Black History Month and MLK Day Featured Speakers

Featured Speakers
Harry Belefonte - World Renowned Actor and Activist Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Celebrity, Diversity Harry Belafonte has been called “the consummate entertainer”- an artist in every field in which, he has participated - a concert singer, a recording artist, a movie, Broadway and television star and producer. Belafonte’s activity in the human rights struggle is globally respected. His awards and recognitions include both worlds, as artist and humanitarian. He believes that his work for human rights and his artistic pursuits give him the basis for a most productive and balanced life. Neither overshadows the other, and both are extremely important to him. “My social and political interests are part of my career. I can’t separate them,” said Belafonte. “My songs reflect the human condition. The role of art isn’t just to show life as it is, but to show life as it should be.” Belafonte was born in Harlem in New York City. His immigrant mother sent him back to the island of her birth, Jamaica, to spend his formative years and early adolescence. His exposure to life on the island and all its variety became a cultural reservoir which he drew upon for his artistic expression. Read More...		Dick Gregory - Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Civil Rights, Black History, Comedian/Comedienne, Best-selling author, Motivation Dick Gregory is a brilliant comedian, leading civil and human rights activist, well-received author of 15 books, recording artist with seven records, television and film personality, leading nutritionist, veteran, of over 100 fasts, and man totally committed to non-violent social change. Behind this man are his wife, Lillian, and their ten children. Michele, Lynne, Pamela, Paula, Zenobia (Stephanie), Gregory, Miss, Christian, Ayanna, and Yohance. For the past 42 years, the Dick Gregory family has made sacrifice after sacrifice for the Civil Rights Movement. Read More
Dr. Boyce Watkins - Professor, Author, and Social Activist Price Range: $5000 - $7500 Topics: Black Social Commentary, Education, and Personal Finance Dr. Boyce Watkins has presented his message to millions, appearing regularly on CNN, ESPN, Fox News, and many more national media outlets. Although Dr. Watkins has his Ph.D. in finance, he is also an expert on a variety of topics including education and black social commentary. Read more... Video Footage of Dr. Watkins: Dr. Boyce Watkins discussing Obama on CNN Dr. Boyce Watkins on The Black Enterprise Report		Donna Brazile - Political Commentator; Chair of the Voting Rights Institute Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Women in Society, Politics and Gov't, Education 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. 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, published by Melville House in 2004.Read More...
Deborah Stroman, PhD. Sports Entrepreneur and Marketing Leadership Professor at UNC Chapel Hill Fee: call for quote Topics: Entrepreneurship, Business, Motivation, Inspiration, Sports/Athletics, Women in Society Travels from: NC Dr. Debby Stroman is a faculty member of the Sport Administration specialization of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. Her teaching focus is the theory and practical application of economics and finances, leadership, and the marketing of sport. Her research interests are leadership, entrepreneurship, and social issues of sport. Additional responsibilities include faculty advisor to the Carolina Business Club, director of the undergraduate sport administration internship program, and academic advising. Prior to her appointment at UNC, Dr. Stroman successfully owned and managed sports marketing, financial consulting, and nutritional supplement companies. She is the 2006 recipient of the state of Maryland's Top Minority Business Enterprise Award, which recognizes entrepreneurial success in business development, professional affiliation, client satisfaction, and community involvement. She also has experience as a grant writer, philanthropic development officer, and fundraiser for non-profit organizations. Dr. Stroman continues to accent her theoretical effort with practical application. Read more...		Elaina George - Price Range: $2000-$3500 Topics: Healthcare, Chronic Diseases, Women's Health & Nutrition, Dr Elaina George is Board certified Otolaryngologist who started Peachtree ENT Center with a mission to practice state of the art medicine that is available to everyone. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Biology. She received her Masters degree in Medical Microbiology at Long Island University, and received her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr George completed her residency at Manhattan, Eye Ear & Throat Hospital. Her training included general surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, pediatric ENT at The NY-Presbyterian Hospital, and head and neck oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She has published in several scientific journals and presented her research at national meetings. Known as "The Patient's Advocate," Dr. George has dedicated her career to the practice of excellent medicine that is built on a strong doctor patient relationship that empowers the patient through education. Her philosophy of the importance of treating the problem and not the symptom has led her to incorporate an integrative approach that emphasizes wellness and prevention as the first line of treatment. Read More...
