Geoffrey Canada

Inner City Youth & Education Advocate

Geoffrey Canada

Inner City Youth & Education Advocate

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Biography

Geoffrey Canada is renowned around the world for his pioneering work helping children and families, and as a thought leader and passionate advocate for education reform across the country.

Canada created the Harlem Children’s Zone, a birth-through-college network of programs that today serves more than 13,000 low-income students and families in a 97-block area of Central Harlem in New York City.

The unprecedented success of the Harlem Children’s Zone has attracted the attention of the media and leaders around the world. In 2011, Canada was named one of the world’s most influential people by Time magazine and as one of the 50 greatest leaders by Fortune magazine in 2014. President Barack Obama created the Promise Neighborhoods Initiative to replicate the Harlem Children’s Zone model across the country,

After 30 years with the organization, Canada stepped down in 2014 as Chief Executive Officer of the Harlem Children’s Zone but continues to serve as President.

In June 2020, Canada founded The William Julius Wilson Institute (WJW), which will serve as the national platform to help communities impacted by poverty across the country design and implement their own place-based programs. Currently we are implementing an innovative initiative focused on narrowing the racial wealth gap and building economic mobility in the Black community.

Speaker Videos

Meet Geoffrey Canada

TEDTalk: Our Failing Schools. Enough is Enough!

Five Ways Education Must Change

Activist Geoffrey Canada on tackling inequality through education | CNBC News

The Crisis Facing Youth

Helping Harlem's Children

Children's Defense Fund

The Oprah Winfrey Show Appearance

See Fewer Videos

Speech Topics

The Crisis Facing Youth: What Adults & Communities Can Do to Save Our Children

American youth face problems that many of us never imagined. The issues of violence, gangs, drugs, and failing schools are not confined to one city, or community. You find these problems in urban and rural, rich and poor communities. The answers are not to be found in any one strategy; individuals, families, schools and communities must develop a plan of action to save our children.

An educator and advocate, Canada offers a vision that with hard work, dedication, and a prioritizing of our resources, we can create a safe, caring and stimulating environment for all children.

Leadership is Only as Great as Those Around You

Improving the Lives of Children, One Poor Child at a Time

Leveling the Playing Field, Helping Poor Children to Succeed

Testimonials

"You were kind and gracious to speak with so many members of our community. The desire of these individuals to meet and engage with you is a clear testament to the connection you made with them, and it is a tribute to you and the work you are doing with the Harlem Children’s Zone. You made our celebration in honor of Dr. King one that will long be remembered by so many here at Partners, Mass General and the Brigham."

- Partners Healthcare System, Inc.

"He's a rock star! He went to the stage with a standing ovation and received another one after his remarks. Outstanding messenger. Great reception from the audience, and afterwards he had quite a line for photos right in front of the stage as planned. Each person and our high school student interns, the Stokes Scholars, received such personal attention from him at the book signing."

- Cleveland Clinic

"Simply said, he was perfect. I am often guilty laying on the superlatives to describe our events; it’s my job to make us look good. We set up the event to inspire people and knew the Geoffrey Canada’s presence would be instrumental. We have been showered with appreciation and praise, with much of it for bringing Canada to those who need his wisdom most. Thank you for working with us on this conference. Thanks again for everything."

- Department of Children, Youth & Their Families

"Mr. Canada was amazing! Attendees thoroughly enjoyed his remarks, and the subsequent reception and community conversation were equally beneficial to those able to attend. Mr. Canada himself was a joy to work with—very down to earth and genial."

- Community Foundation of North Louisiana

"He was AMAZING!!!!!!! Everyone involved was absolutely thrilled; on a personal level, he was one of the nicest, most down to earth people I've ever dealt with among the speakers, and I really felt privileged to get to spend the day with him...."

- Springfield Public Forum

"The lecture was fabulous. Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed his talk. It was the first standing ovation that I've seen here at the Harn Museum, and then nobody wanted to let him leave. And he was very kind, gracious, and charming to everyone as well."

- The Harn Museum of Art

"Geoffrey Canada was an amazing speaker. Our guests loved having him—we are continuing to hear rave reviews. People were inspired to do more for our community. Thank you again for your terrific assistance on this event."

- United Way of Greater Greensboro

"Mr. Canada was an excellent speaker—very engaging. We had a very large turnout from the local community, many of whom stayed for the meet and greet/book signing afterward. All in all, a successful evening."

- Client

"It. Was. Great. We had a full house—650 people—and have received nothing but positive feedback. Everyone was so excited to hear him speak and were equally excited and inspired when they left our event. We could not be happier."

- Kalamazoo Community Foundation

"The speech was well received. Out of that speech we have seen activation in the community (which is what we desired). He was gracious and welcoming. He signed some books and genuinely engaged with our critical partners and sponsors."

- Summit Education Initiative

"He was amazing. Drove home the right message. Really customized his remarks for our audience. Had some people in tears. Had all of us laughing. Was generous with his time after the event to greet individual guests and snap a few photos with folks. We couldn’t have asked for more."

- United Way of Greater Cincinnati