It's important to have an attitude of gratitude! Let's GO! #thanksgiving #happythanksgiving Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Roland Martin's show, I asked military and security expert Malcolm Nance if the way in which Israel is retaliating against Hamas could have the reverse outcome that the Israeli government is looking for and actually create more terrorists than fewer. I prefaced my point by saying that I do not believe that you can bomb an idea away. You can watch the entire segment with Roland and my co-panelists here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGL3NsTU81A&t=4s  @rolandsmartin  #rolandmartin #rolandmartinunfiltered #malcolmnance  @MalcolmNanceMedia  #Israel #hamas #palestine #islam #upstander STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I wrote this poem for peace. I also created a music video that you can watch on my YouTube page linked here. Please subscribe there too! The lyrics are below. We the people standin up for a better day we Demandin’ peace to reign supreme in every country In every city, every strip, every territory No more death in our name’s a demand not a plea! We the people standin up for a better day we Demandin’ peace to reign supreme in every country In every city, every strip, every territory No more death in our name’s a demand not a plea! Gaz-rael, for too many a living in hell Lack of leadership led to a gruesome ground swell What the hell, you’d think the world would be compelled To go beyond entrenched ideas that so many have held, To condemn genocide or concertgoers killed To have a heart for hostages and homeowners grilled… …alive, so much hurt to try to survive Will there ever be a time when these people can thrive? Caravans carried hope in a hopeless land Bombed following orders from the IDF man And there’s blame in this game from Israel to Iran From Hamas to Hezbollah to the U.S…damn If we could just give a damn ’bout Palestinians On a trail or a strip of tears losing their land I just appeal to you to find your humanity And condemn innocent death no matter their ID We the people standin up for a better day we Demandin’ peace to reign supreme in every country In every city, every strip, every territory No more death in our name’s a demand not a plea! We need a 2-state solution, respect institutions End Hamas and not help them with their recruitment Can’t bomb an idea away when you slay Families fleeing their homes strapped with their babays Then the moms and babies found seared together Can we do better? Is hope as light as a feather? From Gaza to the West Bank and Ramallah Callin’ on you Biden, Blinken, and Kamala To let freedom ring for all the innocents dying To have the class to stop second class citizens crying Our children deserve better, we’re all in this together Our kids deserve a future filled with peace and pleasure Ain’t no religious text that would justify this And anyone who believes that is just a lie sis I know we can do it if we have the will And just commit to making war the only thing that we kill! We the people standin up for a better day we Demandin’ peace to reign supreme in every country In every city, every strip, every territory No more death in our name’s a demand not a plea! We the people standin up for a better day we Demandin’ peace to reign supreme in every country In every city, every strip, every territory No more death in our name’s a demand not a plea! #Israel #palestine #hamas #hezbollah #upstander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I believe that you who are young leaders will guide us out of the hate and ignorance that has jaded so many of us and I hope this message aids you in deciding to answer the call on leadership, love, and humanity. #israel #gaza#palestine #upstander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend so much time talking MAGA republicans and blaming them for America's ills. I believe that the apathy of those who claim to care about democracy are the bigger problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we reflect on this Suicide Prevention Month, let's remember to use our voice and talents to speak up about bullying. Bullying has led to suicide for kids as young as 5 years old and we all know that as adults we experience bullying as well at home, in school, and in the workplace. We can prevent suicides if we listen to each other and help people find the help they need. Sometimes it's just about listening. We have 2 ears and one mouth. Let's use them in proportion. Most people who commit suicide do it not because they want to die. They just want the pain to go away. As someone who was suicidal as a child, I know much of that pain all too well. If you would like to song, you can get the song on my album "What Our Freedom Sounds Like." https://music.apple.com/us/album/what-our-freedom-sounds-like/1537698245 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I appeared on Fox32 Chicago to discuss bigotry, bias, and my new bestselling book "Lies About Black people." One thing we discussed from my book is "The Rule of 7." These are 7 questions you should ask yourself, your community, your school, or your company to see how truly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion you really are. #diversity #diversityequityinclusion #'''''''''''''' #deibj #antiracism #liesaboutblackpeople #fox STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was honored to sit with @ellenmeny & @shennekia on @livinglocaldmv_ to discuss how to attain true equality and justice. We used my new bestselling book “Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters” as our point of departure. I’d love your thoughts! #livinglocaldmv #liesaboutblackpeople #diversity #dei #blacklivesmatter #diversityspeaker #antiracism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On "Roland Martin