Ed Gordon- Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Media, Political, Current events, Motivation, Black History Hard-hitting and inspiring. Exacting and intelligent. Honest and direct. These are the classic characteristics that describe the journalistic style and approach of Emmy Award-winning newsman Ed Gordon. Gordon's knack for landing exclusives and encouraging even the most reclusive newsmakers to share their private thoughts was most recently demonstrated on May 8, 2002, when Gordon conducted the first national interview of singer-songwriter R. Kelly, under fire for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor. The special two-part interview earned an impressive 1.7 rating and attracted a record 1.2 million viewers. Read More...		Nikki Giovanni - Poet Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Civil Rights, Black History, Writing/Publishing, Women in Society, Motivation Nikki Giovanni is a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Over the past thirty years, her outspokenness, in her writing and in lectures, 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. Read More...
Wilmer Leon - Price Range: $4000 - $6000 Categories: Civil Rights, Communication, Politics, Education, Motivation Wilmer J. Leon III, Ph.D. is a Political Scientist whose primary areas of expertise are Black Politics, American Government, and Public Policy. He is a Teaching Associate in the Political Science Department at Howard University in Washington, D.C., nationally broadcast radio talk show host, columnist, commentator, political consultant, lecturer, and much sought after motivational speaker. Read More...		Peniel Joseph - Black Empowerment Expert and Harvard University Professor. Price Range: Call For Quote Topics: Politics, Black History, Motivation, Education Peniel E. Joseph is one of the nation’s leading scholars of African American history. Although Joseph’s formal expertise includes the Black Radical Tradition, Pan-Africanism, Black Social Movements, and African American feminism, he is currently embarking on a re-evaluation of the Black Power Movement. Professor Joseph is associate professor of African and Afro-American Studies and affiliate faculty in history at Brandeis University. Joseph is the founder of a growing subfield of historical and Africana Studies scholarship that he has named “Black Power Studies.” This new scholarship, which connects grassroots activism to national struggles for black self-determination and international African independence movements, is actively rewriting postwar African American history.
Sophia Nelson - Political Strategist Price Range: $5000 - $10000 Topics: Politics, Media, Women in Society, Law Sophia A. Nelson is the founder & President of iask, Inc. a national organization dedicated to the service-self-success of professional black women in the United States. Sophia is a unique speaker with a unique point of view in today's modern political world. She is a longtime Republican political strategist, opinion writer, and attorney. She formerly served as Senior Counsel in the law firm of Holland & Knight's Public Policy and Regulation Group. Ms. Nelson's practice was focused in the areas of homeland security, intelligence and defense issues. However, Ms. Nelson successfully represented clients before all of the federal civilian agencies. Read More...		Christopher Metzler - Price Range: $4000 - $10,000 Categories: Civil Rights, Diversity, Employees/Workforce, International Affairs, Politics Christopher J. Metzler, PhD is Associate Dean of Human Resources for the Masters of Professional Studies at The School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining Georgetown University; he was on the faculty at Cornell University’s ILR School where he directed the EEO and Diversity Studies program. Prior to entering higher education, he headed the strategic issues and research practice at an international consulting firm and provided advice to multinational corporations and governments on human rights, human capital, equality, corporate social responsibility, discrimination and diversity. He lectures globally on diversity, global employment practices, corporate social responsibility, human rights, human resources and comparative employment systems. Read More...
