrived at Indiana University in 1971, Big Ten offensive averages came down as other coaches copied his successful passing-game offense and tenacious man-to-man defense. But most importantly, Bobby Knight is a teacher. Over 90 percent of his players have graduated, but their most valuable lesson comes from their coach. Indiana players learn to accomplish more than they thought possible. The Accomplishments: No other coach has taken teams to every major title-three NCAA championships, an NIT title, the Pan American gold and the Olympic gold medal. In his years at Indiana, Bobby Knight's teams have compiled a record of 486-160 for a .752 winning percentage. Indiana has played in 16 NCAA tournaments under Bobby Knight, winning national championships in 1976, 1981 and 1987 and finishing third in 1973 and 1992. National Coach-of-the-Year by unanimous selection in 1975; Coach-of the-Year by AP and Basketball Weekly in 1976; 1987 Naismith Coach-of-the-Year; and Coach-of-the-Year by Associated Press, United Press International and United States Basketball Writers in 1989. Head coach for gold medal-winning Olympic team at the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles and for the gold medal winning Pan American team in 1979. In achieving undefeated regular seasons in 1975 and 1976, the Hoosiers won 37 consecutive Big Ten games and hold the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-year Big Ten records for most wins. Bobby Knight has coached a National Player-of-the-Year, 11 All-Americans, and eight Big Ten Most Valuable Players. Seventeen Knight players have been All-Big Ten choices on 26 different occasions, five have become Olympians and five have played on Pan American teams.
Ed Koch Following his tenure as the Mayor of the City of New York for three terms from 1978 - 1989, Ed Koch returned to the practice of law by joining Robinson Silverman. His career in government began in 1967 when he was elected to the New York City Council. In 1968 Ed Koch was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served on the House Committee on Banking and the Appropriations Committee, and was the Secretary of the New York Congressional Delegation. Ed Koch has written several autobiographical books, including Mayor (1984), Politics (1985), His Eminence and Hizzoner (1989), All the Best: Letters from a Feisty Mayor (1990), Citizen Koch (1992), and Ed Koch on Everything (1994). His more recent books are works of fiction: Murder at City Hall (1995), Murder on Broadway (1996), Murder on 34th Street (1997), and The Senator Must Die (1998). He also writes a weekly column on topics of the day for the Daily News, and he is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Arts and Science at New York University. Ed Koch lectures around the country and overseas, his commentaries can be seen internationally on Bloomberg Television, and his movie reviews appear in seven New York papers. Mr. Koch recently appeared daily on the television series The People's Court.
Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu Renowned educator and writer, Jawanza Kunjufu is the co-author of the Afrocentric Multicultural Curriculum and author of several books including: Developing Positive Self Images and Discipline in Black Children; Motivating and Preparing Black Youth to Work; Lessons From History; A Celebration in Blackness; To Be Popular or Smart; The Black Peer Group; Critical Issues in Educating African American Youth; and Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys.
Yul Kwon Kwon won the 13th season of the reality TV show Survivor, which was set in the Cook Islands, in 2006. In a talk at the Law School, Kwon spoke about how starring in Survivor was an opportunity for him to change Americans preconceptions about Asians. “I went on the show to present a positive image of the Asian American man, he said. “I wanted to change stereotypes. In his talk, Kwon delved into stories from his childhood growing up in a South Korean immigrant family, when he would watch television while distractedly aware of the absence of Asian American role models. Asian men were portrayed as caricatures, he said, as either Kung-fu masters who could not speak English or computer nerds who could not find a date. Kwon said he saw himself in the latter category. Kwon now works for CNN, covering political news in the broader context of youth and people of color.
Tony La Russa In his 27 years managing, Tony has won two World Series and is one of the most successful managers in Major League Baseball history. He was the first person to win the Manager of the Year award four times and one of only three people to have accomplished this feat while managing teams in both the American and National Leagues. La Russa is second on the Cardinals all-time managerial wins list with 977 and is third on the all-time wins list with 2,297. Tony has guided the Cardinals to postseason appearances in seven of his 11 seasons with St. Louis , taking both his 2006 and 2004 teams to the World Series. He has managed the Cardinals to postseason play six times in the past seven seasons. In 2006, Tony became the first manager ever to win multiple pennants in both leagues and one of only two managers to win the World Series in both leagues. He ranks third all-time for total wins and total number of games managed. La Russa is the only active major league manager with a law degree.
Frank LaMere Gambling, freedom of religion, health care-these are some of the contemporary issues discussed on reservations throughout the United States. While these issues are debated on the Native American reservations, they are rarely discussed in the classroom. As part of our Transcending Prejudice series, the Athenaeum welcomes Frank LaMere to Claremont to speak on the many issues facing indigenous people in the modern world. Frank LaMere has long been one of the most politically active and recognizable figures on the national Indian scene. He is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and has been the executive director of the Nebraska Indian Intertribal Development Corporation for the past 14 years. His organization provides logistic, financial, and strategic support for economic and social service initiatives for a variety of tribes in the Midwest. LaMere served as the head of the Native American delegation to the Democratic National Convention and served on the platform committee. LaMere also serves on the reorganization committee for the Federal Indian Health Service. He is a strong community leader as well as an important national figure for indigenous people throughout North America. LaMere's speech promises to open your eyes to the many issues facing Native Americans today.
Carlotta LaNier In 1957, at age 14, Carlotta Walls LaNier and eight other students integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This act of courage and defiance became the catalyst for change in the American educational system. The Little Rock Nine, as they would eventually be called, became foot soldiers for freedom. Concerns for family safety and continued employment persuaded the family to move to Denver in 1962. In 1968 Lanier earned a bachelors degree from the University of Northern Colorado and accepted a position at the Denver YWCA. Since then, she has married, raised two children, founded her own real estate company, and worked for 30 years as a real estate broker, currently with Cherry Creek Realtors. In 1997 the Little Rock Nine returned to Central High School for a fortieth anniversary celebration. In a symbolic and emotional gesture, the schools principal, the mayor, the governor, and the President of the United States opened the schools doors, which had been blocked by the Arkansas National Guard in 1957. In 1999 at the White House, members of Congress and the President bestowed upon Lanier and the other member of the Little Rock Nine the nations highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their sacrifice and contribution to the cause of equality.
Tommy Lasorda Hall of fame manager and current Senior Vice President of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tommy is a very popular motivational speaker.
Queen Latifah Actress, Singer, and Author As charismatic as she is talented, Grammy Award winner Queen Latifah has achieved iconic status in the entertainment industry. The first female rap artist to produce a gold album, she is known for her positive, intelligent lyrics and strong foundation in jazz and soul traditions. After her commercial breakthrough, she began to alternate her time between recording and acting—serving up success after success as a TV talk show host, co-star in the sitcom Living Single, and actress in such popular films as Sphere, Living Out Loud, Beauty Shop, and Bringing Down the House. Her sensational performance in the acclaimed movie musical Chicago garnered her a best supporting actress nomination from the Screen Actors Guild, the Golden Globes, and the Academy Awards. Queen Latifah recounts the ups and downs in her rise to fame in her inspirational memoir, Ladies First: Revelations Of A Strong Woman.
Kathryn Leary Noted entrepreneur and businesswoman, Kathryn Leary, was featured on the cover of the of Black Enterprise magazine as "The New Face of American Business". Kathryn is President & CEO of The Leary Group Inc., with 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising and cross-cultural communications. Ms. Leary is a consumate professional, a global visionary, and a thought leader for the new millenium.
John Lee Top sales, motivational and time management speaker.
Naomi Levy Author of the highly acclaimed and inspiring national bestseller, To Begin Again: The Journey Toward Comfort, Strength, and Faith in Difficult Times. The first female conservative rabbi to head a congregation on the West Coast, Naomi Levy now teaches and lectures throughout the country on issues of healing, spirituality and faith.
Rae Lewis-Thornton Rae Lewis-Thornton was diagnosed HIV Positive in 1986 at the age of 23, and today has AIDS. She uses her life as an example that AIDS is a non-discriminatory disease, challenging the common myths and stereotypes surrounding who can become infected with the HIV virus, and how the virus is transmitted. Featured in Essence magazine as well as the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, the "Oprah Winfrey Show," "Nightline" and on several national television documentaries, Lewis-Thornton is a political science master's candidate and is currently enrolled in a master's in divinity program. She is on a crusade to educate and challenge young and old audiences to take care of their bodies, futures and health.
Rush Limbaugh A conservative, he discusses politics and current events on his show, The Rush Limbaugh Show using a style that bounces "between earnest lecturer and political vaudvillian". His show was first nationally syndicated in August 1988, and as of 2005 (according to Arbitron ratings surveys) its audience was estimated at 13.5 million listeners per week, making it the largest radio talk show audience in the United States. Such high ratings have been a consistent hallmark of his show. The Rush Limbaugh Show has been largely credited for the large shift in AM broadcasting to a news-talk format after an audience decline in the 1970s. Limbaugh was the 1992, 1995, 2000, and 2005 recipient of the Marconi Radio Award for Syndicated Radio Personality of the Year, given by the National Association of Broadcasters, joining the syndicated Bob & Tom Show as the only other four-time winner of a Marconi award. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2002, industry publication Talkers magazine ranked him as the greatest radio talk show host of all time. Although Limbaugh's audience is not monolithic, he does attract the highest percentage (56%) of hard news consumers relative to all other television and radio programs in the United States.
John Lithgow John Lithgow is a two time Tony Award winner and was most recently nominated for his starring performance in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Previous credits on Broadway include: Mrs. Farnsworth, The Retreat From Moscow and Sweet Smell of Success. TV credits include 3rd Rock from the which he received three Emmys, a Golden Globe, an American Comedy Award and two SAG Awards - Twilight Zone (Emmy Award) and Don Quixote (SAG Award nomination). Mr. Lithgow's films include The World According to Garp (Academy Award nomination), Terms of Endearment (Academy Award nomination), Shrek, Cliffhanger, The Pelican Brief, Memphis Belle, Footloose, Raising Cain, OrangeCounty, Ricochet and A Civil Action. Recent releases include a starring role in the feature film Kinsey and a HBO tele-film, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, in which he portrays Blake Edwards (November 2004). Lithgow is also the New York Times best-selling author of Carnival of the Animals, I'm a Manatee, Micawber, Marsupial Sue, Marsupial Sue Presents: The Runaway Pancake and The Remarkable Farkle McBride. He has performed in numerous concerts for children across the country - including four appearances at Carnegie Hall and shows with the Chicago, San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, the New York Pops Orchestra and the Orchestra of Saint Luke's - as well as with New York City Ballet in Carnival of the Animals. Lithgow has also recorded two CDs, Farkle & Friends and Singin' in the Bathtub. His first non-fiction book, A Lithgow Palooza!: 101 Ways to Entertain and Inspire Your Kids, was released in April 2004, and has received the Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award. Five sequel books, Lithgow Party Paloozas! 52 Unexpected Ways to Make a Birthday, Holiday, or Any Day a Celebration for Kids, Lithgow Paloozas! Boredom Blasters: Rainy Day Edition, Halloween Edition, Sick Day Edition and Travel Edition are currently in bookstores.
Vince Lombardi, Jr. Motivational speaker and son of the legendary Green Bay Packer head football coach.Vince Lombardi, Jr. has a clear and inspiring message to share about the qualities and commitment found in high-performance people. It is a message which stems from a lifetime of experience and observation. As the son of the late Vincent T. Lombardi - remembered as one of the greatest football coaches in history - Vince's early years were spent in an atmosphere full of personal power and achievement. He moved on to politics and, in 1975, made the jump to professional football when he joined the head office of the fledgling Seattle Seahawks. He later led two United States Football League teams as president and general manager. In all of his pursuits, Vince Lombardi, Jr. has shown the remarkable ability to put people ahead of an organization, allowing each individual to do what he or she does best without losing sight of team goals.  Five Keys to a Winning Team  The Power of Choice: Change, Growth, Improvement  Power Negotiations
Greg Louganis Greg Louganis began competing in diving at age 10. By 16, he had won his first Olympic medal, a silver medal on the platform in 1976. At 24, he became the first man in 56 years to win two gold medals in diving by winning both the platform and springboard events. In 1988, competing against divers half his age, he became the first to win double gold medals for diving in two consecutive Olympics. Louganis diving accomplishments do not stop there. He is a six time World Champion and has held 47 National Championship titles. At the Pan Am Games he earned six gold medals and in 1985 he was awarded the Sullivan Award as the nations most outstanding amateur athlete. Louganis is clearly the worlds greatest diver and a fine athlete. At the 1988 Olympic Games he was awarded the Maxwell House/United States Olympic Committee Spirit Award as the Olympic athlete who had best exhibited the ideals of the Olympic spirit, demonstrated extraordinary courage and contributed significantly to the sport. Louganis is more than just a diver, he stands out as a human being as well. Although he is best known for his accomplishments as an Olympic Gold Medalist, Louganis has battled depression and persevered despite that and other challenges in his personal life. His best-selling autobiography, Breaking the Surface, is a revealing account of a man struggling with far more than simply striving to be a great athlete. For years, Louganis cheerful public persona never hinted at the personal troubles he had to surmount - his HIV diagnosis, coming out as a gay man, domestic violence, substance abuse, dyslexia and surrounding all of this, his depression. Today, Louganis speaks out for many organizations including youth clubs, drug and alcohol rehabilitation groups, and organizations for the dyslexic on obstacles he has overcome with a warmth and grace that embody the Olympic spirit. A popular speaker for universities, community associations, health care organizations and corporate groups, his honesty and message of tolerance and understanding have inspired millions around the world. Louganis autobiography, Breaking the Surface, spent five weeks at number one on The New York Times bestseller List. He then produced a video diary called "Looking to the Light," which picked up where Breaking the Surface left off. His second book, For the Life of Your Dog, has just been published.
Mother Love Former host of the television show "Forgive or Forget", Mother Love is an accomplished author, actress and radio personality and motivational speaker.
Dr. Ruth Love Prominent African-American educator and an expert on urban education, Ruth Love is the former superintencent of schools in Chicago, Illnois and Oakland, California. She lectures on urban education, African American issues and women's issues. Topics: All Children Can and Must Learn, Closing the Achievement Gap, Civil Rights: This Millenium, The Strengths of Diversity, Women: Climbing Jacob's Ladder and A Womanist View.
Chris Lowney Chris Lowney, formerly a Jesuit, was named a Managing Director of J.P. Morgan & Co. while still in his thirties and held senior positions in New York, Tokyo, Singapore and London. He served on Morgan's Asia-Pacific, European and Investment Banking Management Committees, accumulating a wealth of multinational experience at a company regularly ranked one of "America's Most Admired Companies" by Fortune magazine. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Lowney was a Jesuit seminarian for seven years. During that time, he taught and studied at Jesuit institutions in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University, where he also received his M.A. and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He is holder of honorary Doctoral degrees from Marymount Manhattan University and from the University of Great Falls. Lowney serves on the Board of Directors of Nativity Middle School and on the Board of Regents of St. Peter's College. He lives in New York, where he serves part-time as Special Assistant to the President of the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), the leading U.S.-based Catholic charity providing health care programs and services to people in need around the world. He has travelled to Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and India to help launch CMMB's major initiatives targeted at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. At least twenty percent of Lowney's royalties from the U.S. editions of his works are donated to charities providing education and health care to impoverished children in the developing world. Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company that Changed the World was the #1 ranked bestseller of the CBPA and was named a finalist for a 2003 Book of the Year Award from ForeWord magazine. Now available in paperback after four hardcover printings, it has already been translated into more than a half-dozen foreign languages. A Vanished World, recently published by Free Press/Simon & Schuster, has been awarded a starred review by Publishers Weekly. Mr. Lowney is a popular speaker on topics as varied as leadership, business ethics, and inter-religious dialogue, with engagements in some two-dozen U.S. cities and in non-U.S. locations as diverse as the Philippines, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia, and Spain.
Chief Ronnie Lupe Charismatic chief and tribal chairman of the Apache Tribe.
John Madden Football color commentator for Fox Network and former NFL head coach.
Julianne Malveaux Recognized for her provocative, progressive and insightful observations, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, an economist, author and commentator, is the President and CEO of Last Word Productions, Inc, a multimedia production company. Described by Dr. Cornel West as the most iconoclastic public intellectual in the country, Dr. Malveauxs contributions to the public dialogue on issues such as race, culture, gender, and their economic impacts, are helping to shape public opinion in 21st century America. As a writer and syndicated columnist, her work appears regularly in USA Today, Black Issues in Higher Education, Ms. magazine, Essence magazine, and the Progressive. Her weekly columns appear in numerous newspapers across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Charlotte Observer, the New Orleans Tribune, the Detroit Free Press, and the San Francisco Examiner. Well-known for appearances on national network programs, Dr. Malveaux is a charismatic and popular guest on a variety of shows. She appears regularly on CNN, BET, as well as on Howard Universitys Television show, Evening Exchange. She has appeared on PBSs To The Contrary, ABCs Politically Incorrect, Fox News Channels OReilly Factor and stations such as C-SPAN, MSNBC and CNBC. She has also hosted talk radio programs in Washington, San Francisco, and New York. In addition to her columns and media appearances, Dr. Malveaux is an accomplished author and editor. Her academic work is included in numerous papers, studies, and publications. She is the editor of Voices of Vision: African American Women on the Issues (1996); the co-editor of Slipping Through the Cracks: The Status of Black Women (1986), and recently co-edited The Paradox of Loyalty: An African American Response to the War on Terrorism (2002). She is the author of two column anthologies: Sex, Lies, and Stereotypes: Perspectives of a Mad Economist (1994), Wall Street, Main Street, and the Side Street: A Mad Economist Takes a Stroll (1999). She is most recently the co-author of Unfinished Business: A Democrat and A Republican Take On the 10 Most Important Issues Women Face (2002). A committed activist and civic leader, Dr. Malveaux serves on the boards of the Economic Policy Institute, Women Building for the Future - Future PAC, and The Recreation Wish List Committee of Washington, DC. Dr. Malveaux received her BA and MA degrees in economics from Boston College, and earned a Ph.D in economics from MIT. A native San Franciscan, she currently resides in Washington, DC.
Makiziwe Mandela Educator and daughter of Nelson Mandela, President of the Republic of South Africa.
