About the Author

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. Currently, Smiley hosts the late-night television talk show, Tavis Smiley on PBS, The Tavis Smiley Show distributed by Public Radio International (PRI), and is the co-host of Smiley & West (PRI). He is the first American to simultaneously host signature talk shows on both public television and public radio. In addition to his radio and television work, Smiley has authored 14 books, including the book he edited, Covenant with Black America, which became the first nonfiction book by a Black-owned publisher to reach #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. He is also the presenter and creative force behind America I AM: The African American Imprint--an unprecedented traveling museum exhibition celebrating the extraordinary impact of African American contributions to our nation and to the world. In 2009, TIME magazine named him to their list of "The World's 100 Most Influential People." This year, 2011, marks his 20th year in broadcasting.