DeRay Mckesson is a civil rights activist whose work centers on innovation, equity, and justice. Born and raised in Baltimore, he graduated from Bowdoin College and holds honorary doctorates from The New School and the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Since his teenage years, DeRay has championed issues impacting children, youth, and families. As a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter Movement and co-founder of Campaign Zero, he has focused on equipping citizens and policymakers with tools and policies that advance equity. His work as a community organizer has earned praise from President Obama, and he has advised leaders at every level of government, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Galvanized by the death of Mike Brown and the Ferguson protests, DeRay emerged as a key voice challenging the systems behind mass incarceration and police violence against Black and minority populations. He also hosts the award-winning weekly podcast Pod Save the People, creating space to examine the week’s most pressing issues of justice, equity, and identity.
DeRay is a frequent commentator on national media including The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, NPR, MSNBC, CNN, and more. His perspective has been featured on the covers of The Advocate, Adweek, and Attitude Magazine, and profiled in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview Magazine, VICE, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun.
He serves on the board of Rock The Vote and has received wide recognition for his impact. In 2015, Fortune named him one of the World’s Greatest Leaders, and in 2016, Time recognized him as one of the 30 Most Influential People on the Internet.
Former school administrator turned activist and organizer.
Early career focused on education and youth development programs.
Social media presence built activism visibility through Twitter and Instagram.
Co-founded Campaign Zero with Elzie, Packnett, and Sinyangwe.
Candidacy announced for 2016 Baltimore mayoral election.
Active participant in Ferguson protests following Mike Brown’s death.
Prominent presence during Baltimore protests against systemic police violence.
Regularly speaks at conferences, universities, and global justice summits.
Frequent guest on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and Comedy Central.
Hosts weekly conversations on Crooked Media’s Pod Save the People.
Early supporter and recognized leader of Black Lives Matter movement.
Launched Campaign Zero policy platform to end police violence.
Memoir widely praised for hope-centered reflections on activism.
Named one of Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders in 2015.
Named one of Time’s Most Influential Internet People 2016.
Holds honorary doctorates from The New School, MICA.
Praised by President Obama for community organizing efforts.
Continues to mentor activists, organizers, and emerging leaders.
Helped influence commonsense policies adopted by civic leaders.
Established reputation blending activism, writing, podcasting, and political engagement.
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