Xernona Clayton - The Podcast

The charismatic, incomparable Xernona Clayton is a Civil Rights visionary, innovator, and change agent for good. Since the 1940s, she’s strategized and worked to realize the impossible, build bridges, and bring people together.

For the first time, Ms. Clayton shares her incredible life’s story—and what a life it is. 

At the National Urban League and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, she grew into committed activist-leader, who became deeply involved with the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and became one of few women in his inner circle.



Later, she made history again as the first major black female broadcasting executive and talk show host; founded the Trumpet Awards honoring the achievements of Black Americans; and created the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Ms. Clayton has been at the forefront of social change for the better in America for much of the 20th Century.

Today, in her 90s, she lives and still works in Atlanta.

 Listeners to this special oral history podcast will be treated to previously unheard, insider stories from Ms. Clayton, who openly shares the pivotal chapters and personalities of her influential life with candor, humor, and grace.

For more, don’t miss Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black & White, airing on Brown Sugar, featuring the largest catalog of classic Black cinema. Go to brownsugar.com.