LeVar Burton

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Award-Winning Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer
Award-Winning author of 'Aftermath', 'The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm', and 'A Kids Book About Imagination'
Podcaster & Host, 'LeVar Burton Reads' - over 25M downloads
Renowned Literacy Advocate

LeVar Burton launched his acting career while still a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he found himself on the cover of TIME Magazine after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television series Roots. A seemingly impossible act to follow, Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation television series, a role he reprised in Star Trek: Picard in 2023. However, it has been his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children's series Reading Rainbow of which he is most proud. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children's television shows in history but also one of the most acclaimed, earning over 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.

As the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Inaugural Children's & Family Emmys, Burton has demonstrated that he can do it all. In 2024, Burton was awarded the National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment of the Humanities at a ceremony in the Oval Office, bestowed by President Biden. Honored for his contributions to literacy in America, LeVar continues his focus on the importance of literature and storytelling in our everyday lives and is a staunch advocate against the banning of books.

With over 4M social media followers, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a dedicated park in his hometown of Sacramento, this pop culture icon has the unique ability to reach across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups - communicating to a large fan base that is highly engaged and motivated to embrace his message.

Past Hosts Include:

Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation
Confab Events
The National Headstart Association
Oakland University
The Ohio State University

NASA
ISTE
Foundation World 50, INC
ALM Media, LLC
Newsmakers, The Lesher Speakers Series

“

LeVar crushed it! He received a standing ovation at the end. He was a total home run for us - a fabulous way to close out our Symposium! - Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation

”

More rave reviews

"Everything exceeded expectations. His remarks deeply resonated with our members—prompting significant reflection and emotion. It proved to be a powerful and cathartic moment, especially given the challenges our profession has faced in recent years. He set a high bar for next year!"

-NASFAA

"The event was incredible. There were so many tears shed because of LeVar’s wisdom and inspiration. I cannot speak highly enough of LeVar and your whole team. THANK YOU!!!"

-The Ohio State University

"LeVar Burton's lecture for Oakland University's MLK Day event was a huge success- nothing but positive kudos for the program! We had at least a 1000 people show up to see him speak. He was an amazing speaker and very personable, kind and generous!"

-Oakland University

"When LeVar Burton hits the stage, there's not a dry eye in the house—but then he also gets you laughing and ultimately leaves you with a sense of hope. One of the best keynote speakers we've ever seen."

-Confab Events

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LeVar Burton In Conversation on Education, State, and Local Government Conference | AWS Imagine - Get Sharable Link

LeVar Burton In Conversation on Education, State, and Local Government Conference | AWS Imagine

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Now

Could LeVar Burton Be the Next Permanent Host of ‘Jeopardy!’? | Tamron Hall Show

Sunday Profile: LeVar Burton | CBS Sunday Morning

LeVar Burton: The Gift of Literacy | SXSW EDU

LeVar Burton: We Have Some Work To Do | CUE

Talks & Conversations with LeVar Burton

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A Moderated Conversation with LeVar Burton

Legendary actor, storyteller, director, and literacy advocate LEVAR BURTON shares insights from his life and work in this engaging and motivational moderated conversation. Ranging from his iconic roles as an actor, to his commitment to children’s literacy, to new education technologies, Burton shares an unparalleled perspective in this memorable program.

In Conversation with LeVar Burton: Storytelling in the Digital Age - Making a Different in the Lives of Children

In this compelling moderated conversation, children’s education champion LEVAR BURTON brings light to the literacy problem in America, the future of the written word, and the impact of digital technologies on creativity, storytelling, and the future of children’s education.

In Conversation: The Power of Storytelling - Written, Spoken, Lived

In this inspiring and motivational conversation, LEVAR BURTON shares insights from his career as a legendary storyteller and offers lessons from his three storytelling mentors: Alex Haley, the creator of Roots, Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, and Fred (Mister) Rogers. LeVar illuminates the influence of mentorship in his life, the impact great storytellers have on the world, and the power of the stories we tell ourselves in this memorable program.

In Conversation: Martin Luther King, Jr. - The Man and The Myth

One of the most famous quotes attributed to Dr. King is, "Our lives begin to end the day we remain silent about things that matter." The truth is, there is no evidence to support that he actually ever spoke those words. In his riveting moderated conversation, LEVAR BURTON explores the conflicting nature of the man who was Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as the mythical King of his legacy.