"She was wonderful, and the right speaker at the right time for AMC. She was fabulous. So glad to have met her."
-Schwarzman Animal Medical Center"The event was amazing and Austin of course did a wonderful job. I have heard so many comments about how powerful it was to have her in this virtual space authentically talking about the intersection of race, identity, culture and joy of being black. It was such a timely conversation on our campus."
-Dominican University"We were so thrilled with Austin’s virtual visit on Sunday. She was even more dynamic and engaging than we expected. She really encouraged folks to ask questions and participate in the chat, and they really did. ...We couldn’t have been happier with how it all went – thank you!!"
-Saint Paul's Episcopal Church"Listen here!!!!! When I tell you the feedback from Austin’s session thus far has been amazing, I mean it has been AMAZING!!! I ran a strategic diversity communications meeting an hour ago with several seniors leaders and she was referenced several times amongst the committee members. Many people talk about how the energy and vibe from her presentation set the tone for the remainder of our forum. I have nothing but good things to say about this experience. The students loved her. And I think the most awesome dynamic is that she was able to weave her higher education experience into the conversation. I could go on and on and on. She is a gem."
-University of Wisconsin-Madison"Austin was able to masterfully link her experiences as a Black child, mother and adult to the fabric of centuries of systemic racism. Her honest discussion with our moderator provided affirmation for some conference attendees, and eye-opening information for others. We are most appreciative of the experience Austin provided as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the California WIC program is inclusive to all individuals"
-California WIC Association"Most people say, 'that book has legs;' I measure the impact of a book by how often I throw it across the room. [Austin's book] has serious wings. It broke me open."
-Brene Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Daring Greatly"When Austin Channing Brown speaks, her voice shakes loose comfort and complacency in the heart of every listener. Her voice is foretelling and truth-telling as she centers Black women while giving each of her audiences the charge to dismantle white supremacy, discard apathy, and take action. She is authentic, riveting and inspiring!"
-Amena Brown, Author, Poet & Podcast Host of How to Fix a Broken Record"Ive watched Austin captivate an audience for seven minutes to two hours. Austin is at once truthful and invitational, funny and sincere, bold and kind."
-Glennon Doyle, Philanthropist and Bestselling Author of Love Warrior and Untamed"Austin is one of the most important voices in America. She educates on how to become a nation that truly values equity and justice for all."
-Kirsten Powers, USA Today Writer and CNN Contributor"In the five months since Austin's visit to the campus of Abilene Christian University, her words of challenge and encouragement have been repeated among the faculty. Austin wisely reminded us that we can look deeply at policies and actively work to change any that do not promote equity. Austin's visit to campus was truly a pivotal point of change."
-Abilene Christian UniversityAuthor Talk: 'Full of Myself'
In this dynamic book talk based on her new book Full of Myself, AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN invites audiences to explore what it means to live fully and freely, even amid societal hostility. This event offers a transformative experience for organizations committed to racial justice, wellbeing, and authentic leadership.
Her talks are ideal for:
Austin Channing Brown’s Full of Myself is a call to reclaim identity, joy, and hope in the face of relentless challenge.
Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
Diversity has become a very popular word in our society, having ripple effects in our offices, hallways, classrooms and meetings. We are becoming increasingly aware that a celebration of racial diversity without the intentionality of honoring the dignity of people of color can cause more harm than help. In this lecture by AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN, participants will receive tips and tools for honoring the dignity of people of color- told through the story of just one Black girl who has had to contend with the misery of diversity efforts, but found great joy in the pursuit of dignity.
How to Survive Racism in an Organization That Claims to Be Antiracist
Being the only Black doctor, lawyer, social worker, accountant, student, teacher, or [insert your profession here] is exhausting. Thats why black student/professional organizations exist to provide support, tools and resources as you navigate your industry and your personal workplace. This training was developed with you in mind. For 2-3 hours, we will let our hair down, tell the truth about our shared experiences, and discuss how we might combat racism without losing ourselves in the process. Developed from a chapter in AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN’s book by the same title, she will leave you affirmed, empowered by having the unique experience of actually being the center in a conversation about race. (Yes, white people are allowed. I'm sure you will learn something too!)
A Sermon to Remember
If your congregation is feeling weary in well-doing, exhausted, frustrated or disappointed by this political moment, AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN may be the right preacher for you. Her sermons purposefully center the stories of women in the Bible, making clear how they have always been leaders in transforming the world. Even Bible stories you thought you knew, will find new meaning and relevance through Austin's words.
New York Times bestselling author Austin Channing Brown’s new book Full of Myself inspires conversations on identity, justice, and joy
In a moment when personal freedoms are increasingly under threat, AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN, New York Times bestselling author and leading antiracism educator, returns with a deeply honest and fiercely empowering new work. In Full of Myself, Brown chronicles her journey toward self-possession and joy in a society that continually demands Black women sacrifice both.