Unfiltered", I shared my thoughts on Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders getting rid of AP African American History. I speak about how teachers need to fight back, how non-Black parents should speak up before these so-called leaders come for them, and...I drop a few bars in between...because...it's what I do! lol. I share some of the poem called Critical Racist Theory" which you'll find in my book "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters." #antiracism #antiracist #antiracisteducation #liesaboutblackpeople #criticalracetheory #diversity #proequity #arkansas @rolandsmartin #RolandMartinUnfiltered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that Jamie Foxx has apologized, who is going to work to have the courageous conversations? Who is going to speak about what the story of Jesus means to Black people vs. Jewish people so we can better understand each other? We live in a society where outrage is an industry. It's easier to destroy than it is to build. Who wants to build together? STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Justice delayed is justice denied." It has taken too long for the family of Henrietta Lacks to get any form of justice. The settlement with Thermo Scientific brings her story to a new group of people who did not know her story but can her story be taught in some of our school systems like in Florida today under #desantis or in other states? STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.liesaboutblackpeople.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. #sayhername Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was so honored to be a guest on the "Lean to the Left" podcast with Bob Gatty. We had a very deep discussion about the Supreme Court decision and the themes in my book "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters." He gave me permission to post this on my podcast. You can also watch the video of the conversation on his YouTube page. #upstander #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook #dei #deib #deiba #affirmativection #supremecourt #unc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please share your comments on this important debate. Where do you stand on affirmative action? #affirmativeaction #upstander #jobob #joyannreid  @jobob_  STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I joined Jobob of Turning Point USA and Dan Perry (formerly of the Associate Press for a debate on 124 News about the fallout from the Supreme Court decision. Be sure to watch pt. 2! #affirmativeaction #supremecourt #joyannreid #i24news #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook. #upstander  @jobob_  STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No law can make a people committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this video I speak to the hypocrisy of both the #unc and #harvard decisions. In your company, school, religious institution, and your community overall, if you are committed to a world where everyone can be celebrated instead of tolerated and have equitable and equal opportunity, you should be energized by this treacherous decision to do more and fight more for an inclusive country! My book "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters" also speaks to to the affirmative action debate. Let's GO! #scotus #superemecourt #diversityequityinclusion #diversity #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook #upstander STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a look at my new book! In this video I talk about "Lies About Black People: how to combat racist stereotypes and why it matters" (foreword by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson). Check out the chapter titles so you know what's inside. I also talk about the poetry in the book, the interviews with everyday people about their antiracist journey, as well as the activities I share with you at the end of chapters for you to process what you just read. I also speak about all the hot topics of the day from critical race theory and housing to artificial intelligence and global anti-Blackness. Lastly, do know that this is a solutions-oriented book! We just don't talk about the problems. This is the book you need on your antiracist journey. It's the book your organization or school needs as well! Get your copy today! Let's GO! #dei #deib #deiba #upstander #diversity #diversityequityinclusion #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook #deibjSTAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We gotta fight and pray the anti-gay away You can’t be gay You can’t be queer Schools supposed to be a place for comfort But for some students & staff, it’s all about fear How can we keep our kids in schools That wanna ban LGBTQ + the fact that they were never really welcome But many of us have tried Many of us fought for equality while our friends and fam felt the government lied They wanna ban the teaching of what they call a “lifestyle” Though some of our historical “heroes” were pedophiles Some even got statues… But we’re talking about consenting individuals who just wanna love each other And they could be your father, your mother, your sister, your brother Or you And if it’s you they’re coming for you too But we’re standing with you Demanding with you Understanding with you Upstanding with you Not as allies but as partners Fighting for equality, making your journey less harder Because being homosexual shouldn’t be a class B misdemeanor And being gay in class shouldn’t make society this meaner I’m so GLAAD for the Trevor Project who seeks better prospects for our youth And so many other groups that want our youth to live in their truth Schools should be a place of love and education But our so-called leaders are only focused on indoctrination So many things I thought we transcended