Archie Manning When people think of Archie Manning, they think football. But Archies appeal transcends his athletic achievements. People far and wide have been inspired by his warm personality, his drive and sense of humor. Archie was recently selected as one of 10 outstanding New Orleanians, by Family Service of Greater New Orleans and named Hornblower of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America. He currently serves in public relations and consulting capacities for several local, regional and national companies. He hosts four Archie Manning Cystic Fibrosis benefit golf tournaments in Louisiana and Mississippi and is active in a wide variety of charitable and civic causes. Archie was born May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi. He attended the University of Mississippi where he was named an All-American Quarterback and is the only Ole Miss player to have his number retired. He was voted Mississippis Greatest All-Time Athlete in 1992, and recently named Mississippis Most Popular Athlete of the Century. He was elected to the 50-Year All-South Team (1940-1990), named one of the Top 25 Athletes of the Century in Louisiana and he and his son Peyton were named among the 100 All-Time Greatest College Football Players. Archie was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is a member of other Halls of Fame including Louisiana and Mississippi. In 1971, Archie was the second player chosen in the NFL draft the number one draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He set Saints passing records, played in two Pro Bowls and was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1978. He was the first player in Saints history to be inducted into the Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame. He concluded his 15-year career in 1985. He was also drafted four times by major league baseball. While in pro football, he received the Byron Whizzer White Humanitarian Award, the Bart Starr Humanitarian Award, the Spirit of Good Sports Award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and the U.S. Jaycees named him one of 10 Outstanding Young Americans. In 2005 Archie received the Legends award from the Davey OBrien Foundation and the Aspire award, a tribute to lifes coaches, from the Cal Ripken Foundation. His community activities include Louisiana Special Olympics, the New Orleans Area Boy Scout Council, the Salvation Army, United Way Speakers Bureau, NOKIA Sugar Bowl Committee, New Orleans Sports Foundation, and National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Archie and his wife Olivia have three sons, two of whom play quarterback in the NFL: Peyton Manning, starting for the Indianaplis Colts and MVP in 2003 and 2004, and Eli Manning, who starts for the New York Giants and was their Number One draft pick in 2004. Archie and Peyton have written a book entitled, Manning: A Father, His Sons and a Football Legacy. He and his boys also operate the Manning Passing Academy, a summer camp for high school quarterbacks and receivers.
Thurgood Marshall, Jr. Thurgood Marshall, Jr. is an American lawyer and son of the late Supreme Court of the United States Justice Thurgood Marshall. Thurgood Marshall Jr. worked in the Clinton White House and is currently a partner at the international law firm Bingham McCutchen, LLP and a principal at its lobbying subsidiary, Bingham Consulting. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ford Foundation. According to documents filed with the SEC, he is a director serving on the board of Corrections Corporation of America, the largest commercial vendor of federal detainment and prisoner transport in the United States
Phil Martelli Named head coach for the 2005 USA Men’s U21 World Championship Team on May 9, 2005, this summer marks Saint Joseph’s University (Pa.) head coach Phil Martelli's third assignment with USA Basketball after assisting U.S. teams to gold at the 2001 FIBA World Championship For Young Men and 1998 Goodwill Games. As an assistant to Clem Haskins in ‘98, Martelli was part of the memorable 1998 USA Goodwill Games Team, that despite being comprised of collegians, captured the gold medal after posting a 93-85 overtime win over the Australian Senior National Team. In 2001, as an assistant to Jim Boeheim, the USA Young Men swept its competition to claim the top spot with an 8-0 record.
Roland Martin Roland S. Martin is a nationally Award-Winning Journalist and CNN Contributor A nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, Mr. Martin is the author of Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith, and Speak, Brother! A Black Man's View of America. Mr. Martin is a commentator for TV One Cable Network also host of "The Roland S. Martin Show" on WVON-AM/1690 in Chicago. He can be heard daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. He is also a CNN Contributor, appearing on a variety of shows, including Paula Zahn Now, Anderson Cooper 360, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and many others. In August 2007, he joined Essence Magazine as a special correspondent, writing a bi-monthly column and a daily blog on Essence.com. An insightful and provocative analyst, Mr. Martin has appeared numerous times on MSNBC, FOX News, Court TV, BET Nightly News, BBC News, National Public Radio, The Word Network, America's Black Forum, American Urban Radio Networks, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, and NPR's News and Notes. He is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation's largest Black daily newspaper. He is the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine under the team of New York-based Vanguarde Media, and the former founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com, owned by nationally syndicated radio show host Tom Joyner and Radio One. He previously served as owner/publisher of Dallas-Fort Worth Heritage, a Christian monthly newspaper. He also has worked as managing editor of the Houston Defender and the Dallas Weekly, which he led to a number of local, state and national journalism awards. Mr. Martin has worked as morning drive reporter for KRLD/1080 AM; news director and morning anchor at KKDA-AM in Dallas; city hall reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; and county government and neighbors reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. He has won more than 20 professional awards for journalistic excellence, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television News Directors; several first place awards from the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators; two citations from the National Associated Press-Managing Editors Conference; the top sports reporting award in 1997 from the National Association of Black Journalists; and honors from the Houston Press Club. Mr. Martin is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the American Society of Newspaper Editors. He is a 1987 graduate of Jack Yates High School-Magnet School of Communications, and a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's of science degree in journalism. Martin is studying to receive his master's degree in Christian Communications at Louisiana Baptist University.
Fernando Mateo A leading Hispanic entrepreneur, community activist and philanthropist, Fernando Mateo is a real American hero. In a classic “rags to riches” story, Mr. Mateo built a small carpet business into a multi-million dollar operation. Eager to repay society for his good fortune, he established an effective job training and placement program for drug-free prison inmates nicknamed “M.I.T.” (The Mateo Institute of Training). Concerned about community violence he then launched an overwhelmingly successful gun swap program, Toys for Guns, which received national attention from the government, the press, and private business.
David McCullough McCullough, author of the bestseller 1776, is twice winner of the National Book Award and twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize. He has been called a "master of the art of narrative history," and his books have been praised for their exceptional narrative sweep, their scholarship and insight into American life, and for their literary distinction. 1776, his latest work, has been called "brilliant," "lucid," "gripping," "a masterwork," "a classic," and has been a continuing national triumph from the time of publication last June when it debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list. McCullough's previous work, John Adams, remains one of the most critically acclaimed and widely read American biographies of all time (to date, more than two million copies have been sold. McCullough's other books include The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, The Path Between the Seas, Mornings on Horseback, Brave Companions and Truman. As may be said of few writers, none of his books has ever been out of print. McCullough is also twice winner of the prestigious Francis Parkman Prize. He has been honored with the National Book Foundation Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, the National Humanities Medal and the New York Public Library's Literary Lion Award, and has received 38 honorary degrees. In a crowded, productive career, he has been an editor, essayist, teacher, lecturer, and familiar presence on public television -- as host of "Smithsonian World," "The American Experience," and narrator of numerous documentaries including The Civil War. His is also the narrator's voice in Seabiscuit. A gifted speaker, McCullough has lectured in all parts of the country and abroad, as well as at the White House. He is also one of the few private citizens to speak before a joint session of Congress
Bernie McGrenahan Bernie McGrenahan’s â€Happy Hour’ Hailed by the Los Angeles Daily News “the most important comedian in the country today” , Bernie McGrenahan’s â€Happy Hour’ tour is impacting high school and college students across America. ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS cover this powerful speaker’s tour which addresses the number one substance abuse problem on college campuses today, high-risk drinking.After opening Happy Hour with his hilarious stand-up comedy show, Bernie shares the facts of how his college party got â€out of control’. He reveals how his”social drinking” escalated to “high-risk” drinking rapidly, and the consequences that followed.He encourages students to avoid excessive consumption, motivating them to follow a more healthy and productive way of life. Bernie addresses the social norm of how much alcohol students actually drink, acknowledging that most students of legal drinking age do consume alcohol moderately and responsibly. Happy Hour is comedy…with a message. It inspires students to achieve their dreams by dealing with life’s obstacles in a positive way. Happy Hour brings a motivating, uplifting and poignant message not only to students, but also to individuals of the community.This website is full of televsion stories, newspaper articles, and letters of praise that all focus on Happy Hour Comedy and how powerful the program is.
Terry McMillan Terry McMillan's first novel, Mama, was published in 1987 by Houghton Mifflin Company and in paperback by Washington Square Press. Mama received a national book award by the Before Columbus Foundation. Ms. McMillan received her B.A. in journalism from the University of California at Berkeley and attended the MFA film program at Columbia University. She has been awarded a 1988 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the Doubleday/Columbia University Literary Fellowship. She has been a guest columnist for The New York Times's "Hers" column and has reviewed books for The New York Times Book Review, The Atlanta Constitution, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She has been a three time Fellow at Yaddo Artist Colony and the MacDowell Colony.
Russell Means Russell Means has been described as the most famous Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Russell Means has staged several events designed to bring attention to the plight of the American Indians. He conducted a prayer vigil on Mount Rushmore and filed a $9,000,000 lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians baseball team alleg­ing that the team’s nickname defamed American Indians. Means’ most famous act of defiance occurred at Wounded Knee, South Dakota on February 27, 1973 where the takeover revisited the sight of the American Indian massacre at the hands of U.S. soldiers in 1890.
George Mendoza A man of courage and vision, George Mendoza seems invincible. Even though he lost his sight at the age of 15, he has gone on to become a world class runner, Olympic contender and a motivational speaker for the youth and disabled in America. Mr. Mendoza has written a novel, Cup of All Good Things which is the first book in his "The Spirit Man Trilogy and an autobiographical screenplay, "The George Mendoza Story," a one hour docu-drama which was aired on the Public Broadcasting System (PBS)and was hosted and narrated by Academy Awared winner, Robert Duvall. A biography, Running Toward the Light, Mr. Mendoza's life story, will soon be made into a major motion picture.
Alyssa Milano Actress Alyssa Milano has spent almost her entire life in the public eye. A famous child actor, Alyssa has continued to work throughout her adulthood in both television and film. However, her latest role is outside the world of Hollywood, as a philanthropist. Because of all her charitable work on behalf of children, Alyssa was invited by UNICEF in 2003 to become a national ambassador. Her first trip with the 58 year old organization was to Angola, Africa May 2004 to see first hand the issues plaguing the newly liberated country. Alyssa launched UNICEFs pivotal Trick or Treat campaign in the fall of 2004 as an official spokesperson. In June of 2005 Alyssa traveled with UNICEF to India during the 6th month anniversary of the tsunami disaster. She visited the worst affected tsunami zones in South India to witness the relief and rehabilitation efforts. Alyssas trip also focused on educating & spreading awareness about HIV-AIDS, as India has the second highest infection rate in the world. Alyssa plans to work with UNICEF on numerous projects in the future, with all proceeds returning to the organization. International relief work is not new to the actress. In August of 2002, Alyssa hosted a photography exhibition and auction in Los Angeles to raise money for charitable efforts in South Africa. An avid photographer, Alyssa displayed her own work, as well as that of school children from L.A.s Venice Arts program. The event raised close to $50,000 for Nkosis Haven, an organization that runs care centers in South Africa for AIDS afflicted mothers and children. For her efforts, Alyssa was honored with a humanitarian award from Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations. It was this work that got the attention of UNICEF executives. Most recently The John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint JohnsHospital and HealthCenter and the Associates of Breast & Prostrate Cancer Studies presented Alyssa with the 2004 Spirit of Hollywood Award which honors individuals from the entertainment industry for their personal dedication and commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Alyssa also attended the 2004 Democratic National Convention on behalf of the Creative Coalition and is an avid supporter of MTVs Rock the Vote campaign. Alyssa Milano starred opposite Holly Marie Combs and Rose McGowan as a trio of modern day demon hunters on the WBs Charmed. The series debut was the highest-rated premiere in the networks history, and was a great success for Spelling and the WB. The shows international appeal brought it to more than 100 territories around the world, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Alyssa has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, appearing repeatedly on the covers of FHM, Maxim Magazine, Stuff, Cosmopolitan, and TV Guide. Stuff magazine voted her Americas No. 1 sweetheart and more recently named her the fifth most beautiful woman in the world.
Billy Mills In 1964, on a arm summer night in Tokyo, Japan American Billy Mills shone brighter than any star in the Oriental sky. Unheralded, unappreciated, virtually unknown to the world, Billy Mills scored one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history, winning the 10,000 meter run with a stunning come-from-behind finish that left the world's best runners in his wake, and the rest of the world in disbelief. In the 100 years of the Games, Mills is the only American ever to win this event. Mills, a Lakota (Sioux) Indian born on the reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, learned early that life doesn't always come easy. It was exactly this harsh realization that brought him to the pinnacle of the athletic world. Mills fought prejudice, jealousy, and scorn to become one of America's best distance runners of his day. Through high school, the University of Kansas, and the Marine Corps, he was often the target of envy and contempt. His ancestry was ridiculed, his integrity questioned, and his talents ignored. But while his detractors made every attempt to strip Billy Mills of his dignity, they could never extinguish the fiery determination in his soul.
Richard Miniter Richard Miniter is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, Losing bin Laden and Shadow War, and is an internationally recognized expert on terrorism. He has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The Christian Science Monitor, as well as leading magazines including The Atlantic Monthly, The New Republic and Reader's Digest. His published work has been featured in policy and political magazines including The American Enterprise, National Review, Reason, and Policy Review, among others. In addition, his articles have appeared in newspapers throughout Europe, Asia and Australia. After graduating from Vassar College in 1990, Miniter worked for the American Spectator, became a policy analyst at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and was a senior writer at Insight, a magazine published by the Washington Times. Miniter made two forays into public broadcasting. He was associate producer of the PBS series Technopolitics, a weekly program covering the politics of science, technology and the environment from 1991 to 1993. In June 1996, he was executive producer of Enterprising Women, a national weekly public radio series devoted to women executives and entrepreneurs. The series, distributed by the National Public Radio Satellite System, was hailed as "inspirational" by CNN and described as "the radio equivalent of the female Forbes magazine" by the New York Post. It was hosted by Christy Brown. Despite a loyal audience estimated at five million and carriage in eight of the top ten markets, the series ended in June 1997 due to sponsorship difficulties. From 1996 to 2000, Miniter reported for newspapers and magazines on assignment from Western Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Africa and Southeast Asia. He traveled with rebels into war zones in Uganda, Sudan and Burma and along smugglers' routes in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Hired by renowned Wall Street Journal editor Robert Bartley in 2000, Miniter was sent to Brussels as an editorial page writer at The Wall Street Journal Europe and editor of its weekly "Business Europe" column. He also wrote a weekly column, "The Visible Hand," for The Wall Street Journal's OpinionJournal.com. This column was cited by Forbes, Slate, and others. Shortly after the September 11 attacks, Miniter left the Journal to join the investigative reporting team of the Sunday Times (of London), Britain's largest quality paper. Miniter co-wrote a four-part series, "The Road to Ground Zero." The series won first prize by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Miniter's latest book is entitled Disinformation: 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror. Based on exclusive interviews and official documents, the book challenges many widely-held notions: that Bin Laden was trained or financed by the CIA in the 1980s, that Halliburton profiteered in Iraq, that profiling Arabs at airports would stop terrorism, and that the U.S.-Mexico border is an open door for Al Qaeda.
Andrea Mitchell Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for NBC News. Andrea reports on evolving foreign policy issues in the United States and abroad for all NBC News broadcasts, including "Nightly News with Tom Brokaw," "Today & for MSNBC
George Mitchell Mitchell, a Maine native and graduate of Bowdoin College, served in the U.S. Senate from 1980-95, including the last six years as Majority Leader. He was appointed to complete the un-expired term of Edmund Muskie, who resigned to become Secretary of State, and was elected to full terms in 1982 and 1988. While in the Senate, Mitchell led the Senate to passage of the nation's first childcare bill and was principal author of the low-income housing tax credit program. He was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a higher education bill, and he led the Senate to ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement and creation of the World Trade Organization. He served on the Senate's Finance, Veterans Affairs and Environment and Public Works Committees. Mitchell served as chairman of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, and under his leadership, the governments of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the political parties of Northern Ireland agreed upon an historic accord ending decades of conflict. In May 1998, the voters of Ireland, North and South, in a referendum, overwhelmingly endorsed the agreement. For his service in Northern Ireland, Mitchell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor that the U.S. Government can give, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, the Truman Institute Peace Prize, the German Peace Prize and the United Nations Peace Prize. At the request of the governments of the United States and Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Mitchell served as chairman of an international fact finding committee on violence in the Middle East. Following graduation from Bowdoin in 1954, he served in Berlin, Germany, as an officer in the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps until 1956. He received an LLB degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1960. From 1960-62 he was a trial lawyer in the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. From 1962-65 he served as executive assistant to Sen. Muskie. In 1965 he returned to Maine where he engaged in the private practice of law in Portland until 1977. He was then appointed U.S. District Attorney for Maine, a position he held until 1979, when he was appointed U.S. District Judge for Maine. Mitchell is the author of four books. With his colleague, Sen. Bill Cohen of Maine, he wrote Men of Zeal, describing the Iran-Contra investigation. In 1990, he wrote World on Fire, describing the threat of the greenhouse effect and recommending steps to curb it. His next book was Not For America Alone: The Triumph of Democracy and The Fall of Communism. In 1999, Mitchell wrote Making Peace, an account of his experience in Northern Ireland.
Melba Moore Award winning singer, actress and philanthropist, Melba Moore's enduring talent has earned her a rewarding career in theater, television, music and film. She started the Melba Moore Foundation for children because she is devoted to the prevention of child abuse, neglect and illiteracy. Ms. Moore is a positive role model for all people and is a firm believer that through faith all things are possible. Her dynamic lecture is entitled, "Great Inspirations." Tony Award-winning singer and actress Melba Moore returns to her roots with this biographical and beautifully moving one woman, two act musical. Moore captivates the audience with her singing and stories of her life in this poignant and thrilling show.
Charles A. Moose Montgomery County Police Chief who gained celebrity status after leading one of the nation's most intense criminal investigations, culminating in the capture of the Beltway Snipers. The alleged perpretators terrorized the country after murdering ten people in Maryland and Virginia in October of 2002. Recipient of a Ph.D in urban studies, Charles Moose was police chief of Portland, Oregon before becoming police chief of Montgomery County, Maryland.
