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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.
Race Relations in America Charles Moskos, a white sociology professor and John Sibley Butler, a black professor of sociology, are the nation's foremost authorities on race relations in the armed forces and in the United States. Moskos and Butler offer a blueprint for organizations to provide opportunities for all and to improve race relations at the same time. They are the co-authors of All That We Can Be: Black Leadership and Racial Integration the Army Way.
An Evening of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis Jazz great, award winning pianist, and the leader of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. An internationally known and acclaimed musician, renowned for his keyboard virtuosity, Ramsey Lewis is the recipient of nine gold records and three Grammy awards.
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.
The Meeting A play based on a fictional meeting of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. In this moving work, playwright Jeff Stetson imagines for us what a clandestine meeting might have been like between two of the most influential men of their time: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. This fictional meeting takes place in a shabby Harlem hotel room in Febrary, 1965. Within a week, Malcolm will be assassinated and in three short years, Dr. King will also become martyred to the crusade for freedom. This play sold out hundreds of performances and we are pleased to bring it back for another run.
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.
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.
Hinewirangi Hiné is Coordinator of the Maori Women's Resource Center and a Representative of the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific movement. She is a Board Member of the International Indian Treaty Council and has served as Co-Director. She is mother of two children and has mothered several others. She has published four volumes of poetry, is currently working on a novel and has written and directed 6 videos for children about recognizing sexual abuse. She has written many dramas reflecting her culture. Her life's work has been with women and children, healing effects of abuse
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.
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.
Immortal Technique Felipe Coronel better known as Immortal Technique, is a hip hop MC and political activist. Most of his songs focus on social justice, covering a wide variety of topics such as urban poverty in the US and international economic inequality (especially in Latin America), protest against the imprisonment of Mumia Abu-Jamal, militarism and the military industrial complex in the U.S., U.S. complicity in the September 11, 2001 attacks, media bias in favor of conservative and corporate interests, and racism (especially in regards to the mistreatment of people of color in the U.S.). Although he has been offered a deal with at least one major music label, he has never signed to any, since disagreements over the political content of his songs could could arise. Immortal Technique has also voiced a desire to keep control over his production, and has made statements in his music that he is very aware that it is record companies, not the artists themselves, who profit the most from mass production and marketing of music. He releases his music on and is also the President and A&R of Viper Records. To reach wider audiences, Immortal Technique's next projects will be distributed by Babygrande Records.
Not Everything Is Black & White Not Everything Is Black & White Trading Races: Getting Real With The Cast of Black. White. There is black, there is white, and there are shades of gray. And the experiences ran the gamut for the cast members of Black. White., the provocative hit TV show on the FX Network where two families—the Black Sparks and the White Wurgels—learned to literally live in each others’ skin through elaborate race-changing make-up, dialect coaching and other behavioral adjustments. Now, in the aftermath of their life-changing experiences on Black. White comes a riveting, interactive lecture experience featuring members of the two families who learned firsthand about the gray areas of race relations in America. The Sparks family (Brian, an Atlanta contractor; Renee, an office manager; and their high school son, Nick) signed on for Black. White, the sociological experience/TV show after Brian noticed an ad for auditions on-line. The Wurgels (Carmen, an LA location scout; her college freshman daughter Rose; and her boyfriend, elementary school teacher Bruno) heard about Black. White from a friend. Both families came with preconceived notions and strong ideas about what they might experience. Yet they could never have anticipated the eye-opening lessons about cultural differences. Now, after these insights have had a chance to set-in, both the Sparks and the Wurgels bring their revelations to the podium and spark the dialog, illuminate the issues, and ignite the desire for greater understanding about the gray areas... not everything is black & white.
Harlym 125 Harlym 125 was born Jamele Adams in Harlem. This educator, activist, romantic, entertainer, poet and actor lives his art with conviction toward preserving its purity: artistic freedom and creativity. 125 is responsible for starting the Hip Hop Society and the Kenyon Alive Poets Society. He believes that the community of the mind is where we reinvent the spirituality of the streets.
Judy Scales-Trent Noted 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. By tracing how America's racial purity laws have operated over the past 400 years (creating a large group of Black Americans with white skin), Judy Scales-Trent explores the question of what we really mean by "race" in this country.
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.
Rebecca Adamson Rebecca Adamson, a Cherokee, is the founder and president of First Nations Development Institute. She has worked directly with grassroots tribal communities and as a national advocate of local tribal issues for over 25 years. Working alongside the best political and philosophical thinkers in Indian country, Adamson advocates reform and thinks that the key to native people controlling their own lives is economics. A recipient of the 1996 Ms. magazine "Woman of the Year" Award, her organization has advised indigenous people around the world. Activist Rebecca Adamson has helped and advised indigenous people around the world, winning the admiration and trust of almost everyone she has encountered. Seventeen years ago, as a single mother with only an unemployment check and a dream, Adamson set out to establish a place where Native Americans could find outside capital and technical support to build successful small businesses and self-sufficient reservation economies independent of federal control. Adamson, a Cherokee, is the founder and president of First Nations Development Institute. She has worked directly with grassroots tribal communities and as a national advocate of local tribal issues for over 25 years. The organization has raised and distributed millions of dollars, fostered the birth of dozens of micro-enterprises coast-to-coast and set up a $1 million revolving loan fund. Adamson is a recipient of the 2001 John W. Gardner Leadership Award, which honors outstanding Americans who exemplify the leadership of individuals working in the voluntary sector who build, mobilize or unify people, institutions or causes. She was awarded the Council on Foundations 1996 Robert W. Scrivner Award for creative and innovative grantmaking and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development's 1996 Jay Silverheel Award. In addition, Ms. magazine named her one of their seven "Women of the Year" (1997) and in 1998, she was named as one of the top ten Social Entrepreneurs of the Year by Who Cares magazine. She writes a monthly column for the newspaper Indian Country Today, devoted to alternative economic development and other issues. Adamson says her success is rooted in the summers she spent with her Cherokee grandparents in North Carolina, where she learned "the Indian value of listening." She began by listening to good business ideas that couldn't find money when she worked at her first job as a planner for the Spokane and Nez Perce tribes. She listened and saw that the Native Americans with whom she lived had the lowest incomes and highest unemployment, the lowest life-expectancy and the highest rates of disease, alcoholism and poverty. She also saw a Third World country buried in the richest country in the world and the experience led her to a movement for Indians to regain control of their destiny by controlling their own schools.
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.
Dr. Na'im Akbar The published volumes of Dr. Akbars works are excellent illustrations of the unique and special approach he has taken to the role of an activist scholar. His volumes are targeted to a mass audience. Though the concepts that he presents are highly sophisticated, they are presented in a concise and simple way that readers with minimal education and possibly no familiarity with mainstream psychology will be able to comprehend the ideas from his books and increase their understanding of themselves. Though his scholarly status is unquestioned this area of his work is targeting a much broader audience than would likely encounter his works prepared for advanced students, professional colleagues and for the dialogue of the academy. He feels very strongly that truly relevant ideas should be available to as wide an audience as possible in order that they may study these ideas and apply them to their lives and to their communities. The measure of success for this aspect of his scholarship becomes the number of people from various walks of life that have been able to study these ideas, change their lives and their world.
Lalo Alcaraz Lalo Alcaraz, an award-winning editorial cartoonist and Latino journalist, created the first nationally syndicated, politically themed Latino daily strip, "La Cucaracha." Alcaraz has produced editorial cartoons for LA Weekly since 1992 and also creates editorial cartoons in English and Spanish for Universal Press Syndicate. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Village Voice, Los Angeles Times, Variety, Hispanic Magazine, Latina Magazine, La Jornada in Mexico City, and many other publications. Alcaraz recently published the book Migra Mouse: Political Cartoons on Immigration (Akashic Books) and also illustrated Latino USA: A Cartoon History (Basic Books, 2000). In 2004, he received the "2004 Latino Spirit Award" from the California Latino Legislative Caucus. Alcaraz serves as keynote speaker for George Mason's Hispanic Heritage Month.
Miguel Algarin Miguel Algarin is the "poet laureate" of Loisaida - also known as the Lower East Side - and founder of the Nuyorican Poets Café in New York City, where he has nurtured the spoken and written word for nearly three decades. Through the Café Algarin helped cultivate the popular "slam" poetry movement. Colliding the gritty topics of urbanity with the art of literature, Algarin's Café has provided a venue for words to jump from the page to the stage. Since 1974, the Nuyorican Poets Café has captured the flavor of the streets serving as a haven for poets, writers, thespians, performance artists, musicians, visual artists and hip-hop renegades, running the cultural gamut from acclaimed theater productions to hip-hop open mikes to celebrations of salsa and merengue music. The Café is the living room hosting the freshest art to immigrate to New York City, from not only the Caribbean and the Americas, but from all over the world. The Nuyorican Poets Café is a stage of words made visible. Situated in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Loisaida, the community, is a mixture of various ethnic backgrounds: Puerto Rican, Dominican, African-American, Ukrainian, Polish and Irish, to name a few. The community also hosts a great number of artists. This diverse energy is reflected in the performances of the Nuyorican Poets Café. Algarin, along with the emerging artists of the Nuyorican Poets Café, bring their talents to the forefront, dazzling audiences with their vibrant presentations. Mixing the traditional arts of oral story telling and classical poetry with the edgy raw rhythm of the hip-hop influenced streets creates the soulful heartbeat which is the Café. Recognized as a long-term cultural worker of the Lower East Side, Miguel Algarin's Nuyorican Poets Café has become a Loisaida institution. The Café and its milieu have provided a blueprint for the development of the international slam poetry movement that first surfaced in Chicago.
John Amos John Amos is best known for his popular character role of James Evans in the hit CBS sitcom Good Times. His other hit television roles include Kunta Kinte on the hit CBS miniseries Roots. John Amos guest starred on NBCs Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Foxs Martin, and In The House with LL Cool J. His notable film roles include Major in Die Hard 2: Die Harder with Bruce Willis and co-starring with Denzel Washington in the box office hit Ricochet. As a writer and artist, John Amos conceived and wrote Halleys Comet, his critically acclaimed one-man show, which he launched at the American Stage Company to exceptional reviews and sold out houses. The show has toured in over 480 cities throughout the United States and abroad, receiving standing ovations from Washington, DC and London, England. John Amos continues to star in one hit after the next. He starred five seasons on NBCS Emmy Award-winning hit series, The West Wing, as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In the spring 2005, John Amos starred in the role of Dutch, an ex-convict biker in the independent feature VooDoo Moon, and recently with Kyla Pratt in Fox Motion Pictures Dr. DoLittle 3, starring as Jed Jones, Country Western Rancher. John Amos starred as the popular character of Buzz with actress Anne Heche in the hit ABC Dramedy Series, Men in Trees, directed by James Mangold, Director/Writer of the Oscar Winning Walk the Line.
Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr Juan is a Presidential Medal recipient, honored for “the performance of exemplary deeds of service for the nation”. The Medal was presented by President Bill Clinton for extraordinary accomplishments in promoting civic participation and leadership development. He has earned five college degrees: a B.A. from Howard Payne University, a M.Ed. from Antioch College, a Ed.S. and Doctorate from Northern Illinois University, and a post-doctorate M.A. from Loyola University Chicago. He has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Howard Payne and Northern Illinois, and received the Damon Award from the graduate school at Loyola University. He has also received four honorary degrees. He is President of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute: The Institute has trained over 200,000 present & future leaders, registered over two million new voters, published 425 studies on Hispanic demographics, since 1982. USHLI sponsors the largest Latino leadership conference in the nation. Juan was a political commentator on ABC-7 television for six years in Chicago; the only Latino commentator in the nation appearing on English language radio or television. He has worked and participated in the democratization of Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Paraguay, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and Haiti. He has been recognized three times as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in America. He was inducted into the “Society of Life Models” by OMNI Youth Services for the impact of his work in promoting education and leadership development for high school and college students. He has received numerous awards for distinguished service and lifetime achievement.
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.
Oscar Arias Arias was elected president of Costa Rica in 1986 and through negotiations drafted the Arias Peace Plan, which called for internal dialogue, cease-fire, freedom of speech, and free elections in El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. This initiative culminated in the signing of the Esquipulas II Accords, or the Procedure to Establish a Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America, by all the Central American Presidents on August 7, 1987. Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. He used the monetary award to establish the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress. Under the auspices of the Foundation, three programs were established: The Center for Human Progress to promote equal opportunities for women and gender equality; the Center for Organized Participation to strengthen the participation and action of civil society in Central America; and the Center for Peace and Reconciliation to work for demilitarization and conflict resolution in the developing world.
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.
Karen Armstrong Armstrong is a writer, lecturer, broadcaster and author of 12 books. Her best-known book is A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which was on the New York Times best-seller list for many months. She teaches at the Leo Baeck College for the Study of Judaism and the Training of Rabbis and Teachers in London, England. A limited number of tickets ($10) are on sale at the Greensboro Coliseum box office, online (www.Tickets.com), by phone (1-888-397-3100) or at selected Lowes Food Stores in the Greensboro area. There is a service charge for all tickets purchased online or by phone. Subject to availabilty, Guilford students and employees may receive one free ticket at the door with valid ID the night of the event. Educated at Oxford University, Armstrong taught modern literature at the University of London. She was a Catholic nun from 1962-69, and in 1982, she became a freelance writer and broadcaster. Armstrong's books include Through the Narrow Gate, a best-seller in Britain, The Gospel According to Women, Holy War: The Crusades and Their Impact on Today's World, Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet, Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths, and The Battle for God. Her latest book, published in 2004, is a memoir, The Spiral Staircase: My Climb out of Darkness.
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.
Bill Baird Bill Baird is the next speaker for the Convention was abortion rights activist Bill Baird, who spoke on “The Politics of God, Government and Sex.” Known as “The Father of the Abortion Rights Movement,” he returns to the Convention on the 27th anniversary of the historic BAIRD v. EISENSTADT, the 1972 U.S. Supreme Court decision that liberalized birth control laws in the United States and helped to establish the cornerstone of ROE v. WADE. The BAIRD case was quoted six times in the ROE decision. He established the nation’s first birth control and abortion center on a college campus in 1965. Part of that time he spent in jail for teaching about birth control in New York. In 1967, he was sentenced to three months in prison for “crimes against chastity,” that is, for exhibiting birth control and abortion devices to an audience of two thousand individuals at Boston University and giving a non-prescriptive contraception to a nineteen-year-old college student. Baird described the contemporary abortion battle as “a holy war,” and noted that there have been over 200 firebombs and acts of vandalism against abortion providers. He then discussed indicators of the intensity of the present abortion-rights fight, and noted how anti-choice zealots often “demonize” and objectify those they disagree with. One example was a lurid posted used by Catholics anti-abortion activists which depicted Jesus re-crucified over the heads of aborted fetuses, with an American flag at half-mast as a distress signal.. Another item was a pamphlet, “Who Killed Junior?”, which included a picture of a knife stabbing into the depiction of an infant. Another illustration depicted a fetus writhing in pain with the legend: “Aborted babies at 13 weeks old will struggle for life after an abortion from 2 to 3 hours.” On the back page, text read: “No woman has a right over her baby’s body -- the baby is another person, a separate human being.”
Michael Baisden Michael Baisden a author, motivational speaker, former TV talk show host, and host of his own nationally-syndicated radio show. Baisdens first book, Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat, was released under a Vanity Press label. In 2001, he made a series of promotional appearances on daytime talk shows. He was also host of his own short-lived syndicated talk show entitled Talk or Walk in 2001. Currently, Baisden is host of the nationally-syndicated radio program "Love, Lust, and Lies
Harry Belafonte The consummate entertainer, Belafonte is a world-renowned recording artist ,Broadway, movie and TV star and globally respected human rights activist. The winner of countless awards for his work as an artist and humanitarian, he continues to fight against injustice throughout the world.
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.
Yosef Ben-Jochannan Well known Black historian, cultural anthropologist and author. Dr. Ben was adjunct professor at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, for over a decade (1976–1987). He has written and published over forty-nine books and papers, revealing much of the information unearthed while he was in Egypt. Two of his better known works include, Black Man of the Nile and His Family and Africa: Mother of Major Western Religions. In 1939, shortly after receiving his undergraduate degree, Dr. Ben's father sent him to Egypt to study first hand the ancient history of African People. Since 1941, Dr. Ben has been to Egypt at least twice a year. He began leading educational tours to Egypt in 1946. When asked why he began the tours, he replied "because no one knew or cared about Egypt and most believed Egypt was not in Africa." According to Dr. Ben, Egypt is the place to go to learn the fundamentals of living. Over five decades have passed and Dr. Ben, a preeminent scholar and Egyptologist, remains focused on Nile Valley Civilization.
Mohammed Bilal Mohammed Bilal, former cast member of MTV's highest-rated show, "The Real World" San Francisco. Bilal shared his life with over 1.5 million people every week, as one of the seven cast members of "The Real World." He is currently a member of Midnight Voices, a hip-hop band that has been nominated for numerous urban contemporary band awards. Bilal is a musician, poet and writer who educates audiences about some of today?s social ills. He will soon be publishing his first book that explores issues from image manipulation to anti-Semitism. Bilal will speak on the topics of diversity, AIDS awareness and personal responsibility. His lecture will be based on the negative effects that racism, drug abuse, AIDS and violence have had on young people. Through a high energy, poetic, hip-hop storytelling format, Bilal will encourage his audience to accept personal accountability for one's actions, with the hope of building a responsible society.
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.
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.
Keith Boykin Keith Boykin is the editor of The Daily Voice online news site, a CNBC contributor, a BET TV host and a New York Times best-selling author of three books. Educated at Dartmouth and Harvard, Keith attended law school with President Barack Obama and served in the White House as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton. Keith has been actively involved in progressive causes since he worked on his first congressional campaign while still a student in high school. He is a veteran of six political campaigns, including two presidential campaigns, and he was named one of the top instructors when he taught political science at American University in Washington. Keith has traveled extensively across four continents, and in 1997 President Clinton appointed him, along with Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson, to the U.S. presidential trade delegation to Zimbabwe. He was a star on the 2004 Showtime television series American Candidate and has since appeared on numerous national media programs, including Anderson Cooper 360, The O'Reilly Factor, The Tyra Banks Show, The Montel Williams Show, Judge Hatchett and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. A founder and first board president of the National Black Justice Coalition, Keith has spoken to audiences, large and small, all across the world. He delivered a landmark speech to 200,000 people at the Millennium March on Washington and he gave a stirring speech about the AIDS epidemic in front of 40,000 people in Chicago's Soldier Field in July 2006. Each of Keith's three books has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, including his most recent book, Beyond the Down Low: Sex, Lies and Denial in Black America. Keith won the Lambda Literary Award for his second book, Respecting The Soul, while his first book, One More River to Cross, is taught in colleges and universities throughout the country. Keith is an associate producer of the 2007 feature film Dirty Laundry and is working on his fourth book. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Keith currently lives in New York City.
Donna Brazile Donna Brazile is one of the best known, most influential African American women in modern American political life. She is Chair of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute (VRI), an organization established in 2001 to help protect and promote the rights of all Americans to participate in the political process. Donna Brazile is the author of Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics, a memoir about her life in the political arena, and co-author of What We Do Now, which was published by Melville House in 2004. Donna Brazile, a well-versed Democratic political strategist, made history as the first African American women to lead a major presidential campaign when she served as Campaign Manager for Gore-Lieberman 2000. Prior to joining the Gore campaign, Brazile was Chief of Staff and Press Secretary to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia where she helped guide the District's budget and local legislation on Capitol Hill. A veteran of numerous national and statewide campaigns, Brazile worked on several presidential campaigns for Democratic candidates, including Carter-Mondale in 1976 and 1980, Rev. Jesse Jackson's first historic bid for the presidency in 1984, Mondale-Ferraro in 1984, U.S. Representative Dick Gephardt in 1988, Dukakis-Bentsen in 1988, and Clinton-Gore in 1992 and 1996; and Gore-Lieberman 2000. Donna Brazile is a weekly contributor and political commentator for CNN, a political consultant for ABC News, and a contributor to NPR's Political Corner. She is also a columnist for Roll Call Newspaper and Ms. Magazine. In addition to working at VRI, Donna Brazile serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She has served as a senior lecturer at the University of Maryland, resident fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics and as the Senator Wyona Lipman Chair at Rutgers University Center for American Women in Politics. Donna Brazile is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Washingtonian Magazine's 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington, D.C., Essence Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women in America and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Award for Political Achievement. Brazile, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1981 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Louisiana State University in May 2005. Firmly grounded in her humble Louisiana roots, Donna Brazile is a fierce advocate for the poor and minorities. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the guiding agency charged with addressing the state's recovery after Hurricane Katrinia.
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.