Glenda Hatchett, Judge Price Range: Call for Quote Topics: Motivation, Law, Corporate responsibility, Inspirational After graduating from Emory University School of Law and completing a coveted clerkship in the U.S. Federal Courts, Glenda Hatchett accepted a position at Delta Air Lines, as the company’s highest-ranking African-American woman. She served in dual roles as a senior attorney for Delta, litigating cases in federal courts throughout the country, and Manager of Public Relations, supervising global crisis management, and media relations for all of Europe, Asia and the United States. In fact, her outstanding contributions were recognized by Ebony Magazine, which named Glenda Hatchett one of the “100 Best and Brightest Women in Corporate America.” Read More...		Dr. Julianne Malveaux President of Bennett College for Women, Economist, and Women's Activist Price Range: $10,000 - $12,000 Categories: Race, Culture, Gender, and Economics Dr. Julianne Malveaux is the President of Bennett College for Women. Recognized for her progressive and insightful observations, she is also an economist, author and commentator, and has been described by Dr. Cornel West as “the most iconoclastic public intellectual in the country.” Dr. Malveaux’s contributions to the public dialogue on issues such as race, culture, gender, and their economic impacts, are shaping public opinion in 21st century America. Read More...
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill - Professor, Author, Political Analyst Price Range: $3500 - $7000 Topics: Politics, Hip Hop Culture, Sexuality, Education, and Religion Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is one of the youngest members of the growing body of “Hip-Hop Intellectuals” in the country. Dr. Hill has lectured widely and provides regular commentary for numerous radio, television and print media outlets such as The Baltimore Sun, Philadelphia Inquirer, Essence Magazine, Radio America, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. In 2005, Ebony Magazine named him one of America's top 30 Black leaders under 30 years old. Dr. Hill is a professor at Temple University and his research focuses on the intersections between youth, popular culture, and pedagogy. Video Footage of Dr. Hill: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Debates Heroism on Fox News. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and Bill O'Reilly Discuss California Fires. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill's Opinions on Cities Suing Gang Members.		Kevin Powell Fee: call for quote Topics: Motivation, Political, Civil Rights, Black History Travels from: NY Kevin Powell is widely considered one of America’s most important voices in these early years of the 21st century. Legendary feminist Gloria Steinem asserts 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." Internationally acclaimed scholar and social critic Dr. Michael Eric Dyson has called Powell "a mighty wind of fresh air." And of Kevin Powell the writer asha bandele says “When you consider the intelligence and breadth of Kevin Powell’s writing and activism, you come to the conclusion that there may be no better spokesperson and representative for a generation that has too long been counted out.” Read More...
Marshawn Evans - Beauty Queen turned Corporate Attorney; NBC's Apprentice Contestant Price Range: $5000 - $10000 Categories: Women in Society, Attitude, Law, Motivation, Education As one of the nation’s leading experts on the art of maximizing human potential, Entertainment Attorney MARSHAWN EVANS is Founder of MEU Consulting, a corporate life-enrichment consulting firm focusing on peak performance, diversity, workforce readiness, and dynamic leadership strategies. MEU consults with Fortune 500 Companies and human resource departments on leading peak performance strategies, while offering unique insight from her experiences working with professional athletes, practicing as an employment lawyer, and as a national competitor. As a pioneering woman in the world of professional sports, she is President of EDGE 3M Sports & Entertainment (www.edge3m.com) ‑ a brand management firm responsible for elevating the profile of elite entertainers and athletes in the NBA and NFL, helping make her clients peak performers on and off the field. Read More...		Bruce George Co-Creator of Def Poetry Jam Fee: $3,000 - $6,000 Topics: Black History, Arts/Culture/Music, Diversity, Youth/Children Bruce is a visionary, executive producer, writer, poet and activist. He was born and raised in New York City. He has written poetry/prose & articles for over 37 years. His work has been published in major magazines, anthologies, and literary publications. He has written testimonials from the likes of Essence Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Class Magazine, Harlem River Press etc… Bruce has won multiple poetry & talent contests. He has won several awards such as a “Peabody Award” for “Russell Simmons Presents, Def Poetry (HBO)”, a “Miky Award” for “Russell Simmons Presents, Def Poetry Jam (HBO)”, an “Upscale Showcase Award”, a “Trail Blazer Award” etc… for his outstanding vision, production, writing and performance. Read More...
