Bakari Sellers

Bakari Sellers Speaker Biography

CNN Political Analyst, Lawyer, Activist, and Former Representative from South Carolina

Bakari Sellers made history in 2006 when, at just 22 years old, he defeated a 26-year incumbent State Representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. In 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in the state of South Carolina.

Education

Earning his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, where he served as student body president, and his law degree from the University of South Carolina, Sellers has followed in the footsteps of his father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers, in his tireless commitment to service taking championing progressive policies to address issues ranging from education and poverty to preventing domestic violence and childhood obesity.

Political Analyst

His impressive list accomplishment in addition to having served on President Barack Obama’s South Carolina steering committee during the 2008 election, Sellers is widely considered to be a rising star within the Democratic Party and leading voice for his generation. That coupled with his uncommon ability to reach across the aisle and get things done has led to numerous accolades including being named to TIME Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2010 as well as 2014 and 2015 “The Root 100” list of the nation’s most influential African-Americans and has provided commentary and analysis to CNN and MSNBC including multiple appearances on Hardball with Chris Matthewsand Morning Joe. He now currently serves on AIPAC’s National Council.

Books

Part memoir, part historical and cultural analysis, My Vanishing Country, the new memoir from Bakari Sellers is an eye-opening journey through the South’s past, present, and future. Brimming with compassion and courage, My Vanishing Country is an egaging book that illuminates the lives of America’s forgotten black working-class men and women. Bakari’s latest, Who Are Your People? is an inspiring picture book. It is a tribute to the family and community that help make us who we are. His latest book is The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now.

Keynote Speaker

He has served as a featured speaker at events for the National Education Association, College Democrats of America National Convention, and the 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Keynote speker Bakari Sellers practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC and is a Political Commentator at CNN. He is married to Dr. Ellen Rucker-Sellers.

Bakari Sellers Speaking Topics

A Look Down the Political Pipeline

Formerly one of the youngest African American elected official and currently a rising voice for the Democratic party, Bakari Sellers breaks down the day’s top issues and offers candid commentary on the present political landscape. Addressing issues such as immigration, trade, and national security on major news outlets, Sellers analyzes the effect of the Trump Administration’s various policy positions on our country’s future. He also speaks to the evolution of the Democratic party, outlining potential avenues for growth post-election. An extremely articulate and passionate speaker, Sellers leaves audiences both informed and uplifted.

Education, Civil Rights & Equality: Cornerstones for Our Future

In this presentation, Bakari asks participants two questions: “How far have we come?” and “Where do we go from here?” Using historical contexts to answer the first and his life’s story to answer the second, he takes the audience on a journey. The goal is to make an America better than we were and better than we are, creating a more perfect union. Bakari will help you delve into the difficult issues around race with honest dialogue, but also understand these are both necessary and courageous.