Toni Morrison Morrison is one of the most prominent authors in world literature. Her eight major novels (The Bluest Eye, Sula, Song of Solomon, Tar Baby, Beloved, Jazz, Paradise and Love) have received extensive critical acclaim. She won the National Book Critics Award in 1978 for Song of Solomon and the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Beloved. In 1993, Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Since 1989, Morrison has been Robert F. Goheen Professor in the Council of the Humanities at Princeton University. She holds degrees from Howard University and Cornell University, and has also taught at Yale University, Bard College and Rutgers University. Morrison has been awarded honorary degrees from numerous institutions, including Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Oberlin College and Columbia University. Morrison, who was a senior editor at Random House for twenty years, co-authored the children's books Who's Got Game? The Lion or the Mouse?, Who's Got Game? The Ant or the Grasshopper?, The Book of Mean People and The Big Box. Her books of essays include Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination; the edited collection Race-ing Justice, En-Gendering Power: Essays on Anita Hill, Clarence Thomas, and the construction of Social Reality; and the co-edited collection Birth of a Nation'hood: Gaze, Script, and Spectacle in the O.J. Simpson Case. Additional awards she has received include the 2000 National Humanities Medal; the 2000 Library of Congress Bicentennial Living Legend award; the 1996 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters; the 1994 Condorcet Medal, Paris; the 1989 Modern Language Association of America Commonwealth Award in Literature; the 1988 Anisfield Wolf Book Award in Race Relations; and the 1978 Distinguished Writer Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Morrison is a founding member of the Academie Universelle Des Culture, a trustee of the New York Public Library, a member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She served on the National Council of the Arts for six years, and is a member of the Africa Watch and Helsinki Watch Committees on Human Rights.
Ralph Nader Ralph Nader is an attorney and political activist. Issues he has promoted include consumer rights, feminism, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government. Nader has also been a strong critic of American foreign policy in recent decades, which he views as corporatist, imperialist, and contrary to fundamental values of democracy and human rights. His activism has played a large part in the creation of many governmental and non-governmental organisations, such as the EPA, OSHA, Public Citizen, PIRGs and many more. Nader has run for President of the United States three times (1996, 2000, 2004). In 1996 and 2000 he was the nominee of the Green Party; Winona LaDuke was his vice-presidential running mate. In 2004 he ran as an independent with Green activist Peter Miguel Camejo as his vice-presidential nominee.
Karl Nelson NFL star, football color commentator and survivor of Hodgkin’s Disease.
John Niland Dallas Cowboys football great and outspoken advocate against domestic violence.
Dr. Wade Nobles Dr. Nobles , an experimental social psychologist, is the founder and Executive Director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family, Life and Culture, Inc. He has a special interest in the social, ethnic and cultural relativity of social science, research and evaluation models. Dr. Nobles is a prominent theoretical scientist in the fields of African Psychology, cross-cultural and ethno-human functioning. He is one of the leading researchers on social systems and psycho-cultural development. In addition to his research interest in the area of African-American family dynamics, his research interest also covers HIV/AIDS and SA Prevention, the psychological aspects of mythology, Black child development, parenting, African Spiritual systems and systems of human transformation and development.
Oliver North Combat-Decorated Marine, Best-Selling Author, Former U.S. Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Oliver L. North is a combat decorated marine, a #1 best-selling author, the founder of a small business, an inventor with three U.S. patents, a syndicated columnist, and host of "War Stories" on Fox News Channel; yet he claims his most important accomplishment as being "the husband of one and the father of four." North was born in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and served 22 years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds in combat. Assigned to the national security council staff in the Reagan administration, Colonel North was the United States Government's Counter-Terrorism Coordinator from 1983-1986, was involved in planning the rescue of 804 medical students on the island of Grenada, and played a major role in the daring capture of the hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro. After helping plan the U.S. raid on Muammar Qaddafi's terrorist bases in Libya, North was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal, the infamous terrorist found dead in Baghdad in August, 2002. His award-winning combat coverage, while embedded with U.S. Marine and Army units for Fox News during Operation Iraqi Freedom, won international acclaim. He is the Author of: Under Fire, One More Mission, War Stories-Operation Iraqi Freedom; and three novels: Mission Compromised, The Jericho Sanction and The Assassins. All of his books are New York Times' best-sellers. North is also the founder of Freedom Alliance, a foundation which provides scholarships for the sons and daughters of service members killed in action.
Dr. Antonia Novello Antonia Coello Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., was nominated by Governor George Pataki and confirmed as the thirteenth Commissioner of Health for the State of New York on June 15, 1999. Dr. Novello was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and earned her B.S. and M.D. degrees at the University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Novello served a pediatric internship and residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and completed subspecialty training in pediatric nephrology at the University of Michigan and Georgetown University. She also earned Masters of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health degrees from Johns Hopkins University. She is a board-certified pediatrician. Dr. Novello has a long and illustrious career in public health. From 1979 to 1990, she worked for the U.S. Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health, where she served in various capacities, rising to Deputy Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. In 1990, Dr. Novello was appointed by President George Bush as the U.S. Surgeon General, a position she held until 1993. From 1993 to 1996, Dr. Novello served as the Special Representative for Health and Nutrition with UNICEF. Immediately prior to joining the New York State Department of Health, she served as Visiting Professor and Special Director of Community Health Policies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Dr. Novello is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Georgetown University School of Medicine and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. She is also Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the University of Michigan and Adjunct Professor of International Health at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Novello is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the American Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, the American Pediatrics Society, and the Society for Pediatric Research. She is a member of the Institute of Medicine and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Surgeon General's Exemplary Service Medallion and Medal, Distinguished Service Medal of the U.S. Public Health Service, the American Medical Association's Nathan B. Davis Award, the National Women's Hall of Fame, the American Academy of Pediatrics Excellence in Public Service Award, the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars Award, the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, the Public Health Service Commissioned Officer's Association Health Leader of the Year Award, the Charles C. Shepard Science Award for Scientific Excellence, and the Ronald McDonald Children's Charities Award of Excellence. She holds over 45 honorary degrees.
Eric O'Neill Eric ONeill as portrayed by Ryan Phillippe is the subject of Universal's new feature film, Breach. In February 2001, ONeill helped capture the most notorious spy in United States history, Robert Phillip Hanssen. In the two months preceding Hanssen’s arrest, ONeill was selected to work with the spy within the newly minted information assurance division, created to protect all classified FBI intelligence. ONeill was charged with gaining Hanssen’s trust and then using that relationship to slowly draw the traitor out of deep cover. Engaged in a lethal game of spy-versus-spy, ONeill found himself fighting to bring down Hanssen before the treacherous double agent could destroy him, his family and the nation they are both sworn to serve. . ONeill served as a Special Consultant for Universal on Breach and provided support on all aspects of the film including assisting in writing the screenplay to preparation, prop selection, set design, character development, establishing the FBI culture, on-set consultation and post shooting publicity. ONeill has appeared on numerous television shows and radio programs, including ABC’s 20/20 and Nightline, Hardball with Chris Mathews, Fox News Power Player of the Week with Chris Wallace, CNN, CSPAN’s Washington Journal, NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, ABC’s World News Now, HBO’s First Look, Wealth TV, MTV and Access Hollywood. O’Neill has also been featured in national newspapers, journals, internet forums, vcasts and podcasts. O’Neill is an honors graduate of the Auburn University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School, also with honors. He currently practices Law in Washington DC and is available as a consultant for film and television projects and for speaking engagements.
Dr. Rod Paige Dr. Rod Paige served as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education during President George W. Bush’s first term in office. His vast experience as a practitioner — from the blackboard to the boardroom — paid off during the long hours of work needed to pass President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). Now he is leading the charge — in partnership with states and districts — to implement these historic reforms.
Steve Palermo Heroic baseball umpire who was shot and paralyzed in an attempt to thwart a post-game robbery. An inspiring and motivational speaker.
Steve Palermo From the time he began his career as an American League Umpire in 1977, Steve Palermo was widely regarded as one of the best umpires in the game. In 15 years on the field, he brought a boundless energy and enthusiasm to a game that he loved. His career highlights include two of the most famous games in N.Y. Yankees history. In 1978, he worked the Yankees one game playoff against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park to determine the Eastern Divisional winner. In fact, it was Palermo, serving as the third base umpire, who signaled "fair ball" when Bucky Dent hit the game winning home run. On July 4, 1978 he worked behind the plate for Dave Righetti's no-hitter against the Red Sox at Yankees Stadium. In early July 1991, it seemed that Palermo's umpire career might have ended, but everyone knows it is difficult to win an argument with an umpire and Steve refuses to lose this one. On July 7, 1991, Steve and several friends were dining after a Texas Rangers game when they were alerted that two waitresses were being mugged in the parking lot. In an attempt to apprehend the assailants, Steve suffered a bullet wound to his spinal cord, resulting in instant paralysis to the lower extremities. Doctors told Steve and his wife, Debbie, that he would probably never walk again. Yet through rehabilitation and a lot of determination, Palermo is winning his argument...he is walking with the use of one small leg brace and a cane, and says he will return to the game he loves so much. On December 1, 1992, the Steve Palermo Foundation for Spinal Cord Injuries (SPF/SCI) formally opened their doors. The foundation was formed to fund research for the discovery of a cure for paralysis while also providing hope and support to those with spinal cord injuries and their families...helping them get "One Step Closer to Home." On January 1, 1995, the SPF/SCI merged with the Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation (KWNPF). When the KWNPF closed in September of 2003, Steve and his family looked for a way to continue the work that they had started. They found their answer by forming a partnership with the Kansas University Endowment Association. The Steve Palermo Endowment for Spinal Cord Injury Research was formed. The same drive and dedication that returned Palermo to his feet fuels the efforts of this endowment to aid in the discovery of a cure for paralysis. Since Steve’s injury, he has become highly regarded as a motivational speaker. He travels the country relaying his message of “Never Admit Defeat” to corporations and organizations nationwide. In 1994, Steve was named special Assistant to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. In 1996 – 1997, he provided feature reports and served as a color analyst for the New York Yankees cable network. In 2000, Steve was named Supervisor of Umpires, an additional role he now plays with Major League Baseball.
Jim Palmer Hall of Fame baseball player, sportscaster and television personality.
Bill Parcells Trendsetter, team builder, innovator and “The Man and the Plan” are but a few of the accolades the media and fans use to describe Bill Parcells. He is a man who has proven throughout his career that he is synonymous with winning. Since retiring from coaching, Parcells has accepted a position as a football studio analyst for ESPN. One of the most successful coaches in NFL history, Parcells led the New York Giants to victories in Super Bowls XXI and XXV, took the AFC Champion New England Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI, and led the 1998 New York Jets to a franchise first AFC Eastern Division Championship. Recently, Parcells was head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and led the team to the playoffs during his first season, but retired from this position in January of 2007. A football legend, Parcells is one of only three coaches in NFL history to lead two different teams to the Super Bowl. Parcells’ dream to become an NFL coach began while as a teenager as he watched the New York Giants defeat the Chicago Bears in the 1956 NFL championship game. The seed was planted. The young man born in Englewood, New Jersey in 1941 decided he would someday be an NFL coach. Parcells graduated from River Dell High School in 1958 and, after a brief stint at Colgate, went to Wichita State where he was a star linebacker. After he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round, he decided to turn immediately to coaching instead and took a position with Hastings College in Nebraska. Parcells then returned to Wichita State where he was defensive coach before he became assistant coach at West Point, defensive coordinator at Florida State, defensive assistant at Vanderbilt, and Texas Tech, and then head coach of the Air Force Academy. After a brief stint as linebacker coach for the New England Patriots, Parcells joined the Giants as defensive coordinator. Under Parcells’ direction, the Giants defense improved dramatically. In 1980, the team had allowed 425 points. However, under Parcells’ guidance, the defense improved from its No. 25 ranking to No. 3 and allowed only 257 points. They also had the lowest average-per-rush (3.4) allowed and lowest average-per-play (4.2) allowed. Parcells was named Head Coach of the New York Giants beginning with the 1983 season. The boyhood dream had become a reality which would, in the next eight years, again become dream-like. Parcells established one of the highest winning percentages of all NFL Coaches. He was named Coach of the Year in 1986 in all the major polls. In 1989 he was named NFL Coach of the Year by NFL Films and NFC Coach of the Year by The Washington Post. He was also named Coach of the Year for the All-Madden Team for the 1990 season. To date, probably the greatest tribute to Parcells’ success is the fact that he took a struggling New York Giants and transformed them into world champions that would claim the Super Bowl title in 1986 and 1991. In only eight years as head coach, he accomplished what most coaches only hope to accomplish in a lifetime.
Joe Paterno Leading collegiate football coach and top motivational speaker.
Dr. Orlando Patterson Professor of sociology at Harvard University and the author of Rituals of Blood, the second volume of trilogy on race relations. His study of slavery and domination prompted interest in the study of the nature and development of its shadow concept of freedom. He also focused his research on contemporary America with special emphasis on race, immigration and multiculturalism.
M. Scott Peck, MD Renowned psychiatrist and best-selling author of The Road Less Traveled.
Cedric Pendleton While working full time in corporate sales, he emerged himself in a concentrated, back-breaking internship at Actor's Express Theater under then Artistic Director Chris Coleman, the result of which was a stunning debut performance in Stand Up Tragedy in which he played the lead. He has since worked on stage with such respected actors and directors as Gary Yates, David Bell, Ella Joyce, Ruby Dee, Angela Gibbs, Joan Pringle, and Woody King, Jr. Committed and passionate from the very beginning, Cedric kept reaching and working. He added commercials, voice over work and industrials to his resume. And he made the most of Atlanta's burgeoning independent film community, in which his talent, perseverance, and charm served him well and put him on the local A-list. As he consistently honed his talents and skills, his independent film work soon led to roles in hit features such as Runaway Jury, Summer Catch, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and Madea's Family Reunion, allowing him to work with the likes of Brian Dennehy, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Debbie Allen, and Tyler Perry. All the while, he was paving his way to Oz. Once he took the plunge and moved West, he proved that he was not just a big fish in a small pond, but rather, he could hold his own with the big dogs. Cedric landed supporting and recurring roles in hit television shows and movies like The Fantasia Barino Story, The Shield, The Guardian, One Tree Hill, Strong Medicine, and NYPD Blue. For Cedric, like any true artist, there is no separation between his life and his craft. He commands attention like a star, and he thrives on it like a star. Unexpectedly, he accepts praise with grace. A multi-faceted treasure, he is also a producer, promoter, writer, poet, lyricist, and motivational speaker and a gifted athlete, martial artist, teacher, and mentor. Cedric Pendleton: Dedicated. Team player. Enthusiastic. He brings his best game. Every time.
Ty Pennington Ty Pennington has certainly carved out a niche for himself as the lovable, off-the-wall, hunk-of-a-carpenter and home design guru. During his four-year stint on Trading Spaces, Ty became well-known as the cute and playful carpenter who would sometimes work shirtless. So it is not surprising that dozens of women desperately hope to catch a glimpse of Ty in action. Beyond cracking jokes, though, Ty enjoys designing, building and working with contractors and his fellow designers to help create magical homes for deserving families. A self-proclaimed "Jack of all Trades, Master of None," Ty can add bestselling author to his vast list of skills. His first book, Ty's Tricks, published by Hyperion in 2003, was a New York Times bestseller. In addition to being an author, Pennington has just signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with Sears. He will be partnering with Sears in a broad range of activities, including product design and development, merchandising and advertising, and is the ambassador for the Sears American Dream Campaign. Ty spent most of his childhood in Atlanta. Following high school, he attended Kennesaw College, focusing on art and history. After one year his art professor suggested a career in graphic design, so Ty started working as a carpenter by day and attending classes at the Atlanta Art Institute by night. After graduation he continued his education at the Atlanta College of Art, studying painting and sculpture while honing his carpentry skills to pay for his education. During his final semester, Ty was approached by a modeling scout and soon began an exciting and lucrative career. He traveled the world and modeled for various clothing companies and appeared in television commercials. He recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, and appeared in the independent film, The Adventures of Ociee Nash, playing aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright.
Rosie Perez This ebullient, high voiced Latina actress garnered attention for her portrayal of Spike Lee 's fast-talking, no non-sense girl friend in 1989 's "Do the Right Thing." Perez began her career as a featured dancer on "Soul Train", moving on to choreograph numbers for such recording artists as Bobby Brown and Diana Ross. Her choreography credits also include the opening title sequence for "Do the Right Thing" and the "fly girl" segments of TV 's "In Living Color". In the hit comedy feature "White Men Can 't Jump" (1992), Perez played Woody Harrelson 's girlfriend, a "motor-mouth" whose life 's ambition is to appear on the TV game show "Jeopardy". In 1993, Perez replaced her usually strident image with a much softer turn as a plane-crash survivor in Peter Weir 's "Fearless", for which she received good reviews and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting actress. She followed with a turn as Nicolas Cage 's greedy wife in "It Could Happen to You" (1994) and as a taxi dancer in love with the wrong man in Alexandre Rockwell 's "Somebody to Love".
Tyler Perry Tyler Perry became America's most successful young playwright and the writer, producer and co-star of the box office hit Diary of a Mad Black Woman. But it was a long hard road. In 1992 Perry wrote letters to himself in an effort to deal with his childhood pain. These would provide the basis for the musical I Know I've Been Changed about adult survivors of child abuse. Tyler Perry saved $12,000 and moved to Atlanta in 1992, where he tried to stage the play. Initially, however, I Know I've Been Changed was a flop. Hardly anyone came to the shows and over the next 6 years, Tyler Perry found himself homeless on several occasions, and doing dozens of different jobs to support his determination that the play would succeed. He had come to the point of giving up on the show, when in 1998, the turning point came. I Know I've Been Changed opened at the House of Blues and sold out eight times over before moving to the Fox Theater where it sold out 9,000 seats for two shows. Since then Tyler Perry has been on a roll. His next production, Woman Thou Art Loosed based on the book by Bishop T.D. Jakes grossed over $5 million in five months. Further productions including I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Behind Closed Doors, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion, Madea's Class Reunion, Meet the Browns, and Madea Goes to Jail have meant that the once broke Perry has now earned tens of millions of dollars.
Gail Perry Mason Financial expert and author of "Money Matters For Families," Gail Perry Mason has hosted weekly training sessions for Chrysler Corporation, held education seminars and hosts a weekly radio and cable T.V. show
Digger Phelps Collegiate basketball coach and television color commentator.
