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Omékongo Dibinga

Finding Common Ground in Uncommon Times

Dr. Omékongo Dibinga, PhD, CSP, known as The UPstander, is a dynamic motivational speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show host, rapper, and professor at American University, where he teaches cross-cultural communication. With a mission to inspire people worldwide to stand up against injustice, he has impacted millions through his powerful words, performances, and leadership initiatives.

As a recognized Urban Music Award winner, Omékongo’s work has been praised by literary icon Nikki Giovanni for its ability to blend the old and the new in unique and exciting ways. His poetry collection, From the Limbs of My Poetree, was hailed by Essence Magazine as “remarkable” and “insightful,” touching deep emotional and spiritual places. Omékongo was also one of five international recipients of the inaugural CNN iReport Spirit Award, receiving over 1,000,000 views on CNN.com.

Omékongo’s writings and performances have reached millions of people worldwide, appearing in publications like O Magazine and across major TV and radio networks including CNN, BET, BBC, and NPR. He has been featured alongside Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, Mos Def, and many others, while sharing the stage with luminaries like Wyclef Jean, OutKast, and NFL great Aaron Rodgers.

His global impact extends to sharing his message in over 20 countries across three continents, delivering empowering speeches before the United Nations and collaborating with the U.S. State Department to conduct youth leadership training overseas. He’s spoken at TEDx, Harvard, Morehouse, and Princeton, among many other prestigious venues.

Omékongo earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy from The Fletcher School, followed by a Ph.D. in International Education Policy at The University of Maryland, where his dissertation explored the global impact of hip-hop, particularly focusing on Jay-Z. His work with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Diverse Students Initiative and as a lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University further solidified his commitment to education, diversity, and leadership.

As a consultant and motivational speaker, Omékongo empowers organizations, associations, and institutions, inspiring audiences to take action for social change and leadership. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has already impacted over 100,000 youth globally, and he has partnered with Intel to remove conflict minerals from their computer processors, in support of peace in the Congo.

Omékongo has authored 7 books, produced 7 fusion music and motivational CDs, and a DVD. His motivational book G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Life has received praise from renowned speakers like Willie Jolley. His latest book, The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life, is a life balance guide for students.
TOPICS

Finding Common Ground in Uncommon Times

G.R.O.W.Towards Your Greatness

Leveraging and Embracing Diversity in the Workplace

Antiracism & You

Be An UPstander, Not a BYstander

Elevating the Black Male

S.E.E.D.S Students Engaged on Every Day Success
BOOKS

G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness (companion book for the Keynote)

The UPstander’s Guide to an OUTstanding Life

From the Limbs of My Poetree

Lies About Black People; How to Combat Racist Stereotypes and Why it Matters (Publish July 2023)
Omékongo Dibinga
PAST CLIENTS

  • Synchrony Bank Global Diversity Network Symposium
  • California Assoc. of Student Leaders
  • Maryland SHRM Annual Conference
  • Raymond James
  • Inter-American Defense College
  • National Assoc. of Secondary School Principals
  • Greenpeace
  • FHL Bank
  • Brown University
  • Fidelity Investments
  • International Studies Learning Center
  • Microsoft






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