Tavis Smiley Speaker Biography
Popular Talk Show Host, Author, Political Commentator and Philanthropist
From his celebrated conversations with world figures, to his work to inspire the next generation of leaders, as a broadcaster, author, advocate, and philanthropist, Tavis Smiley continues to be an outstanding voice for change. Smiley, who started his career as an aide to the late Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley, hosts the daily, eponymous “Tavis Smiley” show on KBLA Talk 1580, Los Angeles’s flagship Black-owned-and-operated talk radio station. As a communicator known for depth, candor, and curiosity, Smiley has built a career centered on elevating diverse perspectives and advancing meaningful civic dialogue. His award-winning work across radio, television, and publishing has connected millions to the issues shaping American democracy, ranging from social justice and leadership to culture, business, and public policy. Today, his KBLA program continues that legacy with long-form, substantive interviews featuring top news-makers, thinkers, artists, and innovators.
The Tavis Smiley Foundation
The first American ever to simultaneously host signature talk shows on both public television and public radio, Smiley also created the Tavis Smiley Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to enlighten, encourage and empower today’s youth.
Books
In addition to his radio and television work, Smiley has authored twenty books. His memoir, What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America, became a New York Times best seller, and the book he edited, Covenant with Black America, became the first nonfiction book by a Black-owned publisher to reach #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. In 2009, Smiley was named one of TIME Magazine “World’s 100 Most Influential People.” His My Journey with Maya is a remarkable story of friendship, love and courage. In this book, Smiley shares personal memories of his twenty-eight-year friendship with Maya Angelou, one of history’s most fascinating women. My Journey With Maya is being adapted as a stage play by Tony-winning director Kenny Leon, and Smiley’s 2014 New York Times best seller, Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Final Year, is being produced as a television series special by Emmy-winner J.J. Abrams in partnership with Warner Brothers. His literary work reflects a commitment to amplifying underrepresented stories and providing frameworks for personal and collective advancement.
Keynote Speaker
In addition to his media pursuits, he serves as a lecturer, commentator, and moderator for national forums, universities, conferences, and civic institutions. Tavis Smiley discusses current events from a perspective not often heard in the media and speaks about everything from politics to sports to education and the need for cultural and racial harmony.
Accolades
In 2009, TIME magazine honored Smiley as one of “The World’s 100 Most Influential People.” The annual TIME 100 list profiles men and women whose power, talent or moral example has made a significant difference in the world.
Awards
Indiana University has named the atrium of its School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) building, The Tavis Smiley Atrium. Smiley is also the recipient of the Du Bois Medal from Harvard University and the 2009 Interdependence Day Prize from Demos in Istanbul, Turkey. Vanity Fair inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
Tavis Smiley Speaking Topics
America I Am: The Multimedia Experience
This presentation is a riveting 45 minute visual and oratorial keynote by Tavis Smiley that peers into the heart of American culture through the nearly 500-year-old lens of African American history. Smiley takes the audience on a virtual journey through history beginning with the "door of no return" and ending with the election of President Barack Obama.
Enlighten, Encourage, Empower
Tavis Smiley is a dynamic and engaging speaker, able to connect with audiences and show them how individuals can make a positive change in the community, especially when it comes to young people. He is passionate about the need for black Americans to find new ways to empower themselves and their communities, and he shares this conviction in keynote addresses that are compelling, forceful, and moving.
Dr. Martin Luther King and the Legacies of the Civil Rights Era
Diversity and Multiculturalism: A National Perspective
A Five-Part Plan to Succeed in College and the Workplace
Advocacy: How to Fight for What You Believe and Make a Difference
Tavis Smiley Books
The Covenant with Black America – Ten Years Later
Purchase Book
Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year
Purchase Book
The Rich And The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto
Purchase Book
Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure
Purchase Book
Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise
Purchase Book
What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America
Purchase Book
The Covenant with Black America
Purchase Book
Never Mind Success–Go for Greatness!: The Best Advice I’ve Ever Received
Purchase BookTavis Smiley Videos
Tavis Smiley Speaker Testimonials
"Mr. Smiley's presence helped us expand attendance at our event 70% over last year and raise nearly as much more money, despite the economic crisis."
- | Cheryl Cobbs, Executive Director, Solid Ground
