STACEY ABRAMS: Political Leader, Non-Profit CEO & Serial Entrepreneur; First Black Woman to be a Gubernatorial Nominee of a Major Party in the U.S.; Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives (2011-2017); Author of Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change

Political leader, nonprofit CEO, author, and serial entrepreneur STACEY ABRAMS made history and captured the nation's attention as the first Black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in any state, going on to win more votes than any other Democrat in Georgia's history. After eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Minority Leader, Abrams became the 2018 Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia. The race was one of the most-watched and closest elections of the year, and from it Abrams emerged a national political star. After witnessing the election’s mismanagement, Abrams launched Fair Fight to ensure free and fair elections, and she's a leading voice on voter suppression today. Abrams was recently sought-out to speak at TED, where her talk has racked up over 1.6 million views and counting, and the Brookings Institution as part of their Black History Month Celebration, where she discussed the increasing political power of black voters and candidates. to college campuses, to the Commonwealth Club. Abrams' book Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change, is a personal and empowering blueprint for outsiders who seek to become the ones in charge.

 

MAE JEMISON: First African American Woman in Space; Inductee National Women's Hall of Fame & International Space Hall of Fame

A larger-than-life force of inspiration, MAE JEMISON is a trailblazer who offers bold inspiration and game-changing lessons on leadership, social responsibility, and diversity for enraptured audiences. A true icon, heralded for her passion and continued dedication to building a world of opportunity and equality, this Black History Month Jemison was celebrated in outlets including CNN, The Huffington Post, Ebony, and The Atlanta Voice, and was included in Netflix's "Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History" An incredibly in-demand speaker, Jemison was sought-out to speak at an even about Women of Color in STEM in celebration of Martin Luther King Day where her empowering keynote garnered tweets of praise such as: "Thank you Dr. @maejemison for the inspiring #MLKDay keynote speech. 'Just because it wasn't done doesn't mean you can't do it,'" and "I'm truly humbled by her message of awakening to our dreams, inspired by Dr. King's legacy."

 

ANDREW YOUNG: Civil Rights Activist & Former Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC); Mayor of Atlanta (1982-1990); U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1977-1979); U.S. Representative from Georgia (1973-1977)

ANDREW YOUNG has been serving and shaping our country for over 50 years. A former Ambassador to the United Nations, Mayor of Atlanta, and Congressman, Young was an early leader of the Civil Rights Movement and close cofidante of Martin Luther King Jr.’s, serving as the Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Young’s remarkable life experiences, empowering commentary, and profound insights have had him in-demand as he simultaneously honors the past and looks to the future. This Black History Month he was sought-out to speak at the Huntsville Museum of Art, where his powerful remarks made headlines, the Skirball Cultural Center and Greenvillle Technical College. Young seamlessly integrates his life story into his speeches, leaving audiences both energized and hopeful.

 

TARANA BURKE: Founder of the Me Too Movement; 2017 TIME Person of the Year; 2018 TIME's "100 Most Influential People"; Social Justice Activist

Named to TIME's "100 Most Influential People of 2018" and Politico's "20 Women to Watch," TARANA BURKE spearheaded the Me Too movement years before it became a viral hashtag as the founder of Just Be Inc., a non-profit that helps victims. On stage, she shares her powerful and poignant story as creator of what is now an international movement and a survivor of sexual assault herself. Sought-out to deliver the keynote at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's annual MLK Tribute and Notre Dame's Black History Month lecture, Burke's candid and substantive remarks garnered tweets of praise such as: "Completely inspired by @TaranaBurke today at @BAM_Brooklyn. Most resonant takeaway: We should be proud but not satisfied by progress we’ve made. Imagine if those before us accepted small wins and said 'this is good enough.'” Burke was recently profiled in The New York Times, New York MagazineEssencePaper MagazineHarper's Bazaar, and sought-out for a TedWomen talk, Burke shares a powerful vision of where the movement needs to go from here.

 

JUDITH JAMISON: Legendary Dancer and Choreographer; Artistic Director Emerita, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

"Everything was wonderful. We were so happy to have such a successful event. I have had students and faculty approach me all week long saying they were inspired by Ms. Jamison's speech. I was really nice to have someone to speak on diversity."

-Hamilton College

CLARENCE PAGE: Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist; Member of Chicago Tribune’s Editorial Board


"Fireside chat with Clarence Page was SENSATIONAL. What a phenomenal speaker and storyteller- and what incredible stories. The audience hung on his every word."

-AARP

MICHAEL NUTTER: 98th Mayor of Philadelphia (2008-16)

"It went very well. Mayor Nutter has been most delightful to work with for this event."

- Novo Nordisk A/S

MICHAEL STEELE: Former Chair of the Republican National Committee; MSNBC Political Analyst

"He was phenomenal. His public persona proved authentic; he revealed to us an amazingly generous spirit, as well as well-received words of wisdom. I have heard nothing but praise and gratitude today..."

-Western Carolina University

 

These speakers not only deliver bold inspiration and powerful lessons at each engagement, but they embody their messages in their lives and careers. Dedicated and passionate advocates, they leave audiences emboldened to be changemakers and looking to the future of racial and social justice.