Michael Phelps He is the most decorated American Olympian ever having won a total of 14 Olypic Gold Medals; He won 8 Gold Medals at the 2008 Olympics, breaking Mark Spitz record of 7 Gold Medals in a single Olympics Michael Phelps holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics; a total of eight, surpassing Mark Spitz. Overall, Phelps has won 16 Olympic medals: six gold and two bronze at Athens in 2004, and eight gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. In winning these medals, he has twice equaled Soviet gymnast Alexander Dityatin's record of eight medals (of any type) at a single Olympics (Dityatin: Moscow 1980; Phelps: Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008). Out of his eight gold medals from Beijing, five were won in individual events, tying the record for individual gold medals at a single Games originally set by Eric Heiden in the 1980 Winter Olympics and equaled by Vitaly Scherbo at the 1992 Summer Games. Phelps ranks second in total career Olympic medals, after Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina, who won a total of 18 medals (nine gold) spanning three Olympic Games. Phelps' international titles, along with his various world records, have resulted in him being awarded the World Swimmer of the Year Award in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 and American Swimmer of the Year Award in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007. Phelps has won a total of 48 career medals thus far: 40 gold, six silvers and two bronze. This includes all of the Championships in which he has competed: The Olympics, the World Championships, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood. He graduated from Towson High School in 2003. His father, Fred Phelps, worked for the Maryland State Police and his mother, Debbie Davisson Phelps, is a middle school principal. The two divorced in 1994. Michael, whose nickname is "MP", has two older sisters, Whitney and Hilary. In his youth, Phelps was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He started swimming at age seven, partly because of the influence of his sisters and partly to provide him with an outlet for his energy. He excelled as a swimmer, and by the age of 10 held a national record for his age group. More age group records followed, and Phelps' rapid improvement culminated in his qualifying for the 2000 Summer Olympics at the age of 15. Between 2004 and 2008, Phelps attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, studying sports marketing and management. In May 2008, Phelps said he intends to return to Baltimore following the 2008 Olympics, joining Bob Bowman there when he leaves the University of Michigan, saying, "I'm not going to swim for anybody else. I think we can both help the North Baltimore Aquatic Club go further. I'm definitely going to be in Baltimore next year." The club has announced that Bowman is leaving the University of Michigan to become the club's CEO. In a front page illustrated article profiling Phelps on the eve of the 2008 Summer Olympics, The Baltimore Sun described the hometown swimmer as "a solitary man" with a "rigid focus" at the pool prior to a race, but afterwards "a man incredibly invested in the success of the people he cares about". Bowman told a Sun interviewer, "He's unbelievably kind-hearted", recounting Phelps' interaction with young children after practices.
Dr. Jo Ann Pina Inspiring Leadership and Personal Success Dr. Jo Ann Pina is a Professional keynote speaker who has inspired thousands of people to take charge of their lives, realize their dreams and live up to their full potential though leadership development programs and motivational speaking engagements. Participants who have attended Dr. Pinas seminars and presentations rave about the wealth of knowledge and inspiration as well as the authentic way she connects with her audience Motivational speaker: No one exemplifies the idea of success over adversity better than Dr. Jo. She is a success specialist and shows you how you can achieve it! One of the few women of Hispanic heritage with advanced degrees in psychology and counseling, Dr. Jo also excels in cross-cultural communication, gender communication, and cultural diversity training --to enhance understanding between cultures and the sexes.
Randal Pinkett Randal is the first African American candidate to be hired on national television through the US version of The Apprentice, a television reality show starring Donald Trump. (There have been black candidates hired in the South African and British versions of the programme before Pinkett was hired.) Pinkett was hired on national television during the season finale of season four. Pinkett is the President and CEO of BCT Partners [1], a management, technology and policy consulting services firm. Over the course of the season, Pinkett had the best record as project manager, with an undefeated 3-0 record. Pinkett's competitor in the finale was Rebecca Jarvis, a journalist from Chicago. For his final task, Pinkett met with Outback Steakhouse executives and the CEO of Autism Speaks in order to coordinate his most difficult task of the entire series, a charity fundraiser for Autism Speaks. Pinkett planned a celebrity softball game, but the game was rained out. Pinkett was criticized by Trump's associate Carolyn Kepcher for lack of a detailed back-up plan and for failing to monitor the weather after an early forecast put the chances of rain at 30%. Pinkett arranged a last-minute auction in an undecorated white room, which raised nearly $11,000. Trump criticized Pinkett for not spotlighting the celebrities in attendance, who intermingled with the auction crowd. In an unusual twist, when Pinkett was hired by Trump, Trump asked Pinkett if he should also hire Jarvis. Pinkett replied, "I firmly believe this is 'The Apprentice,'" and that "there is one, and only one 'Apprentice' and if you're going to hire someone tonight, it should be one." He added that the show was called "The Apprentice" and not "The Apprenti" Trump said he "could have been convinced," but opted to agree with Pinkett and "leave it at that." Trump then dropped the subject, but many viewers were left with the impression that he had hoped to hire both Pinkett and Jarvis. (The fourth season of The Apprentice regularly saw Trump playing havoc with established procedures, including multiple firings.) Pinkett firmly stood by his decision, which was subsequently both praised and panned and sparked debate well after the finale aired. Pinkett later gave his version of the events in an interview with blackenterprise.com. He stated, "I'm satisfied with the decision I made and I'm pleased with the arguments I presented. As I said last night, 'in a competition there is only one winner.' You wouldn't ask the gold medalist in the Olympics to share with the silver medalist. Unfortunately for those that wanted to see a double hiring or see Rebecca win, I ended up being the bearer of bad news. However, at the end of day all I did was give Mr. Trump my recommendation. It was ultimately his decision to not hire Rebecca."
Def Poetry The acclaimed late-night series RUSSELL SIMMONS PRESENTS DEF POETRY COMES TO YOUR SCHOOL. The audacious, uncensored late-night series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry returns to HBO with a fifth season. This year the seminal spoken word series presents seasoned and up-and-coming poets performing their work onstage before a live audience, interspersed with a big-ticket lineup of celebrities also trying their hand at poetry.Praised by the New York Times as an "exuberant, daringly fresh series that breaks poetry out of the neat little boxes it's so often put it," Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry features a spectrum of voices.
Sidney Poitier Poitier is known the world over for his consistent, sensitive and powerful portrayals in such socially charged films as No Way Out, Blackboard Jungle, Something of Value, The Defiant Ones, A Raisin in the Sun, A Patch of Blue, To Sir With Love, In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Lilies of the Field and many others. He has been walking tall among Hollywood's most respected and honored stars for more than five decades. He made his motion picture debut in No Way Out, garnered critical acclaim and national recognition in Blackboard Jungle, received his first Academy Award nomination for The Defiant Ones in 1958, and won the coveted Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Lilies of the Field. In addition to Poitier's personal success, he has been a leading figure among African American achievers. He serves as the Ambassador to Japan from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. He was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1968. He has received the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award and the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.
Colin L. Powell General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) became the 65th Secretary of State on January 20, 2001. As he stated at his confirmation hearing, the guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy during his tenure was that "America stands ready to help any country that wishes to join the democratic world." General Powell brought extensive experience with him to his office. Before becoming Secretary of State, Colin Powell served as a key aide to the Secretary of Defense and as National Security Advisor to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Four-Star General and serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989 – 1993). During this time he oversaw 28 crises to include the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the victorious 1991 Persian Gulf War. That experience served him well, both before and particularly after the events of September 11, 2001, the day of the greatest tragedy on American soil since Pearl Harbor. As Secretary he stood shoulder to shoulder with the President and the other members of the President's cabinet in fighting the war on terrorism. As he often said, "winning that war is our first priority, and it will remain so for as long as necessary." A fervent purveyor of democratic values, Colin Powell stressed that fighting the war on terrorism is not just a military but also a diplomatic task – the two go hand in hand. He led the State Department in major efforts to solve regional and civil conflicts – in the Middle East, between Israel and its Arab neighbors; in Sudan, Congo and Liberia; in the Balkans, Cyprus, Haiti, Northern Ireland and elsewhere. He was especially concerned with the peace and security of Afghanistan and Iraq, countries where winning the peace is as important as Coalition battlefield victories. In all areas, he used the power of diplomacy and the universal ideal of democracy to build trust, forge alliances and then begin to transform these once-unstable regions into areas where societies and cultures prosper. General Powell was devoted to grasping opportunities as well as to confronting the global and regional security challenges of the 21st century. He was at the forefront of the administration's efforts to advance economic and social development worldwide – in the fight against HIV/AIDS, in the promise of the Millennium Challenge Account, the most significant change in helping needy nations since the Marshall Plan, and in pursuing a freer trading and investment climate worldwide. These efforts, too, are not separate from the nation's security agenda. Indeed, in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, then Secretary Powell affirmed that our main purpose is to extend democracy, prosperity, and freedom to every corner of the world. It is a process that is establishing a balance of power that favors freedom across the globe.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Sheryl Lee Ralph is one of the most well liked, respected and recognizable celebrity faces. A triple threat Dreamgirl, this award winning actress, singer, and producer has added motivational speaker to her impressive list of credits, addressing churches, businesses, professional and women’s groups with her own unique blend of passion and inspiration. Her exceptional abilities extend from TV, concert halls, to feature films and the Broadway stage. Nominated for the coveted Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for creating the role of “Deena Jones” in the landmark Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” Ralph has starred in such feature films as The Distinguished Gentleman with Eddie Murphy, The Mighty Quinn with Denzel Washington, Mistress with Robert DeNiro, and Sister Act 2 with Whoopi Goldberg. Ralph won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in To Sleep with Anger with Danny Glover. She found immense popularity on TV starring in hits such as It’s a Living, Designing Women and Moesha. She broke new ground in the Showtime series, BarberShop, as the popular, post operative transsexual, Claire. Ralph brought a new face to the sufferings of war in the NBC hit series ER. Ralph is also the creator/producer of DIVAS Simply Singing! which after seventeen years of commitment has become one of the most important AIDS fundraisers in Hollywood, headlining such talent as Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell, Oleta Adams, Roberta Flack, Raven Symone, Melissa Manchester, Dianne Reeves, The PussyCat Dolls, Stacey "Fergie" Ferguson and many more. Ralph also is founder and creator of the very successful Jamerican Film Festival which has produced five Showtime Filmmaker Finalists in five years.
Scott Rasmussen Co-founder of the ESPN cable sport network and motivational business speaker. Topic: The Birth of ESPN: Sustaining the Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Jacque Reid Jacque Reid is currently a news correspondent on the nationally syndicated radio program, the Tom Joyner Morning Show. In addition, Reid is currently a guest host on the ABC daytime syndicated program, The View. Prior to that, Reid served as co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Jacque came to radio from CNN Headline News, and BET Nightly News, where she was known as the face of the former flagship evening news program. As co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, she served as the feminine mystique adding balance to the witty banter of her male counterparts, comedians Steve Harvey and Nephew Tommy Miles. While the principal anchor of BET Nightly News, Reid brought a wealth of experience and talent along with a stylish, contemporary presence to a national cable newscast on a daily basis. She covered major news stories that included one-on-one interviews with President George W. Bush, former POW Shoshanna Johnson, Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry, and former President Bill Clinton. She was the first to interview Luther Vandross' mother as the singer lay in the hospital recovering from a near fatal stroke. She also anchored team coverage of the Trent Lott controversy, and hosted a live half-hour roundtable discussion following his televised interview on BET. During the 2004 Republican National Convention, Jacque joined CNN's Larry King Live and worked as a guest correspondent and contributor. Reid has also been an occasional fill-in anchor and featured correspondent for CBS News and had previously worked in those capacities on CBS' The Early Show, providing reports on the days hot topics. In 2005, Reid also filed stories for the CBS Weekend Evening News, and worked as a fill-in anchor for the CBS overnight news program, Up To The Minute. In addition to news events, from 2002 - 2005, Reid provided special coverage each year for the BET Awards Show, hosting a one-hour interview special, and anchoring a special live broadcast outside of L.A.'s Kodak Theatre following the program. Her celebrity interviews have included such A list stars like Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx.
Daphne Maxwell Reid Daphne Maxwell Reid is known as Aunt Viv, the matriarch on NBC's hit comedy, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air". She is also known for her role of mortician/embalmer Hannah Griffin on the CBS comedy series "Frank's Place" in which she co-starred with her husband, Tim Reid. She teamed up with Tim again when she starred as Mickie Dennis on "Snoops" for CBS. In 1998-99, she played the bawdy hooker Eartha on Showtime’s “Linc’s” which was created and produced by her husband and shot at New Millennium Studios in Virginia and Paramount Studios. Currently, she reoccurs as Mrs. Hunter on UPN’s “Eve”. With her husband, actor/writer/producer Tim Reid, and two other Virginia businessmen, Reid co-founded and is a principal partner in New Millennium Studios, the first full-service film studio in Virginia. The first of three phases of a 60-acre project including a 15,000 square foot soundstage, a state-of-the-art post production facility and a 25-acre back-lot was completed and opened on July 12, 1997. Reid has served as New Millennium Studios’ COO and Business Affairs principal, helping with designing, building and growing the new company from the ground up to a $7 million facility in six years, including over $1.5 million in revenues in 2001. To date, New Millennium Studios’ founders have produced two feature films, Asunder; and For Real, both of which Ms. Reid served as Executive Producer; a television series, Linc’s; a syndicated television special, American Legacy Television, which has become a Video Collection for Blockbuster, Inc; over 40 commercials; and have hosted numerous television and feature films shot at their facility. Low cost, quality content Creation is the focus of the venture and the ownership and distribution/exploitation of intellectual properties is the goal. Toward that effort, New Millennium Studios has created Obsidian Home Entertainment to distribute film titles both theatrically and in home video/DVD. The new Television division at New Millennium is creating original programming for the new cable network, TV One including the “Cowboys of Color” and “Gospel Challenge” series.
Pat Riley Leading NBA basketball coach and an outstanding motivational speaker.
Phil Rizzuto Legendary Hall of Fame baseball player.
Robin Roberts ABC sports commentator on "Good Morning America" and host of ESPN's Sports Center, Robin Roberts is one of the most versatile commentators in sports. She is also the current host for the Emmy Award winning anthology program, "ABC's Wide World of Sports."
Terrence Roberts Terrence Roberts was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1941. He attended Dunbar Junior High School and Horace Mann High School before enrolling at Little Rock Central High School as a junior in September 1957 as one of the "Little Rock Nine", a group of African American high school students who were the first to integrate the city's racially segregated schools. As a result of the subsequent closing of Little Rock's high schools during the 1958-1959 school year, Roberts completed his senior year at Los Angeles High School in Los Angeles, California. He continued his education at California State University in Los Angeles and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1967. He received his Master's degree in social welfare from the UCLA School of Social Welfare in 1970, and his Ph.D. in psychology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1976. Roberts joined the Antioch University Los Angeles in 1993 and served as core faculty and co-chair of the Master of Arts in Psychology program, before retiring in 2008. He also runs his private psychology practice in Pasadena, CA. In addition, he is CEO of the management-consulting firm, Terrence J Roberts & Associates. Terrence Roberts was prominently featured on the day Barack Obama was inaugurated as the forty fourth president of the United States of America.
Oscar Robertson A basketball legend, Oscar Robertson was an all-star basketball player for the Cincinnati Royals of the NBA. He is considered one of the greatest basketball players in the history of professional basketball. A motivational speaker and a role model to the youth of America.
Sharon Robinson The daughter of Jackie Robinson, Sharon Robinson is the author of the book, Stealing Home: An Intimate Family Portrait by the Daughter of Jackie Robinson. She is director of educational programming for Major League Baseball where she supervises a program that focuses on urban and women's issues.
Mary Robinson Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland and more recently United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is the superb example of a woman politician who puts her humanity very much at the forefront of her politics. She is currently the president of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, chairs the Council of Women World Leaders and is a member of the Global Commission on International Migration. As an academic, legislator and barrister, Robinson has always sought to use law as an instrument for social change, arguing landmark cases before the European Court of Human Rights as well as in the Irish courts and the European Court in Luxembourg. In 1988, Robinson and her husband, Nicholas Robinson, founded the Irish Centre for European Law at the University of Dublin, where she has served as chancellor since 1998. She was a member of the Irish senate from 1969-89 before her election as president (1990-97). Robinson served as the U.N.'s High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. Kofi Annan, U.N. secretary-general, said of Robinson's tenure as high commissioner: "The job of United Nations HIgh Commissioner for Human Rights is not for the faint of heart ... (Mary) brought to the task a leader's vision, a lawyer's precision and a believer's conviction ... she was able to convey the very essence of human rights ... And she never shied away from controversial issues ... When Mary left the United Nations in 2002, she left the world a better place than she had found it." Her newest project, the Ethical Globalization Initiative, is supported by a partnership of the Aspen Institute, Columbia University and the Swiss-based International Council on Human Rights Policy. Its goal is to bring the norms and standards of human rights into the globalization process and to support capacity building in good governance in developing countries. The recipient of numerous honors and awards throughout the world, President Robinson is a member of the Royal Irish Academy and the American Philosophical Society and is Honorary President of Oxfam International as well as Penal Reform International. A member of the Club of Madrid (a group of former heads of state and government), Robinson was educated at the University of Dublin (Trinity College), King's Inns Dublin, and Harvard Law School. She holds honorary doctorates from more than 40 universities around the world. Since 2004, Robinson has been Professor of Practice in International Affairs at Columbia University, where she teaches international human rights. She was named one of Glamour's Women of the Year in 2005
Dr. Refugio Rochin Dr. Refugio Rochin: International Speaker, author, scholar, administrator, social scientist, and Leader in Education. Dr. Refugio Rochin, a celebrated trailblazer in the world of Latino culture, joins fellow Hispanic professional speakers in the Latino Speakers Bureau, to increase awareness of the role and contributions of Latinos to the history and culture of the United States. Dr. Refugio Rochin is currently the Executive Director of SACNAS, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Latinos and Native Americans in Science. He has been designated as one of "America's Top 100 Influential Hispanics," by Hispanic Business, Inc., and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Northeastern University, Boston in 2000. He is often quoted by the press on Latino issues and in 2002, was featured in the Latin American Times as Hispanic of the Week. Frequently described by his audiences as dynamic, personable and imaginative, Dr. Rochin has been a trailblazer in U.S. Latino studies and cultural affairs, with a career that clearly speaks of leadership in research and policy issues affecting Latinos. He was the first Director of the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives, among many other career achievements. He oversaw a variety of projects at the Smithsonian designed to increase awareness of the role and contributions of Latinos to the history and culture of the United States. Dr. Rochin is well known for his publications and lectures on Latino contributions to U.S. history, economic development, culture, arts, music and science. Dr. Refugio Rochin’s conferences will include: “U.S. Chicanos and Latinos in U.S. Society: A Historical Perspective”, “The Economics of Chicanos & Latinos in the U.S.”, “The Role and Contribution of Latinos to U.S. Culture”, “U.S. Latinos in the Arts & Culture”, “Latinos in Science: Opportunities & Challenges for the Future” and the much awaited conference that deals with the topic of his new book, "Latino Patriots in Defense of America: From the American Revolution to Afghanistan and Iraq."
