BlackSpeakers.com

Wilmer J. Leon III, Ph.D. is a Political Scientist whose primary areas of expertise are Black Politics, American Government, and Public Policy.  He is a Teaching Associate in the Political Science Department at Howard University in Washington, D.C., nationally broadcast radio talk show host, columnist, commentator, political consultant, lecturer, and much sought after motivational speaker.

Dr. Leon earned a BS degree in Political Science from Hampton Institute, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from Howard University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Howard University.

A serious void exists in the public discourse relating to the issues that directly and/or disproportionately impact the global village in which we live. Dr. Leon’s lectures and writings focus on issues such as the medias coverage of national and international issues, the criminal industrial complex, environmental racism, school vouchers, health care, crime policy, economic globalization, American domestic and foreign policy from as much of a non-biased and academically accurate perspective as possible.  Dr. Leon’s perspective and lectures are grounded in the history of the African American community and the tradition of African American scholarship.

Dr. Leon is also the host/producer of the nationally broadcast call in talk radio program On With Leon on XM/Sirius satellite radio channel 169 “The Power”. He is a regular guest on CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight, and a contributing columnist to TruthOut.org, PoliticsInColor.com, and Black Star News.com

Fee Range: $1,500 - $3,000

Dr. Debby Stroman is a faculty member of the Sport Administration specialization of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Her teaching focus is the theory and practical application of economics and finances, leadership, and the marketing of sport. Her teaching and service philosophy to her students is summarized by her brand: Eõ - Explore, Engage and Empower. Dr. Stroman's research interests are leadership, entrepreneurship, and social issues of sport. Additional responsibilities include faculty advisor to the Carolina Business Club, director of the undergraduate sport administration internship program, and academic advising.

Prior to her appointment at UNC, Dr. Stroman successfully owned and managed sports marketing, financial consulting, and nutritional supplement companies. She is the 2006 recipient of the state of Maryland’s Top Minority Business Enterprise Award, which recognizes entrepreneurial success in business development, professional affiliation, client satisfaction, and community involvement. She also has experience as a grant writer, philanthropic development officer, and fundraiser for non-profit organizations. Dr. Stroman continues to accent her theoretical effort with practical application. Outside of her academic responsibilities, she remains an entrepreneur. Through her company, LASER™ (Life After Sports with Effective Results), she counsels former college and professional athletes to successfully transition from their sports career. Her desire to move her “avocation to a vocation” prompted the founding in 2001 of Soulful Golf, Inc., a non-profit sports marketing and event planning company purposed to increase the number of women and minorities in the game of golf. She offers customized business-golf workshops for managers and leaders across the country and plans distinctive golf outings.

Professional Affiliations – CoachVille, National Academic Advising Association, Academy of Management, North American Society for Sport Management, National Association of Women Business Owners, Black Coaches Association, Society of Financial Services Professionals, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators, and Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

Education - University of Virginia (B.S.), University of North Carolina (M.A. - Sport Administration), and Capella University (Ph.D. - Business Organization and Management)

As a former basketball player at Virginia, she continues to stay active by playing basketball and golf, core training, and biking. Her other hobbies include reading, discussing politics and behavioral economics, and traveling. Dr. Stroman is committed to leading by example as an active educator and entrepreneur with the courage to address and critically analyze the difficult issues of today.

Speaking fee: $1500 - $3000

Topics: Leadership, Sport, Entrepreneurship, women's issues

Acknowledged by President Barack Obama as a National Emerging Leader, Christopher M. Chestnut, Esq. is America’s next great voice for legal justice. Chestnut, a Florida native and graduate of Florida State and University of Florida’s Levine School of Law, served on the Florida finance team for then presidential candidate Obama, which helped lead to a convincing victory in the battleground state.

