LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton launched his acting career while still a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he found himself on the cover of Time Magazine after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television series "Roots." A seemingly impossible act to follow, Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series – a role he reprised in "Star Trek: Picard" in 2023. However, it has been his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children’s series "Reading Rainbow," of which he is most proud. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history but also one of the most acclaimed, earning over 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.

As the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys, Burton has demonstrated that he can do it all. In 2024, Burton was awarded the National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment of the Humanities, at a ceremony in the Oval Office, bestowed by President Biden. Honored for his contributions to literacy in America, Burton continues his focus on the importance of literature and storytelling in our everyday lives and is a staunch advocate against the banning of books. He hosted the podcast "LeVar Burton Reads" from 2017 to 2024.

With over 4 million social media followers, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a dedicated park in his hometown of Sacramento, this pop culture icon has the unique ability to reach across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups – communicating to a large fan base that is highly engaged and motivated to embrace his message.