T. Rodgers Mr. T. Rodgers is a professional consultant, organizer and trainer specializing in violence prevention, human professions and cultural diversity. His mission is to actively promote harmonious and healthy communities that Are supported by principles of social justice. Knowledge and shard economic opportunity, respect for human rights, and a celebration of inclusion. Mr. Rodgers mother left the south side slums of 47th street in Chicago and moved to the west side of Los Angeles known as the jungle. Growing up in this densely populated village Mr. Rodgers admits it wasnt easy. As an adolescent he became embroiled in many gang-related conflicts and his leadership ability helped him develop a chapter of the almighty Black P. Stone Nation. They were500 members strong with five different parks under their control. At one point he was one of the TEN MOST WANTED gang leaders in south central Los Angeles. Mr. Rodgers gang activates caused him to be shot four times and stabbed twice, and the birth of his boy baby. These and other devastating experience forced him to take stock of himself. He began to look hard at how such self destructive and high risk behavior leads many youth to a life of incarceration, punishment, and high injury and death rates. Mr. Rodgers is now at the forefront of efforts to stop the violence and ease tension. He has taken a leadership role in negotiating truces and participating in a number of peace summits in cities across the country. His attempts to end gang violence rely heavily on promoting dialogue and understanding. Mr. Rodgers has poured his heart and soul into reaching out to troubled young men and women around the country, helping them redirect their behavior away from violence toward constructive solutions and actions. My Hope Is To Change The Person. As I Change Myself. This Change Helps Put Anger In Perspecective, And Move Away From Violence. To Support Individuals In Empowering Themselves To Utilize Their Natural Talents In A More Productive Manner To Challenge Many Underlying Factors That Have Created The Conditions That Exacerbate Their Anger he said. Through his work as executive vice president and national spokesperson for the American program Mr. Rodgers helped develop a comprehensive curriculum that is now used nationally. He has facilitated trainings and workshops for members of the California Correctional staff, Peace Officers, school personnel and other agencies in New York, Chicago, Miami, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Organ.
Dennis Ross Ross is a distinguished fellow and counselor for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. For more than twelve years, Ross played the leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process and in dealing directly with the the parties in negotiations. A highly skilled diplomat, Ambassador Ross was this country's point man on the peace process in both the Bush and Clinton administrations. He was instrumental in assisting Israelis and Palestinians in reaching the 1995 Interim Agreement; he also successfully brokered the Hebron Accord in 1997, facilitated the Israeli-Jordan peace treaty, and intensively worked to bring Israel and Syria together. A scholar and diplomat with more than two decades of experience in Soviet and Middle Eastern policy, Ambassador Ross worked closely with Secretaries of State James Baker, Warren Christopher, and Madeleine Albright. Prior to his service as Special Middle East Coordinator under President Clinton, Ross served as director of the State Department's Policy Planning office in the first Bush administration. In that position, he played a prominent role in developing U.S. policy toward the former Soviet Union, the unification of Germany and its integration into NATO, arms control negotiations, and the development of the Gulf War coalition. He served as director of Near East and South Asian affairs on the National Security Council staff during the Reagan administration, and as deputy director of the Pentagon's Office of Net Assessment.
Rudy Ruettiger Real life hero of the movie, “Rudy.” and an excellent motivational speaker
Patricia Russell-McCloud Human rights activist, attorney and motivational speaker, Patricia Russell-McCloud is recognized as one of the most powerful speakers in America today. Ms. Russell-McCloud has the extraordinary ability to challenge and motivate her listeners into progressive action.
Burt Rutan Burt Rutan Motivational, Inspirational, Experimental Burt Rutan designed the record breaking Voyager, the first airplane to circle the world non-stop and without being refueled. As all of Rutan’s airplanes, it employed some of the most advanced design in use today. Hollywood featured the avant-garde beauty of his designs in three films, Death Race 2000, Octopussy and Iron Eagle III. Rutan’s company has developed projects as diverse as a sail for an America’s Cup challenger and the gondola for Virgin-Atlantic’s Richard Bransen’s attempt to balloon non-stop around the world. His company also developed an all composite car body for General Motors that averages 100 miles per gallon. Audiences are inspired by Rutan’s enthusiasm for what individuals with vision can achieve. “An engineer in a normal company structure,” says Rutan, “gets to work on two or three airplanes in his whole career. We’ve done twenty-three airplanes in twenty years.” Burt Rutan has received numerous awards for his designs.
Carol Saline Carol Saline is a journalist, broadcaster and author. She has written three books: Dr. Snow: How the FBI Nailed an Ivy League Coke King, Straight Talk, and A Guide to Good Health . In addition she has co-authored three other books with photographer Sharon J. Wohlmuth. Their most popular, Sisters , spent 63 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and sold over one million copies. It was followed by Mothers & Daughters , which immediately soared to #1 on every national best-seller list including The Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and The Wall Street Journal . A third bestseller, Best Friends , completed this influential relationship trilogy. Their latest collaboration is The 10 th Anniversary Edition of Sisters. Published in the fall of 2004, this beautiful new coffee table book adds recent photos and essays on 13 of the original sisters, examining their relationship a decade later. Since 1974, Carol Saline has worked as a senior writer at Philadelphia Magazine where she specializes in health, profiles, and investigative reporting. Her articles have appeared in many national magazines, including Reader's Digest, Family Circle, More, Redbook, and Cosmo Girl . As a broadcaster, Ms. Saline most recently hosted The Fretz Kitchen , a daily cooking program on CN8, a cable network with four million viewers. For three years she had a daily talk radio show and, for nearly a decade, appeared as a regular panelist on the popular Sunday public affairs program, Inside Story . Her national television appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show, Donahue, Larry King Live, American Journal, CBS Good Morning, The Weekend Today Show and Good Morning America . In addition, Ms. Saline is an active speaker and moderator who presents lectures and workshops nationwide. Ms. Saline's ability to report compellingly on a variety of important subjects is reflected in several dozen journalism and humanitarian awards. She has been a two-time winner of the prestigious National Magazine Award, considered the Pulitzer of magazine writers. Other national awards include three Clarions for print feature writing from Women in Communications, the Charles Stuart Mott and The International Reading Association Awards for educational writing, and The Health Journalism Award from the American Society of Chiropractors. The National Press Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters have also honored her work. In Philadelphia, she's been singled out three times for writing excellence by Sigma Delta Chi, and won four "Sarahs" from Women in Communications, which cited her as a "Super Communicator." For her commitment to social causes, Ms. Saline has been honored five times as a "Woman of Achievement," including 1996 by The Montgomery County Woman's Center, 1995 by Melitta Benz, 1987 by Women in Transition, and 1984 by The Delaware County Domestic Abuse Project. In 1990, she was given the Myrtle Wreath Award by Camden County Hadassah. She is listed in Who's Who in America . At present, Carol Saline serves on the boards of The National Osteoporosis Foundation, The Center for Literacy, and The Philadelphia Theater Company. Her roster of community activities includes several years as a volunteer telephone counselor for Contact 609, a mentor with Philadelphia Futures, and board membership with Jewish Family Service of South Jersey, Planned Parenthood of Camden County, The Mayor's Commission on Literacy, and Philadelphia CASA.
Glenn “Bo” Schembechler Nationally known collegiate football coach, athletic director and baseball executive.
Robert Schuller Highly respected spiritual leader, host of the television program, “Hour of Power” and author of Prayer: My Soul’s Adventure with God.
Briana Scurry Star goalie of the U.S. Women's championship soccer team and its only African-American starter.
Pepe Serna Pepe travels around the country, inspiring audiences with humor, common sense and focus to change their paradigms. Veteran actor and Master Teacher Pepe Serna has appeared in more than 100 feature motion pictures and 300 television shows. He has also lent his vocal talents to the FOX hit series “The PJ’s”, playing the part of Sanchez, the only Hispanic cast member of the zany inner city characters created by Eddie Murphy. Recently, Serna starred in the controversial “Kingpin” on the NBC network. Serna is best known for his performances in Scarface with Al Pacino; The Rookie with Clint Eastwood, American Me with Edward James Olmos, Silverado with Kevin Costner; and the widely recognized Science Fiction classic Buckaroo Banzi and played Jennifer Lopez’s father in two CBS series, “Second Chances” and “Hotel Malibu” just before her ascent to super stardom. He was the associate producer for the widely acclaimed independent film “Luminarias” and is also an accomplished painter, whose art reflects the vibrant and tropical colors of Mexico. He has been honored by the Screen Actors Guild Heritage Achievement Award; the League of United Latin American Citizens and is on the Wall of Honor of his alma mater Del Mar Jr. College in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is the recipient of the prestigious Estrella Award for Arts and Culture from the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Eagle Award from Nosotros in Los Angeles. His programs include the keynote “You’ve Gotta Vote for it to Count”, the inspirational “My Personal Journey: Melting in in Mexifornia”, his One Man Performance: “El Ruco Chuco Cholo Pachuco” (which is tailored to the event's needs) and the acclaimed Improvisational Workshops: “Jumpstart your Creativity” and “You’re Not Afraid to Say That”. His newest program is the workshop for kids or youth, “Improv: Self-Esteem, Writing and Public Speaking.” See him this December in the role of "Juan Diego" in the acclaimed Latino Theater Company presentation of "La Virgen de Guadalupe: Dios Inantzin" at Our Lady of Angels Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.
Attallah Shabazz Producer, writer, motivational speaker and the eldest of six daughters born to Malcolm and Dr. Betty Shabazz.
Ilyasah Shabazz Ilyasah Shabazz (pronounced ILL-YAH-SAH SHA-BOZZ) leads a life dedicated to four passions: 1) the continued growth and understanding of her Family Legacy; 2) Education; 3) Government, and 4) the enrichment and balance that Entertainment provides for a full life. Following in the footsteps of her parents, Ilyasah Shabazz is working to convey a message of self-empowerment to future generations. She is currently leading a team of individuals to resurrect the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center at The Audubon, the place of her father’s assassination in 1965. Inspired by her father’s Legacy to appreciate her rich heritage and nurtured by her mother’s unending perseverance and strength, Ilyasah is indeed a compassionate humanitarian. In the field of Education, Ilyasah was led to the post of Assistant Coordinator for the Office of Academic Affairs - City University of New York, where she organized training programs to encourage higher education for inner-city at-risk youth. Her most prized project includes an interactive youth publication entitled, "The Way We Feel." Ilyasah has both tutored and mentored at various academic and lock-up facilities. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Education & Human Resource Development and a Bachelors of Science in Biology. In the area of Government, Ilyasah served on the Executive Youth Board for the City of Mount Vernon, New York and is presently the Director of Cultural Affairs. She further served as an official member of the United States Delegation that accompanied President Bill Clinton on the historic tour of South Africa. Ilyasah has also retraced her father’s footsteps to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Ghizeh in Egypt and explored religious and historical sites in Jordan. Extensive travels to Africa, the "Middle East", Europe, the Caribbean and throughout the United States, inform Ilyasah’s unique brand of teaching about world history and culture. With a diverse career in the Entertainment Industry, Ms. Shabazz believes that entertainment fosters a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle, and can also serve as a powerful tool to reach and teach the young people of the world. She has served as Vice President for SME Entertainment, Director of Operations for KEDAR Entertainment, Coordinator of Promotions & Marketing for Pendulum Records (a Time Warner Division), and Assistant Music Agent for the William Morris Agency. She has had small Acting Roles on ABC Soaps’ All My Children and One Life to Live, and has appeared in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever. Shabazz also worked for 40 Acres + a Mule Film Works (a Spike Lee company) during the filming of X as an assistant technical advisor and Production Assistant.
Al Sharpton Reverend Al Sharpton refashioned Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s strategy on non-violent protest into a tactic of urban civil disobedience. He has led countless marches in support of racial justice and peace and is an outspoken advocate for the victims of racial attacks, police brutality and anti-gay violence.
Leslie Shields An uplifting and motivational speaker and an expert on career advancement and diversity in the workplace, Leslie Shields is the author of Work, Sister, Work: Why Black Women Can't Get Ahead and What They Can Do About It. She lectures on such topics as Career Planning, The Glass/Concrete Ceilings, Surviving and Thriving in the Workplace, Winning at Work, Workplace Diversity, Sexual Harrassment Prevention and Managing Change.
Russell Simmons Recently, Simmons brought his show Def Poetry to Broadway as a live show, earning awards for the youthful and multicultural cast. Simmons, in partnership with a financial institution, released a line of re-loadable Visa debit cards aimed at consumers who would other wise have problems obtaining a checking/debit account. Simmons has consistently made significant contributions to the contemporary civil rights movement and other social justice efforts. His influence aided get out the vote efforts in the 2004 US presidential election. Simmons, a Vegetarian and Vegan, has also spoken out against cruelty in factory farms and slaughterhouses, and has participated in PETA's campaign against Kentucky Fried Chicken. While he speaks out against cruelty to animals, he does market a line of leather goods. Currently, Simmons is working on a project to fight anti-semitism. Some of the people on this project include Beyonce, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Will Smith. In July 2006, Simmons, in addition to other members of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, was named a Goodwill Ambassador of CISRI-ISP, so-called permanent observer mission to the United Nations. According to the press release, Simmons's appointment will help "launch an awareness campaign utilizing hip-hop as a vehicle to address the problems of war, poverty and HIV/AIDS, in support of the UN Millennium Development Goals as well as the CISRI-ISP fight against severe poverty and malnutrition[2] On August 24, 2006, Simmons will be hosting a reception in support of Republican United States Senate candidate from Maryland, Michael Steele.
Carole Simpson Carole Simpson is anchor of "World News Tonight Sunday" and an Emmy Award-winning senior correspondent for ABC News. She reports most frequently on family and social issues for "World News Tonight With Peter Jennings." Her reports have also appeared on "20/20," "Nightline," and other ABC news broadcasts and specials. She is an occasional contributor to "This Week," and she has substituted for Peter Jennings on "World News Tonight." Ms. Simpson joined ABC News from NBC News in 1982. During the 1992 Presidential campaign, Ms. Simpson was moderator of the second Presidential debate in Richmond, Virginia -- the first Presidential debate in history to have a town meeting format. She was one of the reporters on the critically acclaimed documentary, "Black and White America"; and she anchored three hour-long ABC News specials: "The Changing American Family," "Public Schools in Conflict" and "Sex and Violence in Media." In 1990, Ms. Simpson was a member of the "Nightline" team in South Africa. She helped anchor ABC's live coverage of the release of Nelson Mandela from his 27-year imprisonment. While reporting on a victory celebration in Johannesburg, Ms. Simpson was injured during a brief melee between blacks and the South African police. Ms. Simpson has also anchored, live, many major breaking news stories, such as the Persian Gulf War, the Tiananmen Square massacre, the fall of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, and the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings. Ms. Simpson's first assignment for ABC News included coverage of then-Vice President George Bush. She accompanied him on domestic and foreign trips, and on his 1988 Presidential campaign. At NBC News, she covered the U.S. Congress and hosted a women's public affairs program on Washington's NBC-owned station, WRC-TV. Her television broadcasting career began in Chicago at the NBC owned and operated station, WMAQ-TV, where she was a reporter and weekend anchor. Prior to joining NBC News in 1974, she was a journalism instructor at Northwestern University's Medill School. Ms. Simpson's other broadcasting experience includes serving as a commentator for WTTW, Chicago's public television station, as well as reporting and anchoring at WCFL radio and WBBM Radio, the city's all-news station. Earlier, she spent two years as journalism instructor and director of the information bureau at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Ms. Simpson is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in journalism. She did graduate work at the University of Iowa. She has received numerous awards for her reporting on social issues, particularly those involving children and families, and for her efforts to improve opportunities for women and minorities in the broadcasting industry. In addition to an Emmy and a duPont-Columbia Award, Ms. Simpson has won the Milestone in Broadcasting award from the National Commission on Working Women, the Turner Broadcasting "Trumpet" Award for Scholastic Achievement, the Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award from the Radio and Television News Director Foundation, the National Organization of Women Legislators National Media Award, was inducted into the University of Iowa Communications Hall of Fame, received the University of Missouri's distinguished journalist award, and a Star award from the American Women in Radio and Television. In 1992, she was named Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists. Currently, Ms. Simpson is chair of the ABC News Women's Advisory Board, Vice Chair of the International Women's Media Foundation, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Commission on Working Women, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation (RTNDF), a member of the National Academy of Sciences' forum on the Future of Children and Families, and a member of the Board of the National Press Foundation.
Barbara Sizemore Highly respected educator, Barbara Sizemore was the former Superintendent of Schools of the District of Columbia. She addresses such topics as "The Racial Crisis in American Education;" and "Cultural Pluralism in Education."
Curtis Sliwa Over the past three decades, Curtis Sliwa's programs and initiatives have been recognized by Presidents and Prime Ministers, Governors, Senators and Mayors, as well as by leading businessmen, veterans groups and many other associations. more Curtis speaks often now to groups about the power of one, the importance of volunteer service, and rolemodelling. Public safety entities, which years ago rejected him, are now seeking his assistance. Other volunteer organizations seek his help in perfecting their recruitment and retention techniques. Curtis continues to implement and enhance programs of personal, neighborhood, cyberspace and educational safety. While the street patrol component continues to thrive, his ultimate objective is to provide viable solutions to educational and classroom safety challenges. With Curtis at the helm, The Guardian Angels has evolved into a renowned organization focused on their groundbreaking work in developing curriculums to address the critical issues that threaten safe and effective education. Sliwa is now the co-host, with Ron Kuby, of the "Curtis and Kuby in the Morning" program aired weekdays from 5 A.M. to 10 A.M. on WABC. Sliwa and Kuby also co-hosted a television version of "Curtis & Kuby" on MSNBC in the afternoons for a time in 2002-2003. The "Curtis and Kuby" radio show has won many broadcasting awards and is produced by Frank Morano.
Dean Smith Basketball legend, Dean Smith was the long time head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina.
B. Smith TV personality, restauranteur and author, B. Smith is the host of "B. Smith With Style", a half-hour nationally syndicated television series that is now in its fourth season and currently airs in 207 markets nationwide and 22 countries. In addition to hosting her own show, Barbara has created a new lifestyle magazine entitled B. Smith Style. Smith also the owner of three successful B. Smith Restaurants in New York and Washington D.C. She is the author of B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking for Friends and B. Smith: Rituals and Celebrations. She was the first African-American woman to grace the cover of Mademoiselle and has appeared on five Essence and Ebony covers.
