PHILLIP AGNEW is a nationally recognized educator, strategist, and cultural critic. Born and raised in West Englewood on Chicago’s South Side, his love for language was shaped by his mother, Theresa, a schoolteacher, and his father, Barney “The Bookman” Agnew. Agnew cofounded Dream Defenders and Black Men Build and has spent his life organizing and empowering Black communities. A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, he gained national prominence after co-founding Dream Defenders in response to the murder of Trayvon Martin. He has been named one of the most influential African Americans by Ebony and The Root and served as a senior advisor to Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. Agnew is the author, with Brandon Vega, of P.S. Eye Value You (Black House Publishing.) He is also the co-owner of Roots Bookstore and Market in Miami – a space built to honor his father; his brother, Danny; and the legacy of Liberty City.
