Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan is the author of the award-winning book, Bull in a China Shop: Evolution of a Racial Justice Activist and Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Effective Racial Justice Work. He and his wife founded Fighting Words LLC, a racial justice and DEI consulting company in 2023. He is the former president of The Activated People (TAP), an independent activist organization dedicated to promoting racial equity.

Kofi previously served two terms as the president of the Fairfax County, Virginia National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which was awarded the NAACP’s Thalheimer Award for being the best branch in the country in 2018.

Kofi is also the owner of Soul Rebel, a food truck based in northern Virginia that serves a unique blend of Caribbean-American fusion cuisine.

Kofi Annan served eight years in the U.S Army, and holds a Master’s of Science in International Relations from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Tennessee State University.

Kofi Annan’s memoir Bull in a China Shop: Evolution of a Racial Justice Activist, is an award-winning memoir chronicling the journey of a civil rights activist who went from sitting on the sideline of the civil rights struggle to leading an NAACP branch. Despite his lack of experience the branch went on to become one of the most successful branches in the state of Virginia and was awarded the Thalheimer Award by the national NAACP for being the best in the country. Kofi’s unorthodox approach successfully challenged the establishment to bring about several positive changes to his community.

Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Effective Racial Justice Work by Kofi Annan

As painful and upsetting as George Floyd’s murder was, it was encouraging to witness not just the intense condemnation–and ultimate prosecution–of the officers involved, but the almost universal recognition that that incident was a mere symptom of a greater problem, systemic racism.

In the subsequent months, more resources and energy were invested into efforts to fight systemic racism than ever before. America experienced the largest and longest-running protests in its history, and corporate America pledged over $200 billion to racial justice initiatives.

Unfortunately, according to research conducted by Forbs Magazine, as of late 2022 the majority of that money either went unspent while the rest was spent on efforts that had little systemic impact. The problem is that even individuals and organizations that have the best of intentions are clueless about how to craft an effective strategy to conduct racial justice activism. This work can be daunting, and even seasoned veterans can become overwhelmed or burned out.

In this book, Kofi Annan, a nationally recognized racial justice activist and award-winning author, lays out his five key guiding principles for conducting efficient and effective racial justice work. The guide serves as a tool for individuals, corporations, or non-profit organizations whose heart is in the right place but could use help crafting a strategy.

Crown Holders Intimate Conversation with Kofi Annan

BPM: Tell us a little about yourself and please don’t be shy.

I am an award-winning racial justice activist and two-time award-winning author. I previously served two terms as the president of the Fairfax County, Virginia National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which was awarded the NAACP’s Thalheimer Award for being the best branch in the country under his administration. I am now dedicated to training and consulting leaders interested in doing the challenging but meaningful racial justice work.

My memoir Bull in a China Shop: Evolution of a Racial Justice Activist won the 2022 Bookfest first place award in the category of Government Corruption and politics. I recently published a second book, Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Effective Racial Justice Work.

In 2023, my wife and I launched Fighting Words LLC. Fighting Words is a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting company that places a special emphasis on racial justice.

I am also a decorated war veteran who served honorably in Iraq and Afghanistan. I also had a distinguished career as an intelligence analyst in the federal government.


BPM: Introduce us to your most recent work. Available as a ebook?

As painful and upsetting as George Floyd’s murder was, it was encouraging to witness not just the intense condemnation–and ultimate prosecution–of the officers involved but the almost universal recognition that that incident was a mere symptom of a greater problem, systemic racism.

In the subsequent months, more resources and energy were invested into fighting systemic racism than ever before. America experienced the largest and longest-running protests in its history, and corporate America pledged over $200 billion to racial justice initiatives.

Unfortunately, according to research conducted by Forbs Magazine, as of late 2022, the majority of that money either went unspent while the rest was spent on efforts that had little systemic impact. The problem is that even individuals and organizations that have the best of intentions are clueless about how to craft an effective strategy to conduct racial justice activism. This work can be daunting, and even seasoned veterans can become overwhelmed or burned out.

In this book, Kofi, a nationally recognized racial justice activist and award-winning author, lays out his five key guiding principles for conducting efficient and effective racial justice work. The guide serves as a tool for individuals, corporations, or non-profit organizations whose heart is in the right place but could use help crafting a strategy.


BPM: How does this book resonated with your present situation or journey?

