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Austin Channing Brown

  • Leading and Inspired Voice on Racial Justice
  • Founder and CEO, Herself Media
  • New York Times Bestselling Author, 'I'm Still Here' and new release 'Full of Myself'
  • Executive Producer and Host, 'The Next Question'

New York Times bestselling author, media producer, and sought-after speaker Austin Channing Brown is a leading and inspired voice on racial justice in America. Austin is known for her New York Times bestseller I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, which was a Reese’s Book Club pick, and her adaptation with new stories for young readers, I’m Still Here: Loving Myself in a World Not Made for Me. I’m Still Here shot to the top 20 of Amazon’s bestsellers list, has been featured in all major publications, and received acclaim from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and more. In her latest book, Full of Myself: Black Womanhood and the Journey to Self-Possession, Austin examines the barriers Black women face and illuminates the self-determination and joy that emerge when those barriers are challenged. Austin’s workshops and talks are incisive, fun, disarming, and above all, transformative. She’s been sought-after by groups including Wells Fargo, Elon University, the Coalition of Black Social Workers, and many more.

Austin is also the Founder and CEO of Herself Media, and creates content that centers the experiences of Black women, dismantling the foundations of white supremacy. She is also the Executive Producer and Host of The Next Question – a web series that imagines how expansive racial justice can be. Her nationally-celebrated first season of TNQ featured MacArthur Genius Nikole Hannah-Jones, NYT bestselling authors Brené Brown, and Jasmine Guillory. In addition, Austin is a co-host of the Full Reset podcast. 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.

 

 
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Past Hosts Include:
  • Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
  • Dominican University
  • Grand Rapids Community College
  • Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • California WIC Association
  • Abilene Christian University
  • Washington National Cathedral
  • Coalition of Black Social Workers
  • Elon University
Austin spoke to both our Atlanta gatherings in 2018. Her story is imbued with honesty, bravery, and vulnerability. She had a way of awakening us out of our unconsciousness and leading us into a greater awareness of systemic racism. That day was an impetus to take further our work toward racial justice. What a gift she is.
More rave reviews

"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 University
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Austin Channing Brown on how she got her name - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Austin Channing Brown
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Author 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: 

  1. Universities and academic forums 
  2. Corporate DEI initiatives 
  3. Social justice organizations 
  4. Community groups and public programming 

Austin Channing Brown’s Full of Myself is a call to reclaim identity, joy, and hope in the face of relentless challenge. 

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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.

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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!)

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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.

Books by Austin Channing Brown
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Biography
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