Elaine Brown Elaine Brown is a former leader of the Black Panther Party, and author of A Taste of Power and The Condemnation of Little B. — A Taste of Power was optioned in January 2007 by HBO in connection with its six-part series The Black Panthers, now in development. # Brown is presently co-authoring For Reasons of Race and Belief, The Trials of Jamil Al-Amin (formerly H. Rap Brown) with Karima Al-Amin (for 2010 publication by Basic Books), and is completing the non-fiction book Melba and Al, A Story of Black Love in Jim Crow America, slated for publication in 2009 (Seven Stories Press). She is the editor of Messages from Behind the Wall, a collection of autobiographical essays by black prisoners in New Mexico, published in February 2007 by the New Mexico Department of African American Affairs.In 1996, after living seven years in France, Brown moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she established the nonprofit education corporation Fields of Flowers. In 1997, Brown co-founded Mothers Advocating Juvenile Justice, and, in 2002, co-founded and became a Board member of the National Alliance for Radical Prison Reform. Presently, Brown is a member of the Georgia Geechee Council, a partner in Seize the Time, Inc., a member of the Committee to Free Romaine "Chip" Fitzgerald, and a partner in The Toubakolong Partnership (The Gambia).In November 2005, Brown ran for mayor of Brunswick, Georgia, with the intent of using the office to create a base of economic power for the city's majority black and poor population through redistribution of the massive revenues of the city's port. She is co-founder of the Brunswick Women's Association for a People's Blueprint.Brown is Executive Director of the Michael Lewis Legal Defense Committee, supporting the legal appeal of Lewis ("Little B"), who, arrested at the age of 13 for a murder he did not commit, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison (1997). Brown regularly lectures at colleges and universities throughout the country on "New Age Racism" and realization of the vision of eliminating racism, gender oppression and class disparity toward an inclusive and egalitarian world society. A fluent French speaker, Brown has traveled extensively throughout the world, from China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, Algeria to France, Italy, Russia, Argentina, Uruguay, and elsewhere. Brown, who studied classical piano for years, has recorded two albums of original songs, one for Motown records, Until We're Free, and her 1969 album, Seize the Time, which includes "The Black Panther Party National Anthem" (The Meeting), re-released as a CD in January 2007 by Warner Bros.
Tony Burroughs Tony Burroughs is an internationally known genealogist, author, teacher and lecturer. He teaches genealogy at Chicago State University and is the president of Black Roots. Mr. Burroughs appeared as the African American genealogy expert in the public television series, Ancestors (February 1997). In 1996, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Genealogical Society and co-authored the African-American Genealogical Sourcebook (Gale Research 1995). Mr. Burroughs has been practicing genealogy for twenty years, having traced two family lines back seven generations. He has extensive experience in libraries, archives, historical societies and county courthouses. He has conducted the African-American Genealogy workshop at the National Archives – Great Lakes Region for nine years. He also lectures at local, state and national genealogical conferences and has given half-day and full-day workshops in over a dozen cities. He was the APG 20th Anniversary Luncheon Speaker at FGS in 1999, the Keynote Banquet Speaker at GENTECH 98 in Fort Wayne, and the James Dent Walker Memorial Lecturer in Richmond, Virginia in 1994. His talks are on all aspects of American Genealogy, African-American Genealogy and technology. His presentations include exciting color slides to bring family history alive. Mr. Burroughs is a graduate of the National Institute of Genealogical Research in Washington, D.C. and the Institute of Genealogy and History at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Board positions include: New England Historic Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists, Gentech, and an FGS Delegate. Past board positions include: President of the Afro-American Genealogical & Historical Society of Chicago, Inc.; Federation of Genealogical Societies and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Postal Advisory Committee. He is also past curator of the African-American Genealogy Collection at the Avalon Branch of the Chicago Public Library.
Jennifer Calderon As a writer, her cutting edge articles on hip hop culture, white privilege, and social justice have appeared in The New York Times, Self Magazine, The Source Magazine, among other traditional and new media outlets. Her fourth book, Till The White Day Is Done: White Privilege, Hip Hop, and Social Change, promises to be as provocative as her personal politics. Due in 2009, the anthology will feature contributions from Sonia Sanchez, Tim Wise, Talib Kweli, and other respected voices.
Vanessa Bell Calloway One of Americas hottest actors, Vanessa Bell Calloway has won critical acclaim for her portrayal of Jackie in the movie, What's Love Got to Do With It. Other movie roles have included Daylight starring Sylvestor Stallone, A Private Affair and Coming To America with Eddie Murphy. Vanessa is co-host of BET's new morning talk show, Oh Drama, which features news, information and celebrity guests.
Alexis Caputo Alexis Caputo is a Multidiscipline Performance Artist, Poet, Writer & Activist. Her artistic portfolio began in performance studies and educational theatre. Upon personal exploration, looking at the historical context of womens contributions in the arts and her contribution to the educational community where her instruction was received, she identified these experiences as chief in her emergence. The interest and strengthening endorsements of her work by theatre scholars Dr. Nancy Putnam-Smithner, Dr. Lowell Swortzell and Playwright, Karen Malpede, all whom she studied under, were instrumental and pivotal references. To this, she has steadily increased her voice beyond the university level as a writer and performance artist creating notable works for theatre. Her course to augment the womens movement in the arts is evident in her portfolio. Her work includes poetry, spoken word, narratives/texts, audio/media, dance (movement) and visuals (iconic symbols). She has created an impressive and distinct body of originally written and performance work, addressing human rights issues, political, cultural, gender, racial, class and social differences. This has enhanced her cultural awareness while entertaining, educating, sharing history and life-affirming work. Solo projects written and performed include SOULED OUT, Truths Carved from the Belly, Woman of the Drum, The Proud Pilgrim and Deconstruction & Deliverance, which toured at noteworthy off Broadway theaters in New York (Harlem Theatre Company, Henry Street Settlement/Abron's Art Center & Dixon Place). The Proud Pilgrim, Truths Carved from the Belly & SOULED OUT were presented at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Corona, New York. Woman of the Drum was presented at the Miami-Dade Cultural Center. She represented Delray Beach, Florida as a member of DADA Slam, an assembly of poets who performed at the National Poetry Championships in Madison, Wisconsin 2008. Her published journalism and writing portfolio are for the news houses: The Tribune & Nassau Guardian (Nassau, Bahamas) Broward Times, Miami New Times & the Miami Times.
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.
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.
Lorene Cary Award winning author, Lorene Cary is best known in literary circles for her book Black Ice, which she wrote about her two years boarding experience at St. Pauls School, a formerly all white, all male elite prep school in New Hampshire. She is the author of FREE!, a collection of true life Underground Railroad Stories for young readers; The Price of A Child, a 1995 novel chosen as a One Book, One Philadelphia selection by the citys mayor; and Pride. She is currently at work on her fifth book, Blackface. A Senior Lecturer in creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania, Cary is the founder of Art Sanctuary, a non profit performance series that brings black artists to speak and perform at the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia. With its partner Asian Arts Initiative, Art Sanctuary has won Pennsylvanias 2005 Governors Award in the Arts for Creative Community collaboration. For her writing and arts activism, Cary was awarded her citys highest civic honor, The Philadelphia Award. Her essays have appeared in Newsweek, Time, Essence, Mirabella, and other publications. She is president of the Union Benevolent Society. Cary lives in Philadelphia with her husband, the Rev. Robert C. Smith, and daughters Laura and Zoe.
Naomi Chazan Naomi Chazan is a Professor of Political Science and a former member of the Knesset. She is currently President of the New Israel Fund. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Columbia University in New York City and her Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1974. In addition to her native Hebrew, she speaks English, French, and Swahili. Chazan was twice a member of Israels delegation to the United Nations Conference on Women in Nairobi (1985) and Beijing (1995). She also was head of the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, President of the Israeli branch of the Society for International Development, Vice President of the International Association of Political Science, and founder and member of the Board of the Israel Womens Network. In April 2008, Chazan signed a letter of support for the recently created J Street American pro peace lobby group.
Farai Chideya A modern day wordsmith and humanitarian who can go from serious journalism to free-spirited fiction, Farai Chideya has worked in print, television, online, and radio. Prior to joining NPRs News & Notes, she hosted Your Call, a daily news and cultural call-in show on San Francisco's KALW 91.7 FM. Chideya has also been a correspondent for ABC News, anchored the prime time program Pure Oxygen on the Oxygen womens channel, and contributed commentaries to CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and BET. She got her start as a researcher and reporter at Newsweek magazine. In 1997, Newsweek named her to its Century Club of 100 people to watch. In 1996, she spent the presidential election season as a CNN Political Analyst and was named to The New York Daily News "Dream Team" of political reporters and commentators. Her first novel, Kiss the Sky, will be released soon, and explores the life of a rebounding rock-star fighting for fame. Chideyas stereotype shattering book, Dont Believe the Hype:Fighting Cultural Misinformation about African Americans, is now in its eighth printing. Using statistics, she systematically undercuts the argument that African Americans are at the root of problems like crime, welfare and drugs. Her book, The Color of Our Future, was named one of the best books for teens by the New York Public Library and Trust: Reaching the 100 Million Missing Voters, shows why half of Americans are cut out of the political system and what we can do about it. Founder of PopandPolitics.com, an online journal for young Americans, Chideya provides an antidote to mainstream political and cultural reporting. PopandPolitics.com straight-up, non-partisan style blog has earned Chideya awards including a MOBE IT Innovator award, being named one of Alternets New Media Heroes, and ranking in PoliticsOnline.coms worldwide survey of "25 Who Are Changing the World of Internet and Politics."
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".
Pearl Cleage Pearl Cleage is a fiction writer, playwright, poet, essayist, and journalist who has lived in Atlanta for more than thirty years. In her writing, Cleage draws on her experiences as an activist for AIDS and womens rights, and she cites the rhythms of black life as her muse. Cleages first novel, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, was an Oprah Book Club selection in 1998 and appeared on the New York Times best seller list for nine weeks. Cleage (pronounced cleg) was born on December 7, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the younger daughter of Doris Graham and Albert B. Cleage Jr. She grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where her father was a church pastor and played a prominent role in the civil rights movement. Many leaders of the movement passed through the Cleage house on their way to rallies and demonstrations in other cities in the Midwest and Northeast. After graduating from the Detroit public schools in 1966, Cleage enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she majored in playwriting and dramatic literature. In 1969 she moved to Atlanta and enrolled at Spelman College, graduating in 1971 with a bachelors degree in drama. She later joined the Spelman faculty as a writer and playwright in residence and as a creative director. Also in 1969 she married Michael Lomax, an Atlanta politician and educator and the current president of Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. They have one daughter, Deignan Njeri. The marriage ended in divorce in 1979. Cleage married Zaron W. Burnett Jr., writer and director for the Just Us Theater Company, in 1994.
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.
Rosa Clemente Rosa Clemente Hip-Hop Activist Hip Hop journalist, activist. As a Black Puerto Rican she is dedicated to scholar-activism. It was her experiences at the University of Albany and Cornell University that led her to become a leading progressive voice for her generation. Rosa’s academic work has been dedicated to researching national liberation struggles inside the United States, with a specific focus on the Young Lords Party and the Black Liberation Army. Rosa has written for Clamor Magazine, The Ave. magazine, The Black World Today, The Final Call and numerous websites. She has been the subject of articles in the Village Voice, The New York Times, Urban Latino, and The Source magazines. She has appeared on CNN, C-Span, Democracy Now and Street Soldiers. In 2001 she was a youth representative at the United Nations World Conference against Xenophobia, Racism and Related Intolerance in South Africa and in 2002 was named by Red Eye Magazine as one of the top 50 Hip Hop Activists to look out for. In 2003 Rosa helped formed and coordinate of the National Hip Hop Political Convention that drew over 3000 activists brought together to create a national political agenda for the Hip Hop generation. Currently she is a radio host and producer with WBAI’s (99.5 FM/NYC), an organizer with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, a Malcolm X Fellow with the Institute of the Black World, coordinator of the State of the Black world forums and the national spokesperson for the R.E.A.C.H. Hip Hop Coalition. She is a board member for the NYC based Brecht forum and is committees In 1995 she developed Know Thy Self Media Messengers, seeing a need for young people, particularly young people of color to be heard and taken seriously she began presenting workshops and lectures at colleges, universities, high schools, and prisons. In the past ten years she has presented at over 200 colleges, conferences and community centers on topics such as; African-American and Latino/a Intercultural Relations, Hip-Hop Activism, The History of the Young Lords Party, and Women, Feminism and Hip Hop. KTSP now includes an expanded college speakers bureau which has produced three major Hip Hop activism tours, Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win with M1 of dead prez and Fred Hampton Jr.; The ACLU College Freedom Tour with dead prez, DJ Kuttin Kandi, Mystic and comedian Dave Chapelle; and the Speak Truth to Power Tour a collaborative tour of award winning youth activists. Beginning August 14th 2006, she will become a contributor to Air Americas, On The Real, hosted by Chuck D and Gia Gareal.Currently she is a producer with WBAI’s (99.5 FM/NYC), an organizer with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, spokesperson for the National Hip Hop Assembly.
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."
Patrick Combs Patrick Combs tells the amazing-but-true story of how he deposited a $95,093.35 junk-mail check marked non-negotiable hoping to spread a little banking cheer to tellers and how it erupted into a staggering and funny David vs Goliath-like adventure that still continues today if you count his internationally touring, award winning, off Broadway one-man show about the incident. What happens after the bank cashes the ridiculous check? To name only a few things: angry banking officers threatening jail time and death; the nations leading authority on banking coming out of retirement; astonishing legal twists; and worldwide media coverage (including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Good Morning America and calls from Letterman & Leno).The show sold out in New York during its off-Broadway run at the Lambs Theatre in the heart of Times Square. It also sold out at HBOs 2004 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival held in Aspen; sold out its six show run and garnered Critics Choice at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston; sold out its 10 show run in Winnipeg where it created 3 hour ticket lines, hundreds were turned away and it garnered the Best of Fest award; sold out the Comedy Central Stage in Los Angeles; won Best of Fest at the San Francisco Fringe where it also sold out and was awarded Best Solo Comedy; sold out in Auckland where it was an official selection of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival; sold out in Montreal and won the Just For Laughs prize for Best Comedy.
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.
Robert Cruz Tony is U.N. Liaison Officer and coordinates Treaty Council participation at the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. He works with the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations to complete the Universal Declaration on the Rights & Principles of Indigenous Peoples - a document that will establish a standard for countries to co-exist with Indigenous Peoples. In 12 years at the Treaty Council he has Coordinated Community Outreach and Research & Documentation and been Director of Operations. He has met Gorbachev, Arafat, Nelson Mandela} and other world leaders to discuss Indigenous Sovereignty, environmental degradation, religious freedom, torture and political persecution. A current focus is a U.N. study on nation/state violations of Treaties. At the 1993 U.N. World Conference on Human Rights, he helped successfully lobby countries to call for an International Decade of Indigenous Peoples. He helps build unity between Indigenous people of all colors by emphasizing their shared history and common vision for the future
Steve Curwood Steve Curwood is the Executive Producer and Host of National Public Radios award-winning weekly environmental news program Living On Earth. Curwood's relationship with NPR goes back to 1979 when he began as a reporter and host of "Weekend All Things Considered." Curwood has also worked as a print and television journalist and is the recipient of a shared Pulitzer Prize for his work while at The Boston Globe. He has worked as an editor and reporter for the Bay State Banner and as contributing editor at Black Enterprise Magazine and the Boston Phoenix. Living On Earth is broadcast on over 260 stations nationwide and is heard in Pacific nations over the Armed Forces Radio Network. It has been awarded the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio and Television News Directors Association, the New York Festivals Award, a CINDY Award, and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters Community Program Awards. Curwood is currently at work on a new book, The Good News About Global Warming, which details the economic, social, ecological and national security benefits of facing the carbon emergency that threatens our entire civilization. Curwood is also the recipient of the 2003 Global Greens Award and the 2003 David Brower Award given by the Sierra Club for his creation of Living on Earth. He also received a 1992 New England Environmental Leadership Award for his work on promoting environmental awareness. The President of the World Media Foundation, Inc., he is also a lecturer in Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard University.
Chuck D As leader and co-founder of legendary rap group Public Enemy, Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of PE's explosive debut album, Yo Bum Rush The Show, in 1987. His messages addressed weighty issues about race, rage and inequality with a jolting combination of intelligence and eloquence never seen before. Chuck D and Public Enemy were celebrated in the May 2004 issue of Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "fifty most important performers in rock & roll history." Chuck D is also a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, and the National Alliance for African American Athletes. He has appeared in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. As he continues to work on commentary, music, and writing on rap, race, and reality, it is clear that there are few who have transcended music and have made an impact as loud of Chuck D.
Ted Danson There are a few celebrities who take up an environmental cause and actually move beyond a superficial commitment. Ted Danson is one of those celebrities. He is the co-founding member of the American Oceans Campaign (AOC), an organization established to alert Americans to the life-threatening hazards created by oil spills, offshore development, toxic wastes, sewage pollution and other ocean abuses. Throwing his whole self into the issues, while lobbying on Capitol Hill, he has been known to chase senators into elevators. Danson starred in the recent CBS series Becker, for which he received a Golden Globe Award nomination. He is also well known for his role in the long-running series Cheers, for which he received two Emmy Awards (1990 and 1993) as Best Actor in a Comedy Series and nine Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Sam Malone. The role also won him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989 and 1990. Danson's other television credits include the CBS series Ink, Frasier, Veronica's Closet, Ellen and The Larry David Show. He also won a Golden Globe for his role in the television movie Something About Amelia. Dansons acclaim in the entertainment world is echoed in his very separate life as an environmentalist. His oceans work has earned him credibility, respect, and a high profile in both environmental and political circles.
John Dear John has been arrested more than 75 times due to his activities promoting peace. Leaving behind his frat-boy, party-all-night lifestyle, Dear has become a nationally known peace activist who was nominated for the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Dears story is one that illustrates that the most essential disarmament of all is the one that happens in our own heart when we finally let go of self-righteousness, resentment, and anger.
Ruby Dee An acclaimed actor and author, Ruby Dee has graced the stage and screen for more than fifty years. Her most recent roles have been in American Gangster, with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in Steamroom, with Ally Sheedy and in the independent film Clarksdale (all due to be released in 2007. In 2005, she starred in Number 2, a New Zealand comedy-drama which won the Audience Award at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and for which she was awarded New Zealands highest acting honors. She has received several Emmy nominations, and in 1991, won an Emmy for her performance in Decoration Day. In 2007 she and her late husband, Ossie Davis, received a Grammy Award for the audio book of their joint autobiography, With Ossie & Ruby In This Life Together. Although born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dee considers herself a product of Harlem, where she grew up and began her career as a member of the American Negro Theatre. She received her B.A. from Hunter College, and later studied acting with Paul Mann, Lloyd Richards and Morris Carnovsky. Some of her favorite roles on stage and screen include Lutiebelle in Purlie Victorious (written by her late husband, Ossie Davis) Ruth in A Raisin in the Sun Lena in Boesman and Lena, for which she received and Obie and a Drama Desk award; and Mary Tyrone in A Long Days Journey Into Night, for which she received a Cable ACE award. Other notable credits include Anna Lucasta, Wedding Band, St. Lucys Eyes, The Jackie Robinson Story, Uptight (which she co-wrote), Buck and the Preacher, Countdown at Kusini (which she co-produced with Delta Sigma Theta sorority), Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Peyton Place, Go Tell It on the Mountain, The Stand, and Having Our Say. In 2006, Dee released the selected speeches and writings of Ossie Davis in Life Lit by Some Large Vision, in bookstores now. She is also the author of two childrens books, Tower to Heaven and Two Ways to Count to Ten; a book of poetry and short stories, My One Good Nerve (which she has adapted into a solo performance piece); and With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together, a joint autobiography co-authored with her late husband. She has also narrated several audio books, including Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God, for which performance she won an Audie Award. In 1988, Dee was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame. With Davis, she has been inducted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, awarded the Silver Circle Award by the Academy of Television Arts and Science, the National Medal of Arts Award, the Marian Anderson Award, and the Screen Actors Guilds Lifetime Achievement Award. In December 2004, Dee and Davis were recipients of the John F. Kennedy Center Honors. She is a member of Actors Equity Association, the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Writers Guild.
Kool Moe Dee Rapper Kool Mo Dee thrived during hip-hops nascent years as a vocalist whose tongue-twisting rhymes and speedy delivery put his counterparts to shame. Educator, entertainer, speaker, actor. Three platinum albums. Has appeared on many talk shows. A few of his many topics are: Gang Violence, Being black in America, Understanding Our White Brothers and Sisters and Visa Versa. On his 1987 album, How Ya Like Me Now, Kool came up with a hip-hop report card: a method of rating MCs (Emcees, Masters of Ceremonies, Master Communicators, or rap vocalists) as a way of separating the premier MCs from their often one-dimensional, overrated counterparts (“Sucka MCs”). Building on this original list, Kool has put together an extensive rating system to compile the definitive list of the greatest MCs of all time. Kool rates each MC based on seventeen different categories, ranging from the artist’s lyricism, vocabulary, and freestyling ability to his longevity, body of work, and social impact. Each artist is given a numerical score from one to ten in each of the seventeen categories, as well as an explanation for how this rating was determined.
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.
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.
