Manny Faces

About Manny Faces

Michael “Manny Faces” Conforti is an award-winning journalist, podcast professional, public speaker and independent scholar. Much of his work focuses on advocating for the use of Hip Hop music and culture as a tool to improve lives, livelihoods and communities throughout the nation and the world, in areas including education, science and technology, health and wellness, politics and social justice, business and entrepreneurialism, the fine arts, spirituality and self-help, and more.

In 2015, he founded The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy (www.hiphopadvocacy.org), an organization utilizing journalism, original research, and media/public outreach to increase awareness and understanding of Hip Hop’s important artistic and cultural contributions. Through the organization, he co-authored “Reputation of Hip-Hop,” a research study which examined public perception of Hip Hop music and culture.

In 2017, Manny was recruited to produce News Beat (www.usnewsbeat.com), a groundbreaking, multiple award-winning podcast series that melds high-level social justice journalism – interviews with experts, activists and those affected by injustice – with music and original Hip Hop lyrics crafted by independent rap artists. News Beat has received many journalism industry awards, most prominently, Best Podcast at the 2018 and 2021 New York Press Club Journalism Awards.

In 2018, Manny launched Hip-Hop Can Save America! (www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com), an interview-style podcast highlighting people and organizations utilizing Hip Hop music and culture in innovative, inspiring, and surprising ways. The show sits on the ‘recommended materials’ list at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Manny is also an accomplished DJ, producer/remixer, event host, and public speaker, advocating on behalf of Hip Hop music, culture, and community. He has spoken at, moderated, and participated in panel discussions, workshops, and conferences at universities, organizations, and festivals throughout the country and the world.