damali ayo is an author, speaker, artist, performer, and catalyst for change.

damali's work pushes her audiences to viscerally engage such issues as gender relations, sexual assault, race relations, citizenship, and love.

A true renaissance woman and creative visionary, damali ayo has spent a lifetime designing outlets for dialogue about societal issues.

damali ayo became internationally known with her website rent-a-negro.com which examines the intersection of race relations and commerce. The success of the web site was followed by her best-selling book How to Rent a Negro which uses satire and biting wit to explore the strained race relations between people in our society. The book has been optioned by Coalition Films and will be made into a movie with a major Hollywood partner in the near future.

Her guide of Ten Practical Solutions to solving racism on a one-to-one level titled I Can Fix It has been used in communities across the United States and the world. damali is now training new speakers to give her signature talk "I Can Fix It!" For information on learning to give this talk, please visit fixracism.com.

Her annual wide-scale participatory performance brings together people all over the country to re-create damali's street performance Living Flag: Panhandling for Reparations. The day, National Day of Panhandling for Reparations is a dynamic experience for all involved- the performers and those with whom they interacted.

damali has a strong commitment to creating connections between social issues. In 2008 damali created the first sliding-scale eco-clothing company, CROW Clothing, to rave reviews and happy customers. "She sees a strong link between racial justice and the environment." - Redbook Magazine

damali is an avid gardener and herbalist. She strives to live a life in harmony with principles of sustainability. She practices yoga regularly and incorporates yoga philosophy into her work and life. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Reiki Master (energy healing) and yoga instructor. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her blind adopted dog, Stevie.

Speaking Engagements and Calendar click here