Austin Channing Brown

EXCLUSIVE
  • Leading and Inspired Voice on Racial Justice
  • Founder and CEO, Herself Media
  • New York Times Bestselling Author, 'I'm Still Here'
  • 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. 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
Rave Reviews About Austin Channing Brown
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.

Austin Channing Brown on how she got her name - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Austin Channing Brown
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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 h ...

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 ...

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 transfor ...

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.

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Speaker News

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 >>

Subscribe to Austin Channing Brown’s newsletter ‘Wild, Holy, & Free’ >>

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’ >>

Listen to Austin Channing Brown’s podcast Full Reset >>

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.

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Books by Austin Channing Brown
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Biography

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.