In 2016 I went from being one of those people who did the bare minimum of just voting every few years to joining my local NAACP chapter. It was a tiny branch located in Northern VA that only managed to attract a handful of members at each meeting. The few active members were so delighted to get some new “young” blood into the branch that just a few months after joining I was elected president despite having zero experience in activism and barely a clue how the organization worked.

This should have been a recipe for disaster – and depending on who you ask in some ways it was. But not because we were ineffective. Quite the opposite. We were disruptive to the status quo, but we made strides in several areas. Two years after taking the helm, the branch became the largest and most active in the state and was awarded the NAACP’s highest honor, the Thalheimer Award, as the very best in the nation.

My strategy relied on the five key principles I outlined in the book: efficiency, authenticity, impatience, an unwillingness to compromise your values, and most importantly a fierce and unwavering independence from either political party. I wrote the book because I hope to inspire others looking for a way to make a meaningful impact in the fight for racial justice.


BPM: What is racial justice and how have you worked to create a change?

Racial justice refers to the fair and equal treatment of all individuals regardless of their race. It encompasses a range of issues and initiatives aimed at addressing systemic racism and promoting equality and fairness in areas such as criminal justice, education, employment, housing, and healthcare.

Racial justice involves recognizing and challenging the ways in which systemic racism and prejudice have led to unequal outcomes and opportunities for different racial and ethnic groups. This includes addressing disparities in areas such as income, education, health, and criminal justice, as well as working to change the systems, institutions, and policies that perpetuate these disparities.

Achieving racial justice requires a commitment from individuals, communities, and institutions to work together towards creating a more just and equitable society. This involves acknowledging and challenging our own biases, and working to promote greater understanding, empathy, and respect for all people.


BPM: How can companies develop a first tier diversity equity and inclusion plan?

Developing a first-tier Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan can involve the following steps:

Assessment: Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your current DEI initiatives and practices, including a review of policies, programs, and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This will help you identify gaps, areas for improvement, and best practices to incorporate into your DEI plan.

Define DEI Goals and Objectives: Define clear and measurable DEI goals and objectives that align with the company’s mission and values. This could include increasing diversity in hiring and promotions, reducing disparities in pay and opportunities, or creating a more inclusive workplace culture.

Stakeholder Engagement: Engage stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, to gain a better understanding of their experiences and perspectives on DEI issues. This can help inform the development of your DEI plan and ensure that it is relevant and responsive to the needs of your organization.

Develop Action Plan: Develop a comprehensive action plan that outlines specific steps and initiatives to achieve your DEI goals and objectives. This should include specific actions, timelines, and accountability measures.

Allocate Resources: Allocate sufficient resources, including budget, staff, and technology, to support your DEI initiatives. This will help ensure that your DEI plan is adequately supported and has a positive impact.

Implement and Monitor Progress: Implement your DEI plan and regularly monitor progress towards your goals and objectives. This will help you identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to ensure that your DEI initiatives are effective and having a positive impact.

Celebrate Successes: Celebrate successes and share them with your stakeholders to build momentum and support for your DEI initiatives.

Remember that DEI is an ongoing process and your plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.


BPM: How can companies/organizations begin to create an effective strategy for racial justice activism?

Companies and organizations should start by looking inward. Honestly assess their leadership’s strengths and weaknesses, as not all leaders are genuinely interested in racial justice, and even those that are may not have the know-how or capacity to contribute in a meaningful way on top of their everyday duties. Without genuine buy-in from the top of the organization, any efforts are likely to fail.

Next, assess the systems and culture of the organization to see if it is conducive of entering the fight. Only then should you start exploring which issues the organization should tackle. Some organizational cultures are equipped to tackle more challenging issues and take more progressive stances, while others may be at earlier stages in their journey.

During the discovery process, you may discover that your organization is indeed primed to directly challenge institutionalized racism, and therefore may be willing to serve as an “accomplice” in the effort. Others may be more willing to serve as “allies” and use their platform to educate without participating directly in the struggle. This process should be revisited at least every few years as leadership changes hands and different issues become more prominent.


BPM: How are prejudice and racial bias created?

Prejudice and racial bias are shaped by a number of different factors. Children first learn attitudes and beliefs about different social groups through socialization experiences with family, friends, schools, media, and other cultural institutions. These experiences can shape their beliefs and attitudes towards others, including their biases and prejudices.

People often rely on stereotypes to make sense of the world and understand others. These are oversimplified beliefs about certain groups of people, and they can be harmful because they can lead to biased perceptions and attitudes towards individuals.

