Connecting with LeVar Burton

I met LeVar Burton several years ago at an X Prize presentation. LeVar was the keynote speaker bringing inspiration and learning around his focus on improving children’s literacy. We - in the audience - were captivated. His passion and intention were pure. LeVar loves helping others and his compassionate soul has changed the lives of thousands of children. Over the last few years I have had the privilege of getting to know LeVar, and his drive to helping people is real. 

LeVar remains a sensation in media culture and is a role model for the younger generations. From his performances as Kunta Kinte, to his role on Star Trek to being a host on PBS children’s educational series Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton has long established himself as an icon of grace and humanism. As if his resume weren’t impressive enough, LeVar was anointed as the new permanent guest host of Jeopardy!  LeVar explains his passion to be a host for the show in a recent New York Times feature: 

"It's difficult to explain, but there's something inside me that says this makes sense," Burton said. "I feel like this is what I'm supposed to do. I have been watching Jeopardy! more or less every night of my life since Art Fleming was host. Jeopardy! is a cultural touchstone, and for a Black man to occupy that podium is significant."

Little does the world know, LeVar Burton has been wearing LA LOOP every day, as he told me when we met at that X Prize event, “...every day for the last 20 years. It’s the perfect tool for the job. Function and fashion.”  From there, LeVar and I embarked on a collaboration whereby we created and launched the LeVar Burton LA LOOP Signature Series. True to our mission of focusing on social impact with LeVar’s passion for improving children’s literacy, 100% of the proceeds go to Reading Is Fundamental. Each piece is handmade from solid 925 Sterling Silver and stitched Italian Leather from our mill outside of Venice, Italy. The Sterling Silver loop at the center is elegantly adorned with ‘LeVar Burton’ signature to celebrate its inspiration. We were so inspired by LeVar’s humanitarianism that we will also donate three books to a child from the RIF community for every purchase of the product.