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Author Talk: ‘One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race’
Inspired by her award-winning book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race, scholar-activist and cultural consultant Dr. YABA BLAY explores the extent to which historical definitions of race continue to shape contemporary racial identities and lived experiences of racial difference. Dr. Blay delves into vital questions about defining identity – how we define ourselves, each other, and how we navigate these complex ideas to create greater equity and belonging in our workplaces and communities.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging – Moving Beyond Language
Scholar-activist and award-winning author Dr. YABA BLAY inspires both critical thinking as well as action. Sought after as a public speaker and cultural consultant by global brands, Dr. Blay is widely respected as one of the foremost thought leaders on Black racial identity, colorism, and beauty politics. In enlightening and empowering talks, Dr. Blay helps audiences move past the ‘checklist’ mindset of diversity, equity, and inclusion work toward meaningful questions and grounded action.
Colorism and Mediated Images
In one of her signature talks, cultural critic, scholar-activist, and award-winning author Dr. YABA BLAY leads audiences on a deeply introspective journey and facilitates an empowering conversation about diverse media. Widely respected as one of the foremost thought leaders on Black racial identity, colorism, and beauty politics, Dr. Blay offers an impactful presentation while creating a genuine, collaborative connection with audiences of all kinds.
Dr. Yaba Blay is an In-Demand Cultural Consultant
Widely respected as one of the foremost thought leaders on Black racial identity, colorism, and beauty politics, scholar-activist and award-winning author Dr. YABA BLAY is a globally sought-after speaker and consultant with an extensive client list of over two dozen academic institutions including Harvard University, Duke University, Spelman College, New York University, to name a few; and such corporate entities as Netflix, UniLever International, SheaMoisture, Estee Lauder Companies, Procter & Gamble’s ‘My Black is Beautiful’, and the #meToo. Movement.
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Dr. Yaba Blay’s highly acclaimed book “One Drop” continues to make an impact
In her award-winning and critically acclaimed first book, scholar-activist and thought leader on global Black identity YABA BLAY establishes herself as a leading voice on Black racial colorism, identity, and beauty politics. In One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race Dr. Blay expertly delves into the extent to which historical definitions of race continue to shape contemporary racial identities and lived experience of racial difference. She explores the lived experiences and lived imaginings of Black identities that visualize the multiple possibilities for Blackness.
Dr. Blay is an in-demand voice who has spoken for organizations like Courageous Conversation, the National Anti-Racist Book Festival, and various colleges and universities. Through her insightful and encouraging delivery, Dr. Blay inspires audiences to move beyond language and surpass the “checklist” mindset of DEI. After an event at Temple University, the host raved about the lasting impact on their audience: “Dr. Blay’s approach encouraged us to look beyond numbers and percentages and pushed us to instead think about diversity, equity, and inclusion as practices rather than policies. Her critical lens directly challenged us and we left with important information to share with administrators, faculty, and staff. The keynote was very well-received and I’m certain that her message will have a long standing impact on all who were in attendance.”
Dr. Yaba Blay is a scholar-activist, public speaker, and cultural consultant whose scholarship, work and practice centers on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices. Lauded by O Magazine for her social media activism, she has launched several viral campaigns including Locs of Love, #PrettyPeriod, and #ProfessionalBlackGirl, her multi-platform digital community.
In 2012, Dr. Blay served as a producer on CNN’s television documentary, Who is Black in America?, and has since been named one of today’s leading Black voices by ‘The Root 100’ and Essence Magazine’s ‘Woke 100.’ She has appeared on CNN, BET, MSNBC, BBC, and NPR, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, EBONY, Essence, Fast Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Colorlines, and The Root, to name a few. Her commentary is featured in A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond, a permanent installation exhibited in the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and she is the author of the award-winning One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race.
Widely respected as one of the foremost thought leaders on Black racial identity, colorism, and beauty politics, Dr. Blay is a globally sought-after speaker and consultant with an extensive client list of over two dozen academic institutions including Harvard University, Duke University, Spelman College, New York University, to name a few; and such corporate entities as Netflix, UniLever International, SheaMoisture, Estee Lauder Companies, Procter & Gamble’s ‘My Black is Beautiful,’ and the #meToo. Movement.
Dr. Yaba Blay earned a Master of Arts and PhD in African American Studies (with distinction) and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies from Temple University. She also holds a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from the University of New Orleans. The former Dan Blue Endowed Chair in Political Science at North Carolina Central University, she has also taught on the faculties of Lehigh University, Lafayette College, and Drexel University, where she served as the Director of the Africana Studies program.
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