#SomeOfUsAreBrave 2024
Queen Afua
Queen Afua is a renowned holistic health practitioner and wellness coach who has dedicated her career to natural and holistic health. She is the author of several influential books, including “Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit,” where she blends ancient Egyptian health techniques with modern strategies to address the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of women.
April Ryan
April Ryan is an esteemed journalist and author, renowned for her role as a White House correspondent and her work as a political analyst. With a career spanning over two decades, Ryan has become a prominent figure in political journalism, known for her incisive questioning and commitment to holding those in power accountable. She is author of the book “Black Women Will Save the World”
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama, an inspiring figure and former First Lady of the United States, has made a profound impact through her advocacy for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. Married to Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, she served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017. Her memoir, “Becoming,” is a best-selling book offering a deeply personal account of her life, from her childhood in Chicago to her years in the White House.
Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas is a Southern California-based activist and communicator focused on the intersection of environmentalism and social justice. She is dedicated to exploring and advocating for the connections between environmental issues and social equity. She is author of the book “The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet”
Toni Morrison
Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison is celebrated for her profound narratives on African American life and culture.”The Source of Self-Regard” is a collection of Toni Morrison’s speeches, essays, and meditations, exploring themes of race, power, gender, and society, offering profound insights into her thoughts and philosophies.
Kimberlé Crenshaw
A pioneering scholar in critical race theory, Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality.” Her work focuses on race, law, and gender, profoundly influencing social justice discourse. She is author of the book “On Intersectionality: Essential Writings”.
Clover Hope
A journalist and author, Clover Hope has contributed to the discourse on hip-hop and feminism. Her book, “The Motherlode: 100+ Women who Made Hip Hop” chronicles the contributions of women in hip-hop, marking her as a significant voice in music journalism.
Uche Blackstock
Dr. Uche Blackstock is renowned for her advocacy in health equity. As a physician and the founder of Advancing Health Equity, she tackles racial disparities in healthcare, striving for a just medical system.
Marian Wright Edelman
Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman has been an unwavering advocate for children’s rights and education in America. Her work emphasizes the importance of equitable access to quality education and healthcare for all children. She is author of “Families in Peril: An Agenda for Social Change”.
Harriet Washington
An award-winning medical ethicist and author, Harriet Washington specializes in the intersection of race, science, and medicine. Her seminal book, “Medical Apartheid,” critically examines the history of medical experimentation on African Americans.
Audre Lorde
Poet, feminist, and civil rights activist, Audre Lorde’s work is a powerful exploration of identity, racism, and sexuality. Through her writing, she advocated for the interconnectedness of social justice issues, challenging the status quo.. She is author of “Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches”, a collection of writings on sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and class.
Shanita Hubbard
A journalist and sociologist, Shanita Hubbard is known for her insightful commentary on race, social justice, and culture. Her work, often centered on the intersectionality of race and gender, seeks to amplify marginalized voices and foster systemic change. She is author of “Ride or Die: A Feminist Manifesto for the Well-Being of Black Women”.
Viola Davis
An acclaimed actress and producer, Viola Davis has broken barriers in Hollywood for African American women. Her memoir, “Finding Me,” is a testament to her journey from poverty to prominence, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of her life and career.
Elizabeth Leiba
An educator and writer, Elizabeth Leiba is at the forefront of discussions on race, education, and equity. Her contributions, especially in highlighting the Black experience in higher education, are vital to understanding systemic inequities. She is author of “I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace”.
Tricia Hersey
Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, advocates for rest as a form of resistance against the relentless demands of capitalism. Through her work, she emphasizes the revolutionary act of rest for the healing and liberation of Black communities. She is author of “Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto“.
Charlene Carruthers
A strategic thinker and social justice activist, Charlene Carruthers’ work focuses on racial justice, feminist and youth leadership. As the founding national director of the BYP100, she advocates for Black liberation through organizing, education, and action. She is author of “Unapologetic A Black, Queer and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements”.
Rachel E Cargle
An educator, writer, and lecturer, Rachel Cargle’s work unearths the intersectionality of race and womanhood. Through public scholarship and her platform, The Great Unlearn, she challenges her audience to reevaluate their understanding of race and equity in America. She is author of “A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining“.
Dawn Turner
A seasoned journalist and author, Dawn Turner’s narratives often delve into the complexities of human relationships, social disparities, and personal redemption. Her memoir, “Three Girls from Bronzeville: A Uniquely American Memoir of Race, Fate, and Sisterhood“, critically examines the impact of environment and choices on life paths.