Kemba Smith Remarkable story of triumph and determination. Smith who was sentenced in 1994 to more than two decades in federal prison on a first-time drug conviction is a single mother, advocate, public speaker, law student and author. When a judge sentenced Smith to prison for alleged involvement in a crack cocaine ring, she was a young college student at Hampton University in Virginia. She fell in with the wrong crowd and became involved with a major figure in a $4 million drug ring. Enduring years of physical and emotional abuse, Smith ended the relationship. But she was sentenced to prison for being closely involved with the man. After serving 6 1/2 years, Smith regained her freedom after President Clinton granted her clemency in December of 2000. Her predicament forced the nation to focus on drug enforcement policies and mandatory sentencing for drug offenses. Smith has since graduated from Virginia Union University and attends law school at Howard University. She started the Kemba Smith Foundation that works to inspire and uplift young people as well as educate them about injustices within the criminal justice system. Smith has spoken at more than 30 colleges and universities. Having already received numerous honors and awards for her activism, she continues to speak on topics that she feels are important to the nation.
Dr. Ian Smith Dr. Ian Smith is currently the medical/diet expert on VH1s highly rated Celebrity Fit Club, host of Meet the Faith on BET, and the creator and founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge. Dr. Smith is also the host of his own nationally syndicated radio show HealthWatch on American Urban Radio Networks. He is the former medical correspondent for NBC News network and for NewsChannel 4 where he filed reports for NBCs "Nightly News" and the "Today" show as well as WNBC's various news broadcasts. He has appeared extensively on various broadcasts including The View, The Tyra Banks Show, Larry King Live, and Anderson Cooper 3600. He has written for various publications including Time, Newsweek, Mens Health, and the New York Daily News, and has been featured in several other publications including, People, Essence, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, and University of Chicago Medicine on the Midway. Dr. Smith's work has been honored by several organizations, including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his coverage on the momentous events beginning on Sept. 11, 2001. Dr. Smith is very active in charitable causes, serving on several boards including the New York City Mission Society, American Council on Exercise, and the New York Council for the Humanities. Dr. Smith graduated from Harvard College with an AB and received a masters in science education from Teachers College of Columbia University. He attended Dartmouth Medical School and completed the last two years of his medical education and graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Smith is also the author of five books, the #1 New York Times Bestseller Extreme Fat Smash Diet, the #1 New York Times Bestseller The Fat Smash Diet, the critically acclaimed The Blackbird Papers (2005 BCALA fiction Honor Book Award winner), Dr. Ian Smith's Guide to Medical Websites, and The Take-Control Diet. He is currently at work on his second novel
The God Squad The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hartman and Rabbi Marc A. Gellman, Ph.D., write the syndicated column GOD SQUAD for Tribune Media Services. They also host a daily, half-hour television talk show of the same name that reaches almost 12 million homes in the New York metropolitan area. Father Tom and Rabbi Gellman have authored four books together. Where Does God Live? Questions and Answers for Parents and Children won the 1991 Christopher Award. How Do You Spell God? Answers to the Big Questions from Around the World (with a forward by the Dalai Lama) was made into an HBO animated special and also won the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. Their third book, Lost and Found, was published in 1999, and Religion for Dummies. Father Tom and Rabbi Gellman were recognized as Newsday's Long Islanders of the Century in the category of Leaders and Activists. Father Tom is president and CEO of the Diocese of Rockville Centre's cable television station, Telecare. In 1970 he received a master of divinity degree from Our Lady of Angels Seminary. He was ordained in 1971 and earned a doctor of ministry from Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1979. In the early 1970s, Father Tom was a parish priest in Seaford, New York. Father Tom has been recognized for his professional and pastoral work with four Emmy Awards, a FOLIO award and numerous "Man of the Year" citations and honorary degrees. Rabbi Marc Gellman is the senior rabbi of Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York, where he has served since 1981. Rabbi Gellman was the first rabbi appointed to the distribution committee of the UJA Federation and he was chairman of the UJA rabbinical advisory committee. He is founding chairman of the Long Island Rabbinical Advisory Council, and is the recipient of the Tzedaka Award from the UJA Federation, as well as the Rabbinical Leadership Award from the Council of Jewish Federations. Rabbi Gellman is the president of the New York Board of Rabbis and is the recipient of its Moshowitz award for rabbinical excellence. Rabbi Gellman received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin with a major in Hebrew and Semitic studies in 1969 and completed his studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1971. He was ordained in 1972 and was awarded the senior homiletics prize. Rabbi Gellman received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Northwestern University in 1981. Topics: Inspirational, Attitude, Ethics/Integrity, Life Balance, Religion
Mavis Staples Soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. From her early days sharing lead vocals with her groundbreaking family group, The Staple Singers, to her powerful solo recordings, Mavis Staples is an inspirational force in modern popular culture and music. A 40-year-plus veteran of the music scene - a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee and one of VH1's '100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll - Staples (both with The Staple Singers and on her own) is responsible for blazing a rhythm & blues trail while never relinquishing her gospel roots. Her voice has influenced artists from Bob Dylan to Prince (who dubbed her "the epitome of soul") and she has appeared with everyone from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Bill Cosby, Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton, to Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, Santana and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and has recorded with Bob Dylan, Los Lobos, Aretha Franklin, Marty Stuart and many others. Her new CD Have A Little Faith (Alligator), is a stirring collection of uplifting, gospel-rooted songs deeply seated in her faith and spirituality. Produced by Jim Tullio and Staples, the album features the strongest collection of material - both originals and interpretations - Mavis has ever assembled. Have A Little Faith takes listeners deep into the heart of the singer Vibe magazine called "one of pop's most distinctive voices." Of releasing her music on Alligator, known worldwide for its blues releases, Mavis says, "Blues and gospel are cousins. They're very closely related. Both styles of music lift you up from what's keeping you down." Mavis began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches and appearing on a weekly radio show, the Staples' scored a hit in 1956 with "Uncloudy Day" for the VeeJay label. When Mavis graduated high school in 1957, The Staple Singers took their music on the road. Led by family patriarch Roebuck "Pops" Staples on guitar and including the voices of Mavis and her siblings Cleo, Yvonne, and Pervis, the Staples were called "God's Greatest Hitmakers."
Bart Starr Legendary Green Bay Packers football superstar and motivational speaker.
Roger Staubach One of footballs greatest quarterbacks for the Dallas Cowboys, and member of the NFL Hall of Fame motivational speaker.
Will Steger International Arctic explorer, environmentalist and educator.
Mi-Ling Stone Poole After a successful career in the entertainment industry Mi-Ling went back to school and earned her master’s degree in communications from Oklahoma City University. In 2001, she decided to merge her love for journalism with her passion for decorating and began writing two weekly decorating columns; Ask Mi-Ling, and Mi-Ling’s Comfort Zone. These columns are published weekly in newspapers throughout the country and have been translated and published in Spanish. Currently, she writes a weekly decorating column for The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City. Mi-Ling earned the reputation of being funny, entertaining and outspoken during her weekly radio segments, while offering advice and cost saving tips on decorating. She believes that creating a comfortable and livable home is the key to a great design.
Kerri Strug Kerri Strug vaulted into Olympic history with her courageous performance during the 1996 Olympic Games. Kerri landed an unforgettable vault on an injured ankle to help the U.S. clinch its first Olympic gold medal in the team gymnastics competition. Her emotional performance has earned Kerri a variety of awards and accolades, from the Olympic Spirit Award to a spot on the Wheaties Box. Her rise in the gymnastics world began long before her 1996 heroics. She began competitive gymnastics at age 8, where she followed in the footsteps of her older sister and brother. Kerri became the youngest American on the Olympic squad in 1992, where she earned a bronze medal in the Barcelona Olympics. She was a three-time World Championship medalist and member of five World Championship teams since 1991. She also won the 1996 McDonald’s American Cup and 1995 U.S. Olympic Sports Festival. Kerri’s gut-wrenching performance in Atlanta earned her fame well beyond the gymnastics world. She was featured on the cover of both Time and People magazines. She appeared on television shows including “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “Touched by an Angel,” as well as interviews on “The Today Show,” “Dateline,” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Only three months after the 1996 Olympics, Kerri started college. She earned her BA in Communications and an MA in Sociology from Stanford University. Following graduation, Kerri worked as a second grade teacher in San Jose, California. Despite her busy schedule, Kerri volunteers her time and energy to a variety of charitable causes. Kerri has served as a spokesperson for the Special Olympics and the Children’s Miracle Network. She has also participated in projects with DARE, Pediatric AIDS, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Childhelp. The Women’s Sports Foundation presented Kerri with the Reebok/Lady FootLocker Giving Back Award in recognition of her community efforts. Although no longer in competitive gymnastics, she maintains involvement in the gymnastic community through work with parents, kids, and coaches throughout the country at various gymnastic camps and clubs. An author of two books, Kerri reaches out to others who can be inspired by her determination both inside and outside the gym. Heart of Gold targets younger readers who can learn of Kerri’s ups and downs as a young gymnast. Her autobiography, Landing on my Feet: A Diary of Dreams, focuses on the hard work and commitment that led to her heroic Olympic performance. Kerri now resides in Washington D.C. where her patriotic spirit has led her to work for the government. She has held several positions in the federal government including; a position in the Office of Presidential Student Correspondence at the White House, the Treasury Department in the Office of General Counsel and is currently a political appointee at the United States Department of Justice in the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention where she hopes to help and inspire our nation’s youth.
Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Dr. Sudarkasa, scholar in residence at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, previously served for nearly 12 years as president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. A renowned anthropologist, Dr. Sudarkasa is an authority on the roles of African women, Yoruba trade and migration in West Africa, and African and African‑American family structure. She was an assistant professor at New York University and at the University of Michigan, where she rose to full professor. She also served as associate vice president for academic affairs at Michigan, directed the Center for AfroAmerican and African Studies, and was a research scientist at the Center for Research on Economic Development. A former Senior Fulbright Research Fellow and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Sudarkasa has served on 20 state and national boards, including the inaugural USIA Trilateral Task Force on North American Education, linking the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Jodie Sweetin Jodie Sweetin is best known for her eight-year run as Stephanie, the precocious middle child, on the hit ABC television show Full House. Full House was a show that families loved to watch together and continues to be a favorite in syndication and on cable. During her high school and college years Sweetin discovered alcohol and drugs, substances she now realizes that she cannot handle. For years she fought her addictions, causing serious destruction to her life. After losing her two-year marriage and experiencing tremendous personal loss, she entered drug and alcohol rehab in March of 2005. Since then, she has been working diligently to put her life back on track. In her presentation, A Young Star's Road to Recovery,Sweetin explains how rehabilitative therapy changed her life and inspires all listeners to combat challenges head-on.
Raven Symone Talented and precocious, child star Raven Symone has been in the spotlight for almost as long as she has been alive.Symone auditioned for a part in Ghost Dad, starring Bill Cosby, and though too young for the part, Symone impressed the casting director, who then introduced her to the movies star. Cosby was also impressed, both with her personality and her ability to remember lines, and wanted her to be on his show, The Cosby Show.Symone made her television debut on Cosbs show in 1989 as Olivia Kendall, thus starting an impressive showbiz career. Next Symone got her own show on The Disney Channel, Thats So Raven 2002, where she played an eccentric teenager with a gift for seeing into the future. That series proved enormously popular with its young audience, adding further heat to Symone's career, resulting in further big screen roles including playing Asana, the musically gifted friend of Princess Mia (Anen Hathaway) in the popular sequel "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" (2004), a role that allowed her to sing the rousing "Your Crowning Glory" opposite screen musical legend Julie Andrews
Aerle Taree She has been characterized as a modern-day Renaissance Woman: Poet, songwriter, vocalist, producer, stylist, public speaker, and entrepreneur all describe the multi-talented, 25-year-old Atlanta-based Aerle Taree. Now, with her most recent venture as the president and founder of Reality Writings, Inc., Taree’s fans can add publisher to that list of accomplishments. Using her own experience as a successful recording artist, Taree is now on the other side of the microphone: as an advocate, coach, and publisher for promising talent in Atlanta.Born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1973, Taree was inspired through the admiration of her mother, a civil rights attorney and poet/writer, and her father, an editorial writer for the city’s newspaper. Their guidance led Taree to an appreciation for intellectual thought, creativity and education, and she spent most of her childhood writing and composing (anything from restaurant jingles to award-winning poetry). She continued her poetic quest while attending Cornell University in New York, where she studied fashion and apparel design. Her writing talent culminated in 1989 when she joined the Grammy award-winning group Arrested Development.It was as a member of that Atlanta-based group that Taree’s writing blossomed, co-writing the hit songs Tennessee and Revolution, (at the request of Spike Lee for Malcolm X: The Movie). During this time, Taree continued her studies at Clark Atlanta University; by the age of 21, she had won two Grammy Awards and a BMI .Taree’s career with Arrested Development gained her nationwide recognition and awards, including MTV Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards, and Rolling Stone Critic Poll’s Band of the Year. During this time, Taree also made several feature appearances in magazines videos, albums and television, including Arsenio, BET Teen Summit, and Yo! MTV Raps. She also toured with pop group EnVogue, the Black College Tour, and the Lollapalooza Tour.Following her departure from Arrested Development, Taree continued to grow artistically. She has also started her own multifaceted entertainment company in Atlanta called Reality Writings, Inc., one of the newest members of the MCA Music Publishing family: “I really want to be seen as an artist and as a writer of pop poetry,” she says. “A modern-day Princess of Poetry.”Taree has written her own book of narrative poems entitled PoeTaree: The Jurisprudence of Life, which details an evening in the lives of college students from different social, racial, and class backgrounds. Writer Zona Neale Hurston, activist Angela Davis, and poet Gil Scott Heron have largely influenced her work.Taree has a keen interest in African-American communities; she continues to stay focused with what’s going on and the changes she can make through public speaking and panel appearances. She has spoken at the Athlete’s Village during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the 1997 National Black Arts Fest, the IAAM Conference in Washington, DC, the North Carolina Black Leadership Caucus, as well as at other colleges and universities across the country. She also participated in the Vibe Magazine Music Conference in 1996 and the Jack the Rapper panel that same year.Today, Taree is involved in The PhD Project (phdproject.com). The organization aims to improve workforce diversity by diversifying business school faculties, and helping those pursuing a business PhD. Taree remains devoted to her personal commitment to promote change and progress in the community through writing and speaking.
Mikki Taylor Popular journalist and motivational speaker, Mikki Taylor is the Beauty Director and Cover Editor of Essence magazine. To think of Mikki Taylor as merely another beauty editor would be as classifying the late Louis Armstrong as just another guy who blew a horn. Her contribution to Essence magazine, the African-American community and the beauty industry is immeasurable. As beauty and cover editor of the nation's premier lifestyle publication targeted to Black women, she has the enormous responsibility of not only reflecting the culture's definition of "beauty" but also of shaping it. Some of Mikki's topics are: Positioning Yourself to Succeed Through the Power of Affirmation; What is This Thing Called Endurance; and Increasing Your Personal Power.
Kurt Thomas World-class Olympic gymnast, ABC sports color analyst and motivational speaker.
Thomas Todd Attorney and well known motivational speaker.
Chief Justice Tom Tso A leading Native American jurist, Chief Justice Tom Tso served for many years as Chief Justice of the Navaho Court. The Indian court system is independent of the U.S. court system and Chief Justice Tso is an active lobbyist to protect the individual and tribal rights of Native Americans.
Dave Toma David Toma is a legend in his own time. For the last forty years he has been America's leading antidrug and antialcohol crusader, speaking to thousands of teenagers, parents, teachers, and school administrators each week. The inspiration for two television series -- "Baretta" and "Toma" -- he was a policeman for twenty-one years and is also a former Marine drill instructor. For sixteen of his years on the force he was a detective in the vice, gambling, and narcotics squad of one of North America's most troubled cities, Newark, New Jersey. His arrest record was unmatched--numbering in the thousands with an unheard-of 98 percent conviction record--all without ever firing his gun. He has lectured throughout the world, is the author of four books including Toma Tells It Straight--With Love, and Turning Your Life Around, and has hosted his own weekly discussion program on New York's WOR-TV and an excellent motivational speaker.
Lily Tomlin Lily Tomlin continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media, starring in productions in television, theatre, film, animation and video. Recent projects include the film I Heart Huckabees and the hit NBC television series The West Wing. Throughout her extraordinary entertainment career, Tomlin has received numerous awards, including six Emmys; a Tony for her one-woman Broadway show, Appearing Nitely; a second Tony (Best Actress), a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics’ Circle Award for her one-woman performance in Jane Wagner’s The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe; a CableACE Award for executive producing the film adaptation of The Search; a Grammy for her comedy album This Is a Recording; and two Peabody Awards—the first for the ABC television special Edith Ann’s Christmas: Just Say Noël and the second for narrating and executive producing the HBO film The Celluloid Closet.