Rita Dove Rita Dove is the first African-American and the youngest person ever to be Poet Laureate of the United States. Dove won the Pulitzer Prize in 1987 for Thomas and Beulah, in which she evoked the lives of her grandparents. She is also the author of On the Bus with Rosa Parks, which was named a New York Times notable book of the year. Famed poet Rita Dove was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1952 as the daughter of the first Black research chemist who, in the 1950s, broke the race barrier in the tire industry. In 1970 she was invited to the White House as a Presidential Scholar, one of the two most outstanding high school graduates of the State of Ohio that year, before attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio as a National Achievement Scholar. She graduated summa cum laude (as well as Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi) with a degree in English in 1973 and studied for a year on a Fulbright scholarship at Universität Tübingen in Germany. She then joined the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in 1977. In 1976 she met her husband, the German writer Fred Viebahn, who was a Fulbright fellow in the University of Iowa's International Writing Program that year; their daughter Aviva Chantal Tamu Dove-Viebahn was born in 1983. Appearances in magazines and anthologies had already won national acclaim for Dove when she published her first poetry collection, The Yellow House on the Comer, with Carnegie-Mellon University Press in 1980. It was followed by Museum (1983) and Thomas and Beulah (1986), both also from Carnegie-Mellon. Thomas and Beulah, a collection of interrelated poems loosely based on her grandparents' life, earned her the 1987 Pulitzer Prize, making her the second African-American poet (after Gwendolyn Brooks in 1950) to receive this prestigious award. Other publications by Dove include a book of short stories, Fifth Sunday, Calialoo Fiction Series, 1985; the poetry collections Grace Notes (W.W. Norton, 1989), Selected Poems (Pantheon/Vintage, 1993) and Mother Love (W.W. Norton, 1995); the novel Through the Ivory Gate (Pantheon, 1992); the verse drama The Darker Face of the Earth (Story Line Press, 1994; 2nd, revised edition 1996) and a book with her laureate lectures (The Poet's World, The Library of Congress, 1995). The Darker Face of the Earth had its critically acclaimed world premiere at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon in the summer of 1996, supported by a major grant from the W. Alton Jones Foundation. A joint production by Crossroads Theatre of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., underwritten by the Kennedy Centers Fund for New American Plays and the Geraldine Dodge Foundation, opened at Crossroads in October 1997 and went to the Kennedy Center for a four week run in the Eisenhower Theater in November 1997. In the fall of 1994 Dove's poem Lady Freedom Among Us, first read by her at the ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Capitol and celebrating the restoration of the Freedom Statue on the Capitol's dome in October 1993, was published by Janus Press in a limited edition to become the four-millionth acquisition of the University of Virginia Libraries. A multimedia version was made globally accessible by the University of Virginia on the Internet, one of the earliest such publications by a major writer.
Hugh Downs Hugh Downs Former co-anchor of ABC's 20/20, Hugh Downs is also an activist, adventurer, author, outdoorsman and student in a number of areas. His lectures cover a broad spectrum of topics that include space, energy, the environment, communication and the human psyche. He has received numerous Emmy Awards and other honors for his work. Hugh Downs, longtime former anchor of ABC's primetime newsmagazine program 20/20, is one of the most familiar American television figures in the history of the medium. He left the program in September of 1999. Downs has enjoyed a distinguished career in radio and television as a reporter, newscaster, interviewer, narrator and host. In 1985, he was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as holding the record for the greatest numbers of hours on network commercial television. Having one of the most honored careers in his field, Downs celebrated his 60th anniversary in broadcasting (both radio and television) in May of 1999. He has received many Emmy Awards for his work as reporter and host, including a Daytime Emmy Award for Live from Lincoln Center: Yo Yo Ma in Concert, Downs hosted PBS' Live from Lincoln Center for a decade. Other career highlights have included nine years as host of the NBC morning program, Today, numerous documentaries, the launching of The Tonight Show, and the daytime game show, Concentration. Downs, an Akron, Ohio native, attended Bluffton (Ohio) College, Wayne University (now Wayne State) and Columbia University. He holds a post-master's degree in gerontology from Hunter College. He has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from St. John's University, the University of Maryland, Daniel Webster College and Hunter College of the City University of New York. Downs has written an autobiography, Yours Truly, Hugh Downs, as well as many other books, including Letter to a Great Grandson: A Message of Love, Advice, and Hopes for the Future; Hugh Downs: The Best Years; My America: What My Country Means to Me, and many articles. Downs is hosting a weekly online show at www.inextv.com, called Conversations with Hugh Downs: Values in America.
Michael Eric Dyson Hailed as one of the nations most inspiring African Americans, Michael Eric Dyson has been credited with revitalizing the role of the public intellectual with the fervor of an ordained Baptist minister. Infusing intellectual thought with popular culture, Dyson focuses on topics of interest to the public. He eloquently melds scholarly insight with the phenomena of contemporary culture, emphasizing their interconnectedness and force in shaping our society. His books provide some of the most significant commentary on modern social and intellectual thought, interwoven with a combination of cultural criticism, race theory, religion, philosophical reflection, and gender studies. Works such as Making Malcolm X; I May Not Get There with You; Hollar if You Hear Me; Mercy, Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye; Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost its Mind?; and the recent Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster deeply probe social themes and cultural politics. A popular University Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University, Dyson bridges gaps between generations, connecting civil rights identity to hip-hop culture while forging links between older and younger Americans, especially black Americans. As a cutting edge historian, he educates the general public on the significance of hip hop, not only in understanding black culture, but American cultural as well. With his powerful voice, Dyson reaches beyond race, addressing the universal commonality of American concern.
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.
Larry EchoHawk Prominent attorney and former Attorney General of Idaho, Larry EchoHawk is the first Native American in United States history elected to such a post. He is also a former state legislator and county prosecutor.
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.
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.
Marc Elliot Marc Elliot, a man filled with great sincerity, warmth, and humor, is a recent graduate from Washington University in St. Louis who has given inspirational speeches across the nation to students, educators, researchers, and staff of businesses and organizations on how to value the diversity of peoples differences as well as how to face the struggles of overcoming personal challenges and setbacks. Born with a rare birth defect called Hirschsprungs disease which results in no working large intestines and a scarce amount of small intestines, Marc spent the first four years of his life undergoing experimental surgeries and being a chronic patient of St. Louis Childrens Hospital. Today he lives with only four feet of intestines. At the age of nine, Marc was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome (a neurological disorder which causes involuntary motor and sometimes vocal tics). Despite these setbacks, Marc has gone on to lead a fulfilling and active life. During his college years, Marc was involved in his fraternity, played intramural sports, studied abroad, and completed all of his pre med requirements. Today Marc gives speeches across the nation in hopes to teach and inspire hope, perseverance, and understanding. Mr. Elliots speech, Dont Judge a Book by Its Noises, is a thought-provoking event filled with good natured humor as well as powerful messages of determination and the importance of empathy which allows for tolerance and understanding. He teaches others about the goodness of perseverance, the importance of understanding peoples differences, and the imperativeness of challenging assumptions which are rooted in stereotypes. Marcs story caters to and is adaptable to a wide array of people. He has told his story in many venues within St. Louis including Washington University, Webster University, University of Missouri St. Louis, multiple high schools within the St. Louis area, the Missouri National Education Association Conference, as well as National Public Radio just to name a few. Just recently, Marc has begun to take his story of inspiration to the national level and has multiple speaking engagements scheduled across the country.
Phoebe Eng Activist and attorney Phoebe Eng is author of Warrior Lessons, a memoir-based account of race, leadership and empowerment in a rapidly changing world," said Karen Shih, advisor to students of Asian descent. "She has worked with a broad range of institutions, helping them understand the complexities and challenges of providing access and opportunity in a multicultural society." Former publisher of A Magazine, the national magazine for Asian-Americans, Eng attended the recent U.N. World Conference Against Racism in South Africa. Her views have been heard on NPR, PBS and in The New York Times and other national news forums
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.
Mia Farrow Mia Farrow has had an ever-evolving life journey that has brought her fame both on and offstage. Internationally acclaimed actress, mother of fourteen children (ten who are adopted), and a devoted and committed humanitarian advocating for children worldwide, Ms. Farrow now focuses her efforts on helping those less fortunate. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she has worked extensively to draw attention to the fight to draw attention to the fight to eradicate polio, which she survived as a child. Recently, Ms. Farrow has become a spokesperson and activist raising awareness of the genocide occurring in Darfur, Chad and Central African Republic. With quiet eloquence, she reminds us of the importance of these causes, and speaks across the country to foster support to end these tragic events. Daughter of film director John Farrow and famed actress Maureen O’Sullivan, Ms. Farrow began her acting career in the groundbreaking television series, “Peyton Place,” and has appeared in such landmark film classics such as “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Hannah and Her Sisters.” Her memoir, What Falls Away, has been lauded as a “simply elegant memoir,” and with honesty and eloquence details her remarkable career, family and motherhood.
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.
Alina Fernandez Daughter of Fidel Castro As a little girl in Cuba, Alina Fernandez found nothing strange about the many visits Fidel Castro made to her home. During these visits, Castro would pay special attention to Alina, many times even bringing her gifts. At age ten, Alina's mother finally divulged the reason for Castro's attention: Fidel Castro was her father. Born in 1956, Alina was a child in the years just before and immediately following the Revolution of 1959. As the Revolution's events unfolded, Alina came to realize that, depending on his mood, Castro treated his illegitimate daughter with one of two extreme feelings--utter adoration or painful neglect. Through the years, however, Castro's influence as an authority figure in Alina's life never diminished. As she grew older, she recognized her position as one of Cuba's elite--but the political practices she witnessed under her father's regime and the neglect she experienced drove her to renounce that position and, ultimately, her relationship with her father as well. Alina Fernandez was finally forced to leave her homeland and to seek refuge in the United States. In 1998 St. Martin's Press published her story, Castro's Daughter: An Exile's Memoir of Cuba. In her lecture, Alina shares the extraordinary story of her experiences growing up in the shadow of Fidel Castro. Alina Fernandez is a former model and public relations director for a Cuban fashion company. She has not spoken with her father, Fidel Castro, in over a decade. After escaping to Spain she eventually moved to Miami where she currently hosts a daily radio program on Cuban and Cuban-American issues.
America Ferrera America Ferrera began her career with her starring role in the Patricia Cardoso film Real Women Have Curves. Her performance earned her a Sundance Jury Award for Best Actress, an Independent Spirit Award nomination for "Best Debut Performance," as well as a Young Artist Award nomination for "Best Performance for a Leading Young Actress." This fall, America stars as the title character in the highly anticipated new ABC series Betty the Ugly about an unattractive but spirited secretary who doesn't quite fit in at the high fashion magazine where she works. The show, based on the enormously successful Colombian series Yo Soy Betty, La Fea, is executive produced by Salma Hayek.
George Fraser George Fraser is the author of two books, including the critically acclaimed bestseller, Success Runs In Our Race;The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the African American Community. He is also the creator and publisher of the award winning SuccessGuide Worldwide: The Networking Guide to Black Resources. A 13 th edition (250,000 copies) will be published next year. Many have called George a new voice for African Americans. He is considered by many to be one of the foremost authorities on networking and building effective relationships. George Fraser is a frequent contributor to scholarly journals on a wide range of topics to include networking, business ethics, valuing diversity and economic development. He was recently featured in the New York Timesbestseller; Masters of Networking along with Colin Powell. His 2nd book Race For Success; The Ten Best Business Opportunities for Blacks In America was published by the William Morrow Company, and selected as one of the ten best business books of the year by the Booklist. Mr. Fraser is leading a national initiative to build an African American Business Hall of Fame and Museum and a university-based Center for the Advancement of African American Entrepreneurship. Currently 14 renowned leaders sit on the Board of Directors. Four thousand people recently attended its first annual Induction Ceremony/Dinner held in June 2002 in Cleveland, Ohio. Robert Johnson of BET, Oprah Winfrey, Cathy Hughes of Radio One, Clarence Smith and Edward Lewis of Essence Magazine and Berry Gordy of Motown were inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in a nationally televised (The Word Network) program and ceremony. Mr. Fraser is the founder and executive producer of an annual PowerNetworking Conference, one of Black America’s largest gathering (17,000) of professionals, business owners and community leaders. The Conference features numerous workshops on networking and relationship skills building, top motivational speakers and a Business Opportunity Exposition. It is extensively covered by the national media to include; C-Span, The WordNetwork, New York Times, Ebony, Jet, and Black Enterprise Magazine. Mr. Fraser has served on numerous boards and has received many awards and citations for his community service, including the United Negro College Fund National Volunteer of the Year Award. Allstate Insurance recently presented to him on national TV its Architects of the Village Award. He had been appointed to state and city commissions by both the Governor and the Mayor of his home state and city of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Fraser spent 17 years in management with Procter & Gamble, United Way and Ford Motor Company Today as a popular speaker and author, Mr. Fraser has appeared on more than 250 television and radio talk shows. His views are solicited by media as diverse as CNN and the Wall Street Journal. Last year he gave of 120 speeches to audiences averaging 500 people each. His inspiring talks on success principles, effective networking, wealth creation, business ethics and valuing diversity are as popular among corporate professionals as they are among college students. His words and ideas have been taped and televised. Over the last decade the prestigious publication Vital Speeches of the Day has selected five of Mr. Fraser’s speeches to be reprinted and distributed worldwide, a first for any professional speaker in America. UPSCALE magazine name him one of the top 50 power brokers in Black America. Black Enterprise Magazine called him Black America’s #1 networker and featured him on its cover. Personal growth “guru” Stephen Covey called Mr. Fraser a “masterful teacher”. TV host and journalist, Tony Brown called him a “visionary with the rare combination of leadership and management skills.” Mr. Fraser attended New York University and received his executive training at the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College
Scott Fried Scott Fried is a national public speaker, health educator and author. He has devoted the past sixteen years of his life lecturing in nearly every state in this country, as well as Israel, England, Canada, Holland and Honduras, reaching more than a million people. He has spoken at over 500 institutions, including colleges and universities, high schools and middle schools, summer camps, synagogues and churches. In addition, he has lectured widely at youth retreats, juvenile detention centers and prisons, alternative schools, learning disabled populations, gay/straight alliances, PTO meetings and teacher training workshops. Topics include sexual responsibility, abstinence, dating, transmission of HIV, homosexuality, eating disorders, body image, self-mutilation, suicide, alcohol and drug misuse, dealing with divorce and broken-heartedness, among others. Scott uses himself as Exhibit A. He begins each lecture with his story of how he got infected with HIV in 1987 at the age of 24, during his first and only unsafe sexual encounter. His unstoppable approach to educating others can be encapsulated into one thought: one must understand the value of one's own life, and hold it sacred, in order to refrain from dangerous behaviors that could lead to HIV infection and other crises. He is the author of two books. If I Grow Up: Talking with Teens about AIDS, Love and Staying Alive is a moving chronicle of his experiences and lectures. The book is part journal, part guide and part love-letter, researched and compiled from hundreds of lectures to 1000s of students across the country. My Invisible Kingdom: Letters From the Secret Lives of Teens, presents a cross-section of the thousands of letters from students who have written to Scott in an attempt to share their pain and doubt on such diverse topics as rape, eating disorders, suicide, self-mutilation, coming out, addiction and broken hearts. The book is also intended for parents and other adults who are concerned about the physical and psychological well-being of today's youth. In addition to his lectures, Scott has conducted peer HIV-education programs for the tri-state area, encouraging teenagers to teach their own peer group and co-founded an HIV-positive speakers' bureau, through a nonprofit AIDS service organization and in connection with the NYC Board of Education, providing free HIV prevention workshops to students in the five boroughs. He was seen on the television daytime drama Guiding Light portraying Bart, a young man living with AIDS. Scott has been published in numerous periodicals and newspapers and is featured in the books The Five Gifts of Illness: A Reconsideration, Living Proof: Courage in the Face of AIDS, The Faces of AIDS: Lives at the Epicenter and The World is a Narrow Bridge: Stories that Celebrate Hope and Healing. He has been interviewed on ABC Eyewitness News and The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, received the Honorary Star of the Rainbow Award for his work with teens and is a biannual guest speaker at the Office of President Clinton in New York City.
Ernest Gaines Gaines was born in Louisiana in 1933 but moved to California when he was 15 because he had no access to high school in the segregated South. He entered a public library for the first time when he was 16 and ultimately decided to become a writer. A graduate of San Francisco State College, he has been writer-in-residence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette since 1983. In addition to A Lesson, his works include The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1971) and A Gathering of Old Men (1984), both of which were adapted for television.
Cassandra Gaines Ms. Cassandra Gaines has been actively involved in Tourism in Northeastern Oklahoma region since 1982. A $50,000.00 grant was appropriated in 1997 from the Oklahoma Historical Society to help promote African American Heritage Tourism in Northeastern Oklahoma. Ms. Gaines is the Multi-Cultural Director for convention & tourisms in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Ms. Gaines continues to study African American Histories and promote African –American Tourism in the region and nationally. Ms. Gaines is known throughout the United States for the Oklahoma Historical Black Town Tour and speaking on Heritage tourism which is a new niche in the tourism market. She’s also known for her entertainment ability for putting on various musical shows. November 2000, TIA Destiny Awards Special Projects (the Grammy’s of Tourism) On June 19, 2002, Ms Gaines was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame for her outstanding work throughout the state of Oklahoma. On April 18th and 19th 2003, the New York Times visited Oklahoma for an exclusive interview with Ms. Gaines for her outstanding work the Oklahoma Historical Black Towns Tours. November 2003, Al Roker with the Food Channel and NBC Today Show Weatherman came to Muskogee and interviewed Cassandra Gaines for outstanding work on the Black Towns Tours and the down home cooking. This aired the whole month of February 2004 during Black History Month. October 25, 2004 Award, International African American Culinary Arts Institute outstanding work in Oklahoma November 29-Dec 4 2005 was invited to the National League of cities to showcase the Oklahoma Historical Black Towns Tour.
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.
Christopher Gardner Christopher Gardner is president and CEO of the Chicago-based brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co., which he founded in 1987. Prior to launching his own firm, Mr. Gardner worked for several prestigious Wall Street firms. He landed his first job in the securities industry in 1981 with Dean Witter Reynolds, coming out of their training program. Later, he spent four years with Bear Stearns & Co., where he became a top earner. A self-made multi-millionaire, Gardner is intent on giving back to the communities where he conducts business because he has never forgotten his humble beginnings or the odds he has surmounted. Christopher Gardner's accomplishments are extraordinary on their own merit, but are all the more astonishing because of the unimaginable obstacles he encountered on the road to success. Always hard working and tenacious, a series of circumstances in the early 1980's left Gardner homeless in San Francisco and the sole guardian of his toddler son. Unwilling to give up Chris Jr. or his dream of financial independence, Gardner started at the very bottom of the financial industry ladder and pulled his way up, often spending his nights in a church shelter or a bathroom at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station in Oakland. The amazing story of Gardner's life will be soon be published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, by Amistad/Harper Collins on May 23, 2006, and will also be the subject of a movie with the same title starring Will Smith as Gardner to be released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gardner never knew his father. He lived with his mother, Bettye Jean Gardner, and her family and, when necessary, in foster homes. Despite a life of hardship and emotional scarring, he always had supreme love and admiration for his mother, who was a trained schoolteacher. His mother taught him some of the greatest lessons of his life, which he follows to this day. When Gardner told her he wanted to be the great jazz trumpeter Miles Davis she said, "Son, there's only one Miles Davis and he got that job. So you have to do something else." He understood from that day forward that his job was to be Chris Gardner - whatever that entailed. Bettye Jean also taught him that in spite of where he came from, he could attain whatever goals he set for himself by saying, "If you want to, one day you could make a million dollars." Gardner believed this to be fact, and it allowed him to persevere through the years when and his son were struggling for survival and a better life. Straight out of high school, Gardner enlisted in the Navy, just like his uncles, his role models, had done previously. After the military, Gardner went to San Francisco and took a job as a medical supply salesman. Then he reached a turning point in his life. In a parking lot, he met a man driving a red Ferrari. "He was looking for a parking space. I said, 'You can have mine, but I gotta ask you two questions.' The two questions were: What do you do? And how do you do that? Turns out this guy was a stockbroker and he was making $80,000 a month." That pivotal encounter gave Gardner a clear career goal, but he still needed a way into the world of high finance. Without experience, connections, a degree, or pedigree, Gardner began knocking on doors, applying for training programs at brokerages, even though it meant he would have to live on next to nothing while he learned. When he was finally accepted into a program, he left his job in medical sales. But his plans collapsed when the man who offered him the training slot was fired, and Gardner had no job to go back to. Things got worse. He was put in jail for $1,200 in parking violations that he couldn't pay. Chris Jr.'s mother left and Gardner, despite his circumstances, fought to keep his son because, as he says, "I made up my mind as a young kid that when I had children, my children were gonna know who their father was." With a network of offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, GRC has grown by focusing on its commitment to provide quality service and excellent trade executions for clients. The firm executes trades for some of the nations largest institutions, public pension plans and unions. Under Mr. Gardner's directions, GRC has adopted a "give back to the community" program. The Company donates 10% or more of the company's earnings toward school and educational projects in the communities it serves. Chris Gardner's remarkable story of struggle, faith, entrepreneurialism, and fatherly devotion has catapulted him beyond the notoriety he has found on Wall Street. He has been featured on CBS' "Evening News with Dan Rather" and ABC's "20/20," as well as being the subject of profiles in many newspapers and national magazines.