One of the most accomplished young attorneys in the country, Chestnut founded Chestnut Law Firm, LLC, based in Gainesville, FL with the motto “Pursuing Justice…Because You Deserve It.” Simply stated by Chestnut, “We help the people who need help the most.” Under his leadership, the firm has participated in multi-million dollar civil trials alongside his mentor, famed civil litigator Willie Gary; won millions of dollars in settlements for their clients; and successfully argued an $800 million dollar class action settlement against Big Tobacco.

More than an attorney, Chestnut is a proven leader, having served as the National Chairman for the National Black Law Students Association while in school, and being consistently tapped by church leaders, activists, and other community leaders when legal injustice occurs in the community.

In January 2009, the Chestnut Law Firm and its partners sponsored an inauguration reception that brought together hundreds of leaders from the business, political, and faith community to celebrate the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, DC. The event, held simultaneously in two different venues, assisted in cultivating relationships across the country and debuted the 44 Series, a compilation of selective artwork featuring the nation’s 44th President.

As a speaker, Chestnut educates hundreds of individuals and professional organizations on the ever-changing legal climate.

Chestnut’s future plans include expanding the firm’s legal presence in the southeastern region of the country, while building a national reputation for giving a voice to those perceived to be silenced. Chestnut has embarked upon a journey to bring a higher standard to civil litigation; focusing on professional, ethical, and successful representation.

Speaking fee: $1,500 - $3,000

The People's Scholar who specializes in finance, education, and black social commentary.

Travels From: NY

Fee Range: $3500 - $6000

Dr. Boyce D. Watkins “The People’s Scholar” is one of the leading financial scholars and social commentators in America.  In his words, “We don’t need more PhDs in the world; we need more Ph-Dos”.  He advocates for education, economic empowerment and social justice and has changed the definition of what it means to be a Black scholar and leader in America. He is the resident scholar for AOL Black Voices, the largest black news website in America, and a leading commentator for MSNBC.com and CNN.

In addition to publishing a multitude of scholarly articles on Finance and investing, Dr. Watkins has presented his message to millions, making regular appearances in various national media outlets, including CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, FOX News, BET, NPR, Essence Magazine, USA Today, The Today Show, ESPN, The Tom Joyner Morning Show and CSB Sports.  In addition to being the favored Financial Expert and social commentator for Wendy Williams, he is a weekly contributor to “Keeping it Real with Al Sharpton”, which is currently syndicated in 18 cities across the nation.  He is also a faculty affiliate with the College Sports Research Institute at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the author of “Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with your Partner in Ways that Feel Good.”

Dr. Watkins earned BA and BS degrees with a triple major in Finance, Economics, and Business Management. He then earned a Masters Degree in Mathematical Statistics from The University of Kentucky and a PhD in Finance from The Ohio State University.  He is currently a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and was the only African American in the world to earn a PhD in Finance during the year 2002.

Dr Elaina George is Board certified Otolaryngologist who started Peachtree ENT Center with a mission to practice state of the art medicine that is available to everyone. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Biology. She received her Masters degree in Medical Microbiology at Long Island University, and received her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr George completed her residency at Manhattan, Eye Ear & Throat Hospital. Her training included general surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, pediatric ENT at The NY-Presbyterian Hospital, and head and neck oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She has published in several scientific journals and presented her research at national meetings.

Known as "The People's Physician," Dr. George advocates for American citizens in the promotion of healthy living and governmental accountability.  Dr. George's radio show "Medicine on Call" has become a leading source of medical advice and healthcare information for patients everywhere.  As a family physician, Dr. George believes in challenging powerful special interests to support the well-being of the American family.

Dr George is affiliated with Piedmont Hospital and Scottish Rite Children's Hospital. She is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She belongs to Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, Phi Sigma Graduate Biological Honor Society, The National Registry of Who's Who, Strathmore's Who's Who Lifetime Member, and she is also a highly respected forensic medical consultant.

Speaking Topics Ideas:

1) Healthcare reform: How it might hurt America

2) Questions you need to ask your doctor

3) The poisons in our food and what they aren't telling us

4) The good, bad and ugly of our medical system

5) Prevent don't repair: The secrets to healthy living

Fee: $2,000 - $3,500