Charles Blow

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Journalist, Cultural Critic, and Political Commentator
Host, Ford Foundation's "Ideas at Ford with Charles Blow"
Former Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times & MSNBC Analyst
NYT Bestselling Author, 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones' & 'The Devil You Know'

Columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and political commentator Charles Blow fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight. Now an Op-Ed columnist at The New York Times, Mr. Blow previously served as the paper’s Graphics Director, leading The Times to significant awards. He has also worked as the Art Director of National Geographic Magazine and for The Detroit News. Blow is the New York Times bestselling author of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which won a Lambda Literary Award, the Sperber Prize, and appeared on numerous “best of” lists. A memoir, the book was called “searing and unforgettable” by People Magazine and was adapted into a critically-acclaimed opera with a groundbreaking run at The Metropolitan Opera – the first performance of an opera there by a Black composer. His second book, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto, draws on both his personal experience and observations of society to call for an end to systemic racism. He is also a contributor to the Encyclopedia Brittanica. Blow is a prolific and insightful commentator on politics, public opinion, and social justice, often challenging those in power with clarity and candor.

Heralded for his forward-thinking coverage of American politics and society, as well as his skill in graphic design to create powerful narratives with compelling visuals, Mr. Blow is also an in-demand speaker and gifted moderator. He is a consultant for the MacArthur Foundation and Press Forward, a half-billion-dollar philanthropic effort to help maintain and restore local news. Mr. Blow hosts “Ideas at Ford with Charles Blow,” a lecture series at the Ford Foundation, and he is a consultant for the MacArthur Foundation and Press Forward, a half-billion-dollar philanthropic effort to help maintain and restore local news. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, SalonTV, CBS News, and regularly as an analyst on MSNBC, and has been featured in The Washington Post, The Ringer, Oprah Daily, and more about his highly acclaimed work. An advocate for social justice and racial equity, Mr. Blow speaks about income inequality, xenophobia, and mental health, generating impactful conversations that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

Past Hosts Include:

Wake Forest University
The Ford Foundation
University of Idaho
Austin African American Book Festival
92Y

Metropolitan College of New York
Chicago Humanities Festival
New York State Office of Victim Services
Larchmont Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee
Dalton State College

“

Charles Blow was amazing and delivered an informative and compelling opening address to our audience. Long after his morning session ended, we heard our collective of attendees singing his praises. He delivered his address with regal authority and shared information on voting suppression and election coverage and data with a rich clarity that everyone could understand. He was a master at tailoring his speech and panel questions precisely to fit the topic we were addressing. I have to say, too, that as the coordinator, Charles was such a pleasure to work with. He was friendly, kind and warm to the staff and audience members. After his session ended, he greeted nearly every audience member that came up to say hello and treated them with a special dignity and grace. In addition, he showed up early and ready - which helped to put our staff at ease and win their confidence. If I knew how to say thank you in every language I would. - The Ford Foundation

”

More rave reviews

"It was a great event...Charles had deep one-on-one connections with fans of various ages then a great keynote talk with a robust and engaging Q & A session. All went as planned."

-Western Kentucky University

"Charles Blow was thrilling. You could have heard a pin drop while he was speaking. He gave an eloquent, elegant, deeply researched talk tailored expressly for our audience, illuminating the subject matter at hand [Christian nationalism and its roots]. During Q&A and in meeting informally with our membership, he was relaxed, engaging and animated. It was an unforgettable appearance."

-Annie Laurie Gaylor, Co-Founder and Co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation

"It was a wonderful event with Charles Blow! We have received more positive feedback for this presentation that for any other speaker we've ever hosted here. Charles was an absolute delight to work with and I think he charmed every one of our VIPs in the pre-show meet and greet with his gracious attention to each one of them. "

-The Carpenter Center

"The event was exceptional. We had a very good turnout, which is not always the case at our institution. The conversation on stage was powerful. Charles and the moderator had a great balance of humorous banter and serious exchange. In addition, the audience engagement during Q&A was lively. Getting a lot of good reports!"

-Wake Forest University

"I have gotten positive feedback from students, faculty, staff and community members, all of whom attended Mr. Blow's talk and found it to be very powerful and enlightening. It was a truly extraordinary experience."

-University of Idaho

"It is no surprise that Charles Blow was outstanding. It was such an honor to have him as our special guest."

-Austin African American Book Festival

"Charles Blow's presentation was informative, important, and inspiring. it was even better than expected, which is saying a lot! He was personally gracious and witty."

-Larchmont Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee

"Charles was amazing to work with throughout the entire process... [D]uring the performance, he wooed the crowd through his visionary speech that detailed some of his past experiences through reading excerpts from his book, “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” Overall, I was in awe of where he’d been and how much he’d accomplished. He has a very compelling story that everyone needs to hear. Thanks!"

-Dalton State College

"Charles was amazing. His presentation exceeded ALL of our expectations and feedback from the event has been nothing but positive. He was an absolute pleasure to work with."

-New York State Office of Victim Services

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Charles Blow on Black Masculinity - Get Sharable Link

Charles Blow on Black Masculinity

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Now

Charles Blow: The Supreme Court Is Not Equipped To Police Itself | MSNBC The Last Word

The connection between violence and poverty | Harris County Public Health

Media diversity, innovation and Donald Trump

Commencement Address | Metropolitan College of New York

Fire Shut Up in My Bones | Politics and Prose

Spike Lee in conversation with Charles Blow | Times Talks

Talks & Conversations with Charles Blow

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Community Empowerment: Tomorrow’s Collective History

In this powerful and thought-provoking speech, CHARLES BLOW addresses the critical role that community empowerment plays in shaping the future. This speech inspires hope for tomorrow’s collective history, reminding us that lasting change is not only possible but is already unfolding through the efforts of everyday people.

With an emphasis on the importance of local activism, collective action, and grassroots movements, Mr. Blow explores how individuals can work together to dismantle systemic barriers and create lasting social change.

Working Together: Building a Better Future

In this dynamic and enlightening speech, CHARLES BLOW challenges audiences to actively shape their communities by being informed, involved, and intentional in their actions. This speech empowers listeners to embrace their collective care with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency, underscoring the idea that community is not just a concept—it’s a lived experience that we all shape together.

Mr. Blow emphasizes that building a better future requires everyone to contribute their skills, resources, and voices.

Mental Health: Facing Adversity and Finding Peace

Columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and MSNBC Analyst CHARLES BLOW shares with poignant vulnerability his experiences with grief and depression, speaking to a universal need to speak openly about mental health issues. Mr. Blow fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight, blending personal anecdotes with profound takeaways.

Today's Social and Political Issues

As a New York Times columnist known for his fearless brand of political and social commentary, CHARLES BLOW has become a familiar face on TV and a frequent target for conservative critics. His column typically features charts, but it's mainly his words, written and spoken, that continue to spark conversation and debate about social and political issues of the day. As a speaker, Mr. Blow fearlessly tackles contentious issues, such as racism, childhood obesity, life in large cities, acceptance of gays in society, and the current administration. Blow has recently spoken on topics such as: income inequality, xenophobia, teen pregnancy, education and the relationship between journalism and justice.