Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Geoffrey Canada

Founder of the Harlem Children's Zone | Author and Educator | Speaker on Education and Social Change

Geoffrey Canada Speaking Fee: $75,000 to $100,000

Founder of the Harlem Children's Zone | Author and Educator | Speaker on Education and Social Change

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Geoffrey Canada
Speaking Fee:
$75,000 to $100,000

Travels From:
SFO - San Francisco

Primary Topic Category:
Education

Secondary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

 

Geoffrey Canada Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Geoffrey Canada is a prominent educator, social activist, and author best known for his work as the president of the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ). He founded HCZ, a comprehensive program aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty through education and community support in Harlem, New York. Canada's innovative approach and dedication have earned him national recognition, including features in major media outlets and documentaries like "Waiting for Superman." He continues to influence educational reform and community development through his writings and public speaking engagements.

Geoffrey Canada was born in 1952 in the South Bronx, New York, where he grew up in a poverty-stricken environment with his single mother and three brothers. Despite these challenging circumstances, his mother instilled in him the value of education. Canada earned his Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University. His early career included teaching and working with the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families, which later evolved into the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ). As the founder and president of HCZ, Canada has revolutionized the concept of community-based education reform. HCZ started as a small pilot project and expanded into a 97-block area serving over 34,000 children and families. The program offers a cradle-to-career network of services, addressing educational needs, health, social services, and community development. Under his leadership, HCZ has become a national model for place-based innovation, inspiring similar initiatives across the United States. Canada's work has been widely recognized and celebrated. He was featured prominently in the documentary "Waiting for Superman," and has appeared on various media platforms, including "60 Minutes," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and CNN. His influence extends to policy as well, having been appointed by President Barack Obama to help replicate the HCZ model nationwide through the Promise Neighborhoods Initiative. In addition to his practical work, Canada is an accomplished author, having written books like "Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America" and "Reaching Up for Manhood." These works draw from his personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on the challenges and potential solutions for inner-city youth. Through his ongoing advocacy, speeches, and writings, Geoffrey Canada continues to be a leading voice in education reform and social justice.
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