LeVar Burton

Headshot of Levar Burton

Actor, Director, Educator

LeVar Burton's iconic career began with his breakthrough role as Kunta Kinte in Roots (1977). LeVar continued to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences through his award-winning children's television show Reading Rainbow (1983-2009) and as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994).

Mr. Burton's tireless dedication to education and charity has resulted in a variety of projects, including the award-winning Skybrary App, his podcast LeVar Burton Reads, the YouTube series This is My Story, two children's books Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, and A Kids Book About Imagination, and through his advocacy for those suffering from Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (voicesofmpn.com), alongside many other projects and efforts.

We are excited to welcome LeVar Burton, the 2022 94th SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE host, as our closing speaker for AACRAO's 107th Annual Meeting. His commitment to education and steadfast dedication to equity and diversity serve as an inspiration to audiences around the world.