Diversity & Inclusion (U)

Keith Boykin is a national political commentator, TV and film producer, New York Times best-selling author, and a former White House aide to President Bill Clinton. His latest books are Race Against Time: The Politics of a Darkening America (2021), Quitting: Why I Left My Job to Live a Life of Freedom (2022) and Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race? (2024).

<p>Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues. She anchors and produces "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien," a <em>Hearst political magazine </em>program seen in 95% of the country.

<p>Jeff is a teller of stories, developer of messages, and architect of social solutions who’s as comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind the scenes developing strategy and messages for his clients. </p>

<p>Iconic activist Angela Davis has made it her mission to share her life story and challenge her audiences to join the struggle for racial, economic, and gender justice. </p><p>Angela has been deeply involved in some of the major social movements over the last 50 years. She was born and raised in Birmingham, Ala., by parents who were active community organizers. As a teenager, she marched and picketed against racial segregation. Angela went on earn a doctorate in philosophy.

<p>Bob Zellner brings to life the victories, struggles and heartbreaks of the Civil Rights era in a way that empowers and instructs audiences and the modern-day movement. </p><p>Bob is one of the most influential leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, from the 1960s to today. The son and grandson of Ku Klux Klan members, he risked his life – and nearly lost it – many times in the fight to achieve The Second Emancipation.

Michelle Alexander’s acclaimed best-seller, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness released a special 10th anniversary edition in January 2020.

<p>Chosen by Oprah&#39;s O Magazine as one of 20 women on the first "O Power List," Mayda del Valle has been described by the Chicago Sun-Times as having, "a way with words." Indeed, the powerhouse performance poet does.</p>

<p>As the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Naomi Tutu struggled to find her own place in the world. As a human rights advocate, she pulls from her personal challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa.</p><p>The Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu knew from early in life that the one thing she would never be is a priest. She has always said, “I have my father’s nose, I do not want his job” However, after years spent as a development consultant, educator and race and gender activist she accepted her call to ordained ministry.

<p>Edward James Olmos imparts a lively message about the ideals of cultural diversity and racial harmony that inspire you to fight for the causes in which you believe. </p><p>Named America’s most influential Latino star by Hispanic Magazine, Edward is an actor, director and passionate community activist best known for his roles in the film <i>Stand and Deliver </i>and television’s <i>Battlestar Galactica</i>.</p><p>A longtime pioneer for more diversified roles in the U.S.

<p>Author of the best-selling memoir<i> Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics</i>, her witty style and innovative political strategies have earned her the respect of colleagues as well as adversaries. </p><p>Inspired by participation in a successful political campaign at age 9, Donna Brazile holds a lifelong, fiery passion for political progress. She was honored to become the first African American to manage a presidential bid, leading Al Gore’s campaign in 2000.