Through candid storytelling and sharp social insight, Brown confronts the exhaustion of fighting for justice and asks a vital question: What do I deserve as a citizen and as a human? Her reflections reveal how Black women are often limited in their roles at work, at home, and in community as well as how reclaiming joy and full humanity is itself a powerful act of resistance.
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Austin Channing Brown helps your employees feel seen, heard, and encouraged
AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN’S bestselling book I’m Still Here is deemed essential reading for the racial justice movement. Her powerful memoir serves as a personal case study and commentary of being Black in a white society, and an inspiring manifesto for navigating the system while dismantling it. Something Austin brings to every discussion on the complex issue of race in America is a deep and personal empathy that helps her audience feel seen, heard and encouraged. When the lingo of equity has become stale and academic or employees feel worn down from their struggle, Austin infuses passion and understanding to the discussion, refocusing on the personal impact of racism. Many corporations have hosted Austin for a company-wide session followed by a smaller Employee Resource Group session, after which employees felt supported, connected and seen.
Austin Channing Brown receives continuous praise for her transformative events that inspire lasting change
Widely celebrated for her New York Times bestselling book I’m Still Here, AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN has been connecting with audiences and fostering transformative change for years. In her sought-after workshops and talks, Austin uses an intentional mix of humor, pop-culture, story-telling, and audience engagement, awakening people to the current realities of systemic racism and the everyday actions which allow racism to thrive. Through her incisive, fun, and disarming delivery, audiences leave feeling informed, energized, and ready to take everyday action and commit to lasting changing in their organizations and communities.
After her events, hosts have raved: “When I tell you the feedback from Austin’s session thus far has been amazing, I mean it has been AMAZING!!! Many people talk about how the energy and vibe from her presentation set the tone for the remainder of our forum” (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and “We were so thrilled with Austin’s virtual visit on Sunday. She was even more dynamic and engaging than we expected” (Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church), to name a few. She’s been sought-after by groups including Wells Fargo, Elon University, the Coalition of Black Social Workers, and many more.
Watch Austin Channing Brown in conversation with Plywood >>
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Austin Channing Brown’s New York Times bestselling memoir ‘I’m Still Here’ continues to make an impact, now in a young reader’s edition
In her New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed memoir, AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN established herself as a leading and inspiring voice on racial justice in America. In I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, Austin writes in breathtaking detail about her journey to self-worth and the pitfalls that kill our attempts at racial justice. The Reese’s Book Club Pick shot to the top 20 of Amazon’s bestsellers list, receiving unanimous praise from critics and readers alike. Publisher’s Weekly wrote in its starred review, “Brown’s authoritative tone and moving message make this a must-read,” and CNN’s Kirsten Powers said, “Austin is one of the most important voices in America.”
Now, Austin introduces an adaptation for young readers, featuring all new stories. I’m Still Here: Loving Myself in a World Not Made for Me helps kids nourish their identity and make sense of how they fit into the world. Austin has received continuous praise for her workshops and talks, in which she leverages her expertise to help organizations practice genuine inclusion.
Subscribe to Austin Channing Brown’s newsletter ‘Wild, Holy, & Free’ >>
Austin Channing Brown is a speaker, writer and media producer providing inspired leadership on racial justice in America. She is the author of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness and the Executive Producer of web series The Next Question.
Her workshops and lectures are incisive, fun, disarming and transformative. By using an intentional mix of humor, pop-culture, story-telling, and audience engagement, she awakens people to the current realities of systemic racism and the everyday actions which allow racism to thrive. Austin evokes thought, feeling and action as she celebrates Blackness and the possibility of justice in our organizations and communities. Her book shot to the top 20 of Amazon’s bestsellers list, leading in its categories for months. I’m Still Here has received acclaim from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and more. It has also been featured in OnBeing, The Chicago Tribune, WNYC, The Religion News Service, with Shondaland declaring it, “[a] deeply personal celebration of blackness that simultaneously sheds new light on racial injustice and inequality while offering hope for a better future.” It was also selected as the book of the month for Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine book club.
As a media producer, Austin creates content that centers the experiences of Black women, dismantling the foundations of white supremacy. Her nationally-celebrated first season of The Next Question included Macarthur Genius Nikole Hannah-Jones, NYT bestselling authors Brene Brown, and Jasmine Guillory, and more. Alongside her co-creators Chi Chi Okwuand Jenny Booth Potter, the hosts examine complex topics affecting social justice while simultaneously celebrating the humanity of their guests.
Austin has a Bachelor of Arts in business management from North Park University as well as a Masters in Arts in social justice from Marygrove College in Detroit. Austin’s professional career began in the non-profit sector including homelessness/housing, youth engagement, fund development, and church operations.