Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition & Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy; Voting Rights Activist
Desmond Meade Biography
Desmond Meade is a transformational leader whose commitment to justice has impacted millions. Meade is the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) and chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy. His efforts to uplift humanity has consistently earned him national and international acclaim. He is a Ford Global Fellow, a 2021 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, and was recognized in 2019 as one of TIME magazine 100 Most Influential People in the World, and twice-published author.
As President and Executive Director of the FRRC, Meade led the successful passage of Amendment 4, a grassroots citizen’s initiative which restored voting rights to over 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. Amendment 4 represented the single largest expansion of voting rights in the United States in half a century and brought an end to 150 years of a Jim Crow-era law in Florida. Under his leadership FRRC was distinguished in 2023 by being nominated for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize.
A graduate of Florida International University College of Law, Meade also holds Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Bard College and Duke University. He presently leads efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities across the nation in a way that promotes love and empathy. Using his inspiring journey of overcoming incarceration, homelessness, and substance abuse, he works tirelessly to reshape local, state, and national criminal justice policies and create a more vibrant democracy for all. Among many other accolades, Meade’s efforts have resulted in him earning him the distinction in 2019 as Floridian and Central Floridian of the Year, and being recognized as a Hero by CNN, and as one of the 40 most influential people in politics by Politico.
A well sought-after speaker, Meade’s appearances on CNN, MSNBC, "60 Minutes,' and Fox TV demonstrates his ability to appeal to and inspire people from all walks of life.
Meade is married to Sheena Meade, who leads the Clean Slate Initiative. Together, they are reshaping policies to allow people with prior records the ability to live with purpose, dignity, and power.
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Desmond Meade Videos
The Right to Vote: Never take it for granted | Desmond Meade | TEDxJacksonville Salon
Desmond Meade is living proof that if we the people allow our shared humanity — rather than our differences — to guide our engagement in...
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What are the speaker fees for Desmond Meade
Speaking fees for Desmond Meade, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Desmond Meade are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Desmond Meade, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Desmond Meade speak about?
Desmond Meade is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Addiction & Recovery, Author, Christian, Christian, Civil Rights, Democracy, Democrat, Education, Empowerment, Government, Inspirational, Law, Leadership, Mental Health, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Philanthropy, Political, Social Activism, TED -
Where does Desmond Meade travel from?
Desmond Meade generally travels from Miami, FL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Desmond Meade is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Desmond Meade for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Desmond Meade generally travels from Miami, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Van Jones, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Angela Davis, S. Lee Merritt and Yusef Salaam. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Desmond Meade for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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