Robert Townsend As a passionate visionary, trailblazer and journeyman, Robert Townsend, transcends any medium he touches with a magic that is truly undeniable. Most recently, Robert Townsend, the Hollywood hyphenate added president and CEO of a Television Network to an impressive list that showcases his talents as an actor, director, writer, comedian, and producer. Not bad for a kid raised by a single mother on the rough Westside of Chicago. The second oldest of four children Robert entertained his mother doing impressions of everyone he watched on television. His impersonations were astounding. He could transform into Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart and then turn around and do Alfred Hitchcock and Bill Cosby. Robert’s genius revealed itself publicly in elementary school while reading Shakespeare’s Oedipus Rex, where he dazzled the class with his ability to transform effortlessly into characters. His remarkable talent caught the attention of Chicago’s Experimental Black Actors Guild X-Bag Theatre in Chicago. Then it was onto The Improvisation, New York’s premiere comedy club. It was there his career as a stand-up comedian took off. Soon after, Robert hit Hollywood like a ton of bricks performing on various television comedy specials including “Rodney Dangerfield: It ‘s Not Easy Being Me" and “Uptown Comedy Express". Robert also landed roles of a lifetime opposite Denzel Washington in “A Soldier’s Story", Diane Lane in “Streets of Fire" and Kevin Costner in “American Flyers". Unbridled success continued when Robert Townsend the independent filmmaker was born. With no formal film education or outside funding (using his own credit cards) Robert co-wrote, directed, and starred in his own film. The result was the critically acclaimed “Hollywood Shuffle". His next film endeavor was the inner-city fable: "The Meteor Man" that he also wrote, directed and starred. The stellar cast included James Earl Jones, Bill Cosby, and Eddie Griffin. The popular soul musical, "The Five Heartbeats", reminiscent of 60’s R & B male groups was his next cinematic accomplishment. In between features, Robert created and produced the ground breaking- Cable Ace award winning-“Partners in Crime" variety special. Townsend also created the highly praised “Townsend Television" for FOX television-not to mention Robert’s hit WB series in which he also created and starred in- “The Parenthood” was a sensational hit among audiences of all ages. With his career in high gear, film projects poured in as Robert soon found himself directing Hollywood stars such as: Eddie Murphy in “Eddie Murphy Raw"; Academy Award-winners Halle Berry and Martin Landau in "B*A*P*S"; Academy Award-winner Louis Gossett, Jr. in Showtime’s “Love Songs"; and the Disney family film “Up, Up, and Away"! Townsend made history at the NAACP Image Awards in 2001 by directing three performers nominated in the best actor/actress category in three different films: Leon, for his role in NBC’s “Little Richard"; Alfre Woodard in the Showtime Movie “Holiday Heart" (which also garnered her a Golden Globe nomination) and Natalie Cole for her gripping self-portrayal in “Livin' For Love: The Natalie Cole Story" (for which she won the coveted Image Award for best actress). Townsend continued to helm films for the small screen: "Carmen: A Hip-Hopera" for MTV Films, starring Beyonce Knowles, Mos Def, and Bow Wow. "10,000 Black Men Named George" for Showtime, a period piece about the Pullman porter strike, was nominated for an impressive four Image Awards- [starring Andre Braugher, and Charles Dutton] who later went on to win the Image Award for his outstanding performance in the piece. While busy as a performer and filmmaker, Robert always makes time to participate in humanitarian efforts and speak to various organizations. As a longtime speaker for the United Negro College Fund, his concern for inner city youth takes him throughout the country to inspire young people to follow their dreams. In addition, Robert shares his business expertise with various Fortune 500 companies. Today, Townsend continues to reinvent himself as the President and CEO of Productions for the Black Family Channel. During his first five months on the job he has produced eight new television programs including “Spoken", “Souled Out", “The Thousand Dollar Bee", “Lisa Knight and the Round Table", and “The Black College Talent Hour", that run the gamut in content. In his new role as CEO, Townsend aims to change the face of television. “I know it’s a tall order and I’ve set the bar really high, but in order to reach the stars you must set your sights on the moon".
Judy Scales Trent Law professor, attorney and author of Notes of a White Black Woman: Race, Color, Community, which describes a hidden part of the Black experience in America by exploring what it is like to be a "white" Black woman and to live simultaneously inside and outside of both white and Black communities.
Donald Trump Chairman of The Trump Organization and star of The Apprentice As Chairman of The Trump Organization, Donald Trump sets the highest standards of excellence in real estate, gaming, and entertainment. He was named the "Visionary of the Century" by the UJA Federation and is the author of several best-selling books, including The Art of the Deal and How to get Rich. Trump stars in the very successful reality TV program, The Apprentice, earning rave reviews making history in its ratings. Trump is most famous for several large skyscrapers he developed in Manhattan and named after himself. Starting with Trump Tower, he developed Trump World Tower along the East River and then began construction of the Trump Place Apartment complex along the Hudson River that same year. His nickname of "The Donald" was given to him by ex-wife Ivana Trump. He is often known as "A Schoolboy's Dream" and "A Competitor's Challenge," as he is rarely afraid of defining the ways of a prolific American business executive, and thus became an example of one.
Johnnie Tuitel To many, Johnnie Tuitel's disability is a struggle. But to Johnnie, it's just the way things are. Much of his positive attitude can be attributed to his upbringing. In 1963, doctors told Johnnie's Dutch-immigrant parents that their son had cerebral palsy. "He'll be a burden," they said. "He won't be able to lead a normal life." Ignoring the doctors, the Tuitels took their baby home to love him and to raise him. They encouraged him to focus on his abilities and to try anything and everything. Yes, there were cuts and bruises along the way, but they just increased his determination and toughened his resolve. Each struggle was a stepping-stone to a higher, yet undefined goal. The goal became clearer in 1974 when Johnnie became the first student with a disability to be mainstreamed into the public school system. He not only completed public schooling, but went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. And all this from a young man who wasn't supposed to be able to lead a "normal" life. Speaker, author, entrepreneur, visionary, family man and world-traveler, Johnnie Tuitel is a man who thinks outside the wheelchair. And he helps others to focus on life's potentials rather than its limitations.
Jim Tunney Highly respected NFL referee, business consultant, educator and motivational speaker.
Walter J. Turnbull Named one of the "15 Greatest Men on Earth" by McCall's magazine, Dr. Walther Turnbull is the founder of the internationally acclaimed Boys Choir of Harlem. Over the past 25 years, he has developed a successful formula for educating inner city children. He has redirected the lives of thousands of young men from Harlem with his philosophy and discipline. Dr. Turnbull has great vision and a successful record in motivating and educating inner city youth.
Ted Turner Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III (born November 19, 1938) is an American media mogul and philanthropist. He is perhaps best known for founding CNN and Turner Classic Movies and his $1 billion pledge to the United Nations. Turner served as vice chairman of Time Warner Inc., a position he assumed in October 1996, following the merger of Time Warner Inc. and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. As vice chairman, Turner oversaw the Time Warner cable networks division, which consists of the assets of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., including the domestic and international arms of Cable News Network (CNN), Cartoon Network, Headline News, TBS Superstation, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Turner Network Television (TNT), as well as Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO), Cinemax, Warner Bros. International Networks, and Time Warner's interest in Comedy Central and Court TV. He also oversaw New Line Cinema and the company's professional sports teams-Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves, National Basketball Association's Atlanta Hawks and the Thrashers, Atlanta's National Hockey League expansion team. In January 2001, he became vice chairman of AOL Time Warner subsequent to the merger between Time Warner and AOL in 2000 - a position he retained until he resigned in May 2003. Turner's media empire began with his father's billboard business which he took over at the age of 24 after his father's death. Purchase of an Atlanta UHF station in 1970 began the assemblage of the Turner Broadcasting System. His Cable News Network (CNN) revolutionized news media, coming to the forefront covering the space shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 and the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Years later he originated the "superstation" concept, transmitting the station's signal to cable systems nationwide via satellite. Turner has made his mark as one of the most influential philanthropists in the US. Originator of the Goodwill Games in 1985, he is also president of the Turner Foundation, the Turner family's private grant-making organization, which focuses on population and the environment. Turner is also chairman of the United Nations Foundation, a charitable organization he founded to support UN causes, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Turner, the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, is an active environmentalist and has received numerous civic and industry awards and honors, including being named Time magazine's 1991 Man of the Year and Broadcasting's Man of the Century in 1999, he was also inducted into the Cable TV Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1995, Turner accepted, on behalf of the team, the Atlanta Braves' first World Championship trophy, and in August 2000, he was inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame. In January 2002, Turner opened the first Ted's Montana Grill, which specializes in bison burgers, in Columbus, Ohio with his partner, George W. McKerrow Jr., founder of the Longhorn Steakhouse chain and several other successful restaurants. Ted's Montana Grill expects to open up to forty more restaurants in the next few years.
Al Unser World champion race car driver and four time winner of the Indy 500.
Bobby Unser Race car driver, three time winner of the Indy 500 and an ABC Sports analyst.
Sol Urbach Schindler’s List Holocaust survivor.
Marilyn Van Derbur Motivational speaker and former Miss America who lectures on child abuse and domestic violence.
Stuart Varney A legend in business journalism, this Peabody-award winning economist is one of the most respected names in financial reporting. Varney, now with Fox News, joined CNN upon its founding in 1980. His broad range of expertise offers an insider’s view of the latest economic trends and news headlines, unraveling the complexities of the business world, from Wall Street to Main Street. Varney’s talk will encompass the most pressing developments in domestic and international business and the advantages--and--dangers of the new global economy. He helps audiences benefit from the fluctuations in the financial markets and make better decisions regarding investments, real estate, retirement, taxes and family finance.
Dr. Brenda Wade Well known couples and family psychologist and relationship expert, Brenda Wade is the author of What Mama Couldn't Tell Us About Love and Love Lessons: A Guide to Transforming Relationships. She also writes the Feeling Good column for Essence magazine.
Herschel Walker Herschel Walker was born in Augusta, Georgia and grew up outside of Wrightsville, Georgia. For the first eleven years of his life, Herschel Walker showed little interest in sports; he preferred reading books and writing poetry. At age 12, however, he began a crash exercise program. Over the next year, he did 100,000 push-ups, 100,000 sit-ups and sprinted thousands of miles. In high school, Walker played football and basketball and competed in track and field. He scored a record-breaking 85 touchdowns as a running back and led his teams to state championships in both football and track, while maintaining an A average. Herschel Walker participated in the 1980 Academy of Achievement program as the valedictorian of his class and the most sought-after high school football player in the nation. At the University of Georgia, Walker set an NCAA freshman rushing record and helped capture the national collegiate football title. He earned consensus All-American honors three consecutive years, set 10 NCAA records, 15 Southeast Conference records, 30 Georgia all-time records, and capped a sensational college career by earning the 1982 Heisman Trophy in his junior year. In 1983, Walker gave up his final year of collegiate eligibility and turned professional, joining the New Jersey Generals of the short-lived United States Football League. Walker dominated the league, earning Most Valuable Player honors and setting the single-season pro football rushing record (2411 yards). After his first pro season, he finished his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Georgia. Walker joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1986, where he led the entire NFL in rushing and earned All-Pro honors. Walker moved to the Minnesota Vikings as starting running back in 1989. In 1992, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles football team, but returned to the Dallas Cowboys in 1996. He retired from the NFL in 1997. Walker was one of the top running backs in the pros, gaining more yards than anyone in professional football history, counting his seasons in both the NFL and USFL. He finished his professional career with with a total of 8,225 yards and 61 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 512 passes for 4,859 yards and 21 scores. Herschel Walker has worked with numerous charitable and educational organizations. In 1981, he became the first Academy of Achievement honor student to return to the annual program as a recipient of the Golden Plate Award. In 2002, he was voted into the Collegiate Football Hall of Fame, and was selected as the second greatest player in college football history, just behind the legendary Red Grange.
John Walsh A tireless advocate for victims’ rights and missing children, John Walsh has turned his passion for justice into the nation's number-one crime-fighting show, FOX’s America's Most Wanted. Then, from 2002 to February, 2004, NBC daytime aired The John Walsh Show; a new platform for Walsh to comment on current events and issues that are of concern to him. Walsh is no stranger to violent crime; in fact, his incredibly successful career as a host of a nationally televised program, and as an advocate for victims’ rights, was a career Walsh never anticipated. In the summer of 1981, Walsh was a partner in a hotel management company in Hollywood, Florida. He was living the American dream. He and his wife, Revé, had a beautiful six-year-old son, Adam, the joy of their lives. They never thought crime could touch them. But that joy was shattered on July 27th, 1981, when Adam was abducted and later found murdered. The Walshes have never received the closure that America's Most Wanted has brought the lives of so many crime victims. The prime suspect in Adam's murder, Ottis Toole, was never charged in the Adam Walsh case; he died in prison while serving life for other crimes, taking the truth to the grave with him. The story of the Walsh family's tragedy has been dramatized in the 1983 NBC television movie, Adam, and a 1986 sequel, Adam: His Song Continues. Following the airing of the broadcasts, a roll of missing children was featured, leading to the recovery of 65 youngsters. It wasn't long after Adam's death that the Walshes turned their grief into positive energy to help missing and exploited children. Battling bureaucratic resistance and legislative nightmares, John and Revé's work led to the passage of the Missing Children Act of 1982 and the Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1984. The latter Bill founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which maintains a toll-free hotline number (1-800-THE-LOST) to report a missing child or the sighting of one. In their son's memory, they also founded the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to legislative reform. Recently, the centers, originally located in West Palm Beach, Florida, Columbia, South Carolina, Orange County, California, and Rochester, New York, merged with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Walsh serves on the board of directors of the National Center. Back in 1984, Esquire Magazine voted John Walsh "one of the best of the new generation." Since then, Walsh's endless quest for justice has been trumpeted across the pages of newspapers and magazines around the nation including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and People Magazine, where Walsh was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People for 1996. And CBS portraits named him one of the 100 Americans Who Changed History. Walsh’s life has also been chronicled on A & E’s Biography program as well as on MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends with Matt Lauer. Law Enforcement officials around the nation have also honored Walsh for his efforts. In 1988 he was named the U.S. Marshals Man Of The Year, and two years later received the same honor from the FBI " the Bureau's highest civilian award. The U.S. Marshals also made Walsh an Honorary US Marshal in 2003 – an honor only bestowed upon seven other people in the agency’s history. Walsh has received hundreds of other honors, including the 1984 Father of the Year Award from the National Father's Day Committee. Walsh is the only private citizen to receive a Special Recognition Award by a U.S. Attorney General, and he's been honored in the Rose Garden four times by three presidents: Clinton, Bush (Sr.), and Reagan (twice). Today, Walsh continues his lobbying efforts, testifying before Congress and state legislatures on crime, missing children and victims' issues. His latest efforts include lobbying for a Constitutional Amendment for victims' rights.
Barbara Walters Barbara Walters has arguably interviewed more statesmen and stars than any other journalist in history. She is so well known that her name and a brief biography is listed in the American Heritage Dictionary. Her numerous and timely interviews- which appear regularly on the weekly newsmagazine 20/20 and on The Barbara Walters Specials- read like a "Who's Who" of newsmakers. This past season, she did the first interview for American television with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and the first interview with President and Mrs. Bush following September 11th. She also did a one-hour special on Saudi Arabia following her visit there. Through the years she has interviewed such world figures as Russia's Boris Yeltsin, China's Premier Jiang Zemin, Great Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Libia's Moammar Quadaffi and Iraq's President Sadaam Hussein. At the other extreme, in 1999 Walters conducted the first interview with Monica Lewinsky, which became the highest-rated news program ever broadcast by a single network. She has interviewed every American President and First Lady since Richard Nixon. She made journalism history by arranging the first joint interview with Egypt's President Anwar Sadat and Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin in November, 1977. Another of her "firsts" was an hour-long primetime conversation with Cuban President Fidel Castro- an interview which has been printed in half a dozen languages and shown all over the world. The Barbara Walters Specials are continuously the top-rated specials of the year and have included such legends as Sir Oliver, Bing Crosby, John Wayne, Bette Davis and Audrey Hepburn. More recent interviews of superstars have included Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Ms. Walters' The Ten Most Fascinating People special broadcast, launched in 1993 offers a year-end review of the most prominent newsmakers of the year, as well as the selection of the "most fascinating" individual. Walters is also co-owner, co-executive producer and co-host of The View, the original forum where real women discuss relevant, everyday issues and share their daily, no-holds-barred opinions and lively, colorful, conversations. The show premiered in August, 1997 and is broadcast live from New York City. Walters joined ABC News in 1976 as the first woman to co-host the network news. In 1984, she became co-host of the ABC newsmagazine 20/20, which is currently in its 24th season on the network. Prior to joining ABC she appeared on NBC's Today Show for 15 years. She began as a writer on the Today Show, and within a year became a co-host of the program without the official title, but in 1974 NBC officially designated her as the program's first female co-host. Walters was a member of the NBC News team that went to the People's Republic of China to cover the visits of President Richard Nixon in 1972 and President Herald Ford in 1975. In addition to the Today Show, Walters for five years has also hosted her own popular syndicated series, Not For Women Only. The program went off the air when she left for ABC. Early in her career she was a writer for CBS News and, before that, she was the youngest producer with NBC-TV's New York station (WNBC-TV). Over the years Walters has received national recognition for her work and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious honors and awards. Among these include her 1990 induction into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame and also her acceptance of the Lowell Thomas Award for a career in journalism excellence by Marist College. She received the Overseas Press Club's highest award, the President's Award in 1988 and also won three Lifetime Achievement Awards in 1991, 1993, and 2000. Walters is the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees from Sarah Lawrence, her alma mater, as well as Ohio State University, Temple University, Marymount College, Wheaton College, Hofstra University and Ben-Gurion University in Jerusalem.
George Walther George Walther is an acknowledged expert at boosting your communication effectiveness. People who manage, sell, collect past-due accounts, negotiate, serve customers, and seek to project a more positive image, regard his PHONE POWER book, seminars, and audio/video tapes as classic guides. His second book, POWER TALKING, shows people in every walk of life how to be more positive and persuasive, in every conversation. UPSIDE-DOWN MARKETING, his newest book and speaking topic, focuses on maximizing profit leverage opportunities. George Walther is one of less than 100 professional speakers to hold the National Speakers Association's highest award for platform excellence, the "CPAE," as well as the highest professional speaking designation, the "CSP." He earned an MBA in Marketing from UCLA, and a Bachelor's degree in Speech. George Walther's work is published around the world by Putnam, McGraw-Hill, Simon & Schuster, Nightingale-Conant, and Berkley Books, with many foreign language editions.
Denzel Washington Denzel is known for his work ethic, his powerful romantic presence backed by meticulous preparation and investigation for his roles, his humanity, his commitment to his spiritual and family values in spite of the pressures of his environment. That commitment is also expressed in his role as spokesman for the Boys and Girls Club of America and financial support for The Gathering Place (a home for HIV infected people) and the Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund.
Erik Weihenmayer Erik Weihenmayer is the first blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain - Mount Everest. On September 5, 2002, when he stood on top of Mt. Kosciusko in Australia, Erik Weihenmayer completed his 7-year quest to climb the Seven Summits - the highest peaks on each of the seven land continents, joining only 100 mountaineers who have accomplished that feat. At age 34, he was also one of the youngest. Erik Weihenmayer also participated in the 2004 Eco Challenge - the most arduous adventure race in the world. A former middle school teacher and wrestling coach, Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most exciting and well-known athletes in the world. Despite losing his vision at the age of 13, Erik has become an accomplished mountain climber, skydiver, and skier, who has never let his blindness interfere with his passion for an exhilarating and fulfilling life. Erik Weihenmayer's feats have earned him an ESPY and recognition by Time Magazine for one of the greatest sporting achievements of 2001. In addition to being a world-class athlete, Erik is the author of the new book, The Adversity Advantage, which will teach you how to use adversity as a force for superior achievement, resilience, agility, innovation, energy, and happiness. He is also the author of Touch the Top of the World, in which Erik recalls his struggle to push past the limits of vision loss. Erik Weihenmayer tells his extraordinary story with humor, honesty and vivid detail, and his fortitude and enthusiasm are deeply inspiring. Erik speaks movingly of the role his family played in his battle to break through the barriers of blindness. Erik Weihenmayer's accomplishments have gained him abundant press coverage including repeated visits to NBC's Today Show and Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Oprah, Good Morning America, and Inside Edition to name a few. He has also been featured on the cover of Time magazine and in Sports Illustrated and Men's Journal. Erik Weihenmayer speaks to audiences around the country on overcoming life's challenges, the importance of teamwork, and the daily struggle to pursue your dreams.
