Avis Jones DeWeever Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Dr. Akilah Cadet

Founder, Speaker, and Executive Coach of Change Cadet

Dr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet, an organizational development consulting firm that offers services that support embedding belonging into overall company culture, identity and strategy. As a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur her work is behind some of the biggest brands you use everyday. Dismantling white supremacy through storytelling is at the core of her work as a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, editor and author of forthcoming book White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World.

Mike Africa Jr.

Hip Hop Artist | Writer | Member of MOVE

Mike Africa, Jr. is the son of two political prisoners who were each sentenced to 100 years in prison. Mike and his family became the subject of the HBO Film "40 Years A Prisoner" about his life and struggle to get his parents released from prison. He's now a member of The MOVE Organization, and the Black Philly Radical Collective. Mike is a motivational resilience speaker who pushes his powerful “Never Give Up” message with his dynamic stage performances mixing music in his orations.

Bree Newsome

Community Organizer and Activist Who Removed the Confederate Battle Flag from the South Carolina State House

Raymond Santana

Criminal Justice Advocate, Member of "The Exonerated Five"

In 1989, Raymond Santana was among five boys—four black and one Latino—that were tried and wrongfully convicted of raping a young woman in New York City’s Central Park. They became known collectively as “The Central Park Five.” On December 19, 2002, the convictions of the five men were overturned. The unidentified DNA met its owner, a convicted murderer and serial rapist who confessed. Santana had spent five years in prison for a crime he did not commit. They are now known as "The Exonerated Five." Since his release, Santana has been committed to advocating and educating people on the disparities in America’s criminal justice system.

Ashley Allison

Advocate for Social Justice and Equity | Renowned Political Strategist | Speaker on Civil Rights and Community Engagement

Ashley Allison is a seasoned keynote speaker known for her expertise in civic engagement and social justice. She has served as a senior official in the Obama Administration and has extensive media experience as a political commentator. Ashley's insights have been featured in notable outlets like CNN and The New York Times. With a dynamic approach and a commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, she captivates and inspires diverse audiences.

Michael Higginbotham

Professor of Law, Author, Advocate for Equality, Equity & Racial Justice

Michael Higginbotham is a law professor, author, and international political consultant. Higginbotham has been described as "...conscientious, diligent and slow to anger - unless he perceives an injustice" (The Baltimore Sun). The concept of fair play has figured heavily in Higginbotham's life and the force that propelled his career in law. As an expert on civil rights, human rights, and constitutional law, Higginbotham has taught and written extensively on racial equality issues for over thirty years. He is the author of the books Race Law: Cases, Commentary, and Questions and Ghosts of Jim Crow: Ending Racism in Post-Racial America.

Dumonde Slam Dunkley

Board of Directors of Earth Guardians, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe of New Jersey & Jamaican

Dumonde Slam Dunkley is an Afro-Indigenous warrior who is continuing the fight of his Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape ancestors to build a radically different future for the United States of America. Slam currently serves on the Board of Directors of Earth Guardians and attends the James E. Rodgers School College of Law at the University of Arizona. Upon completing the Indigenous People's Law and Policy program, he plans to continue to fight for the protection and recognition of the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and Mother Earth.

Tamika Catchings

WNBA Hall of Famer & Olympic Gold Medalist

Indiana’s “do-everything” forward completed 16 seasons in the WNBA, stepping away from her future-hall-of-fame-career following the 2016 season. Her naming as recipient of the very first ESPN Humanitarian Award in 2015 and a 14-year run of community service by her Catch The Stars Foundation are testament to her work off the court, however – more impactful than her MVP career on the court. The first man or woman in recorded basketball history to record a quintuple-double (Duncanville High School in 1997), Catchings’ leadership, tenacity and all-around skills led the Indiana Fever to becoming one of the WNBA’s elite franchises.

Jamelle Bouie

Columnist for the New York Times, CBS News Political Analyst & Former Chief Political Correspondent for Slate Magazine

Jamelle Bouie’s political instincts provide audiences with unique insight on the past, present, and future of our national politics, policy, and the state of race relations. As he did while writing for Slate and the Daily Beast, Jamelle shares eye-opening perspectives on issues concerning the issues at play in America today. Jamelle appears regularly on CBS’s Face the Nation. His writings have appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, TIME, and The New Yorker.

Angela Glover Blackwell

Founder of PolicyLink | Advocate for Social and Economic Equity | Speaker on Racial Justice and Community Empowerment

Angela Glover Blackwell, founder and former CEO of PolicyLink, is a renowned thought leader in advocating for racial and economic equity. With decades of experience, she has spearheaded initiatives that promote inclusive policies and community development. Under her leadership, PolicyLink became a leading voice in advancing opportunity for marginalized communities across the United States. Blackwell's influential work has been recognized by numerous awards and honors, reflecting her commitment to social justice. A dynamic speaker, she provides insightful perspectives on building equitable societies.

Anna Malaika Tubbs

Author of 'The Three Mothers' | Sociologist and PhD Candidate at Cambridge | Speaker on Women's Rights and Social Justice

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a distinguished author and sociologist with a focus on women's rights and social justice. She is widely recognized for her best-selling book "The Three Mothers," which explores the lives and legacies of the mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin. Anna's insightful research and compelling storytelling have earned her accolades as a thought leader in issues of race and gender. Her work is not only celebrated in literary circles but is also making a significant impact in academic and advocacy communities.

Barbara Smith

Founder of The Kitchen Press | Renowned Author & Activist | Speaker on Social Justice and Publishing Innovation

Barbara Smith is a visionary leader, celebrated author, and dedicated activist known for her transformative impact on both the culinary and literary worlds. As the founder of The Kitchen Press, she has published a series of best-selling cookbooks that blend culinary expertise with cultural storytelling. Her activism, centered around food justice and community development, has garnered national recognition and numerous awards. Barbara is also a sought-after speaker, renowned for her engaging presentations that inspire change and innovation.

Bobby Seale

Co-Founder of the Black Panther Party | Political Activist and Civil Rights Leader | Speaker on Social Justice and African American Empowerment

Bobby Seale is a co-founder of the Black Panther Party and a prominent political activist. He played a key role in advocating for African American rights and social justice during the civil rights movement. Seale’s work has had a lasting impact on community empowerment and activism across the United States. He continues to speak on issues of racial equality, social justice, and political change. His contributions have made him a respected figure in the history of American activism.

Ijeoma Oluo

Author & Speaker

Ijeoma Oluo is a Seattle-based writer, speaker, and Internet Yeller. She’s the author of the New York Times Best-Seller So You Want to Talk about Race, published in January by Seal Press. Named one of the The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans in 2017, one of the Most Influential People in Seattle by Seattle Magazine, one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Seattle by Seattle Met, and winner of the of the 2018 Feminist Humanist Award by the American Humanist Society.

Ben O'Keefe

Storyteller, Strategist, and Cultural Force for Change

Ben O’Keefe is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, award-winning writer, activist, and sought-after public speaker whose influence spans entertainment, politics, and culture. From crafting campaigns for folks like Alicia Keys and Amazon Studios to advising leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ben’s work drives national conversations and cultural change. As a producer, he was shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. He brings fearless honesty, cultural fluency, and a passion for moving conversations—and culture—forward.