Janeane Garofalo Actress/Comedienne/Activist Janeane Garofalo has been consistently working in film and television since she got her start in 1992. This winter she completed the film "Stay," with Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, and can be seen in the recently released "Wonderland," with Val Kilmer. In addition to a demanding shooting schedule, Janeane continues to perform spoken word and stand-up comedy around the country. Janeane is currently working on a book for Simon and Schuster, titled "For Those About to Salute, We Will Rock You" which will be a collection of humorous, politically themed essays. In keeping in step with her out spoke ways, she will also host her own talk show on Radio Free America, slated to launch this March. A lightning rod for controversy, Janeane's well informed opinions and honesty have inspired laughs, as well as striking a chord with the left, right and everything in between. Janeane is probably most known for her memorable and critically acclaimed roles in "The Truth About Cats and Dogs," "Steal This Movie," "Copland," and "Reality Bites," as well as for her specific brand of sharp wit and comedy shown in her roles in "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion," "Bye Bye Love," "Mystery Men," "Clay Pigeons," "The Minus Man," and "The Cable Guy," directed by her friend Ben Stiller. Ben and Janeane also co-authored the best seller Feel This Book (Ballantine May 1999). Janeane was also a cast member of the Emmy Award-winning Ben Stiller Show. Janeane played the role of Paula, the acerbic talent booker, on The Larry Sanders Show, for which she received an Emmy nomination in 1997 and two Cable Ace nominations. During the fall of 94 she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. Some of Janeanes other television work includes two specials for HBO and the series finale of Mad About You.
Marcia Ann Gillespie Marcia Ann Gillespie has been a trailblazer in the publishing world for more than two decades. As former Editor in Chief of Essence, she transformed the then-fledgling publication into one of the fastest-growing women's magazines in the United States. Time magazine named her "One of the Fifty Faces for America's Future." She was voted the March of Dimes' "Outstanding Woman in Publishing" for her efforts in inspiring all humankind to combat hatred and violence. She has written extensively on issues of gender and race. Under Gillespie's leadership, Ms. magazine has attracted increasing numbers of younger women to the magazine's fold. Marcia Ann Gillespie is a trailblazer in the magazine industry, a leader in the women's movement, a champion of gender of racial justice. A provocative writer and thinker, hers has been a consistent eloquent voice affirming the human potential for good, challenging inequality, pushing herself and others to hope, dare and strive for a better world. She has been a driving force behind two of this nation's most important women's magazines, as the editor in chief of Essence from 1971-1980 and most recently as the editor in chief of Ms. from 1993-2001. Named the Editor in Chief of Essence at the age of 26, Gillespie quickly proved her mettle by rapidly transforming the then fledgling publication into one of the fastest growing women's magazines in the United States. During her tenure (1971-1980), Essence became a trusted source of inspiration, information and affirmation for millions of African American women and won a National Magazine Award the industry's most prestigious honor. A vice-president of Essence Communications, Inc. and a member of the board of directors, Gillespie was named "One of the Fifty Faces for America's Future" by Time magazine. Gillespie's association with Ms. magazine dates back to 1980 when she became a contributing editor. She then went on to become a featured columnist and the executive editor of Ms. before being named the top editor in 1993. At Ms. her mission was "moving the discussion of feminism forward" and making the magazine a "welcome table" for a range of voices and views. Under her leadership the magazine reached an ever more diverse readership, attracting increasing numbers of younger women to the fold. In addition to her role as editor in chief, Gillespie was named the President of Liberty Media for Women, a limited liability corporation comprised of women investors that purchased the magazine in November 1998 and successfully relaunched the publication in March 1999. To further secure the publication's future, Gillespie negotiated the magazine's transfer to the Feminist Majority Foundation in December 2000 and officially turned the reins over in February 2001. Gillespie's extensive knowledge about the national and international women's movements, issues of racial and gender justice, the media and business, and her keen interest in history and observations about current events and the changes and challenges confronting the American society, and her deep faith in our ability to rise informs her life and her work. A rousing, eloquent and in-demand public speaker, who brings both wit and wisdom to her talks, Gillespie regularly appears on university and college campuses and as a keynoter at conferences and events in the United States and abroad. In addition to her numerous public appearances, she maintains a thriving consultancy advising corporate and other clients on issues ranging from diversity to communications. An award winning writer, Gillespie has also received a number of awards from professional and civic organizations including the Matrix award from New York Women in Communication, the Mary MacLeod Bethune award from the National Council of Negro Women. Awarded a Doctor of Letters by her alma mater, Lake Forest University, she is also a recipient of the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism, from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Gillespie also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, the Violence Policy Center and the Global Fund for Women.
Nikki Giovanni Yolande Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni, Jr., born in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Over the past thirty years, Nikki’s outspokenness, in her writing and in person, has brought the eyes of the world upon her. One of the most widely read American poets; she prides herself on being "a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English." Giovanni remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality. Always insisting on presenting the truth as she sees it, she has maintained a prominent place as a strong voice of the Black community. Her focus is on the individual, specifically, on the power one has to make a difference in oneself, and thus, in the lives of others. Nikki Giovanni has written more than two-dozen books, including volumes of poetry, illustrated children’s books, and three collections of essays. Her book Racism 101 includes bold, controversial essays about the situation of Americans on all sides of various race issues. She has received 21 honorary doctorates and a host of other awards, including "Woman of the Year" awards from three different magazines as well as Governors’ Awards in the Arts from both Tennessee and Virginia. Her three most recent volumes of poetry, Love Poems, Blues: For All the Changes and Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea, were winners of the NAACP Image Award, in 1998, 2000, and 2003. Since 1987, she has taught writing and literature at Virginia Tech, where she is a University Distinguished Professor. As a devoted and passionate writer, teacher, and speaker, she inspires not only her students, but also readers and audiences nationwide. The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection, a spoken-word CD, was a finalist for the 2003 Grammy Award in the category of spoken word.
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.
Dr. Phakamile Gongo First Black Secretary General of the Embassy of South Africa.
Mikhail Gorbachev Gorbachev was the leader of the former U.S.S.R. from 1985-91 and is credited by many in the West with ending the Cold War. He streamlined and decentralized the oppressive Soviet Communist system he inherited and taught the world two new words: perestroika (governmental restructuring) and glasnost (political openness). He signed two broad disarmament pacts and brought an end to Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Gorbachev was recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990. After graduating from Moscow State University with a law degree, Gorbachev joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1952. In 1971, he was elected to the Central Committee, Communist Party (CCCP), and from 1978-85 he served as secretary. From 1985-90, he was president of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., and in 1990-91 he was president of the Soviet Union. Time magazine named Gorbachev 1987 Man of the Year and 1980s Person of the Decade. He was one of Time's 100 Most Important People of the Twentieth Century. This year, he shared a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Children's Album with President Clinton and Sophia Loren. In 1992, Gorbachev became President of the Gorbachev Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational foundation, which articulates and addresses the challenges of the post Cold War world through the re-visioning of global priorities. In 1993, he founded the environmental organization, Green Cross International, which is a three-pronged program with a mission to clean up military toxins, assist in the creation of global ecological law and foster a value shift on the environment.
Zonnie Gorman Zonnie Gorman is a recognized historian on the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Carl Gorman, artist, teacher and one of the original first twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers. Ms. Gorman has lectured extensively throughout the country, including several universities and colleges as well as N.A.S.A. Headquarters in Washington D.C., and the Museum of the American Indian in New York. She has appeared in several documentaries including the History Channel documentary, Navajo Code Talkers and the MGM double DVD release (historical documentary section) of the movie, Windtalkers. Ms. Gorman will present a lecture on the history of the Navajo code Talker program that includes its inception in 1942, the development and testing of the original code by the first twenty-nine Code Talkers, and its subsequent usage in the Pacific. She will also highlight honors received since its declassification in 1968.
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.
Stedman Graham Noted businessman and entrepreneur, Stedman Graham is the author of You Can Make It Happen: A Nine Step Plan For Success; Build Your Own Life Brand: A Powerful Strategy to Maximize Your Potential and Enhance Your Value for Ultimate Achievement; and You can Make It Happen Everyday. An inspirational and practical program for achieving success and creating a better life.
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.
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.
Mike Green Mike Green a noted alcohol awareness speaker Green, a recovering alcoholic, ex-college jock and fellow Greek, has spoken at more than 1,000 campuses nationwide in an effort to promote a responsible and mature college lifestyle. His upbeat presentations incorporate comedy, laughter and crowd participation to pull audiences into the subject matter. "We’ve been told by other campus contacts that Mike Green’s presentations are not only very entertaining, but they really strike home at the seriousness of the problem of drinking on campus. Green’s program on alcohol awareness doesn’t employ a prohibitionist approach, but rather, educates students about a mature and responsible way to have fun. "I don’t stand up here and preach," Green said. "I like to have fun myself. I don’t have anything against alcohol, but if you choose to do it, you learn how to do it right." Green is developing drug and alcohol programs for New Jersey high schools and as a former coach and athlete he has developed programs for the Philadelphia Flyers. He serves as a consultant to the student affairs and athletic departments of numerous universities, including Akron, Hobart, Temple and Villanova.
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.
Dick Gregory Well known comedian and social activist.
Lani Guinier Dr. Lani Guinier, the first black female to receive tenure at Harvard Law School. In 1993, President Bill Clinton made Guinier the first black woman nominated to head the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Although she had been a civil rights attorney for more than 10 years and had severed in the Civil Rights Division during the Carter Administration, conservative opposition forced Clinton to later withdraw the nomination. Guinier, who was thrust into the public eye, used her new recognition to speak out on issues of race and gender. She has since become one of the nation's most sought after speakers. Guiniers passion for civil rights issues took root in 1962, when Guinier was just 12 years old. The televised image of Constance Baker Motely, then an attorney for the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund, escorting James Meredith to the all white University of Mississippi, inspired Guinier in a way that would shape her future. It was then that she decided she would be a woman lawyer in the cause of civil rights.
Henry H. Parker One of America's leading authorities in the field of teaching Standard English by means of contrastive analysis with Ebonics. Professor Parker has taught Standard English via Ebonics from the pre-school to the college level and is a frequent contributor to television, radio and newspaper on Ebonics issues. He is the author of a definitive text on the subject entitled, Teaching Minorities To Play The Corporate Language Game. Womanist View..
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.
Suzan Shown Harjo Suzan Shown Harjo is a poet, writer, lecturer, curator and policy advocate, who has been involved in the recovery of more than one million acres of land and numerous Native American sacred places. She also is a columnist for Indian Country Today, and received the Native American Journalists Association’s 2004 First Place Award for Best Column Writing. During the last 30 years, she was involved in the development of key federal Indian law, including the 1996 Executive Order on Indian Sacred Sites; 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; 1989 National Museum of the American Indian Act; and 1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Harjo also is president and executive director of The Morning Star Institute, a national Native rights organization founded in 1984 for Native Peoples’ traditional and cultural advocacy, arts promotion and research. A leader in cultural property protection and stereotype busting, Morning Star sponsors the Just Good Sports project, organized the first National Day of Prayer to Protect Native American Sacred Places (2003) and coordinated The 1992 Alliance (1990-1993). Harjo was one of seven Native Americans who filed the Morning Star-sponsored lawsuit, Harjo et al v. Pro Football, Inc., challenging the name of Washington’s professional football team, before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Board in 1992. Harjo’s essay on the case, “Fighting Name-Calling: Challenging ‘Redskins’ in Court,” is published in Team Spirits: The Native American Mascots Controversy (University of Nebraska Press, 2001). Founding Co-Chair of The Howard Simons Fund for American Indian Journalists, she was news director of the American Indian Press Association and drama and literature director and “Seeing Red” producer for WBAI-FM Radio in New York City. Her essay, “Redskins, Savages and Other Indian Enemies: An Historical Overview of American Indian Media Coverage of Native Peoples,” is in Images of Color: Images of Crime (Roxbury, 1998 and 2001). The School of American Research’s 2004 Dobkin Artist Fellow, Harjo also was a SAR Summer Scholar for 2004. Executive director of the National Congress of American Indians from 1984-1989, she also was special assistant for Indian legislation and liaison in the Carter Administration and principal author of the 1979 President’s Report to Congress on American Indian Religious Freedom.
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.
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.
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.
Maria Hinojosa Maria Hinojosa Award Winning Journalist & Author Program Title: An Evening with Maria Hinojosa Maria Hinojosa, an award-winning journalist and author, is senior correspondent for the Emmy-winning PBS newsmagazine NOW; managing editor & anchor of National Public Radio's Latino USA, and former CNN correspondent. Her style is decidedly earthy and real, bringing issues to light through the stories of unsung heroes. And her unique perspective from the front lines of the real life issues in America today makes audiences both laugh and cry while she tells the stories of being a mom and working journalist in today's turbulent world. Hinojosa has garnered many awards and honors, including the Ruben Salazar Award from the National Council of La Raza, an award that recognizes a journalist's outstanding body of work. She has been named one of the "25 Most Influential Working Mothers in America" by Working Mother magazine, and three times over the past decade Hispanic Business magazine named her one of the 100 most influential Latinos in the United States. Her personal experiences as a Mexican-American career woman, wife and mother living in New York were published in 1999 in her critically acclaimed memoir, Raising Raul: An Adventure Raising Myself and My Son. This was her second foray into the book world-in 1995 she published Crews-Gang Members Talk with Maria Hinojosa, a book based on her award-winning NPR report.
Khaled Hosseini Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1965. He is the oldest of five children. and his mother was a teacher of Farsi and History at a large girls high school in Kabul. In 1976, Khaled’s family was relocated to Paris, France, where his father was assigned a diplomatic post in the Afghan embassy. The assignment would return the Hosseini family in 1980, but by then Afghanistan had already witnessed a bloody communist coup and the Soviet invasion. Khaled’s family, instead, asked for and was granted political asylum in the U.S. He moved to San Jose, CA, with his family in 1980. He attended Santa Clara University and graduated from UC San Diego School of Medicine. He has been in practice as an internist since 1996. He is married, has two children (a boy and a girl, Haris and Farah). The Kite Runner is his first novel.
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.
Ernie Hudson There are very few actors who can lay claim to a professional resume as long and varied as Ernie Hudson, but Hudson has always been a unique screen presence, capable of taking on any role. He was slimed when he co-starred as one of the Ghostbusters in two films; he played the simple-minded handyman Solomon in the box-office smash The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, for seven seasons he played Warden Glynn in the critically acclaimed HBO series “Oz,” he was the no nonsense training officer in ABC's "10-8", he recently completed work on Randy Miller's new feature Miss Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School, where he played Blake the shy, introverted widower, and is currently reprising his role as Harry McDonald, Sandra Bullock's FBI boss in Miss Congeniality 2. Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, a career in show business seemed like an unlikely path for young Ernie Hudson, who was already married with a young son when he enrolled at Wayne State University as a Speech and English major. Hudson’s early ambition was to be a writer, and was for a time the resident playwright at Detroit’s Concept East, the oldest black theater company in the country at that time. Later, he founded the Actors Ensemble Theater, which allowed him and other black performers to stage and appear in their own works. After attending Wayne State, Hudson accepted a full scholarship to the Master of Fine Arts Program at Yale University. This led to a number of regional theater roles and critical acclaim, and his feature film debut in Leadbelly. Hudson soon found himself alternating between film and television roles until 1983, when he was cast as Winston Zeddemore, the fourth member of the Ghostbusters team. The two Ghostbusters films, starring Bill Murray and Dan Akroyd, were huge box-office hits and gave Hudson a higher profile than he had ever known. He continued to work at a steady pace developing a broad and varied fan base. “Black, white, young, old, people recognize me from a wide variety of movies. I haven’t worked in just one genre, and my roles have varied as well.” Hudson’s subsequent screen roles included parts in Weeds with Nick Nolte, Leviathan, Sugar Hill, The Cowboy Way, Speechless, No Escape, The Substitute, Basketball Diaries and The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. "Oz" series co-creator Tom Fontana had worked with Hudson when he guest-starred on eight episodes of “St. Elsewhere” years ago, and cast him as Warden Leo Glynn, the fair-minded warden of the high-tech experimental unit of a maximum-security prison. “Oz” was one of HBO’s signature programs and ran for seven seasons. “It’s a hard show to watch because of the brutal nature of prison life, but I do think it made a very strong statement and the writing was very powerful.” Hudson won the International Press Academy Golden Satellite Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series for his work on “Oz.”
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of eleven books."Arianna Huffington is also co-host of "Left, Right & Center," public radio's popular political roundtable program. In May 2005, Arianna Huffington launched The Huffington Post, a news and blog site that has quickly become one of the most widely-read, linked to, and frequently-cited media brands on the Internet. In 2006, Arianna Huffington was named to the Time 100, Time Magazine's list of the world’s 100 most influential people. Originally from Greece, she moved to England when she was 16 and graduated from Cambridge University with an M.A. in economics. At 21, she became president of the famed debating society, the Cambridge Union.
Ericka Huggins A former Black Panther Party leader, Ericka Huggins lectures on such topics as, History of the Black Panther Party; Women in the Black Panther Party; "Women in the Black Liberation Movement," "The Incarnation & Dismantling of the Black Panther Party;" and "Freedom is an Inside Job: A Personal Explanation of Self-Inquiry as a Crucial Tool for Supporting the Upliftment of Humanity."
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.
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.
Gloria Jackson Gloria Jackson is a powerful, compelling and engaging speaker. She speaks eloquently on the topics of faith, freedom, family, character development, education and economic empowerment. At the same time she sets out, with great clarity the extraordinarily inspiring and uplifting truths of the life, legacy and liberating philosophy of her great grandfather, Booker T. Washington . Enjoy listening as Gloria weaves the story of how her great grandfather, through a life of discipline and sheer determination, rose "Up From Slavery" to become one of America's greatest heroes and leaders. Relive how Booker T. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute and the National Negro Business League and encouraged Blacks toward economic independence. In 1905, Tuskegee turned out more self-made millionaires than Yale, Harvard, and Princeton universities combined. Learn of his commitment to reach back to those in need in Africa, the very continent that had sold his ancestors into slavery, and to other blacks throughout the world. Be reminded of how a young Black visionary with a call upon his life, shaped Tuskegee to become a vehicle of inspiration and encouragement and the greatest single influence toward encouraging Black Americans to begin the difficult walk toward a prosperous future. Gloria is the founder and president of the Booker T. Washington Inspirational Speakers' Network. She is an attorney and a real estate broker and she currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
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.
Jennifer Jako Jennifer Jako is a young HIV-positive filmmaker whose documentary, "True Life: It Could Be You," empowers HIV-positive youth who voice their confusion, grief and hope while educating others to avoid getting infected. The film, which accompanies her talk, premiered on MTV and has received numerous honors including a 1999 Ribbon of Hope Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Diagnosed with HIV in 1991 at age 18, Jako has taken her powerful message to thousands nationwide. Her personal story of infection and the making of the film are told with intelligence and an in-you-face sense of humor.
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.
Olivia Newton John Actress, singer, songwriter, devoted mother, humanitarian and cancer survivor, Olivia Newton John is a beloved figure to millions of people worldwide. On stage she is a profound and inspiring speaker no matter what the topic the future of our children, the importance of raising breast cancer and AIDS awareness, environmental conservation, or animal rights. Her appearances always empower listening audiences while communicating her genuine warmth and concern for the future of humanity and our planet. First gaining worldwide fame as the star of Grease and the singer songwriter behind an incredible 25 Top 40 singles, Olivia has been a deeply committed activist her entire life. She has served as Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Program and National Spokesperson for the Childrens Health Environmental Coalition, and received innumerable awards from the American Red Cross, the Rainforest Alliance, and the Environmental Media Association. In 1992 Olivia was diagnosed with breast cancer, which at the time seemed a fatal blow to her hopes and future. True to form, however, she not only conquered the disease but courageously used her experience to talk openly about it and to promote awareness of the importance of early detection something she continues to do today. In 1996 she founded the Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia its mission is to be the countrys leading center for cancer education and research. An amazing woman whose indomitable spirit and courage are an inspiration to all who hear her, Olivia is a passionate speaker on the following topics:
Jeff Johnson Jeff Johnson Political Motivator and Social Commentator Program Title: Unclaimed Legacy: Beyond Civil Rights Jeff Johnson is a political motivator and social commentator speaking to baby boomers, the Hip-Hop generation and to Generation Y the leaders of today and yesterday. He has a long history for rallying the troops stemming from his days at the University of Toledo when he became the first person of color to be the President of Student Government. Upon graduation he headed to Washington, DC and was the National Director for the NAACPs Youth and College Division, and then was later tapped by Russell Simmons to be the Vice President for the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. Jeff’s work in the political arena began to gain momentum, which caught the eye of an executive at BET who felt his breadth of knowledge in cultural affairs and politics would work best for their show Rap City. Jeff played host Tiggers conscious Cousin Jeff, and for the past two-years gave audiences a dose of reality. And his popularity has proved that his words do not fall on deaf ears. Wanting to get mileage out of the progress that was created on Rap City, BET introduced The Cousin Jeff Chronicles, a series of true-life documentaries that deal with current and pertinent issues facing urban communities. It became clear to me when I began this work that I needed to provide a voice of truth and honesty - transparency within the political process, especially for young people who may have a hard time deciphering that process and knowing their options, states Jeff. Jeffs commitment to fostering communication between the civil rights and hip-hop generations has been successful as he tours the country speaking at universities, faith-based organizations and churches while conducting countless leadership training sessions in local communities. As a voice for social change, Jeff is passionate about this work. He has put a spotlight on grassroots activism making these issues relevant to a wide variety of audiences throughout the country. The time is now states Jeff. Once individuals are armed with the political information needed to foster change within their communities, it will allow them to foster change within themselves.
