Brittany Packnett Cunningham
Brittany Packnett Cunningham is an activist, educator, writer, and leader at the intersection of culture and justice. She is an NBC News and MSNBC contributor. Brittany is a former elementary teacher, education executive and former Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. Harvard fellow. She was a member of President Obama’s 21st Century Policing Task Force and the Ferguson Commission. Brittany’s forthcoming book, We Are Like Those Who Dream, is due to hit shelves in 2021. Brittany has graced the cover of Essence Magazine, been listed as one of Time’s 12 New Faces of Black Leadership, and has been honored by BET, Politico Magazine, Marie Claire, The Trayvon Martin Foundation and more. She serves on the Gucci Changemakers Council, the Sephora Equity Advisors board, and the board of Rise To Run.
See Brittany Packnett Cunningham in action.
Unleashing Love; Redefining Power; Learning in Public.
Cited by President Barack Obama as a leader whose “voice is going to be making a difference for years to come,” Brittany is an unapologetic educator, organizer, and writer. Her popular 2019 TED Talk on Confidence has garnered nearly 3 million views worldwide. Brittany’s forthcoming book, We Are Like Those Who Dream, is due to hit shelves in 2021.
Known as @MsPackyetti on social media, Brittany has become a sought-after voice in the work of social change and empowerment. Brittany plays many roles, all focused on freedom.
Brittany is a Director’s Leader and former Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics exploring social change and intersectional activism. In 2018, Brittany launched Love & Power, a hub created to inspire, empower, and outfit everyday people to seismically shift society.
A lifelong activist and proud member of the Ferguson Uprising, Brittany was an appointed member of the Ferguson Commission and President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Today, she continues to advocate for urgent systemic change at critical decision making tables and through national and international media.
From New Zealand to London, across the United States, and at the White House, Brittany has traveled extensively to impart lessons of empowerment, movement building, social impact, leadership, and empowerment for women and girls-especially those of color.
Brittany has graced the cover of Essence Magazine, been listed as one of Time’s 12 New Faces of Black Leadership, and has been honored by BET, Politico Magazine, Marie Claire, The Trayvon Martin Foundation and more. She is a proud member of the Gucci Changemakers Council and Sephora Equity Advisors, and an advisory board member the National Voter Protection Action Fund, Rise To Run, and Erase The Hate, NBCUniversal’s Emmy-Winning initiative to rid the world of discrimination.
Brittany is an alum of Washington University in St. Louis, American University in Washington, and the Pahara-Aspen Institute Education fellow. She and her husband live in Washington, DC.
Ultimately, Brittany Packnett Cunningham is a proud Black woman who believes that freedom is within our grasp- as long as we unleash love, and build our power, because “power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.” (MLK)
Our speakers get attention.
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Packnett Cunningham will receive ‘Triumph’ AwardSt. Louis native and activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham, will be honored December 7 at the National Action Network's 2nd annual Triumph Awards. The Triumph Awards spotlight African Americans who have…
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Meet the Fellows: An Interview with Brittany Packnett CunninghamBrittany Packnett Cunningham is a Fall 2020 Fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics, a NBC News and MSNBC Contributor, and host of UNDISTRACTED, a news and justice podcast with…
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The Election Is Over. Now What?Two veteran activists, Brittany Packnett Cunningham and Jenna Arnold, on building a better America.
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Now’s Our Chance: After A Tumultuous 2020, Women Leaders Share 8 Ways To Rebuild A Better WorldWe’re all losing out when we silence voices, when we discourage confidence and when we discourage ambition.
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Brittany Packnett Cunningham About Activists on defunding the police: ‘We’re not talking about Gotham without Batman’Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty and Brittany Packnett Cunningham join Ali Velshi to discuss how the conversation around “Defund the Police” continues to evolve. Commissioner Hardesty says, “There’s a…
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Black Women in Politics Need More Support, Panelists Acknowledge with Brittany Packnett CunninghamIn the second of a three-part conversation series, TV One’s “Represent the Vote: Our Voice, Our Future,” hosted by political analyst Karen Finney, examined the intersection and history of Black…
Brittany was amazing! She hit just the right notes with the audience and kicked off the event perfectly!
[Brittany] was as thorough, thoughtful, and passionate as ever, and I know I speak on behalf of all who tuned in that we were left inspired.
[Brittany] was absolutely fantastic and an absolute pleasure to work with. Her workshop was amazing; everything that she had to share and offer was relevant, important, and true to her mission and work.
She was powerful and on point!
BRITTANY is so TREMENDOUS. She's so amazing and is able to direct conversations. She's incredibly powerful and able to reframe the conversation in a way that expands the conversation.
Three words: BRITTANY FOR PRESIDENT. I know I don't have to tell you of all people this, but she is a national treasure and we are so honored that she lent her genius to Aspen Ideas.
Brittany was exactly the speaker we needed for our convention! After a day of talking policy, she was able to put it into context and taught us all about intersectionality, equity, and sharing power. We wrapped convention a few hours ago and we have already received great feedback from attendees, many citing Brittany as their favorite part.
Brittany was AMAZING. She gave me chills multiple times, which was difficult because that room was about 100 degrees. Everyone was really thrilled.
When Brittany spoke, the entire room sat up and listened! Her message on the importance of shifting power and privilege – and daring to be radical – inspired and energized the audience. We are so grateful that she shared her wisdom and authenticity with our attendees!