Ann Stanford - Price Range: $5000 - $10000 Categories: Arts/Culture/Music, Inspirational, Empowerment, Media, Motivation, Women in Society It is said by many that Dr. Stanford is in a class almost by herself. She is a consummate leader, former diplomat, manager, professor and author. Her contributions to the public sector have amassed a long list of distinguished “first” accomplishments. Her spheres of influence cover six US states, District of Columbia, and three continents—Africa, Europe and the Far East. Read More		Lee Jones, Ph.D Educator! Author! Scholar! Motivator! TV Talk Show Host! Change Agent! Fee: $3,500 - $5,000 Topics: Inspirational, Motivation, Diversity, Business Dr. Lee Jones currently serves President and Executive Editor of InSpire Magazine and Executive Director of the InSpire ILEAD Institute. Most recently, he served as the Dean of The School of Graduate Studies and Professor of Educational Foundations at The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater He served as a member of the Provost Administrative Team and manages a 3.2 million dollar operating budget. Dr. Jones was responsible for providing leadership for many departments within the Provost Office including, The School of Graduate School, The offices of Continuing Education, Faculty Development, Distance Education, Sponsored Research and Programs, Information and Technology; Summer Sessions, Credit Outreach, World Affairs, etc. In addition to all his academic and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Jones finds the time to produce and host Your Voice T.V. Talk Show and has recently taped his 250th show, which aired throughout the state of Florida. He is launching his new T.V. show, B-InSpired.
Kimberly Reed - Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Entrepreneurship, Diversity, Empowerment, Women in Society Innovator, Entrepreneur, Networking Guru, Kimberly S. Reed, Managing Partner of the now Reed Development Group LLC specializes in the design and delivery of innovative solutions that improve an organization’s ability to attract and retain top diverse talent. RDG provides creative solutions in Diversity & Inclusion Strategy development, Diversity Recruitment & Talent Acquisition services, and Diversity Education Training program design and delivery for fortune 500, global financial services, professional services and not-for-profit organizations. Kimberly has over 12 years experience in Human Resources with a focus in diverse talent management planning/staffing, training & development and Diversity & Inclusion Strategies. Kimberly has held senior management roles at Deloitte & Touche USA LLP and Merrill Lynch. Kimberly was appointed to the board of directors for JIMPACT Enterprises, specializing in Diversity, Leadership training and development. In addition to her above role, Kimberly is a senior adjunct consultant for Global Lead Consulting, a Diversity Consulting Firm.		Terrence Jenkins - Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Arts/Culture/Music, Celebrity, Motivation, Youth/Children, Entertainment Terrence J is a young man with a master plan. From apprenticing with NASCAR® to working on radio and throwing some of the best social gatherings around, Terrence J has been preparing himself for superstardom and making sure that his life is the American Dream, blasted out of the box. Now, he’s using his hosting spot on BET®’s 106 and Park, the hottest music program in the world (airing in the US, Japan and the UK), to take his plan to the next level. Since taking over as host almost 4 years ago, Terrence J has watched his plan get bigger and he’s been able to do things that most people can only dream of doing. He’s interviewed such megastars as Madonna, Will Smith, Harrison Ford, Jamie Foxx, Beyonce and Jay-Z. He’s hosting, along with co-host Rocsi, 106 and Park Weekend Countdown, a syndicated radio program that is broadcast across the country and throughout the Caribbean. He’s executive producing—through his own production company—Crank That Vote, a TV show inspired by mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ challenge to Terrence to register 100,000 voters in time for the 2008 Presidential election. He’s also expanding his presence online, with ventures that will take advantage of the importance of cyberspace to young people. Terrence J is doing it and building a career that inspires young people around the world. Read More...
