Omékongo Dibinga, PhD, CSP

Dr. Omékongo Dibinga, known as the UPstander, is on a mission to inspire people worldwide to take a stand against injustice, no matter how big or small. He is an internationally acclaimed speaker, trilingual poet, TV talk show and podcast host, rapper, and professor of Intercultural Communication at American University. Additionally, he is a faculty affiliate of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center. Nikki Giovanni describes his award-winning work as “outstanding, exciting, and new while being very old,” and Essence Magazine praises his book, “From the Limbs of My Poetree,” as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.”

Dr. Dibinga has gained a significant following through his appearances in O Magazine, as well as on CNN, BET, BBC, NPR, and other major media outlets. His performances and writings have reached millions of homes in over 150 countries. He has even written songs for major motion pictures and organizations like NASA and the Enough! Project.

As a speaker, Dr. Dibinga has addressed the United Nations and conducted leadership training overseas in partnership with the State Department. He delivers powerful talks on leadership, antiracism, diversity, and inclusion to corporate, government, and educational organizations across the country.

Dr. Dibinga’s educational background includes studies at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School. He holds an M.A. in Law & Diplomacy from The Fletcher School and a Ph.D. in International Education Policy from the University of Maryland. His doctoral dissertation focused on the global hip-hop phenomenon and JAY-Z, and he is currently working on a book based on this research.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Dibinga has contributed to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Diverse Students Initiative” and has worked with school districts nationwide on culturally relevant instruction. He also served as the lead Teaching Assistant to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University for four years. As a consultant and motivational speaker, he empowers organizations, associations, and institutions with his leadership, educational, and diversity expertise.

Dr. Dibinga’s impact extends beyond speaking engagements. He has lectured at renowned venues such as TEDx, Harvard, Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit, and the Nuyorican Poets Café. Through his 1,000,000 Youth Campaign, he has directly influenced over 750,000 young people worldwide. He has also partnered with Intel on their campaign to ensure their computer processors are free of minerals sourced from the conflict in the Congo.

With 7 published books, 8 fusion music and motivational CDs, and an independent DVD, Dr. Dibinga’s creativity always leans toward making the world better. His motivational book, G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Life, has received praise from renowned speakers like Les Brown and Willie Jolley. His book, The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life, is a valuable resource for students seeking life balance. Lastly, his most recent book, Lies about Black People: How to Combat Racist Stereotypes and Why it Matters, features a foreword by Michael Eric Dyson and is written for all races.