Keppler

New Orleans Five Years Later: Pioneers Reveal a City of Hope, Leadership and Innovation

As the city of New Orleans approaches its five-year mark since Hurricane Katrina’s war-path, three Keppler Speakers – Soledad O’Brien, former mayor Ray Nagin, and “Katrina General” Russel Honoré – reflect on the crescent city’s progress and the major changes that have led to the city’s remarkable recovery. Sharing stories and insight from the frontlines, the acclaimed journalist, retired general, and former mayor tackle the tough issues and give hope for the future.

CNN’s special investigations correspondent Soledad O’Brien brings attention to the story of post-Katrina New Orleans by revisiting the neglected people and neighborhoods in the aftermath of the disaster in yet another CNN special report. An acclaimed journalist and host of CNN’s In America documentaries, O’Brien emphasizes the importance of recognizing diversity among the Latino, African American and even Creole Americans, whether it's in the media, educational opportunities, in the workplace or mentoring.  With a never-give-up-attitude and strong work ethic, she wholly believes education - and a diverse outlook - is a means to achieve. 

Dubbed by the media as the "Category 5 General" who led Task Force Katrina, Lt. General Russel Honoré has been instrumental in raising awareness about the need to create a culture of preparedness. The city was ill-equipped and unprepared to deal with such a terrible disaster, yet the no-nonsense leader and Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina restored order amidst chaos. He emphasizes the tools and measures we can take to respond to the unexpected and uncontrollable, and advises on the differences between “leadership” and “management.” Honoré joined CNN as the emergency preparedness contributor to CNN Worldwide in 2008. Watch this exclusive video now.

In the midst of New Orleans’s progress, former Mayor Ray Nagin helped transform the city's education system.  Promoting the importance of cooperation and civic engagement at all levels, especially young people, the lyrical, compelling speaker demonstrates that working together, investing in people, and moving forward can lead to overcoming obstacles, even in the worst of disasters.

Looking for ways to help and advocate from your campus?  Contact Keppler Speakers bureau about bringing these inspirational speakers to your campus.

Common, Chuck D, MC Lyte: Legends of Hip Hop Making an Impact

Beyond their legendary rhymes, pioneering artists have worked to empower new generations with live presentations of a different kind. On campuses across the country, these celebrity speakers inspire audiences, creating an uplifting experience for students and aspiring artists.

	Common, “The King of Conscious Hip Hop,” is one of the most poetic and well-respected lyricists in the business. A musician, actor, and role model, he uses his lyrics and charitable efforts as vehicles to promote self-respect and positivity to his audiences. Through his Common Ground Foundation, he dedicates himself to the empowerment and development of America’s youth.
	As the leader and co-founder of Public Enemy, Chuck D redefined rap and hip hop culture with release of the groundbreaking Yo Bum Rush the Show in 1987. Named one of the “fifty most important performers in rock & roll history” by Rolling Stone, Chuck D and his message of race, rage, and inequality have transcended music. Working to “combat the weapons of mass distraction,” he offers insight and solutions into many of today’s most volatile issues.
	One of the first female rappers to ever hit the scene, MC Lyte brought a unique female voice to hip hop by speaking out sexism and misogyny, breaking down barriers, and opening doors for artists like Queen Latifah and Missy Elliot. She also uses her celebrity to advocate for various social campaigns, including Rock the Vote, anti-violence work, and the AIDS Benefit. MC Lyte not only enlightens students with stories from her life as a female rapper, but encourages students to brush off pain and hardships by focusing on the positive and working to reach their goals.

See how these pioneers not only shaped today’s music industry, but also the lives of their listeners. Contact Keppler Speakers bureau today to learn more information on bringing these inspirational speakers to your campus.

Six Months Later: Keppler Speakers Return to Earthquake-Stricken Haiti

Six months ago, a devastating earthquake brought the already struggling country of Haiti to its knees, destroying government infrastructure, killing over 250,000, leaving more than one million people homeless, and turning countless children into orphans. Millions of dollars of financial aid poured into the country, but has it helped? Keppler Speakers bureau’s acclaimed journalists and doctors have returned to Haiti to survey the relief efforts and to assess the country’s progress towards recovery.

	Ray Suarez, an award-winning global health correspondent for PBS’ NewsHour, traveled to Haiti immediately following the quake, and this month returned to the scene to report on his latest findings. A longtime observer of communities and how they bond during tough times, Suarez observes that the Haitians are showing great resilience. Nonetheless, he continues, “courageous and resourceful people without leaders and a plan…cannot rebuild a capital of 3 million people.” Read and watch Suarez’s reports from the frontline on “The Rundown” blog.
	As CNN’s acclaimed special investigations correspondent, Soledad O’Brien brings attention to a variety of often-neglected people and places, revealing our common connections. Having just returned from another trip to the earthquake zone, O’Brien reports on the thousands of orphans left behind, and why we must tell their stories. Read “A Return to Haiti,” O’Brien’s excerpt from her forthcoming book, The Next Big Story.
	Dr. Paul Farmer, the UN deputy special envoy to Haiti and the founding director of Partners in Health (PIH), has long been one of Haiti’s staunchest allies. In March, Farmer and PIH launched the Stand with Haiti Fund to fulfill the strategic vision of building a better Haiti. Halfway towards the goal of raising $125 million, Stand with Haiti has already helped hundreds of thousands receive medical care and provided 1.5 million pounds of supplies. Learn more here.
	Dr. David Walton is another doctor making a difference, working alongside Dr. Farmer in Haiti, as the PIH deputy chief of mission. With the recent announcement by Walton that PIH will be building a new teaching hospital in the rural countryside as “a centerpiece of our earthquake response,” Walton further demonstrates PIH’s commitment to “help Haiti build back better.”

Find out what you can to do make a difference by hosting one of Keppler Speakers bureau’s powerful experts at your next event. Contact us for more information.