2009Joseph “Rev Run” SimmonsKnown from the pioneering rap super group Run DMC, Simmons is an accomplished author, fashion mogul, and star of MTV’s hit show Run’s House.

James PetersonAn expert on hip-hop culture and urban youth, Peterson founded Hip-Hop Scholars, dedicated to researching the educational potential of diverse youth cultures.

Mark H. MorialPresident of the National Urban League since 2003, Morial has been the primary catalyst of change for the nearly 100-year old civil rights organization.

Roland S. MartinAn analyst for CNN, NAACP Image Award winner Martin penned Listening to the Spirit Within, which explores today’s issues from a spiritual perspective.

Mathew Knowles President of Music World Entertainment, Knowles is best known for managing global phenomena Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé. He speaks passionately on the state of the music industry today.

Marc Lamont HillA leading hip-hop generation intellectual, Hill authored Beats, Rhymes, and Classroom Life, exploring how the hip-hop culture can extraordinarily affect education.

Bruce GeorgeA writer and activist, George is co-founder of Russell Simmons’s Def Poetry Jam, and executive producer of the new spoken word documentary Bone Bristle.

Mos DefA major force in the 90’s hip-hop explosion, actor, and former host of Def Poetry Jam, Mos Def is an outspoken advocate who addresses a wide range of issues.

Sandy “Pepa” DentonPart of the Grammy Award-winning group ‘Salt-N-Pepa,’ Denton is known for her fearless, positive attitude. She authored her first tell-all book, Let’s Talk About Pep.

Yaya DaCostaAn actress, model, and dedicated human rights activist, DaCosta earned second place in the hit reality show America’s Next Top Model.

Fresh Voices

CommonGrammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, actor, and children’s author, Common delivers inspirational messages of self respect, love, and activism.

Derrick AshongA Harvard educated musician, Ashong leads the “ReggHopFunk Fusion” group Soulfège, whose mission is to convey a message of global community.

Warren BallentineAttorney, author of The Truth About Black and White, and host of a nationally syndicated radio show, Ballentine is an advocate for children nationwide.

Somaly MamSold for sexual favors in Cambodia at a young age, Mam escaped and has since been devoted to helping others who are victims of similar atrocities.

Manil SuriRaised in Mumbai, India, award-winning novelist and mathematician Suri is known for his critically acclaimed first novel, The Death of Vishnu.

Raj PatelA controversial author, journalist and food policy expert, Patel discusses the growing worldwide food crisis in his newest book, Stuffed and Starved.

The Feurtado BrothersEx-drug kingpins and former gang members, Todd and Lance inspire youth to overcome the challenging elements that may surround them.

Isaiah WashingtonAn award-winning actor, Washington created The Gondobay Manga Foundation to improve the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.

Pearl Cleage Tour: Suite RihannaIn a compelling new performance, author and playwright Cleage revisits the very same issues on which her acclaimed 1990’s writing Mad at Miles was based. Recently brought to light by the Rihanna and Chris Brown incident, domestic violence still draws national attention as an issue that despite our intentions has not been resolved. Through an interlocking suite of true confessions and shared life lessons, Cleage offers advice and evokes a call to action in helping end this fight.

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