But if you say your trans your career or school life might be ended? Not sure what happened to our Harvey Milk of human kindness Not sure how we’ve descended into this blindness But we’re not just gonna stay appalled at these attempts to Stonewall We’re gonna fight in every school board meeting and every city hall Because loving who you love should never be a crime And being who you’re meant to be in today’s world should be fine Learning about Marsha P. should be mandatory In our schools, campuses, and dormatories Our work just isn’t done in making America as good as its promise We must continue to stand up and move to real acceptance from intolerance! STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com #pride #pridemonth #pridemonth2023 #lgbt #lgbtq #dei #deib Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharing my thoughts on Target being targeted. As I say in this video, I applaud the work of Laysha Ward and her team with Target’s continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s year round for every community. It’s not seasonal and I say this as someone who shops at Target weekly, including 2 Targets yesterday lol. We must work with companies that want to create communities where everyone can be celebrated and not tolerated. Even as we may critique each other, we must remember we are on the same side. Lastly in this video, I speak to Candace Owens’ ignorant comments and how wrong it is for society to keep associating #lgbtq people with perversion and deviance. Words matter and that hate must be fought too! Let’s GO! #heytarget #supporttarget #dei #deiba #deib #liesaboutblackpeople #upstander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I wrote and recorded this song called "10 days in America: be the change" to honor those slain in Uvalde and Buffalo 10 days before that. The best way to honor them is to fight to change our gun laws. We do more to remove toy and baby furniture that are defective if they unfortunately kill one child, yet guns are the #1 killer of kids now and they want more on our streets. We MUST fight and we MUST win! #uvalde #uvaldestrong #buffalo #topsmarket #Upstander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Patriot Front showed us on Mother's Day weekend, White racist extremism is growing in society and we have to do more as a society to stop it. #danielpenny #jordanneely #rolandmartin #upstander #patriotchannel #liesaboutblackpeople #liesaboutblackpeoplebook #rolandmartinunfiltered STAY CONNECTED: Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/omekongo Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/omekongo Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/omekongo Website | http://www.omekongo.com __ Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. He is a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor of cross cultural communication at American University. His Urban Music Award winning work has best been described by Nikki Giovanni as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old.” His book, From the Limbs of My Poetree was described byEssence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” He was one of 5 international recipients out of 750,000 to win the first ever “CNN iReport Spirit Award.” He has received over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com. Omékongo’s writings and performances have appeared in O Magazine, as well as on TV and radio fromCNN, BET, and the BBC to NPR, Music Choice, and Voice of Americain millions of homes in over 150 countries.He has also written songs for major motion pictures as well as organizations such as NASA and the Enough! Project. He has spoken before the United Nations, partners with the State Department to conduct youth leadership trainings overseas, and speaks to leadership and youth student conferences across the country.Omékongo’s music and writings have appeared alongside artists such as Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Don Cheadle, and Mos Def. He has shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, OutKast, Sonia Sanchez, Dennis Brutus, Emmanuelle Chriqui, The Last Poets, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers. Internationally, he has shared his work in over 20 countries on 3 continents. Omékongo has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. Heearned his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland (UMD) where his dissertation centered on the global hip-hop phenomenon and Jay-Z. At UMD, he also worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative.” He worked for four years as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University. He provides leadership, educational and diversity empowerment as a consultant and motivational speaker for organizations, associations and institutions.He has featured/lectured nationwide in venues from TEDx and Harvard to Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit and the Nuyorican Poets Café. His rap mixtape series “Bootleg” promotes positive hip-hop with remixes of songs by Tupac, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and others. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has directly impacted over100,000 youth across the globe to date. He has also partnered with Intel on its campaign to make their computer processors free of minerals that come from the war in the Congo. Omékongo has published and produced 7 books, 7-fusion music and motivational CDs, and one independent DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Lifehas received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley.His most recent book “The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life” is a life balance book for students. For more information, please visit www.upstanderinternational.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices