Jason E. Shelton is an associate professor of sociology and anthropology and director of the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas, Arlington.

Cathy J. Cohen is the David and Mary Winton Green Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago.

Marc Lamont Hill is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities and Solutions at Temple University.

Julianne Malveaux is an economist, commentator, author and academic. She is currently the dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.