Sarah Jones Sarah Jones is a Tony Award winning playwright, actor, and poet. Her multi-character solo shows include Bridge & Tunnel, which was originally produced Off-Broadway by Oscar-winner Meryl Streep, and went on to become a critically acclaimed, long running smash-hit on Broadway. Jones career has taken her from a sold out run at The Kennedy Center to tours of India, Europe and South Africa to performances for such audiences as the United Nations, members of the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court of Nepal. Her multicultural cast of characters has always been a reflection of her diverse audiences. A proud Queens, New York native, Sarah attended the United Nations International School and Bryn Mawr College where she was the recipient of the Mellon Minority Fellowship, then returned to New York and began writing and competing in poetry slams at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. There she developed her first show, Surface Transit, which was presented at The American Place Theatre and PS122. Her next piece, Women Can't Wait! was commissioned by Equality Now to address the human rights of women and girls. A subsequent commission by the National Immigration Forum yielded Waking the American Dream, the inspiration for Bridge & Tunnel. Most recently, Jones has been commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation for a piece entitled A Right to Care, which tackles themes of inequality in health. Jones has also received grants and commissions from Lincoln Center Theater, The Ford Foundation, and theater honors including an Obie, a Helen Hayes Award, two Drama Desk nominations, HBOs US Comedy Arts Festival's Best One Person Show Award, and an NYCLU Calloway Award in recognition of Jones as the first artist in history to sue the Federal Communications Commission for censorship. The lawsuit resulted in reversal of the censorship ruling, which had targeted her hip-hop poem recording, Your Revolution. A regular uncensored guest on public radio, she has also made numerous TV appearances on HBO, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, CNN, and in her own special, “The Sarah Jones Show,” on Bravo. Jones lives in New York with her creative partner and husband Steve Colman.
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.
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.
Doris Kearns Doris Kearns first came to the attention of President Lyndon Johnson when she co-wrote a very critical article on Johnson for the New Republic magazine. Several months later, when they met in person at the White House, Johnson asked her to work with him in the White House. He soon asked her to help write his memoirs. During and after Johnson's Presidency, Kearns visited Johnson many times, and, three years after his death, published her first book, Lyndon Johnson & the American Dream. She drew on the friendship and conversations with Johnson, supplemented by careful research and critical analysis, to present a picture of his accomplishments, failures and motivations. She married Richard Goodwin in 1975. Her husband, an advisor to John and Robert Kennedy as well as a writer, helped her to gain access to people and papers for her story on the Kennedy family, begun in 1977 and finished ten years later. This book, too, was acclaimed critically, and was made into a television movie. In 1995 Doris Kearns Goodwin was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her biography of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, No Ordinary Time. She then turned to writing a memoir of her own, about growing up as a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, Wait Till Next Year. She is a regular political commentator for television and radio.
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.
Dr. Molefi Kete Asante Dr. Molefi Kete Asante is Professor, Department of African American Studies at Temple University. Considered by his peers to be one of the most distinguished contemporary scholars, Asante has published 61 books, among the most recent are Encyclopedia of Black Studies, (2004), co-edited with Ama Mazama, Race, Rhetoric, and Identity: The Architecton of Soul, Erasing Racism: The Survival of the American Nation, (2003), Ancient Egyptian Philosophers (2003), Scattered to the Wind, Custom and Culture of Egypt, and 100 Greatest African Americans. The second edition of his high school text, African American History: Journey of Liberation, 2nd Edition, (2001), is used widely throughout North America. He has published more scholarly books than any contemporary African author and has recently been recognized as one of the ten most widely cited African Americans. In addition, Black Issues in Higher Education recognized him as one of the most influential leaders in the last 15 years. Asante completed his M.A. at Pepperdine and received his Ph.D. from UCLA at the age of 26 and was appointed a full professor at the age of 30 at the State University of New York at Buffalo. At Temple University he created the first Ph.D. Program in African American Studies in 1987. He has directed more than 125 Ph.D. dissertations. He has written more than 300 articles for journals and magazines and is the founder of the theory of Afrocentricity. Asante was born in Valdosta, Ga., one of sixteen children. He is a poet, dramatist, and a painter. His work on African culture and philosophy has been cited by journals such as the Journal of Black Studies, Journal of Communication, American Scholar, Daedalus, Western Journal of Black Studies, and Africaological Perspectives. The Utne Reader called him one of the “100 Leading Thinkers” in America and Asante was recommended in a survey as one of the 25 influential African male leaders of the last two hundred years. In 2001, Transition Magazine said “Asante may be the most important professor in Black America.” He has appeared on Nightline, Nighttalk, BET, Macnell Lehrer News Hour, Today Show, the Tony Brown Show, Night Watch, Like It Is and 60 Minutes. In 2002 he received the distinguished Douglas Ehninger Award for Rhetorical Scholarship from the National Communication Association. The African Union cited him as one of the twelve top scholars of African descent when it invited him to give one of the keynote addresses at the Conference of Intellectuals of Africa and the Diaspora in Dakar in 2004. He was inducted into the Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent at the Gwendolyn Brooks Center at Chicago State University in 2004. Dr. Asante is the founding editor of the Journal of Black Studies (1969) and was the President of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee chapter at UCLA in the 1960’s. In 1995 he was made a traditional king, Nana Okru Asante Peasah, Kyldomhene of Tafo, Akyem, Ghana. Dr. Asante has been or is presently a consultant for a dozen school districts. An activist scholar, he believes it is not enough to know, one must act to humanize the world.
Alan Keyes Alan Keys former Reagan Administration official, Alan L. Keyes was born in New York, son of a US Army Sergeant. He is recognized as a leader in the Conservative movement and one of today's most demanded orators and television and radio commentators. Author of "Our Character, Our Future and Masters of the Dream," Keyes is currently the Interim President of Alabama A&M University. Keyes also serves as the US Ambassador to the United Nations Social and Economic Council and as the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. As a leader and citizen activist, Keyes was a Republican candidate for President in 1996 and 2000; a twice-Republican nominee to the US Senate for the state of Maryland; former Vice President of the Ronald Reagan Alumni Association; 1992 featured speaker at the Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas; and is currently the newly elected President of the Ronald Reagan Alumni Association. He also served as the former President of Citizens Against Government Waste; Founder of National Taxpayer Action Day; and Founder and Chairman of the Declaration Foundation.
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.
Craig Kileburger Craig Kileburger is an accomplished child rights advocate, leadership specialist, and award-winning author and public speaker.. Kielburger founded Free The Children when he was just twelve years old. What started as a small group of classmates quickly became in international phenomenon which has helped to build more than 400 primary schools in third world countries helping to education more than 35,000 children. Craig has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, received the Nelson Mandela Human Rights Award, the Roosevelt Freedom Medal, and in 2006 received the World Children’s Prize also known as the “Children’s Nobel Prize.” His first book, Free The Children, earned the Christopher Award and has since been translated into eight languages. He is co-author of the national bestseller Take Action! – A Guide to Active Citizenship. His most recent book, co-written with his brother Marc, is entitled Me to We: Turning Self-Help on Its Head has already spent more than 25 weeks on numerous national bestseller’s lists. Craig has shown that no one is too young to make a difference and has partnered with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network. His work has been featured on Oprah, 60 Minutes, Time, People Magazine, and numerous newspapers around the world.
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.
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.
Martin King, III Son of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. he is the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Martin Luther King, III is founder of the civil rights organization, American United for Affirmative Action.
Maxine Hong Kingston Maxine Hong Kingston is a highly acclaimed writer of both fiction and nonfiction and one of the first Asian Americans to make it to the top of the literary world in America. Her first book, a memoir published in 1976 called The Women Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts, won the National Book Critic's Circle Award and made her a literary celebrity. Kingston latest publication is an anthology of stories and poems by 80 veterans titled Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace, which she edited. The anthology won the Northern California Book Critics Award. China Men, a sequel to The Women Warrior, was published in 1980 and received the National Book Award and was runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize. In 1989 Kingston published her first novel, Tripmaster Monkey: His Fake Book which won the PEN Fiction Award. Kingston has also written Hawaii One Summer and helped edit the book Literature of California. Her recent works include To be the Poet, and The Fifth Book of Peace, which was nominated for The Dublin Literary Award. Kingston graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1962 and returned a year later for a teaching certificate. In the early 1980s, she received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. She has been honored with the American Academy and Institute Award in Literature, California Governor's Award in the Arts, Hawaii Award for Literature, California Arts Commission Award and the Anisfield Wolf Book Award. Kingston was recognized as a "Living Treasure of Hawaii" in 1980. Kingston's writing is often cited for its melodiousness and poetry - its exploration of myth, legend, history and autobiography combines to create a genre all to its own. Fearlessly creative and relentlessly brilliant, she shares worlds where imagination and reality collide, and truth is revealed. Kingston was awarded the National Humanities Medal from President Clinton. She currently teaches at her alma mater, University of California at Berkeley.
Eva Kor Eva speaks about her experience as a prisoner in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp and the affects it had on her life. Prior to her visit, a showing of her documentary, "Forgiving Dr. Mengele," which is a first-hand account of the Holocaust from her perspective will take place. At the age of 10, twins Eva and Miriam Mozes were taken to Auschwitz where Dr. Josef Mengele used them for medical experiments. Both survived, but Miriam died in 1993 when she developed cancer of the bladder as a consequence of the experiments done to her as a child. Eva Kor has since spoken explicitly about her experiences at Auschwitz and founded The C.A.N.D.L.E.S Holocaust museum in Terre Haute, where she now lives. Eva is a graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in education. She has given over 2,500 lectures on her Holocaust experience and is highly admired throughout the world for her strength and power to overcome. She has been interviewed on CNN, with her story and she has appeared in numerous other programs and publications. Her documentary, forgiving Dr. Mengele, received rave reviews from Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Reader to name a few.
Ron Kuby Ron Kuby is a criminal defense and civil rights lawyer, radio talk show host and TV commentator. Kuby is now the co-host, with Curtis Sliwa, of the popular "Curtis and Kuby in the Morning" program which is aired on weekdays from 5 to 10 am on WABC-AM 770 in New York City. He is also a frequent pundit and fill-in anchor on Court TV. Previously he and Sliwa shared a short-lived mid-day television program on MSNBC (Kuby admits that he has "a face meant for radio.")
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.
Mona Lake Jones Poet and educator Mona Lake Jones (known to many as Grandhoney.) Jones first poem was published in Essence magazine in 1990 and that led her to write The Color of Culture, now in its seventh printing, and two sequels, The Color of Culture II and The Color of Culture III. She also authored Unleashing the Power of a Sister. Her 1992 poem, "A Roomful of Sisters" was commissioned by 100 Black Women of Boston, a national civic group, and exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The poem inspired a painting by Paul Goodnight, a number of conferences and a yearly New York meeting called ARFOS. Jones has served as a poet curator and a poet laureate for the City of Seattle and King County. She is a full-time poet and motivational speaker, spending much of her time on the road, speaking at colleges, conventions and to civic groups about issues of culture and diversity. Jones has appeared on programs with Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Susan Taylor, Maxine Waters, Shirley Chisholm, Myrlie Evers-Williams and Randall Robinson. Jones also composed the lyrics for Vanessa Williams' musical recording of "Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly." Jones has received numerous awards, including the Blackbird Literary Award and the Langston Hughes Award.
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.
Frances Moore Lappe Frances Moore Lappe is the author or coauthor of sixteen books. Her 1971 three million copy bestseller Diet for a Small Planet continues to awaken readers to the human made causes of hunger and the power of our everyday choices to create the world we want. Together, Lappe and her daughter Anna Lappe lead the Cambridge based Small Planet Institute, a collaborative network for research and popular education to bring democracy to life. With her daughter, she is also cofounder of the Small Planet Fund, channeling resources to democratic social movements worldwide. In September of 2007, the Institutes publishing arm released Lappes newest book, Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity, & Courage in a World Gone Mad. In 1975, with Joseph Collins, Lappe launched the California based Institute for Food and Development Policy (Food First). Its publications continue to shape the international debate on the root causes of hunger and poverty. The Institute was described by The New York Times as one of the nation’s most respected food think tanks. In 1990, Lappe cofounded the Center for Living Democracy, a tenyear initiative to help accelerate the spread of democratic innovations. Lappé served as founding editor of the Centers American News Service, which placed solutions-oriented news stories in almost 300 newspapers nationwide. In 2006, Lappe released Democracys Edge: Choosing to Save our Country by Bringing Democracy to Life (WileyJossey-Bass). The book, which seeks to ignite debate about the very meaning of democracy, is now being used in many college and university courses. In 2000-2001 Lappe was a visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and during October, 2007 she was a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. Lappes articles and opinion pieces have appeared in publications as diverse as the New York Times, O Magazine and Christian Century. Her television and radio appearances have included a PBS special with Bill Moyers, the Today Show, CBS Radio, and National Public Radio. Lappé is a sought after public speaker and has received seventeen honorary doctorates from distinguished institutions. In 1987 in Sweden, Lappe became the fourth American to receive the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes called the Alternative Nobel, for her vision and work healing our planet and uplifting humanity. Frances most recent honor was an award for Lifetime Service to Increase Planetary Awareness” granted to her and to biologist E.O. Wilson, at the AltWheels Alternative Transportation Festival, 2006.
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.
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.
Gina Loring With a rich, soulful voice, thought provoking lyrics, and a powerful stage presence, Gina Loring is in a league of her own. The top ranking female poet at the 2002 National Poetry Slam, she was featured on two seasons of HBOs Russell Simmons Def Poetry. Following several showcases produced by Norman Lear, she was hired as a writer/ performer on the "Declare Yourself" tour. In conjunction with Diddys "Vote or Die" campaign and Rock the Vote, Gina helped to register thousands of young voters. She was also a featured vocalist/songwriter on the Brand New Heavies new album "We Won't Stop" and has been mentored by such artists as Randy Jackson and Marla Gibbs. With musical influences ranging from classic Hip Hop to Nina Simone, her highly reflective lyrics demonstrate her ability to reveal the intimate. Encompassing such subjects as love, spirituality and social activism, her work is raw and passionate, yet always presented with the grace that seems inherent in this young woman's spirit.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. One of the United States most influential cultural critics, Henry Louis Gates Jr. is both an eloquent commentator and formidable intellectual force on multicultural and African American issues. He is widely acknowledged for taking African American studies beyond the ideological bent of the 1970s and 80s black power movement, and bringing it into a scholarly sphere that is the equivalent to all other disciplines. He is currently the W. E. B. Du Bois Professor of the Humanities and the director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Studies at Harvard University. In 1997, Gates was named one of Time magazines 25 most influential Americans. He is a prolific writer who has authored, co authored, edited, or co edited several books and written numerous articles. His books include Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Man and The Future of the Race with co author and Princeton professor Cornell West. His articles have appeared in The New Yorker, Time, The New Republic, and The New York Times. Gates is also the editor of Transition magazine, an international review of African, Carribean, and African American politics. In 2006, he wrote and produced the PBS documentary African American Lives, the first documentary series to employ genealogy and science to provide an understanding of African American history. His current projects include a sequel to African American Lives, as well as a documentary titled Finding Oprah’s Roots, where he expands on one of the most popular individuals featured in African American Lives. Gates honors and grants include a MacArthur Foundation genius grant and the George Polk Award for Social Commentary, a national humanities medal. Gates has also received more than 40 honorary degrees.
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.
Chief Ronnie Lupe Charismatic chief and tribal chairman of the Apache Tribe.
Bill Maher Whether skewering Republicans, Democrats, the mass media or Hollywood, Bill Maher is one of the most perceptive and hilarious satirists at work today. From the podium he delivers his trademark blend of devastating social commentary and politically incorrect humor that always leaves audiences begging for more. Bill first gained fame as the host of ABCs Politically Incorrect, which featured celebrities, pundits and politicians discussing current events with enlightening and often hilarious results. He is now the host of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, as well as the worlds first Internet-exclusive talk show on Amazon.com, Amazon Fishbowl. Like his shows, Bills lectures provide an entertaining and insightful look at the world that will amuse and stimulate every audience.
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.
Wilma Mankiller In an historic tribal election in July 1987, the members of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma elected their first woman Principal Chief, Wilma Mankiller. She was re-elected in 1991 with nearly 83% of the vote. In 1983, Mankiller was elected Deputy Principal Chief, also the first woman to hold that position. She succeeded the previous Principal Chief upon his resignation in December 1985. Chief Mankiller's roots are planted deep in the rural community of Rocky Mountain in Adair County, Oklahoma. She was born at the Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, and grew up in a rural setting with few amenities. When she as 11, her family moved to California as part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Relocation Program. In 1969, when American Indian activists occupied Alcatraz Island to dramatize the injustices their people had suffered, she experienced an awakening, or call to action, that changed her life. Besides participating in that struggle, Mankiller did volunteer work among Native Americans in California. By 1974, she and her two children, Felicia and Gina, returned to Oklahoma. Chief Mankiller's initial work for the Cherokee Nation included the recruitment of young native Americans for university training in environmental sciences. In 1979, she completed her college degree, then began commuting to the University of Arkansas for graduate study. En route to the school, Mankiller suffered a near fatal head-on automobile collision. To recover from her extensive injuries, she adopted what Cherokee's call "being of good mind," meaning, "one has to think positively, to take what is handed out and turn it into a better path." Through her commitment to rural community development, she persistently pursued proposals for various housing, education, and health care projects. She was the founding director of the Cherokee Nation Community Development Department. Mankiller, who left office in 1995, co-authored Mankiller: A Chief and Her People, which includes the story of the Cherokee Nation, one of the country's largest tribal groups. She also co-edited the Readers Companion to the History of Women in the U.S. and served as a Montgomery Fellow at Dartmouth College during the 1996 winter term. Today, as in her childhood, Mankiller lives in the Rocky Mountain Community of Adair County, Oklahoma on the Mankiller land allotment. Her husband, Charlie Soap, serves as the Chief Professional Officer for the Boys and Girls Club Inc. of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Cheech Marin Primarily known as an actor, director, and performer, Cheech Marin has developed the finest private collection of Chicano art in this country. Much of it formed the core of his nationally traveling exhibition Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge, which broke attendance records during its groundbreaking 15-city tour to major art museums across the United States during 2001 2007. Marin believes, Chicano art is American art. My goal is to bring the term Chicano to the forefront of the art world. In late 2007, he is launching a new exhibition that features works on paper from his collection, Papel Chicano: Works on Paper from the Collection of Cheech Marin that will open at Mesa Contemporary Arts of Mesa Arts Center in Arizona and travel to other cultural venues across the nation. A third-generation Mexican American, Marin has been recognized for his work on behalf of Latinos by the Imagen Foundation with its 2000 Creative Achievement Award and by the National Council of La Raza and Kraft Foods with their 1999 ALMA Community Service Award. In May 2007, he received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts for his contributions to the creative arts. His community involvement includes serving on the board of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. As an actor, Marin is familiar to many as one-half of the hilarious duo Cheech and Chong that together, made eight feature films. He has since appeared in more than 20 films, including Spy Kids, Tin Cup, and Once Upon A Time in Mexico. His television credits include co-starring with Don Johnson in the popular CBS drama, Nash Bridges. In addition, in 2005, he directed the Broadway production of Latinologues, a collection of comedic and poignant monologues revealing the Latino experience in America.
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
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.
Hans Massaquoi Retired managing editor of Ebony magazine and author of Destined to Witness, his autobiography, in which he tells what it was like to grow up black in Nazi Germany.
Judge Greg Mathis Popular television judge who is featured on the nationally syndicated TV show "Judge Mathis". The youngest judge in Michigan history, Greg Mathis was a Michigan Superior Court Judge before the start of his television series. Mathis worked hard to win the judgeship in the city of Detroit. He had many obstacles to overcome. He had failed the Michigan bar exam once, and had been denied a license to practice law for several years after graduating from law school because of his criminal past. He had not accrued an extensive portfolio of legal work, and he was seen by the establishment as someone who lacked the necessary experience and insight to handle the hectic and heavy docket. Yet in 1995, he was elected a superior court judge for Michigan's 36th District, making him the youngest man in the state to hold the post. During the five years he was on the bench, he was rated in the top five of all judges in the 36th District; there are about thirty judges each year. He was trying to have a movie made about his youth when a partner was contacted by Blackpearl Productions about starting a television show. He has been hosting a television series, Judge Mathis, since 1999, in which he mediates disputes much like a real courtroom. In 2001, Mathis appeared in "1st Annual BET Awards" as himself. He also was a guest star as himself in the Steve Harvey show episode "Here Comes the Judge". Mathis has been parodied on Saturday Night Live by Tracy Morgan in the "Judge Horace" persona. At a rally commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Mathis said, "They (the Bush administration) all need to be locked up because they are all criminals and they are all thieves. It is indeed criminal to steal an election and within two years run up a federal deficit of half-a-trillion dollars, send our young people over to Iraq to die for an unjust war. What they are doing is criminal."
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
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.
