Justin Michael Williams is a best-selling author, Grammy-nominated recording artist and keynote speaker who works at the intersection of music, meditation and equality. He describes his drive as sharing what has worked in his own life, and his main goal as changing lives. He has spoken at organizations including Google, Bloomberg and SXSW, and says he does not fit the traditional mold of a transformational luminary. He speaks to people who don't typically see themselves as part of the motivational, healing or wellness movement.
He grew up with gunshot holes outside his bedroom window, and he has dedicated his life to helping people turn pain into power. His site cites nearly two decades of teaching experience and a digital reach spanning more than 40 countries. He leads guided meditation and shadow work, and teaches through master classes, an on-demand 40-day program and retreats.
Music is what he calls his original and true love. He has learned to meld his speaking and his songs, so that his music is something to experience as well as play loud, a medium for joy and personal growth together. His first book, Stay Woke, brought mindfulness to young people across America and earned a Next Generation Award from the Walden New Thought Awards. His latest, How We Ended Racism, was written with Shelly Tygielski and looks back from the year 2050. Figures including Martin Luther King III, Arianna Huffington, Sharon Salzberg and Jon Kabat-Zinn have endorsed his writing.
