Horizons: On the Record
HORIZONS 2025
Featured Speaker
Named the first chair of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board in January 2019, Larry Miller led Michael Jordan’s $200-million basketball shoe company to become a $4-billion global athletic apparel powerhouse. After helping found the Jordan Brand at Nike in 1999, he was president of the Portland Trailblazers from 2007 to 2012 and has served in leadership and advocacy roles for the Urban League, Junior Achievement, and Self Enhancement, Inc.
Although Miller is one of the most successful Black businessmen in the country today, Miller’s journey started in the streets of West Philly in the 1960s. He served time in jail more than once, but he immersed himself in the educational opportunities and eventually took advantage of a Pennsylvania state education release program offered to people who are incarcerated, and ultimately, he was able to graduate with honors from Temple University.
Miller shares his story in his memoir, “Jump: My Secret Journey from Streets to the Boardroom.” Co-authored with his daughter Laila Lacy, “Jump” is more than a rags-to-riches story—it's also a passionate appeal for criminal justice reform and expanded educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people across the United States. Drawing on his powerful personal story, as well as his vast and well-connected network, Miller is passionate about expanding opportunities and providing inspiration for those who need hope.