Blair Imani Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Blair Imani is an American author, historian, and educator who navigates the intersections of Black, queer, and Muslim identities. Born Blair Elizabeth Brown on October 31, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, she was raised in Pasadena, where she was often the only Black student in her school. This early experience of being different sparked her awareness of identity and representation. In 2015, Blair graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in history. During her time there, she founded Equality for HER, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and nonbinary individuals through education and resources. Her activism gained national attention in 2016 when she participated in protests against the police shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, leading to her arrest—a pivotal moment that deepened her commitment to social justice. Blair's professional journey includes roles such as the Civic Action and Campaign Leader at DoSomething.org, where she focused on youth engagement and social change. She also served as the Board of Directors member for the Tegan and Sara Foundation, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Her scholarly interests encompass intersectionality, gender studies, race, sociology, and U.S. history. In 2018, Blair authored "Modern HERstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History," highlighting influential figures who are often overlooked. She followed up in 2020 with "Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream," exploring the historical migration of Black Americans. Her ability to distill complex topics into engaging content led to the creation of her viral web series, "Smarter in Seconds," where she educates viewers on various social and historical issues. Blair's work continues to inspire and educate, fostering a more inclusive and informed society. Her unique perspective as a Black, queer, Muslim woman enriches the narratives around identity and activism, making her a significant voice in contemporary discussions on diversity and social justice.