DeRay Mckesson is a civil rights activist, educator, and thought leader dedicated to advancing justice, equity, and innovation. Born and raised in Baltimore, he graduated from Bowdoin College and holds honorary doctorates from Bowdoin College, The New School, and the Maryland Institute College of Art.
A lifelong advocate for children, youth, and families, DeRay emerged as a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement and serves as Executive Director of Campaign Zero, an organization working to end police violence and dismantle mass incarceration through data-driven policy solutions. His work focuses on equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to create lasting change – influencing policy at local, national, and international levels. Recognized by President Barack Obama for his commitment to social justice, DeRay has advised policymakers, activists, and organizers across the country to drive systemic reform.
DeRay also has an extensive background in education. He previously served as Chief of Human Capital for Baltimore City Public Schools, where he led the district’s talent management and workforce development strategies. He began his career as a 6th grade math teacher in East New York, Brooklyn and his commitment to education continued when he returned to Baltimore to open an after-school/out-of-school center on Baltimore’s westside with Higher Achievement and then lead teacher training for a third of all Baltimore City Public Schools new teachers with the Baltimore Teaching Fellows.
Following the tragic killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, DeRay became a pivotal figure in the national conversation on policing and mass incarceration. Through his activism and public engagement, he continues to challenge the structures that perpetuate inequality. He also hosts Pod Save The People, an award-winning podcast that fosters critical discussions on justice, identity, and policy.DeRay’s impact has been widely recognized across media and culture. He has appeared on The Daily Show, NPR, MSNBC, and CNN and profiled in Vogue, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. He has been featured on the covers of The Advocate, Adweek, and Attitude Magazine. Among his many honors, he was named one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Greatest Leaders, one of Time Magazine’s 30 Most Influential People on the Internet, and one of Forbes Magazine’s 21 Black Leaders Who Shaped History in 2025.