Historical and institutional factors, such as colonialism, slavery, and discrimination have a profound impact on the development of prejudice and racial bias. These experiences have created lasting, intergenerational effects on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards certain groups.

Cognitive biases, such as implicit biases, are unconscious attitudes and beliefs that can affect our perceptions and interactions with others. Research has shown that implicit biases lead to disparities in decision-making, such as hiring and promotion, even when people have consciously committed to avoiding bias.

Power dynamics also play a role in the creation of prejudice and racial bias. People in positions of power may use their influence to perpetuate biased attitudes and practices, while those without power often internalize these attitudes and beliefs.

Prejudice and racial bias can be complex and deeply ingrained in individuals and in society. Addressing and combating these biases requires ongoing efforts and conscious actions to challenge and change these attitudes and beliefs.

Overcoming internal biases requires a combination of self-awareness and intentional effort. The first step is to acknowledge their existence, by accepting the fact that we all have them. This requires self-reflection and an openness to examining your own attitudes and beliefs.

Next, expand your knowledge and understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. Read books, attend workshops and training sessions, and engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds to broaden your perspectives.

Seeking feedback from others, especially those from different backgrounds, about your attitudes and behaviors can also be helpful in your journey.

Once you become aware of your biases, make a conscious effort to interrupt them. Challenge your assumptions and question the beliefs that underlie them. Finally, align your actions with your values. Make a conscious effort to act in ways that are inclusive and respectful towards all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. Remember that overcoming internal biases is a journey and takes time and effort. It requires ongoing self-reflection, education, and intentional action to challenge and change these attitudes and beliefs.


BPM: What legacy do you want your work in the community to leave?

I hope to inspire others to get involved in the struggle for racial justice – particularly those who are unsure if they have what it takes to make an impact. I believe there is a huge segment of the population that is interested in contributing but feel intimidated for one reason or the other. I hope that my by sharing the story of my journey in Bull in a China Shop, and the principles outlined in Leadership in Action, they feel inspired and equipped to contribute in their own unique way.


BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can obtain copies of my books directly from my website 42fightingwords.com or on Amazon.com. I’m also open to speaking engagements and consulting services for companies and non-profit organizations.

Website: https://42fightingwords.com/books-1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1942fightingwords/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084925573429
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fighting-words-llc/?viewAsMember=true



Books by author and award-winning racial justice activist Kofi Annan
The following books explore various aspects about diversity, equity, and inclusion and the fight for racial justice.


Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Effective Racial Justice Work by Kofi Annan

As painful and upsetting as George Floyd’s murder was, it was encouraging to witness not just the intense condemnation–and ultimate prosecution–of the officers involved, but the almost universal recognition that that incident was a mere symptom of a greater problem, systemic racism.

In the subsequent months, more resources and energy were invested into efforts to fight systemic racism than ever before. America experienced the largest and longest-running protests in its history, and corporate America pledged over $200 billion to racial justice initiatives.

Unfortunately, according to research conducted by Forbs Magazine, as of late 2022 the majority of that money either went unspent while the rest was spent on efforts that had little systemic impact. The problem is that even individuals and organizations that have the best of intentions are clueless about how to craft an effective strategy to conduct racial justice activism. This work can be daunting, and even seasoned veterans can become overwhelmed or burned out.

In this book, Kofi Annan, a nationally recognized racial justice activist and award-winning author, lays out his five key guiding principles for conducting efficient and effective racial justice work. The guide serves as a tool for individuals, corporations, or non-profit organizations whose heart is in the right place but could use help crafting a strategy.



Bull in a China Shop: Evolution of a Racial Justice Activist by Kofi Annan

Bull in a China Shop is a memoir by Kofi Annan, an immigrant from the Caribbean who despite having little foreknowledge of the inner workings of American politics, successfully challenged the inertia of the establishment political systems to generate positive changes for his community. His relative ignorance about how things “should” be done was a double-edged sword. On the one hand he quickly became president of a local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) branch, and sketched out an approach that led the branch to be recognized as the best in the nation. But on the path to doing so he created enemies within the establishment Democratic Party and NAACP, and learned some difficult lessons.

This memoir chronicles how his life experiences growing up in the Caribbean, coming of age in Washington, DC during the crack cocaine epidemic, and professional experience in The Army and Intelligence Community shaped his perspective and approach to the civil rights fight.

The memoir can serve as an educational tool for seasoned civil rights activists who wish to become more effective, and a motivational tool for those not yet involved in the fight but have a desire to engage.

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