Robert Samuels, acclaimed Washington Post journalist and nonfiction author, earned literary prominence after winning the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for His Name Is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice. Using George Floyd's story as context for America's troubled history of institutional racism, Robert's insights reveal how a man who simply wanted to breathe during his fatal 2020 encounter with police officers sparked an international movement for social change. The book received widespread recognition, including the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Nonfiction, dedicated to advancing peace through the written word, and finalist honors from the National Book Awards for nonfiction.

Known for his powerful storytelling, Robert's mission at the Washington Post centers on distinct and essential stories unearthing complicated truths about American history, institutions, and people. His previous work included time at the New Yorker as well as the Miami Herald, presenting compelling narratives on politics, policy, and America's changing identity. His features have earned the George Polk Award for justice reporting, the Peabody Award for “The Life of George Floyd” podcast, and the National Association of Black Journalists Award for Investigative Reporting.

At ease in front of any group, Robert presents stimulating commentary regarding critical issues affecting all Americans. Thoughtful and engaging, he energizes audiences with stories from uncommon people and places, diving into background details to share new understandings with all.

Born and raised in New York City, Robert graduated with special recognition from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where he is the only student to have served as Editor-in-Chief at both the school newspaper and the Black student magazine. An adjunct faculty member at Wake Forest University, he teaches a seminar on the history of race reporting and its impact on democracy.