Clifton Taulbert

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Clifton L. Taulbert is an award-winning author and Pulitzer Nominee, speaker, and entrepreneur. Taulbert’s first book, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, became an international bestseller, a major motion picture, and a requested gift for Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison. Taulbert is a recipient of the 27th NAACP Image Award for Literature and has been invited to address members of the Supreme Court, the Harvard University Principals Center, and the United State Air Force Academy.

Today Taulbert is the President and CEO of the Freemount Corporation a human capital development company serving clients from Fortune 500 Companies to small businesses and community colleges. His international work has garnered many accolades including the 2017 Citizen Diplomat Award by the President of the American Foreign Service Association, the highest honor given by Global Ties U.S, a partner with the U.S. Department of State.  He is also a partner of Roots Java Coffee, the only national coffee supply company wholly owned by African Americans. Taulbert serves on several boards including The University of Tulsa Trustees. Taulbert served his country in the 89th Presidential Wing of the United States Air Force and was later inducted into the Enlisted Airman Hall of Fame. Following his service, he graduated from Oral Roberts University and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.