Director
Omékongo Dibinga
Omékongo Dibinga, M.A., lives in Washington, DC and is the Director of UPstander International. He believes that his mission in life is to be an UPstander, not a bystander to the challenges we face in society from bullying and homophobia to racism and genocide, and everything in between. He is a former board member of the OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center. He has an M.A. in International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University. He is currently a doctoral student in International Education Policy at the University of Maryland. He has also studied at Harvard, Princeton, Morehouse, MIT, the University of Johannesburg and the University of Dakar.
Omékongo has been dedicated to Mattie’s dream since he first learned about him. Mattie inspired Omékongo to continue to do whatever possible to be a force for peace in this world. Omékongo uses his skills as an award-winning poet, rapper, diversity educator and motivational speaker to empower audiences across the globe to take control of their destiny and help others do the same. To By joining the Foundation Board of Directors, Omékongo looks forward to working with other soldiers for humanity.
Omékongo’s work has appeared on radio and television in over 150 countries. His work has appeared alongside Don Cheadle, Sheryl Crow, Angelina Jolie, Norah Jones, and many other activists committed to change. He has produced 7 CDs and published 6 books, the most recent being The UPstander’s Guide to an Outstanding Life. Omékongo’s publishing company, Free Your Mind Publishing, has produced 7 fusion music and motivational CDs, 5 books, and one independent DVD. His motivational book “G.R.O.W. Towards Your Greatness! 10 Steps to Living Your Best Life” has received praise from great motivational speakers such as Willie Jolley. Most importantly, he is a husband and father to 2 girls that he hopes will “remember to play after storm.”
As a member of the Board of Mattie's Foundation, Omékongo plans on using his “artistic talents as a poet, musician, and motivational speaker to continue spreading Mattie’s message of peace across the globe. I will bring Mattie's message to the thousands of students I speak to throughout the year in the form of performances, workshops, and student assemblies where students can learn how they can be change agents in the world, regardless of any perceived shortcomings they believe they may have.”
For more information on Omékongo’s publications, please visit www.omekongo.com.
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