Areva Martin is a CNN contributor, award-winning civil rights attorney, civic leader, philanthropist, and talk show host. She is also a bestselling author, a civil rights activist, and the founder of Special Needs Network and Martin & Martin, LLP. She is one of the most influential and respected voices on legal, political, women’s, children’s, and celebrity issues in the country.
Early Life and Education
Areva Martin was born on January 28, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in a low-income neighborhood and faced many challenges and hardships. She was determined to overcome her circumstances and pursue her dreams. She graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School, where she was a member of the Harvard Law Review.
Career and Accomplishments
Areva Martin moved to Los Angeles and founded a successful legal practice specializing in civil rights, disability rights, family law, and school law. She has been recognized as a California Super Lawyer for the last five years, a designation reserved for the top five percent of the state’s attorneys. She has also received numerous awards and commendations for her legal work and advocacy, such as the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award, the California Black Caucus Leadership Award, the Los Angeles County Women of the Year Award, and the Ford’s Living Legend Award.
Areva Martin is also a passionate advocate for children and families affected by autism and related disabilities. She founded the Special Needs Network, a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and support for low-income and marginalized communities. She is also the author of the best-selling book The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism, which offers practical advice and guidance for parents and caregivers.
Areva Martin is a frequent guest and commentator on various national media outlets, such as CNN, Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper 360, Nancy Grace, and Dr. Drew On Call. She is known for her insightful and outspoken opinions on a wide range of topics, from legal cases and political issues to women’s empowerment and celebrity news. She has also co-hosted the Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show The Doctors and the CBS syndicated talk show Face the Truth. She is currently the host of the KBLA daily prime time news, politics, and social affairs show, Areva Martin in Real Time, and the web-based show, The Special Report with Areva Martin, which won the 2023 Anthem Silver Award for highlighting racial disparities and social inequities in America.
Areva Martin is also a prolific writer and speaker. She has written hundreds of articles and op-ed pieces for publications such as USA Today, Ebony, CNN.com, and Thrive Global. She has also authored four books, including Make It Rain: How to Use the Media to Revolutionize Your Business and Brand, Awakening: Ladies, Leadership and the Lies We’ve Been Told, and the upcoming The Black Wealth Imperative, which will also be a part of a TV documentary series that she will host and co-produce.
Personal Life and Family
Areva Martin is married to Ernest Martin Jr., a partner at the law firm of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP. They have three children, Marty, Michael, and Morgan. Marty was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, which inspired Areva to become a fierce advocate for him and other children with special needs. Areva and her family live in Los Angeles, California.
According to IMDb, Areva Martin was born on January 28, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. According to her website, she is a CNN contributor, award-winning civil rights attorney, civic leader, philanthropist, and talk show host. According to WikiBio, she is also a guest co-host on the Emmy Award-winning show “The Doctors”.