Speaker Series provides a stage for national thought leaders to share their insight with the Huntsville community on innovative solutions for addressing generational poverty and overcoming challenges for generations to come. 

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Former event speakers include:  

• 2011 – Geoffrey Canada, president of the Harlem Children’s Zone

• 2013 – Dr. Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund

• 2015 – Mr. Paul Tough, education researcher and author of “How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character”

• 2017 – Dr. Ruby Payne, educator and author, best known for “A Framework for Understanding Poverty”

• 2022 – Manny Scott, an author and original Freedom Writer

• 2023 - Leland Melvin, former NASA astronaut and NFL player  ​

• 2024 - Dr. Mae Jemison, Former NASA astronaut, engineer, physician, and educator​

• 2025 - Nate Oats, University of Alabama Head Coach of Men's Basketball

• 2026 - Dr. Tasha Austin-Williams