S. Tia Brown- Editor, Writer, TV Correspondent Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Writing/Publishing, Media, Attitude, Empowerment, Women in Society S. Tia Brown has spent more than a decade following her passion of journalism. As an editor, writer, and TV correspondent, you may recognize her face from CNN, E! or MSNBC. Brown's done everything from interviewing Alicia Keys and commenting on the daily dalliances of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to writing about personal finance and self-help. She's worked at an array of pop culture magazines, including Entertainment Weekly, Teen People and In Touch Weekly. In addition, Brown's a trained life coach and authored the book titled Do Better, Be Better, a weekly advice column where we she tackles issues with her signature candor and practical tips. Read More		Laquita Blockson, Ph.D Fee: $2000 - $7500 Topics: Business, Business Growth, Management, Motivation Dr. Laquita C. Blockson, also known as the “Business Renaissance Guru,” is a business/organizational ethics expert as well as an entrepreneurship and urban economic development scholar. She has extensive experience providing lectures for, facilitating workshops for, and providing guidance to small businesses, community development corporations, executive education programs, affiliates of national nonprofit organizations, and aspiring minority and women business owners. As the Business Renaissance Guru, Dr. Blockson’s specialty is to encourage and guide organizations as they transform themselves during periods of growth or turbulence.
Ayinde Jean Baptiste - Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Black History, Civil Rights, Youth/Children, Motivation, Political Festac, Lagos, 1993: an “old soul” child of 10 years old, fresh from across the Atlantic is running around with his aunty's children and the neighbor children, and while you would think that a short visit wouldn’t change much, she notes that they are a little more unruly, perhaps a little more introspective, a little different since he came, and she dubs them 'Ayinsko' - Yoruba slang for 'Ayinde and his people/crew/squad/team.' Seems Ayinde raises enough ruckus or points to the true path enough that there is a word for what is born when the people listen. For this Ayinde it came to mean all those he carried with him – in him, fam, crew, and of course that nebulous and contested construct ‘the people,’ and he held on to it – he held on to them. Read More...		Shawn Edwards - Price Range: Call For Quote Categories: Arts/Culture/Music, Diversity, Media, Writing/Publishing Shawn Edwards is an award winning film critic for Fox –TV (WDAF) in Kansas City, Missouri and the country's leading film critic. Known for his sharp insight and considerable knowledge of the business side of the movie industry, Edwards has quickly made a name for himself as a respected and trusted film critic. He has been quoted on more than 250 movies-including I am Legend, Hitch, and Vantage Point-since he began reviewing movies for FOX in 2000. Read More...
Corey Dade - Reporter for Wall Street Journal Price Range: $2000 - $5000 Categories: Inspirational, Political, Current events, Civil Rights The Wall Street Journal’s Corey Dade reports from the front lines of today’s biggest news with a fresh voice on events that shape American politics and culture. Through his insightful coverage of national politics, Fortune 500 companies, celebrities and social issues, Dade has been a frequent commentator on CNN, Fox News, Headline News, CNBC and National Public Radio. Read More...		Dr. Cyrus M. Ellis Fee: $2,000 - $3,500 Topics: Black History, Psychology, Diversity, Image/Self-Esteem, Military, Alcoholism/Drug Abuse Industry specialties: Military, Education Cyrus Marcellus Ellis earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education from The Curry School of Education at The University of Virginia. While at the University of Virginia, Dr. Ellis was awarded the William Van Hoose Memorial Award from The Curry School of Education Foundation in April of 1999. Dr. Ellis earned a Masters degree in Counseling Services and a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. While at Rider, Dr. Ellis was awarded the Lincoln Scott Walter Award in Counseling in 1996 and earned a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve in 1992.