About
Les Brown (born Leslie Calvin Brown on February 17, 1945, in Miami, Florida) is an American motivational speaker, author, and former politician. Adopted at six weeks old by Mamie Brown, a cafeteria worker, he overcame early challenges to become an influential figure in personal development. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1977 to 1981. In 1989, he was the first African American to receive the CPAE Award from the National Speakers Association. He is the author of several bestselling books, including 'Live Your Dreams' (1992), and hosted a syndicated television talk show. He was also married to singer Gladys Knight from 1995 to 1997.
Major works
- Live Your Dreams (1992)self-help book
- It's Not Over Until You Winself-help book
- The Courage to Live Your Dreamsself-help book
- The Les Brown Show (1993)television show
Key milestones
- 1977Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives for the 29th District, serving until 1981.
- 1989First African American to receive the CPAE Award from the National Speakers Association.
- 1991Won a Chicago-area Emmy Award for a PBS fundraising special.
Themes
MotivationPersonal developmentOvercoming adversitySelf-actualizationLeadership
Sources: id.loc.gov · ohiostatehouse.org