Rabbi Israel Meir Lau Rabbi Israel Meir Lau was born in 1937 in Pyotrekov, Poland. A survivor of Buchenwald concentration camp, he lost both of his parents in the Holocaust. In 1946 he immigrated to Israel, where he lived with his uncle and studied at a state religious school in Kiryat Shmuel. He then studied at three yeshivas: Kol Torah in Jerusalem, Knesset Hizkiya in Zichron Ya’akov and Ponovitz in Bnei Brak. In 1971 he was ordained as a Rabbi and headed Or Torah congregation in Tel Aviv, in 1979 he was ordained Chief Rabbi of Netanya. In 1988 he was ordained Chief Rabbi and president of the Rabbinical Court of Tel Aviv-Yafo and in 1993 he was elected Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel. Rabbi lau’s publications include Yahadut-Halacha Le’maase (1975) on the practice of Judaism and Yachel Israel (1993), tow volumes on medicine, ethics and Jewish customs.
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.
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.
Michael Moore Michael Moore, director of the controversial films "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" and New York Times best-selling author of "Dude, Where's My Country?"
Leonard Moore Moore has become and outspoken critic of the response to the storm and the slow rebuilding of New Orleans. Moore recently received the prestigious Whitney M. Young Leadership Award at the Urban Leadership Development Conference this year in Atlanta. During his keynote address Moore addressed the “unhealthy balance of putting athletics over academics” in the African-American community. Moore has worked extensively with African-American student athletes at LSU. The Whitney M. Young Center for Urban Leadership is a nonprofit educational institute of the National Urban League. Moore is a frequent commentator and contributor to national and international media outlets, including the Associated Press, “Christian Science Monitor,” “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” National Public Radio, British Broadcasting Corporation, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and “TIME” magazine. In addition, Moore has made several guest appearances on nationally televised programs such as ESPN’s Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith and 60 Minutes to discuss his upcoming book “An Oreo in Chocolate City,” which focuses on the aftermath of Katrina and Nagin.
Marc Morial Marc H. Morial President and CEO of the National Urban League, succeeding Hugh B. Price, after being selected to by the Board of Trustees on May 15, 2003. Mr. Morial is a respected expert on national policy and its impact on cities, including the arts, transporation and infrastructure, the environment, crime prevention, housing, jobs, and recreation. Prior to being selected to lead the venerable organization, he practiced law with Adams and Reese LLP, the Gulf South's leading law firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Morial also served two distinguished 4-year terms as Mayor of New Orleans from 1994-2002. During that time, he also served as President of the United States Conference of Mayors in 2001 and 2002. As New Orleans chief executive, he was one of the most popular and effective Mayors in the City's history, leaving office with a 70% approval rating. After being elected as one of the youngest mayors in the city's history, crime plummeted by 60%, a corrupt Police Department was reformed, new programs for youth were started, and a stagnant economy was re-energized.Under his watch, 7,000 new hotel rooms were added, and 15,000 new homeowners resulted from his progressive and innovative programs. In his final months in office, he orchestrated the return of the NBA to New Orleans, with the relocation of the Hornets from Charlotte to New Orleans.In addition, the Morial Convention Center was expanded to one of the largest in America, a downtown Sports Arena was built, and over 200 miles of streets were reconstructed, or resurfaced through Morial's far reaching "Rebuild New Orleans Now!" Bond issues which provided funding for nearly $400 million in City, School Board and Criminal Justice System infrastructure improvements. Many of these infrastructure improvements will be completed long after the end of his term, a testament to his long -range planning and management abilities.
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.
Andrew Napolitano Andrew P. Napolitano joined FOX News Channel in May 1998, and currently serves as a senior judicial analyst. He appears daily on The Big Story with John Gibson, co-hosts FOX and Friends once a week and is a regular on The O’Reilly Factor. Napolitano is the youngest life-tenured Superior Court Judge in the history of the State of New Jersey. While on the bench from 1987-95, Judge Napolitano tried over 150 jury trials, and sat in all parts of the Superior Court — Criminal, Civil, Equity and Family. For eleven years, Napolitano served as an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School, where he taught constitutional law and jurisprudence. He returned to private law practice in 1995, the same year he began his career in broadcasting. Napolitano received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame.
Jill Nelson Author of the provocative serio-comic memoir, Volunteer Slavery: My Authentic Negro Experience, a funny, sassy and sad book about a contemporary woman trying to reconcile the worlds of work and self. An award winning journalist for The Washington Post, Jill Nelson is a contributor to Ms. magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Her new book is entitled, Straight No Chaser.
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.
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.
Sari Nusseibeh Until December 2002, the representative of the Palestinian National Authority in Jerusalem. He was born in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem to the politician Anwar Nusseibeh and Nuzha Ghussein. He has a Ph.D. in Philosophy, from Harvard University (1978). Sari Nusseibeh and Ami Ayalon are the co-founders of The People's Voice, an Israeli-Palestinian civil initiative that aims to advance the process of achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Nusseibeh is head and founder of the Palestinian Consultancy Group, co-founder and member of several Palestinian institutions including the Jerusalem Friends of the Sick Society, the Federation of Employees in the Education Sector in the West Bank, the Arab Council for Public Affairs, the Committee Confronting the Iron Fist, and the Jerusalem Arab Council. Nusseibeh's publications include numerous articles and, with Mark Heller, No Trumpets, No Drums: A Two-State Solution of the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict, New York: Hill & Wand, 1991.
Sinead O'connor Sinead OConnor is a Grammy Award winning Irish singer and songwriter.
Charles Ogletree Prominent legal theorist and a professor of law at Harvard University School of Law. A frequent moderator and guest on television news and talkshows, Charles Ogletree has appeared regularly on C-SPAN, PBS, NBC and on other television networks. He lectures on such issues as race relations, crime, social pathologies, education, economic disparities and securing the rights guaranteed by the Constitution for everyone equally under the law.
Edward James Olmos Edward James Olmos an actor Olmos has often become involved in social issues, especially those affecting the Hispanic-American community in the United States. In 1998 Olmos founded Latino Public Broadcasting and currently serves as its Chairman. The Latino Public Broadcasting funds programming for public television which focuses on issues affecting Hispanic-Americans and advocates for diverse prespectives in public television. Also, in 1998, Olmos stared in the uplifting and Latino movie The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit, that breaks stereotypes and transcends the normal stigmas of most Latino oriented movies. Olmos also makes frequent appearances at juvenile halls and detention centers to speak to teenagers at risk. He has also been an international ambassador for UNICEF. In 2001, he was arrested and spent 20 days in prison for taking part in the Navy-Vieques protests against United States Navy target practice bombings of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Edward James Olmos in Blade RunnerOlmos played Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in the 2001 movie In the Time of the Butterflies. He also appeared as a recurring character, Justice Mendoza, in the TV series The West Wing. In the early 2000s he starred as the recently widowed father in a Latin L.A.-family, in the PBS drama American Family. Olmos was married to actress Lorraine Bracco, but she filed for divorce in January 2002. He is currently married to actress Lymari Nadal. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. In 2003, he starred as Commander Adama in the Sci Fi Channel mini-series remake of the series Battlestar Galactica and has since appeared in every season of the new Battlestar Galactica TV series. In 2006, Olmos produced and played the bit part of Julian Nava in the HBO movie Walkout about the 1968 Chicano Blowouts.
Yoko Ono Yoko Ono a Japanese-American artist and musician. She gained international fame because of her marriage to English musician John Lennon.
Gary Orfield Gary Orfield, director of the Harvard Project on School Desegregation and codirector of the Harvard Civil rights Project. Orfield, a professor education and social policy at Harvard, is known for his interest in civil rights, education policy, urban policy and minority opportunity. He writes frequently about standardized testing, changing patterns of school desegregation and the impact of diversity on the educational experiences of law students. His books include: Raising Standards or Raising Barriers: Inequality and High-Stakes in Public Education; and Chilling Admissions: the Affirmative Action Crisis and the Search for Alternatives.
Simon Ortiz Simon J. Ortiz was born May 27, 1941 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He attended Fort Lewis College and the University of New Mexico for undergraduate studies. He received his M.F.A. as an International Writing Fellow at the University of Iowas Writer's School in 1969. His books of poetry include: Telling and Showing Her: The Earth, The Land (Just Buffalo Literary Center, 1995); After and Before the Lightning (1994); Woven Stone (1992); From Sand Creek: Rising In This Heart Which Is Our America (1981), for which he received a Pushcart Prize; A Good Journey (1977); Going for the Rain (1976); and Naked in the Wind (1971). He has also published children's book, memoirs, non-fiction, and short stories, and served as editor of various books and anthologies. Ortiz is a recipient of the Lila Wallace Readers Digest Writers Award, the New Mexico Humanities Council Humanitarian Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Discovery Award, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and was an Honored Poet at the 1981 White House Salute to Poetry. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Returning the Gift Festival of Native Writers. Ortiz lives in the Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, where he was lieutenant governor and a consulting editor of the Pueblo of Acoma Press. He has taught writing and Native American literature at various institutions, and currently teaches at the University of Toronto.
Clarence Page Clarence Page, the 1989 Pulitzer Prize winner for Commentary, has been a columnist and a member of the newspaper's editorial board since July 1984. His column is syndicated nationally by Tribune Media Services and he does twice-weekly commentary on WGN-TV, Chicago. He has been based in Washington, D.C. since May 1991. Page is an occasional guest panelist on "The McLaughlin Group," a regular contributor of essays to the MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour and a host of documentaries on the Public Broadcasting System. He is a regular panelist on Black Entertainment Television's (BET) weekly "Lead Story" news panel program and a biweekly commentator for National Public Radio's (NPR) "Weekend Sunday." Page was a reporter and assistant city editor for the Chicago Tribune from 1969 to 1980. He joined WBBM-TV in August 1980 as director of the Community Affairs Department. He was a reporter and planning editor at the station from August 1982 to July 1984. Page's awards include a 1980 Illinois UPI award for community service for an investigative series titled "The Black Tax" and the Edward Scott Beck Award for overseas reporting of a 1976 series on the changing politics of Southern Africa. Page also participated in a 1972 Chicago Tribune Task Force series on vote fraud which won the Pulitzer Prize. He has received awards from the Illinois and Wisconsin chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union for his columns on civil liberties and constitutional rights. He was inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hal of Fame in 1992. As a freelance writer, he has published articles in Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Reader, Washington Monthly, New Republic, Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, and Emerge. His new book, Showing My Color: Impolite Essays on Race and Identity, has been published by HarperCollins. A 1965 graduate of Middletown High School, Middletown Ohio, he began his journalism career as a freelance writer and photographer for the Middletown Journal and Cincinnati Enquirer at the age of 17. Page received his Bachelor of Science in journalism degree from Ohio University in 1969. He has received honorary degrees from Columbia College in Chicago and Lake Forest (Illinois) College.
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.
SuChin Pak Born in Korea, SuChin Pak joined the MTV news team as a correspondent in 2001. A political science major at U.C. Berkeley, she has become a role model for many bi-cultural Asian-American teens.Suchin Pak, MTV News team member, has cover world entertainment to 9/11 news, and had presentation such as Growing Up Asian and Pak Attack: Suchin Rolls onto MTV.
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.
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".
Liza Jessie Peterson Liza Jessie Peterson is an actress writer poet playwright educator..a layered woman beautifully flawed with facinating imperfections in all the right places...really human, really brilliant and my passion for art that inspires is collossal...life is my inspiration. i have appeared in many films "Love The Hard Way" (alongside academy award winner Adrian Brody), had a featured cameo in Spike Lee's "Bamboozled", Mark Levin's "Slam" (alongside Saul Williams and Sonja Sohn), filmed "A Drop of Life" about the international water crisis and spent two amazing weeks in the desert in India working alongside Ndita Das, appeared in Jamie Catto's international film soon to be released "What About Me" alongside Tim Robbins, Depak Chopra, Carlos Santana and others. Appeared on HBO's Def Poetry two different seasons, performed my poetry on PBS's popular children show "Between the Lions" alongside puppets (i love puppets as Jim Henson the quintessential puppetmaster and i were born on the same day!!!)And i worked in the prison system for over a decade teaching poetry, life skills and creative writing to incarcerated adolescents.I have written numerous plays including two One Woman Shows: "Chiron's Homegirl Healer Howls" a One Woman Funk Opera, and my latest baby "The Peculiar Patriot" which has toured adult (male and female) penitentiaries across the country in 2005, 2006 and 2007 ongoing. The Peculiar Patriot also did an 11 show/multiple facility tour of Rikers Islad exclusively in 2003 and 2004. Baby girl has put in work. My performances have also been exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art as well as too many venues in NYC to name (including the late CBGBs Gallery...rip!!!). Currently i am working on releasing The Peculiar Patriot DVD and Prison Pin Up calendar/coffee table book. The Peculiar Patriot screenplay is ready to roll and the feature film, documentary and animation series is on deck waiting in the wings for the greenlight check.
Mary Pipher Pipher is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Lincoln, Neb. The Middle of Everywhere, published in 2002, is her latest book, and it describes the plight of refugees settling in Lincoln as well as Pipher's interaction with them as a teacher, cultural broker and therapist. Greensboro is also a haven for refugees from many countries, and the all-city read will include discussions by many groups of people in the community. Pipher is the author of four other books, Hunger Pains: The Modern Woman's Tragic Quest for Thinness, The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families, Reviving Ophelia and Another Country: The Emotional Terrain of Our Elders. Reviving Ophelia, first published in 1994, broke new ground in helping parents understand the pressures teenage girls face in today's American culture. It reached No. 1 on The New York Times best seller list in 1995. Pipher earned her bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1969 and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Nebraska in 1977. Her work combines her training in both the fields of psychology and anthropology. Her special area of interest is how American culture affects the mental health of its women. The recipient of several awards and honors, Pipher was awarded the distinguished Presidential Award from the American Psychological Association in 1998. She is a commentator for Nebraska Public Radio, a popular speaker and workshop leader. She has been a guest on NBC's Today program and National Public Radio's Fresh Air program.
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.
Kevin Powell Kevin Powell is widely considered one of Americas most important voices in these early years of the 21st century. Legendary feminist icon Gloria Steinem proclaimed that "as a charismatic speaker, leader, and a very good writer, Kevin Powell has the courage...to be fully human, and this will bring the deepest revolution of all." Famed scholar and social critic Dr. Michael Eric Dyson has called Powell "a mighty wind of fresh air." Kevin Powell is an activist, poet, journalist, essayist, editor, cultural curator, hiphop historian, songwriter, music producer, public speaker, political consultant and fundraiser, and businessman. A product of extreme poverty, welfare, fatherlessness, and a single mother-led household, he is a native of Jersey City, New Jersey and was educated at New Jerseys Rutgers University. Kevin Powell is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, New York, and it is from his base in New York City that Powell has published six books, including his current title, Whos Gonna Take The Weight? Manhood, Race, and Power in America, which is an Essence magazine bestseller. His next project, Someday Will All Be Free, will hit in 2006 and will feature essays on the 2004 presidential election, September 11th, and Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf Coast tragedy. Powell is also at work on his childhood memoir, homeboy alone, slated for 2008. Additionally, Powell is compiling his second volume of poetry, My Own Private Ghetto, and The Kevin Powell Reader, which will highlight the first twenty years of his literary career. Indeed, he has written numerous essays, articles, and reviews over the past two decades for publications such as Newsweek, The Washington Post, Essence, Code, Rolling Stone, The Amsterdam News, and Vibe, where he was a founding staff member and served as a senior writer. It was at Vibe that Powell interviewed and profiled a number of hiphop icons including, most famously, the late Tupac Shakur on several occasions.
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.
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.
Barbara Reynolds Award-winning journalist, nationally syndicated columnist, television news commentator and an ordained minister. She is the author of two books, Jesse Jackson: America's David; and And Still We Rise, a book which includes interviews with fifty Black American role models.
Geraldo Rivera Well known Hispanic talk show host and controversial investigative journalist.
Ignacio Rivera Ignacio Rivera is a Queer, gender shifting, Trans- Entity, Black Boricua, lecturer, activist, filmmaker and performance artist. Ignacio has shared their poetry, spoken word and storytelling for over 10 years. Ignacio has been performing their one-person shows, Dancer and Lagrimas de Cocodrilo/Crocodile Tears internationally. As a lecturer/ trainer, Ignacio has spoken on such topics of racism, sexism, homo/transphobia, transgender issues, trans 101, sexual liberation, anti oppression, anti-violence, multi-issue organizing and more. Ignacio also consultants with various LGBT and non violence organizations in New York City. As a filmmaker, Ignacio debuted their first experimental short, Crossing in August of 2007. Crossing is an experimental adult short about crossing the realm of normality and kink. It is a narrative short that explores opinions on negotiation, communication and kink. Ignacio will be sharing their new short, They. It will be viewed at Mix New York City Queer Experimental Film Festival, in October 2008. They, is an experimental short, using archival footage, about one persons journey through their fluid and loose gender expression. Ignacio is one of the founding board member of Queers for Economic Justice, a progressive non-profit organization committed to promoting economic justice in a context of sexual and gender liberation.
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.
Paul Robeson Jr. Paul Robeson Jr., who served as personal aide to his father for more than 20 years, is author of The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: An Artists Journey, 1898-1939 and Paul Robeson Jr. Speaks to America.
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.
Richard Rodriguez Rodriguez is an important American essayist, known for writing about the intersection of personal life with some of the difficult cultural issues facing America today. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed books Hunger of Memory (an autobiographical memoir read in many high schools and colleges), Days of Obligation: An Argument with My Mexican Father and Brown: The Last Discovery of America. As a journalist, Rodriguez worked with the Pacific News Service in San Francisco and was a contributing editor with Harper’s Magazine and the Sunday “Opinion” section of the Los Angeles Times. In 1993, Rodriguez was given the Frankel Medal (now renamed “The National Humanities Medal”), the highest honor the federal government gives to recognize work done in the humanities. In 1997, his televised essays on American life, featured on PBS’ “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer,” were honored with a George Peabody Award.
Julie Chavez Rodriguez The granddaughter of civil and labor rights activist Cesar Chavez, human rights activist and diversity speaker Julie Chavez Rodriguez was introduced to the farm worker movement at an early age. Throughout her life, she has played an active role in the fight for social justice, human rights, and the rights of working people. Chavez Rodriguez is currently the programs director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, where she spearheads the National Youth Leadership Initiative, an effort which addresses academic and civic engagement among today's youth. Julie Chavez Rodriguez has also worked with the state of California on the development and administration of the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning, and a web based K 12 curriculum on the life and work of Cesar Chavez. Prior to joining for the foundation, she worked with the United Farm Workers on voter registration and community empowerment programs throughout California. Chavez Rodriguez holds a bachelors degree in Latin American studies from the University of California at Berkeley.
Loretta Ross Loretta J. Ross Womens Rights are Human Rights Loretta J. Ross is a founder and the National Coordinator of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective, composed of 70 women of color organizations across the country. She was the Co-Director of the April 25, 2004 National March for Womens Lives in Washington D.C., the largest protest in U.S. history. She is also the co-author of Undivided Right: Women of Color Organizing for Reproductive Justice (2004, South End Press). Ross areas of expertise are reproductive rights, human rights, womens issues, diversity issues, hate groups and bias crimes. Ross is the founder and former Executive Director of the National Center for Human Rights Education (NCHRE), a training and resource center for grassroots activists on using human rights education to address social injustices in the United States. Prior to that, from 1990 to 1995, she served as the national program research director for the Atlanta-based Center for Democratic Renewal (CDR) (formerly the National Anti-Klan Network). CDR is a national, non-profit clearinghouse for information on hate groups and bigoted violence, including the Ku Klux Klan and the neo-Nazi movement. Ross directed specific projects on far right organizations in South Africa and Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi involvement in anti-abortion violence in the U.S. Rosss involvement in women’s health issues was initiated as a result of a personal triumph. She was one of the first African American women to direct the first rape crisis center in the United States in the 1970s. Womens human rights are of significant concern for Ross because she was sterilized at age 23. Ross was also one of the first black women to win a suit against A.H. Robins, manufacturer of the Dalkon Shield that sterilized thousands of women worldwide. As an advocate for social justice, she has coordinated several conferences that address the reproductive rights movement and violence against Third World women. She co-coordinated the first national conference on Violence Against Third World Women in 1980. From 1985 to 1989, she served as the Director of Women of Color Programs for the National Organization for Women. She also organized a second “first,” a national conference on Women of Color and Reproductive Rights in 1987. She successfully organized women of color delegations for the massive pro-choice marches sponsored by the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1986 and 1989. In 1990, she coordinated the first national conference of African American Women and Reproductive Rights as Program Director for the National Black Women’s Health Project. The year 1989 was marked by the publication of a popular brochure for African American women called “We Remember.” A quarter million copies were distributed in a project she co-coordinated with Donna Brazile, then director of the National Political Congress of Black Women. Ross is co-author, with 3 other writers, of the book Beyond the Politics of Inclusion: Women of Color in the Reproductive Rights Movement (2004, South End Press). She is currently authoring a book on a black women’s activism in the reproductive rights movement called Black Abortion. Other writing projects include editorials for the Progressive Media Project for the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain and she serves as a political analyst for Pacifica News Service and Alternative Radio. Ross has appeared on talk shows such as The Donahue Show, The Charlie Rose Show, CNN, BET Lead Story, and Good Morning America. She has also been featured in Emerge Magazine, Biography Magazine, San Antonio Express News, and the Los Angeles Times. For the last two years, she has also been collecting oral histories of elder feminists of color for archives at Smith College. Ross was invited to testify before the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and the Food and Drug Administration on women’s health and human rights issues. She served eight years on the Washington D.C. Commission for Women. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Foundation for African American Women, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, the Committee on Women, Population and the Environment, and SisterLove Women’s AIDS Project. Ross received an honorary Doctorate of Civil Law degree in 2003 from Arca
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.