Xu Wenli One of China's most recognized pro-democracy advocates, Mr. Xu spent 16 years in prison for his activities as a dissident. He was a leader in the Democracy Wall movement from 1979 to 1981, edited the samizdat-style journal April Fifth Forum, and played a major role in establishing the Beijing-Tianjin branch of the China Democracy Party. Mr. Xu's health suffered while in prison. In reaction to his declining condition, international human rights groups, the U.S. ambassador to China, and Western officials called for his release. The Chinese government finally relented and released him on medical grounds in December 2002. He and his wife left China immediately for the United States to be reunited with their daughter, Xu Jin, who lives in Rhode Island.
Linda Wertheimer Before assuming this post in 2002, she spent 13 years as a host of NPR's daily news program, "All Things Considered." In this position, she helped build the afternoon news program's audience to record levels.Having joined NPR in 1971, she has been with the organization almost since its inception. She served as NPR's congressional correspondent and, in 1976, was named political correspondent- a position she held until 1989 when she became an "All Things Considered" host.In 1976, she became the first woman to anchor network coverage of a presidential nomination convention and of election night. She also is the first person to broadcast live from inside the U.S. Senate chamber.
Cornel West One of Americas most gifted and provocative public intellectuals, Dr. Cornel West's writing, speaking, and teaching weaves together the American traditions of the Black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. Dr. West graduated from Harvard in three years, magna cum laude, and Martin Kilson, one of Dr. West?s professors, recalls him as the most intellectually aggressive and highly cerebral student I have taught in my 30 years here.? He has published 17 books and edited 13 text. In his major bestseller, Race Matters, philosopher Dr. Cornel West burst onto the national scene with his searing analysis of the scars of racism in American democracy. Race Matters has become a contemporary classic, having sold more than 400,000 copies. Praised by The New York Times for his ?ferocious moral vision,? Dr. West speaks with an utterly distinctive voice about the thorniest social and political issues of our day and bridges the gap between black and white opinion. In Democracy Matters, Dr. West returns to the analysis of the arrested development of democracy?both in America and in the crisis-ridden Middle East. In a strikingly original diagnosis, he argues that if America is to become a better steward of democratization around the world, we must first wake up to the long history of imperialist corruption that has plagued our own democracy. Dr. West is Class of 1943 University Professor at Princeton University. He has held previous positions at Union Theological Seminary, Yale University, Harvard University and the University of Paris. Dr. West was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix trilogy. Not only is he the spokesperson for this box-office hit series, Dr. West also had recurring roles in the final two volumes. Speech Topics: *The African American Century: What Next? *Reflections on Hip-Hop: The Role of Black *Music in American Culture *Democracy Matters *Heart of American Darkness *Race Matters
Elie Wiesel Nobel Peace Prize winner, author and professor, Elie Wiesel has worked on behalf of oppressed people for most of his adult life. His own experience as a Holocaust survivor has made him sensitive to people all over the world who have been deprived of their basic human rights. He has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States Congressional Gold Medal and more than 90 honorary degrees.
Montel Williams Host of the Montel Williams Show After graduating from high school in 1974, Williams enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, where his father, Herman Williams Jr, served as fire chief, and soon thereafter reported for duty at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. After six months, he was meritoriously promoted twice, and in 1975, became the first black Marine selected to the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Upon graduating from the Academy's Prep School one year later, Williams received a presidential appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While at Annapolis, he studied Mandarin Chinese and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering and a minor in International Security Affairs. He served on board the USS Sampson during the U.S. invasion of Grenada. His awards include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, two Navy Expeditionary Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, a Navy Achievement Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals. He retired after 22 years' service. In 1991 he began hosting his own TV show, Montel. Williams has portrayed a Navy Seal Lieutenant in several episodes of the TV series JAG. He also played the Judge presiding over Erica Kane's (Susan Lucci) murder trial on the ABC soap opera All My Children in 2002. In 2003 he made a guest appearance on the soap, as himself, to promote an episode of his show where several of AMC's star were scheduled to appear. During an episode of his show that aired on May of 2004, Williams revealed that he had considered committing suicide, after trying cocaine as an alternative to legal medicines. He has been suffering physical pain for a very long time due to multiple sclerosis, which was diagnosed in 1999. He supports the legalization of marijuana for people who suffer from painful terminal or incurable illnesses.He has been nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Talk Show in 2001 and 2002, and Outstanding Talk Show Host in 2002. SPEECH TITLES: • Leadership That Produces Results • Overcoming Challenges • Breaking Barriers • How To Maximize Your Life’s Purpose • University Responsibility Propelling Yourself To Power ...and many more
Walter E. Williams One of America's leading Black conservative economists and a nationally syndicated columnist.
Brian Williams Each night on NBC's all-news and information channel MSNBC and on CNBC, Williams anchors the only primetime news hour, The News with Brian Williams. Relying on the worldwide resources of NBC News, the program has quickly become a news pioneer with its in-depth coverage of the hard news of the day, interviews with the world's newsmakers, and a first-hand look at the next day's morning headlines.
Roger Willie Roger Willie was born and raised on the Navajo reservation in Continental Divide, NM. Fluent in Navajo and English, he was raised in the traditional Navajo culture by his parents and family members. As an actor, he made his screen debut in MGM's production of Windtalkers in 2002. The movie was directed by internationally acclaimed director, John Woo and also starred Nicolas Cage, Christian Slater and Adam Beach. Roger studied with an acting coach for a week in Los Angeles and re-auditioned for John Woo and the producers. In June 2000, he was informed that he had been cast in WindTalkers as "Charlie Whitehorse." "WindTalkers empowers Indian youth to want to learn about their Native language, culture and history. The opportunity to recognize the courage and sacrifice of the Navajo Code Talkers, and the vitality of Native cultures, is a tremendous honor." Roger's military experience helped him prepare for his role in WindTalkers. He proudly served four years in the United States Army's elite 82nd Airborne Infantry Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following WindTalkers, Roger had a role in the Sony film, Adaptation directed by Spike Jonz. He just completed shooting of a Showtime production, directed by Chris Eyre about the Navajo girls' basketball team from Shiprock, NM and their renowned coach. As an advocate for youth, language, culture and education, Roger travels extensively to tribal communities, schools, veteran's organizations, colleges, universities and national organizations encouraging youth and adults to pursue their goals and appreciate the importance of education. Roger has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art from Fort Lewis College in Colorado. He also holds a second Bachelor's Degree in American Indian Studies from the University of North Carolina in Pembroke. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in American Indian Studies a the University of Arizona in Tucson. Roger is also an accomplished visual artist who prefers the simplicity of pencil and paper. His award winning signature pieces feature images embedded in eagle feather landscapes tied together by arrowheads. Actor, artist, educator and student, Roger Willie recognizes and embraces the opportunities that have discovered him. "Our Moment's Decision Determines Our Destiny"
Charlie Wilson Former Congressman and Inspiration for Charlie Wilson's War In 1980, Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson read an alarming Associated Press report of thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan. Not many people knew what was happening, or even recognized what was clearly at stake in the region, but Wilson immediately arranged to have CIA funds directed toward Afghanistan doubled. He promptly set in motion what would become known as "Charlie Wilson's War" his long fight championing the cause of the Afghan people against Soviet tyranny. Wilson candidly and vividly recounts the compelling story the subject of a best selling book and a 2007 movie starring Tom Hanks of his role in reshaping the region, as well as altering history. Wilson also provides insight on how the lessons learned from "his war" apply to current foreign policy, and specifically the war we're waging today. Charlie Wilson discusses the compelling circumstances under which he began his initially single-handed crusade to help Afghanistan repel a Soviet invasion. Charlie Wilsons War: In the early summer of 1980, Charlie Wilson, a newly elected Democrat Texas congressman, read an alarming Associated Press report of thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan. Few people, including those in the U.S. government, were paying attention or realized what was happening. Wilson, at the time on the Appropriations Committee, phoned the committee to request that CIA funds directed toward Afghanistan be doubled, thus beginning Charlie Wilsons War his long fight championing the cause of the Afghan people against Soviet tyranny. An Inspiring Story: Out of the public eye, Wilson, along with many others, helped defeat the Soviets in Afghanistan by supplying millions of dollars to the Afghan Mujahideen. With a single phone call, Wilson helped save the Afghans from the repression of Soviet tyranny. Wilsons story became the subject of the best selling book Charlie Wilsons War, which also inspired the movie of the same name, starring Oscar winners Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts. Wilson provides insight on how the lessons learned from his war apply to the wars of today.
Kellen Winslow Member of the National Football League Hall of Fame, a member of the NFL All-Time Team, All-Pro and Consensus Collegiate All-American, Kellen Winslow enjoyed a nine-year career with the San Diego Chargers, earning All-Pro honors five times and setting both team and league records that stand to this day. He received a Bachelor of Educational Science in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri and his Jurist Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law. A practicing attorney, he is president of the African American Sports Foundation. As a motivational speaker, Kellen's lectures will captivate you as he addresses winning and losing on the "football" field of life.
S.B. Woo As former Lt. Governer of Delaware, S.B. Woo held the highest elected office on a state level ever held by a Chinese-American in the United States, and was the first Chinese-American Senate nominee in the continental U.S. Topics: Mainstreaming Minorities in Science and Technology; Global Competition; Crisis in Higher Education; Political Power and the American Dream.
Michael Woo Woo was the first trained urban planner and the first Asian American elected to serve as a Member of the Los Angeles City Council, the 15-member governing body which sets policy for the City of Los Angeles. For eight years, Woo oversaw land use, transportation, and basic municipal services in central Hollywood and surrounding neighborhoods comprising a highly ethnically diverse district of 235,000 constituents. Woo initiated the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan, the 30-year-plan which laid the legal, financial, and planning framework for the current revitalization of the historic Hollywood area. He played a pivotal role in planning the route and station locations of the Metro Red Line subway. Woo chaired the City Council's Transportation and Traffic Committee. Woo gave up his City Council seat in 1993 to run for Mayor of Los Angeles. Out of an initial field of 24 candidates, Woo ultimately was the second-place candidate, receiving 46 percent of the citywide vote in the June 1993 municipal run-off election. In a highly contentious and nationally-observed campaign, Woo was endorsed by President Clinton, The Los Angeles Times, and the Los Angeles County Labor Federation (AFL-CIO), and raised $3.5 million in donations for one of the most high-profile campaigns ever run by an American of Asian descent in the U.S. Woo continues to be a leader in urban planning activities. Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa appointed Woo to the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, a key municipal decision-making body whose members cast votes on proposed development projects which may have citywide impact. On the national level, Woo is chairman of the Board of Directors of Smart Growth America, the national advocacy organization promoting smart growth and sustainable development policies. For the last three years, Woo's research interests have extended to Chinese cities. He has been an outspoken voice calling for more sustainable approaches to urban growth in China. In 2005, Woo was invited by USC's School of Policy, Planning, and Development to be co-instructor of the school's Beijing Lab, bringing 31 graduate students to Beijing for two weeks of collaboration with Peking University students examining an urban planning challenge in the Xidan Beidajie area of Beijing. He was invited to submit a paper for a conference sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Transportation in the China Ministry of Communication, and he has given talks on sustainable urban development and transportation at Peking University, Nanjing University, the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, and the Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design. The Los Angeles Times published his article ˇ°L.A. All Over Againˇ± on the implications of China 's growing demand for oil. Woo has been invited to give a luncheon keynote speech at the upcoming 20 th anniversary conference of the International Chinese Transportation Professionals Association (ICTPA) on May 27, 2007. For the last two years, Woo has taught a combined graduate and undergraduate seminar in the UCLA Urban Planning Department on China's Urban Sustainability Challenges.ˇ± He also is an adjunct instructor at USC.
John Wooden Legendary collegiate basketball coach and motivational speaker.
Tiger Woods Tiger Woods said this may have been his toughest year on the tour, however he still managed to win the Top Golfer of the Year Award voted on by his peers. This is the eighth time in ten seasons that Tiger has won the award. Tiger lost his father early in the year. Then he missed the cut for the US Open for the first time in his career. He then recovered by winning the next two majors - the British Open and the PGA Championship. He won more than 50% of the tournaments he played in the US this year. Says Tiger on a conference call with reporters, "...it was certainly the most difficult year I've ever had. My whole deal is just to try to get better every year. I win tournaments along the way if I continue to improve." Tiger won the Dubai Desert Classic and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf this year. He led US tour players in earnings. Tiger racked up nearly $10 million in winnings. Woods has now won 72 titles, 54 on the PGA Tour, numbers that make him the fifth-most successful player in PGA history and he is only 30 years old.
Malik Yoba Entrepreneur has appeared in over 20 films including the Disney classic "Cool Runnings" and numerous television roles including New York Undercover and most recently the FX Networks "Thief' (Spring 2006.) He is also the author of "Lessons From The Streets and her Places." The former vice president of the City Kids Foundation, Malik has been working as an arts educator for over twenty years.In a thoughtful, poignant and humorous way, “Please Return My Phone Call: Preventing The Demise Of Personal And Professional Relationships” explores some of the causes and effects of this “horrible habit” and offers simple solutions for fixing the problem. Malik Yoba is one of a new breed of celebrity who uses his clout to make a positive difference in the American culture. He is the creator of the motivational workshop for young people, Why are you on this planet TM Once he was more inclined toward making music than working as an actor. In fact, he still confesses that music is his first love. He never intended to leave his job as Vice President of CityKids Foundation. When he was an ordinary citizen working with youth in gang-infested schools, homeless shelters and prisons, he was one of them in a sense. Now he stands out as a celebrity bigger than life.His acting credits include Fox TV's drama New York Undercover, the role of "Yul Brenner" in Disney's Cool Runnings, and roles in Smoke, Blue in the Face, Cop Land, A Woman Like That, and the lead role in Ride. As a musician, he put together Nature Boy: Words and Music, a multimedia performance in which he sings and plays acoustic guitar. Backed by his band, Yoba spans a musical spectrum of original compositions, standard ballads, R&B, Reggae Hip Hop interwoven with dramatic monologues and his surprising comedic talent.
Steve Young In his 15 years as a professional athlete, Steve Young experienced first-hand what communication, leadership, and the power of simple hard work can achieve. Best known as former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Young envelops audiences in a world of uncompromising challenge and unmatched glory. A charismatic, inspiring speaker, Steve Young shares the tools he’s used to accomplish victories on and off the playing field. Stressing the value of teamwork, he uses humor and a wealth of anecdotes to prove that no goal is unreachable. Young is a corporate spokesperson for high-profile companies such as Visa, Nike, Sprint, PowerBar, ICON Health & Fitness, and Sun Microsystems. He is the Chairman of the Board for Found, Inc.; an internet technology company that integrates retail stores with the internet. Frequent articles about Young have appeared throughout the years. He has recently been profiled in a variety of periodicals such as Sports Illustrated, Inside Sports, People and GQ. Young has appeared on a variety of talk shows and has dabbled in the acting world over the past years with roles in Beverly Hills 90210, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Wings, and Dharma & Greg. He was the studio co-host of the Super Bowl XXXIV pre-game, half-time and post-game show on ABC. He is currently a studio analyst for ESPN's NFL Countdown. Additionally, Young has written a children's book entitled Forever Young. Young was born Jon Steven Young on October 11, 1961 to Sherry and LeGrande "Grit" Young in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the oldest of five siblings, Mike, Melissa, Tom and Jim follow in that order. When he was in elementary school, the family relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut where he attended Greenwich High School. He received both his Bachelor of Science (1983) and his Juris Doctor (1994) from BYU.
Bob Zellner A civil rights legend, Bob Zellner was a young white college student when in 1961 he became one of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee's (SNCC) first white staff membersѡnd eventually one of the last. A field secretary for SNCC in Mississippi, he worked there on behalf of the civil rights movement until the activist group broke up in 1970. Now almost thirty-five years later, Bob Zellner continues his efforts to tell the story of the racial hatred that pitted white against black in the deep South. He talks about his years with SNCC and the civil rights period emphasizing its relevance to racial incidents and the need for understanding and multicultural diversity on campuses and in society today.
Kristal Brent Zook Kristal Brent Zook, Ph.D., was born in Los Angeles and raised in an all-female household by her mother and grandmother, who are African American. Her father is Anglo American. She received a B.A. in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Ph.D. from the History of Consciousness Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her work as a journalist and cultural reporter began in the mid-1990's when she wrote regularly about film, tv and books for the Village Voice and the LA Weekly. Her most recent book, I See Black People: Interviews with African American Owners of Radio and Television, will be published by Nation Books in February 2008. A collection of intimate and frank conversations with broadcast and cable owners, large and small, this book addresses via poignant recollections the mystery of why so few minorities and women own media outlets in America. Her previous book, Black Women's Lives: Stories of Power and Pain (Nation Books, 2006) contains investigative portraits of women across the country, of various ages and economic backgrounds, from a secretly biracial organic dairy farmer in Bakersfield, Vermont, to a corporate executive and president of SoftSheen/Carson in New York City. Black Women's Lives went into its third printing within the first year of publication. In 1999, Dr. Zook published her first book, Color By Fox: the Fox Network and the Revolution in Black Television, Oxford University Press, which took readers behind the scenes of popular African American television productions such as In Living Color, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Martin, New York Undercover, The Sinbad Show, Living Single, Roc, and South Central. The book revealed the internal dynamics that prevented certain depictions from appearing on air. Color By Fox is required reading in many college-level media and communications courses nationwide. Dr. Zook is currently a Contributing Writer with the Womens Media Center and Essence magazine and Associate Professor of Journalism at Hofstra University. She has produced and appeared as a commentator on National Public Radio and speaks regularly on college campuses and on national cable and broadcast outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, C-Span, MTV, Fox, and TV-One. Her print work has also appeared in publications such as The New York Times Sunday Magazine, The Washington Post, USA Weekend, Vibe, Savoy, Emerge, Honey, The Nation, The Source, Real Simple, The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, and other publications.