Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
United States Bakari Sellers is a prominent attorney, political commentator, and former South Carolina legislator known for his influential voice in American politics.
Bakari Sellers has served as a political commentator for CNN since 2015, providing analysis on various national issues. He has regularly appeared on their programming.
Bakari Sellers currently practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC, where he heads the firm's Strategic Communication and Public Affairs team. He has been with the firm since 2007.
The Carbon Thread partnered with Bakari Sellers to produce an award-winning podcast in collaboration with Spotify. This project involves the production and distribution of 'The Bakari Sellers Podcast'.
Bakari Sellers is on the board of directors for Level Brands, a brand management firm. Further details about his specific role or contributions are not provided beyond his board membership.
Bakari Sellers serves on the board of directors for Let America Vote, a voting rights organization founded by former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander. His role supports the organization's mission.
Bakari Sellers was born on September 18, 1984, the son of civil rights activist and professor Cleveland Sellers. He grew up in Bamberg County, South Carolina, and attended Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. His early career included internships with Congressman Jim Clyburn in 2003 and Mayor Shirley Franklin in Atlanta in 2004, laying the groundwork for his future in public service. In 2005, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American Studies from Morehouse College, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2008.
Sellers made history in 2006 when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives for the 90th District at the age of 22, becoming the youngest African American elected official in the United States. During his tenure from 2006 to 2014, he served on key committees, including the Judiciary Committee, contributing to legislative discussions and policy-making. He gained recognition for his leadership and political potential, being featured in Time Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list in 2010 and Governing Magazine’s “Democratic Legislators to Watch” in 2011.
In 2014, Sellers vacated his House seat to run for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, securing the Democratic Party nomination. Although he was unsuccessful in the general election, his campaign further solidified his public profile. Since 2015, outside of his legal practice with Strom Law Firm, Sellers has been a political commentator for CNN, offering analysis on national issues. He is also the author of two New York Times best-selling books, “My Vanishing Country” (2020) and “The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now” (2024).
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