Larry Sabato What does it take to know the results of an election before it happens? How can you predict the winners with 99% accuracy of every congressional, senatorial, and gubernatorial race in the country while also predicting the Electoral College count with the smallest possible margin of error? Only one man in the country knows the answers to those questions, and that man is Dr. Larry J. Sabato. Called "the most quoted college professor in the land" by the Wall Street Journal, he is the founder and head of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, where his Crystal Ball electoral analysis expertly navigates the shifting sands of American electoral politics, accurately predicting the landslides, the nail biters, and everything in between. With a record like this, the professor's pronouncements are truly a peek into our political future. He provides us with the knowledge of what's coming down the pike, preparing us for the changing of the guard in Washington, DC, and the nation.
Sonia Sanchez Leading Black poet and playwright, Sonia Sanchez's topics include Revolutionary Black Poetry; Black Art and Culture in America; The Black Women in the Liberation Struggle; and Poetry Readings. She is featured in the book and exhibit "Dream a World, Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America."
Esmeralda Santiago ESMERALDA SANTIAGO was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She came to the United States at thirteen, the eldest in a family that would eventually include eleven children. Ms. Santiago attended New York City’s Performing Arts High School, where she majored in drama and dance. After eight years of part-time study at community colleges, she transferred to Harvard University with a full scholarship. She graduated magna cum laude in 1976. In 1977, she and her husband, Frank Cantor, founded CANTOMEDIA, a film and media production company, which has won numerous awards for excellence in documentary filmmaking. Her writing career evolved from her work as a producer/writer of documentary and educational films. Her essays and opinion pieces have run in newspapers like the New York Times and the Boston Globe, in magazines like House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, and Sports Illustrated, and as guest commentary on NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Upon publication of her first book, the memoir When I was Puerto Rican, Ms. Santiago was hailed as “…a welcome new voice, full of passion and authority,” by the Washington Post Book World. Her first novel, América's Dream, was published in six languages, and was an Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild. “Thrilling and page turning, the fabulous story of América Gonzalez…is laid out masterfully,” according to the Chicago Tribune. Her second memoir, Almost a Woman, received numerous “Best of Year” mentions, in addition to an Alex Award from the American Library Association. Her adaptation of the memoir into a film for PBS Masterpiece Theatre, was greeted with critical and audience acclaim and was awarded a George Foster Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting. Her third memoir, The Turkish Lover, has received enthusiastic reviews as “an earthy, heartfelt tale of liberation, desperation, and the crippling grip of love.” (Booklist) It was selected a BookSense recommendation for September 2004 and appeared on several “Best of 2004” lists. With Joie Davidow, Ms. Santiago is co-editor of the anthologies, Las Christmas: Favorite Latino Authors Share Their Holiday Memories and Las Mamis: Favorite Latino Authors Remember their Mothers both published by Knopf. She is also the author of the illustrated children’s book, A Doll for Navidades. In addition to her literary endeavors, Ms. Santiago is an active volunteer. She is a spokesperson on behalf of public libraries. She has designed and developed community-based programs for adolescents, and was one of the founders of a shelter for battered women and their children. She serves on the boards of organizations devoted to the arts and to literature, and speaks vehemently about the need to encourage and support the artistic development of young people. Her community activism was cited when she received a Girl Scouts of America National Woman of Distinction Award in March 2002 along with Alma Powell and Elizabeth Dole. Ms. Santiago has earned a Master of Fine Arts in Fiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and Honorary Doctor of Letters from Trinity University, from Pace University and from Metropolitan College. The mother of two adult children, she lives in Westchester County, New York, with her husband, filmmaker Frank Cantor. She’s currently at work on a novel.
Dr. Abdul Sattar Edhi Dr Abdul Sattar Edhi, or Maulana Edhi, as he is often known, is one of the most active philanthropists of the world. He is head of the Edhi Foundation. His wife Begum Bilquis Edhi, heads the Bilquis Edhi Foundation. They both received 1986 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. He is also the recipient of the Lenin Peace Prize. Maulana Edhi, as he is often referred to, is of the Memon community. Edhi was born in 1928 in Bantva in the Gujarat state of present day India. His father was a textile trader and earned a modest income for his family. He was a natural born leader and would encourage his friends to hold tiny circuses and perform gymnastics for the locals. When his mother would send him to school she would give him two paisa, one to spend for himself and the other to spend for another. At the age of eleven he started to take care of his mother who suffered paralysis from severe diabetes. From an early age Edhi learned to help others before himself - this would be crucial to success in his life later on.
Bobby Seale With the success of Mario Van Peebles' film Panther, a new generation of film-goers discovered the lives and legacies of the Black Panthers. But until you've heard and seen legendary co-founder Bobby Seale, you still haven't experienced the real story. Co-founder and former chairman of the Black Panther Party, Seale is the last surviving architect of one of the most important movements in American and African-American history. Together with Huey P. Newton, Seale formed the Black Panther Party for Self Defense in 1966. They advocated the right to self-defense and moved to organize a realistic "Power to the People" revolution, putting their lives on the line against institutionalized racism, discrimination and police brutality. They began with only 400 members, but Seale's national membership drive swelled the ranks to over 5,000, in over 40 chapters and branches across America. Taking to the stage with his famous charisma and eloquence, he sheds light on the true birth of the Panthers (which grew from student activism, not the streets), transporting the audience back to the turbulence of the late '60s and early '70s, when the image of young black men with guns was unheard of. "Today, you don't need the guns," charges Bobby. "If you want to observe the police, do it with a camcorder!" Dubbing himself a "revolutionary humanist," Seale also brings the movement full circle, showing how times have changed, and giving a rousing call for a new '90s breed of social and political activism.
Joseph Sebarenzi Joseph Sebarenzi, former head of the Rwanda Parliament, he has endured tragedy most of us cannot fathom. He lost both his parents, seven siblings, and numerous other relatives in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Yet, years later, as a senior government official in a position to exact revenge, he instead pushed for peace and reconciliation. "Revenge is like adding guilt to victim hood." says Sebarenzi. "It solves nothing. At some point, we have to ignore the past and envision the future." Sebarenzi grew up in Rwanda, and as a child saw glimpses of the tribal violence which years later would engulf his country. In 1994, when Hutu extremists slaughtered more than 800,000 Tutsis, Sebarenzi and his immediate family were safely out of the country, but many of Sebarenzi's extended family were not so lucky. Returning to Rwanda, Sebarenzi rose through the ranks of Parliament, eventually becoming Speaker, third in power only to the country's president. As the leader of parliament, Sebarenzi worked to improve good governance, speaking out for the independence of the legislature and against corruption in the government. Forced to resign, and Informed of a plot to assassinate him, he fled Rwanda and found exile in the United States. He still champions a broad process of restorative justice in Rwanda as the country struggles with the ongoing effects of mass genocide and retaliatory killing among its Hutu and Tutsi people. Sebarenzi teaches conflict resolution at the School for International Training, lectures on his experiences, consults, and works toward his PhD. Sebarenzi has also been an executive for national and international nonprofit organizations and a regular speaker on BBC and Voice of America. He plans to return to Rwanda eventually, and hopes his home country will soon be a safe place for people of all races, creeds and heritages. For his college lectures, Sebarenzi tells his dramatic and historic story, and imparts a message of peace and forgiveness. This unforgettable and emotional program is perfect for International Studies departments, Genocide Programs, African Studies, Multi-Cultural Programs, Peace Groups, Progressive Groups, Christian organizations and keynote lectures. Whatever your group, Joseph Sebarenzi is a man of peace and grace whose message will not soon be forgotten.
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.
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.
Ntozake Shange Ntozake Shange is a African American playwright, performance artist, and writer who is best-known for her Obie Award winning play for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf. She also wrote Betsey Brown, a novel about an African American girl who runs away from home. Among her honors and awards are fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, and a Pushcart Prize.
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.
Cindy Sheehan Cindy Sheehan who became a prominent American anti-Iraq War activist after the death of her son, Casey Sheehan, during his service in Iraq. She attracted international attention in August 2005 for her extended demonstration at a peace camp outside President George W. Bush's Texas ranch. She is sometimes referred to by the media as the "Peace Mom".
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.
Sarri Singer Sarri Singer, born in Lakewood, New Jersey, is the daughter of New Jersey State senator, Robert Singer. On June 11, 2003, Sarri was on Bus 14 in Jerusalem when a terrorist dressed as a religious Jew boarded and blew himself up. 16 people were killed, including all those seated around her, and over 100 people were injured. Sarri was hospitalized for two weeks and then returned to New Jersey to be with family. Her story became high profile. She appeared on television and radio interviews and spoke before Congressmen and Senators in Washington, D.C. and politicians in New York and New Jersey. In September 2003 she returned to work in Israel. In June 2004, she accepted a position in New Jersey as Director of One Family Fund's East Coast office. In January 2006, she left her position to pursue other interests. Sarri has addressed audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Israel and continues to share her unique insight into the ongoing struggle for victims of terror in Israel and around the world. Currently the director of One Heart (www.oneheartglobal.org) an organization working with victims of terror world-wide focusing on long term psychological trauma.
Rodney Slater Rodney Slater was President Clinton's Secretary of Transportation and prior to that was the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.
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.
Tavis Smiley Host of PBSs Tavis Smiley Show and popular voice on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Tavis Smiley is also the author of six books, including the acclaimed Hard Left: Straight Talk About the Wrongs of the Right and the autobiographical What I know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America. He is founder of a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage, empower, and enlighten black youth, and is a correspondent and regular contributor to ABC News. Smiley discusses current events from a perspective not often heard in the media, and speaks about everything from politics to sports to education and the need for cultural and racial harmony. He also offers insight into some of the unique figures he has interviewed, including Fidel Castro, Pope John Paul II, and the recording artist Prince.
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.
Rebecca Solnit Rebecca Solnit is a writer whose work focuses on issues of environment, landscape, and place. She is the author of numerous books, including the critically acclaimed Wanderlust: A History of Walking and As Eve Said to the Serpent: On Landscape, Gender, and Art, which was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Criticism.
Sister Souljah Rapper, organizer, activist, lecturer, and creator of the epic album, "360 Degrees of Power," Sister Souljah has lectured all over the world. In the United States, she has stirred audiences from Harvard to Howard to UCLA. She is the author of No Disrespect.
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."
Shelby Steele African American educator and an authority on race relations, Shelby Steele is the author of the highly acclaimed books, The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race in America, and A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal fo Black Freedom in America.Steele has written widely on race in American society and the consequences of contemporary social programs on race relations. In 2006, Steele received the Bradley Prize for his contributions to the study of race in America. In 2004, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal. In 1991, his work on the documentary Seven Days in Bensonhurst was recognized with an Emmy Award and two awards for television documentary writing the Writer's Guild Award and the San Francisco Film Festival Award. Steele received the National Book Critic's Circle Award in 1990 in the general nonfiction category for his book The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race in America. Steele's most recent book is White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era (HarperCollins 2006). He is also the author of A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal of Black Freedom in America, in which he argues that too much of what has been done since the Great Society in the name of black rights has far more to do with the moral redemption or self-satisfaction of whites than with any real improvement in the lives of blacks. Steele has written extensively for major publications including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He is a contributing editor at Harper's magazine. He has also spoken before hundreds of groups and appeared on national current affairs news programs including Nightline and 60 Minutes. Steele is a member of the National Association of Scholars, the national board of the American Academy for Liberal Education, the University Accreditation Association, and the national board at the Center for the New American Community at the Manhattan Institute.
Ernest Stevens, Jr. Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. is the Chairman and national spokesman for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) in Washington, DC. Elected in 2001, Mr. Stevens is beginning his second term as the organization's leader. NIGA, established in 1985, is a non-profit organization of 168 Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around the country. From 1993 to 1999, Mr. Stevens was an elected councilman for the Oneida Nation. He is a former First Vice-President of the National Congress of American Indians and is currently serving out the final months of his term as Treasurer. As a respected leader in Indian Country, he also serves on the Executive Board to the Native American Rights Fund, the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the Boys and Girls Club of America (Native American Advisory Board), the National Indian Telecommunications Institute, and is Honorary Chair of the Institute of American Indian Art National Indian Support Committee. Mr. Stevens has earned an Associate's degree from Haskell Indian Nations University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Senerio College.
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.
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
Kristin Clark Taylor White House Director of Media Relations in the Bush administration and the first African American woman in American history to hold that position. A journalist, Kristin Clark Taylor helped create and launch USA Today and was a founding member of the newspaper's Editorial Board. She is the author of her autobiography, The First to Speak: A Woman of Color Inside the White House.
Susan L Taylor Susan L. Taylor has been the driving force behind one of the most celebrated African American owned business success stories of the past three decades. She is the senior editorial executive at the venerable communications company and writes the popular In the Spirit column each month. She is currently working on her newest book, All about Love: Favorite Selections from in the Spirit on Living Fearlessly. The book draws from the 25 years of her In the Spirit column. A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Taylor was the founder of her own company, Nequai Cosmetics, before becoming Essence fashion and beauty editor and, in 1981, its Editor-in-Chief. She is the author of three books: In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor, Lessons in Living and Confirmation: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives, the latter coauthored with her husband, Khephra Burns. She is also a greatly sought-after speaker, delivering inspiring messages of hope and possibility that encourage us to reclaim and reorient our lives and society and create peaceful, productive, sustainable communities. In 1999 Taylor became the first African American woman to receive The Henry Johnson Fisher Award from the Magazine Publishers of America, the magazine industry's highest honor. In 2002 Taylor was inducted into the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame, which celebrates the career-long records of excellence, creativity and impact of a select group of highly influential magazine journalists. Taylor's visionary leadership was acknowledged when NAACP President Bruce presented her with his first President's Award in 2006. She is an avid supporter of a host of organizations dedicated to moving the Black community forward. Her passion and focus are on creating equity in education and turning around the nation's failing schools, which, she says are "the pipeline to prison." Taylor has received more than a dozen honorary degrees from numerous colleges and universities, including Lincoln University, Spelman College, Dillard University, Bennett College for Women, the University of Delaware and her alma mater, Fordham University. Most recently Taylor has been focusing her attention on the Essence Cares initiative. She launched this call to action to the African American community at the 2006 Essence Music Festival. It is a massive mentoring campaign that asks every able adult and our leadershipelected and appointed officials, educators, business, religious and secular leaders and college students to rally their communities to guide and secure our vulnerable children who are crying out for help. The goal is to create the largest mentoring campaign in the history of the nation and increase high school graduation rates among African American students by 10 percent annually. Taylor is also a cofounder of The Future PAC, the first national political action committee devoted to providing progressive African American women opportunities to hold more federal and state political offices by creating a network of support and funding. In addition, Taylor and Danny Glover co-chair a capital campaign to raise money to build housing in the rural areas of South Africa. She serves on the board of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, DC, and is an official on the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which she joined to assist the devastated people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.
George Tinker Native American activist, theologian and author, George Tinker ar­ticulates a Native American Christian Theology which is relevant to many indigenous peoples. Topics include The Columbus Quincen­tennary, Native American spirituality, sovereignty, solidarity and other issues.
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.
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.
JOHN TRUDELL Native American Poet and Recording Artist On the subject of his extraordinary and acclaimed work as a recording artist, poet and champion of indigenous issues, John Trudell is as direct and plain spoken as the words he puts to music. A people's poet in the truest sense of the term, John Trudell's potent imagery and passionate convictions have established his reputation as a spoken word artist whose international following reflects the universal language of his music...and his message. Simply put, John Trudell is the real deal. Now, with Bone Days (Daemon Records), his brilliant new collection of thirteen original compositions, John Trudell is poised to bring his stunning soundscapes to a whole new audience. Recorded with his longtime band, Bad Dog, and executive-produced by Angelina Jolie, Academy Award winning actress and Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Bone Days marks a new chapter in the creative saga of one of America's true originals. Kris Kristofferson once called John Trudell, “a crazy lone wolf, poet, prophet, preacher, warrior full of pain and fun and laughter and love... He's a reality check. Justice is a fire that burns inside him. His spirit cries out for it. It makes him dangerous.”
Tom Tso Tom Tso played a pioneering role in establishing modern Anglo-American law and legal processes in the Navajo Nation while upholding tribal values, independence, and integrity. As the first Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation Supreme Court at its establishment 1985, Tom served as its widely respected leader until his disability retirement in 1991. After graduating from high school in 1965, Tom served as a Marine, earning the Purple Heart in 1966 for wounds he sustained as a sergeant in Vietnam. His training in legal services began in 1970, at the Navajo Legal Aid and Defender Services, where he was an interpreter, investigator, and court advocate. In 1978, he was appointed director of the Tribal Law and Development Litigation Unit of Department of Native Affairs-People's Legal Services, Inc. In March 1982, Tom was appointed District Court Judge, where he presided over civil, criminal, and juvenile cases for four years before being appointed Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation. At his confirmation in 1985, Tom said, "No person can be guaranteed fairness and impartiality from the courts unless the judges and courts are free to carry out their duties without the possibility of any type of influence from any other person or government body." Because the Navajo Nation operates without a constitution, there has been serious debate about the role of the tribal courts in deciding legal issues about the structure of the Navajo Nation government. Tom's calm and steady efforts to maintain the independence and primacy of the Navajo judiciary over Navajo Nation affairs and to keep the court's focus on its judicial mission amid intense controversy won praise from every quarter. Tom rejects the melting pot image where "everybody blends together to form an indistinguishable mixture. This is fine for people who come to this country and want to jump into the pot. The real measure of tolerance and respect may well be how successfully the outside world can coexist with tribes." Tom has been particularly successful in helping non-Native Americans better understand the Navajo emphasis on traditional relationships with nature and the effect this has on cases involving natural resources and the environment.
Cynthia Tucker Cynthia Tucker is editorial page editor of the Atlanta Constitution and a syndicated columnist whose commentary appears in dozens of newspapers across the country. She is a frequent commentator on the News Hour With Jim Lehrer and CNN and Company.
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.
Omar Tyree A New York Times best-selling author and 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient, Omar Tyree has sold more than 1.6 million copies of books worldwide. He has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the African-American community. Tyree has recently completed work on his15th novel,The Last Street Novel, which is set to hit national bookshelves in July. Hes written 14 novels, including his Urban Griot series, which features raw material geared towards urban male readership. As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter, entrepreneur, creative genius and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary self-promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster. Tyrees journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. His entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to: Hot Lava Entertainment, a synergy production company for books, music and film. Recently Tyree released his first movie The Lure of Young Women which is available on DVD nationwide. As an orator, Tyrees passion for his work ignites his audience. Both thought-provoking and veraciously entertaining, Tyree executes compelling commentary on topics such as The State of Urban Literature where he expounds on contemporary literature including his own work, Leslie, which takes place in New Orleans and has received adequate reader attention post-Hurricane Katrina. A staunch believer in literary integrity, Tyree challenges authors of fiction and non fiction to address issues in the community rather than simply capitalize from exploitive topics in their work. Additional speaking topics for Tyree includes: The Life of MLK Jr., and "Images of Women in the Media. In his latest lecture, The Equation for Life, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining life long success in business as well as everyday living. One attendee who heard the lecture commented, Omar Tyrees equation for life speech made me rethink my whole life it has given me the focus I need. An accompanying CD, Book and DVD for The Equation for Life, will be available in 2008. Tyrees articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Black Collegian, Washington Times and Black Issues Book Review. A graduate of the prestigious Howard University, Tyree plans to reestablish his college age roots by doing magazine features focusing on community, culture, entertainment, politics, and new wave intellectualism. Tyree is presently creating business partnerships with the initiative of adapting several of his novels into feature films. He is also in negotiations to launch a talk show that highlights contemporary notable authors and their die hard readers.
Cicely Tyson Actress, activist and humanitarian was discovered by a fashion editor at Ebony magazine and, with her stunning looks, she quickly rose to the top of the modeling industry. In 1957, she began acting in Off-Broadway productions. She had small roles in feature films before she was cast as Portia in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968) in 1968. Four years later, Cicely was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her sensational performance in the critically acclaimed film Sounder (1972). In 1974, she went on to portray a 110-year-old former slave in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) (TV), which earned her two Emmys. While Cicely has not appeared steadily onscreen because of her loyality to only portray strong, positive images of Black women, she is without a doubt one of the most talented, beautiful actresses to have ever graced the stage and screen. She holds a record 12 Image Awards as best actress from the NAACP and has received awards from such civil rights organizations as PUSH, CORE, the SCLC and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, among others.In 1974, Tyson co-founded the internationally celebrated Dance Theater of Harlem. She currently serves on its board, as well as on the boards of the American Film Institute, Urban Gateways and the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. A founding member of the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America, Tyson in 2002 was appointed by President George W. Bush as a commissioner of the National African American Museum of History and Culture. In 2003, Tyson received the National Women's Law Center Award, the Ellis Island Family Heritage Award and was a featured speaker at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit and has served as Chairperson for UNICEF and works with the United Nations and celebrity organizations in promoting global cultural understanding.and was married to legendary trumpeter Miles Davis from 1981 to 1988.
Linda Villarosa Linda Villarosa is a freelance writer, an Essence Magazine editor-at-large and contributing writer to the New York Times. Formerly, she edited the health pages for the Times, where she redesigned and expanded health coverage for Science Times and for the newspaper at large. Linda was also the executive editor of Essence Magazine, where she wrote or edited a number of award-winning articles. Twenty years ago, Linda wrote what may be the first article to cover the topic of AIDS in an African-American publication when she wrote about women and children battling the disease for Essence. This year, two of her articles on African-Americans and HIV/AIDS appeared on the front page of the NY Times. In 1981, with her mother, Clara, Linda wrote Essence’s ground-breaking article, “Coming Out,” which received more mail than any other in the magazine’s history. Due to the overwhelming response, the two women followed up with an additional story several months later. Linda is the author of Body & Soul: The Black Women’s Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being. A Blackboard Bestseller, there are more than 200,000 copies in print. She is the coauthor of both Finding Our Way: The Teen Girls’ Survival Guide and The Black Parenting Book. As a lecturer, Linda has spoken to groups from Harvard, Wellesley, Dartmouth, Indian University, the University of California at Davis and Swarthmore, to name several. Shehas also provided testimony to the U.S. Congress and the National Institutes of Health and offered workshops for the Radcliffe Publishing Course, the American Society of Magazine Editors, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Press Association. This year she traveled to the International AIDS Conference in Bangkok to help train journalists from around the world to cover HIV.
Helena Maria Viramontes Helena Maria Viramontes, a well-known writer and activist, has written extensively on the experiences of Chicano and Chicana farm workers in the U.S. She grew up in East Los Angeles, one of eleven children born to parents who met when they were working as farm laborers, and spent many childhood summers picking fruit in northern California. A professor of English at Cornell University, she has published two novels Under the Feet of Jesus (1995) and Their Dogs Came With Them (2007)as well as several collections of short stories. She won the John Dos Passos Prize for Literature in 1995.
Rebecca Walker Rebecca Walker is a best-selling author, an acclaimed speaker and teacher, and an award-winning visionary and activist in the fields of intergenerational feminism, enlightened masculinity, and transformational human awareness. When she was just twenty-five, Time Magazine named her one of the fifty most influential future leaders of Americaan award which has since been followed by many others, including the Women Who Could Be President Award from the League of Women Voters, the Champion of Choice Award from CARAL, and the Women of Distinction Award from the American Association of University Women. In 1995 Rebecca published her first anthology, To Be Real: Telling the Truth and Changing the Face of Feminism, which has been in print for more than ten years. Called a "seminal text of Third Wave feminism," To Be Real is taught in Women's Studies programs around the world. In 2002, Rebecca's memoir, Black, White, and Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self, became an international bestseller and won the Alex Award from the American Library Association. People Magazine called Black, White, and Jewish, "A heartbreaking tale of self-creation Walker masterfully illuminates differences between black and white America." A second anthology, What Makes a Man: 22 Writers Imagine The Future, was published in 2004 to similar acclaim: "Walker has done society at large a great service by bringing forth these voices, these views." (Booklist) Rebecca is a popular speaker on campuses and in business settings around the world. She has lectured at more than 300 universities including Harvard, Oberlin, MIT, and Stanford, and addressed dozens of organizations including the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Ministries of Culture and Gender of Estonia, at the first-ever Conference on Masculinity in the Baltics. She's been a consultant for Sony Music, Microsoft and JP Morgan Chase, and has been featured on Charlie Rose and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Rebecca has written for blogs and magazines, including Harper's, Salon, Glamour, Essence, and Buddhadharma, and her essays are widely anthologized. She has taught the art of memoir at workshops, MFA programs, and writing conferences nationwide. For writers developing non-fiction manuscripts, Rebecca offers consultation on theme, voice and structure, helping take projects from concept to manuscript to publication. In December of 2004 Rebecca gave birth to a son, Tenzin, whose arrival is the subject of a new memoir, Baby Love, forthcoming from Riverhead Books in 2007.
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.
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.
J.C. Watts Former Congressman J.C. Watts serves as a political contributor and Republican strategist on CNN's The Situation Room. In addition to serving as a CNN contributor, Watts is the chairman of the J.C. Watts Companies, implementing business development and public affairs strategies for many leading corporations. Watts was elected to the U.S. Congress from Oklahoma's fourth district in 1994. In 1998, he was elected chairman of the Republican Conference, the fourth-ranking leadership position in the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives. In this capacity, he provided daily counsel to the speaker of the House and participated in bi-weekly meetings with the U.S. president. Since leaving Congress, Watts has continued his civic involvement by leading a U.S. delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Conference on Racism, Discrimination and Xenophobia at the request of President George W. Bush and then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. He also joined Bush on his historic trip to Africa. Watts co-founded and co-chairs the Coalition for AIDS Relief in Africa and serves on the board of the Corporate Council on Africa. He also serves on the boards of the Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is a Distinguished Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He is also the chairman of GOPAC and created the J.C. and Frankie Watts Foundation to focus on urban renewal and other charitable initiatives. Watts graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. While at the University of Oklahoma, Watts was quarterback for the Sooners, leading them to two consecutive Big Eight Championships and Orange Bowl victories. He was voted the Most Valuable Player in the 1980 and 1981 Orange Bowls. From 1981 to 1986, he started for Ottawa and Toronto in the Canadian Football League and was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Grey Cup, the CFL's Super Bowl, his rookie season. In addition to careers in politics, athletics and business, Watts has served as youth minister and associate pastor at Sunnylane Baptist Church in his home state of Oklahoma.
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.
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
Floyd Red Crow Westerman Popular Native American actor who portrayed the venerable Chief Ten Bears in the award winning hit movie "Dances With Wolves." An activist and folk singer, Floyd Red Crown Westerman has made many film and television appearances and recorded two folk albums. As a leader in the North American Indian movement, he is actively involved in working for the recognition of treaty, land, and religious rights.
Bryan H. Barrows WHO WAS MARTIN LUTHER KING? Bryan H. Barrows, III, Master of Speech & Communications, will be touring his powerful one-man show this January and February. "WHO WAS MARTIN LUTHER KING?" tells the story of the evolution of the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s place in it. Barrows, a master of storytelling, has been performing the original play since 1988. In the story, Barrows portrays Aaron, an old man who is appalled to learn that his grandson doesn't know who Martin Luther King, Jr. was. Aaron decides that it is his duty to educate the boy. "What has happened to the dream when the dreamer is no longer with us?" Aaron sighs as he begins his tale. As the story progresses, we relive life in America in the '60s: Rosa Parks, The Montgomery Bus Boycott, the riots, The March on Washington, and the final days of the assassinated civil rights leader. A high point is Barrow's presentation of King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Mr. Barrows has performed at colleges and educational institutions, churches, libraries, and museums across America. "My most amazing audience was at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin--" he said, "--there were over 1,500 teenagers at the program . . . I was surprised at how much they got into the show. They caught all of the jokes--even the ones that adults sometimes don't!--and they were very knowledgeable about Dr. King, the Movement and, of course, Malcolm X . . . a man mentioned extensively in the play."
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.
Roger Wilkins Wilkins attended the University of Michigan, receiving his B.A. in 1953 and his J.D. in 1956, interning with Thurgood Marshall at the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund. Following graduation, Wilkins worked in several capacities as an advocate for justice. Beginning his career as a caseworker in the Ohio Welfare Department, Wilkins went on to work for the U.S. Agency for International Development and then as assistant attorney general under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Wilkins' interest in legal issues and equality stems partially from his family's background. His uncle, Roy Wilkins, was executive secretary of the NAACP from 1955 to 1977. However, Wilkins is perhaps best known for his role in exposing Watergate in the 70s a feat that earned him the Pulitzer Prize along with Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein and Hal Herblock. Currently a network radio commentator for NPR and the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of History and American Culture at George Mason University, Wilkins has had a distinguished career that has spanned government, law, philanthropy, and journalism. He has authored two books, written at least 60 book reviews and op-ed pieces for major American papers, published articles in two-dozen magazines, and conceived, written, and narrated two Frontline documentaries. In addition to his Pulitzer, he holds ten honorary degrees, and has served on more than five boards, including those of the NAACP and the African-American Institute. In 1990, he was the national coordinator of Nelson Mandelas visit to the United States. After five years in New York, he forsook the Big Apple for the nations capital, and began a career in the U.S. government that would span the next seven years. During this time, his work took him through three different government agencies, including the State Department, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Justice. He eventually rose to serve as the assistant attorney general of the United States at the Department of Justice from 1966-69 before leaving his career in government. After a three-year commitment to philanthropic work, during which time he served as the program officer in charge of social development for the Ford Foundation, he embarked on what was to become his second major, and equally successful, career as an editor and commentator for newspaper and radio in New York and Washington. After a short time as a member of the editorial page staff at the Washington Post, he returned to New York City for five years (1974-79), where he was a member of the editorial board of the New York Times. Never quite able to resist the lure of D.C.s dual power and charm, he returned in 1980 to assume the role of associate editor of the Washington Star. From there, he quickly moved to CBS News, where he became network radio commentator. In 1990, he became network radio commentator for National Public Radio a role he continues to this day.
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
Vanessa Williams A former host of VH-1, Vanessa Williams was the first Black woman to win the Miss America Pageant. A talented actress and singer, her record albums, "The Right Stuff" and "The Comfort Zone," quickly climbed to the top of the charts.
Walter E. Williams One of America's leading Black conservative economists and a nationally syndicated columnist.
Saul Williams By 1995 he had become a talented open mic poet and in 1996 he won the title of Nuyorican Poets Cafe's Grand Slam Champion. Fame on the spoken-word circuit led him to the lead role in the 1998 feature film, Slam, which won both the Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize and the Cannes Camera D'Or, introducing Williams to international audiences. Williams was at this time breaking into music. He had performed with such artists as renowned hip-hop artists The Fugees, Blackalicious, Erykah Badu, KRS-One, De La Soul, DJ Krust, as well as legendary poets Allen Ginsberg and Sonia Sanchez. After releasing a string of EPs, in 2001 he released the much-hyped Amethyst Rock Star with producer Rick Rubin and in September 2004 his self-titled album to much acclaim. He played several shows supporting Nine Inch Nails on their European tour in summer 2005, and has also supported The Mars Volta. Williams was also invited to the Lollapalooza music festival in Summer 2005. The Chicago stage allowed Williams to attract a wider audience. He also supported NIN on their 2006 North American tour, during which he announced that Trent Reznor would co-produce his next album. [2] As a writer, Williams has been published in The New York Times, Esquire, Bomb Magazine and African Voices, as well as having released four collections of poetry. He has toured and lectured across the world, appearing at many universities and colleges. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Armstrong Williams A rising star as one of America's most provocative and intelligent pundits, Armstrong Williams is a powerful voice for moral values in America's public debate. He defends his views on what's right for America on radio, television and in print. He is the host of The Right Side With Armstrong Williams, a nationally-syndicated talk radio program covering subjects of national and local importance and featuring prominent guest experts on today's hottest, most topical issues. He is the author of Beyond Blame: How We Can Succeed by Breaking the Dependency Barrier. A rising star as one of America's most provocative and intelligent pundits, Armstrong Williams is a powerful voice for moral values in America's public debate. He defends his views on what's right for America on radio, television and in print. True to his entrepreneurial spirit, Williams is Chief Executive Officer of Graham Williams Group, an international public relations firm based in Washington, D.C. Clients of the Graham Williams Group include corporations and individuals from the business community, entertainment industry and political arena, such as Century 21, Computerland executive Terry Giles and poet laureate Maya Angelou. Williams is also a former partner in Premier Limousine, Garden Grove Toyota and Onyx Travel.In addition, he hosts The Right Side With Armstrong Williams, a nationally-syndicated talk radio program covering subjects of national and local importance and featuring prominent guest experts on today's hottest, most topical issues. For The Right Side, Williams was voted into Vanity Fair magazine's 1996 Hall of Fame as one of the most visible radio voices in America. The show was also on television on the National Empowerment Television Network, which featured interviews with many of the same stimulating guests and topics broadcast on the radio. Past guests of the programs have included former Vice-President Dan Quayle, Hollywood "Mogul" Norman Lear, Presidential Candidate Malcolm S. Forbes, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and Reverend Robert Schuler. Williams has appeared on a number of acclaimed television shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Crossfire, Firing Line with William Buckley, America's Black Forum and The Today Show, and is a frequent guest on several shows on networks such as CNN, CSPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX and CNBC. His book Beyond Blame: How We Can Succeed by Breaking the Dependency Barrier was published by Free Press in May 1995. Williams is also the author of Letters to a Young Victim: Hope and Healing in America's Inner Cities, a moving account of the relationship between Williams and a fellow inner-city youth named Brad. Together, through correspondence, they broke down the dependency barriers that restrain many of us from achieving our goals. A third-generation conservative Republican with a long history of political involvement, Williams has worked on Capitol Hill for Senator Strom Thurmond and served as a confidential assistant to (now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court) Chairman Clarence Thomas of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Congressmen Carroll Campbell and Floyd Spence.Highly opinionated in print, Williams is a syndicated columnist with The Los Angeles Times Syndicate and is read in many major newspapers across the country including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Times, The Detroit Free Press, The Boston Globe and his hometown newspaper, The Marion Star-Mullins Enterprise. Additionally, he is a frequent guest columnist for USA Today and Reader's Digest.Williams is a native of Marion, South Carolina, and a 1981 graduate of South Carolina State College. His views and opinions continually raise the American conscience as he discusses issues such as the abolishment of welfare, the restoration of morality in today's society and the key to "Right Living."
Juan Williams With uncompromising integrity and insight into issues and ideas that dictate our nation’s discourse, Juan Williams has risen to the top of the media as one of our most accomplished writers, thinkers, and journalists. Bridging the political spectrum with ease, Williams conveys a knowledgeable perspective of the news that is grounded in the truth and the facts. With a breadth of experience spanning over 20 years at The Washington Post, where he served as an award-winning editorial writer, op-ed columnist and White House correspondent, to his current role as Senior Correspondent for NPR and a political analyst for FoxNews, Williams understands the hot button topics that affect the way we live and do business. As an Emmy winner for television documentary writing, Williams has won widespread critical acclaim. He has written six highly regarded books on the state of our nation, including Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America - and What We Can Do About It, igniting nationwide debate with his point blank analysis of black leadership. Williams generates informed and intelligent discussion, whether engaging an audience or appearing on Nightline, Washington Week in Review, Crossfire, and Capitol Gang Sunday. Stimulating and compelling, he is a credible and experienced voice of the media.
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.
Tim Wise Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the U.S., and has been called, "One of the most brilliant, articulate and courageous critics of white privilege in the nation," by best-selling author and professor Michael Eric Dyson, of Georgetown University. Wise has spoken in 48 states, and on over 400 college campuses, including Harvard, Stanford, and the Law Schools at Yale and Columbia, and has spoken to community groups around the nation. Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has trained physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. He has also trained corporate, government, entertainment, military and law enforcement officials on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions, and has served as a consultant for plaintiff's attorneys in federal discrimination cases in New York and Washington State. Wise is the 2008 Oliver L. Brown Distinguished Visiting Scholar for Diversity Issues at Washburn University, in Topeka, Kansas: an honor named for the lead plaintiff in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. In 2005, Wise served as an adjunct faculty member at the Smith College School for Social Work, in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he co-taught a Master's level class on Racism in the U.S. In 2001, Wise trained journalists to eliminate racial bias in reporting, as a visiting faculty-in-residence at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2005 and 2006, Wise provided training on issues of racial privilege and institutional bias at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), at Patrick Air Force Base. From 1999-2003, Wise was an advisor to the Fisk University Race Relations Institute, in Nashville, and in the early '90s was Associate Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Racism and Nazism: the largest of the many groups organized for the purpose of defeating neo-Nazi political candidate, David Duke. Wise is the author of White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, and Affirmative Action: Racial Preference in Black and White. A collection of his essays, Speaking Treason Fluently: Anti-Racist Reflections From an Angry White Male, will be published in the Fall of 2008, and his fourth book, Between Barack and a Hard Place: Race and Whiteness in the Age of Obama, will be released in Spring, 2009. He has contributed chapters or essays to 20 books, and is one of several persons featured in White Men Challenging Racism: Thirty-Five Personal Stories, from Duke University Press. He received the 2001 British Diversity Award for best essay on race issues, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular, professional and scholarly journals. Wise has been a guest on hundreds of radio and television programs, worldwide. Wise has a B.A. in Political Science from Tulane University, where his anti-apartheid work received global attention and the thanks of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He received training in methods for dismantling racism from the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, in New Orleans. He and his wife Kristy are the proud parents of two daughters.
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.
Alfre Woodard Alfre Woodard pushed the art of deadpan to new heights as the hotel manager in Robert Altmans droll satire Health (1979). Eventually, she would create a rich gallery of characterizations which, whether poverty-stricken or upper class, educated or not, never lost a certain instinctual savvy and realistic viewpoint. Committed to political activism in the United States and Africa, Woodard was among artists and activists who, in 1989, founded Artists for a New South Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to democracy and equality in South Africa and civil rights in the United States. She also has been active in campaigns against environmental racism and efforts to raise AIDS awareness. Woodard recently played the mysterious Betty Applewhite on ABCs hit series Desperate Housewives. She has starred in Beauty Shop opposite Queen Latifah, The Forgotten, K-PAX opposite Kevin Spacey, and many more. In 1998, she starred in Maya Angelous directorial debut, Down in the Delta, as a troubled woman sent to live with relatives in the South. Woodard has also lent her voice to animation, portraying the cheetah mother in The Wild Thornberrys Movie, as well as the lemur named Plio in Dinosaur. A four-time Emmy Award winner, Woodard was honored for her performances as a grieving mother of a child killed by a police officer on the acclaimed series Hill Street Blues and a rape victim on the pilot of L.A. Law. She received an Emmy Award for Best Actress in a television mini-series for Miss Evers Boys and a 2003 Emmy for her guest-starring role in The Practice. She was also honored with an ACE Award for her portrayal of Winnie Mandela in the HBO presentation Mandela, co-starring Danny Glover. A former high school cheerleader and track star, she got the acting bug after being persuaded to audition for a school play by a nun at her school. She went on to study acting at Boston University and enjoyed a brief stint on Broadway before moving to LA. She got her first break in Remember My Name (1978), which also starred Jeff Goldblum. The youngest of three children, Woodards godmother, who claimed she saw a vision of her name written out in gold letters, named her Alfre. Woodard currently resides in Santa Monica with her husband, writer Roderick Spencer, and their two adopted children: Mavis and Duncan.
Samuel Yette A highly respected journalist and author, Samuel Yette served as associate editor of Ebony magazine and Washington correspondent for Newsweek magazine. Samuel Yette is the author of Washington and Two Marches: 1963 and 1983; and The Choice: The Issues of Black Survival in America. The Choice was selected as the Non-Fiction Work of Distinction, the highest non-fiction award of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
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.
Adeeb Yousif Adeeb Yousif, the chairperson of the Darfur Reconciliation and Development Organization, will speak about his experiences as human rights activist in Sudan and the current situation in Darfur. Yousif is a co-founder of the Sudan Social Development Organization - a human rights, humanitarian relief, and development organization, which has since been shut down by the government of Sudan. Yousif has been detained twice by the Sudanese government and suffered torture while in detention for 11 months. Topic: 1. Embittered Lives: Sudan Darfur: A wakeup call. 2. The Voice from Darfur 3. Darfurian Yelling 4. Global responsibility 5. Political Stability, Humanitarian Issues, & International Inventions 6. Local Perspectives on a Global Responsibility. 7. the third Genocide in Sudan on the Watch of international community 8. The reality in Darfur. 9. Sudan future and the way forward 10. The extension of Darfur conflict in Africa. 11. Unification and fragmentation in Darfur.
Fareed Zakaria Fareed Zakaria is the editor of Newsweek International, overseeing all Newsweek's editions abroad. He writes a regular column for Newsweek, which also appears in Newsweek International and often The Washington Post. He is a member of the roundtable of ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanapoulos" as well as an analyst for ABC News. And he is the host of a new weekly PBS show, "Foreign Exchange" which focuses on international affairs. His most recent book, "The Future of Freedom," was published in the spring of 2003 and was a New York Times bestseller and is being translated into eighteen languages. He is also the author of "From Wealth to Power: The Unusual Origins of America's World Role" (Princeton University Press), and co-editor of "The American Encounter: The United States and the Making of the Modern World" (Basic Books). Zakaria has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The New Republic, and the webzine Slate. He has won several awards for his columns and essays, in particular for his October 2001 Newsweek cover story, "Why They Hate Us." In 1999, he was named "one of the 21 most important people of the 21st Century" by Esquire Magazine. Prior to being at Newsweek, Zakaria was managing editor of Foreign Affairs, the leading journal of international politics and economics. He has also taught international relations and political philosophy, in various capacities, at Harvard, Columbia, and Case Western universities. He currently serves on the boards of Yale University, the Trilateral Commission, and the Council of Foreign Relations among others. He received a B.A. from Yale and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard. He lives in New York City with his wife, son and daughter.
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.