About the Author
Doug Melville is a celebrated author, TED speaker, Forbes contributor, and one of today’s most innovative and sought-out voices in reputation management, workforce AI, and international equity. He is the former Global Head of Culture, Equity & Inclusion fo luxury holding company Richemont where he sat on the Governance and Sustainability Committee and traveled to 40 countries to draft the vision, measure and embedding metrics, and solve business challenges.
Melville’s journey began in 2012 at TBWA (Omnicom), a global advertising agency, advising iconic brands such as Apple, AirBnB, PepsiCo, Amazon, and more on reputation management. Prior to advertising, Melville sat on the executive team of Magic Johnson Enterprises to create top line revenue by building out his brand, holdings and partnerships. He also served as an advisor for Tommy Hilfiger’s capital management firm, T Capital Management.
In his most recent endeavor Melville set out to rediscover his family’s story-one of sacrifice and perseverance. In his book, Invisible Generals, he tells the amazing true story of America’s first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the American military and created the Tuskegee Airmen, working with eight different US Presidential administrations, from FDR to Jimmy Carter, along the way.
Melville examines how to draw strength from uncovering and reclaiming history by utilizing your ancestors’ victories to broaden your vision of what’s possible today; becoming a voice for the voiceless; harnessing the power of perseverance to understand and overcome generational challenges; and building on and growing your family legacy.
In his personal time Melville works across the public sector – from West Point to the Air Force Academy – to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of his family and diverse trailblazers.
Born in Connecticut, Melville has traveled to 75 different countries to better understand cultural differences and business through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. He is an alum of Syracuse University.
Raves and Reviews
Melville traces his family’s history to ensure their groundbreaking achievements are not forgotten.”
—Arlington Magazine
Documenting unsparingly the opposition they had to overcome due solely to the color of their skin, Melville recounts [his family’s] stories with deep emotion, sympathetic with their struggles and angry with the system that made these humans invisible.”
—Booklist
In the rich tapestry of American history, the inspiring saga of the country’s first two Black generals remains a lesser-known gem, hidden in the shadows of time. These trailblazers, courageous leaders, and unyielding advocates rose above adversity with the unwavering spirit of justice burning in their hearts. Their story serves as an enduring beacon of hope, a reminder that the path to equality and justice is not without challenges, but it is one worth traversing.”
—Ben Crump, Black America’s Attorney General
The book Black America needs in this moment. This American story is rooted in family, loyalty, heart, and excellence. Doug’s family is representative of our own families . . . rooted in the consistent legacies of connection, disruption, and love in ways we can all be proud of.”
—Eboni K. Williams, journalist, attorney, and author of Pretty Powerful
For centuries, Black people’s contributions to American history have been overlooked—including their contributions to US military prowess. As Black Americans, our stories have power. And it’s long past time to reclaim that power.”
—Charlamagne Tha God, New York Times bestselling author of Black Privilege
Invisible Generals is not Black history, nor military history, but American history. The military’s first two Black generals paved the way for so many not just in our military but for all Americans—yet they have been invisible for so long. This book will educate and inspire Americans to honor these heroes for their selfless contributions toward moving our nation forward.”
—BRIGADIER GENERAL (RET.) LEON JOHNSON, former national president of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
A thoughtful, highly readable blend of family and military history.”
—Kirkus Reviews
In the Media
“AI May Be The Spark Needed To Evolve DEI As It Comes Under Fire”
“How a father and son fought segregation and became the first Black generals in the US military”
“A New Book Explores the History of a Groundbreaking Military Family”
“Invisible Generals: the Black military pioneers hidden in US history”
“The Pioneering Black Generals Who Struggled Against Invisibility”
“Empowered Aviation Pioneers leave legacy for modern Airmen”
“How To Extend Diversity Initiatives To The Marketing Supply Chain”
“If Washington picks Red Tails, Tuskegee Airmen nonprofit wants to make sure it’s done right”
“Brands beware: Lessons from the downfall of Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben”
“The right way for companies to weigh in on racism, according to experts”
“My Mantra: Richemont D&I Head Doug Melville on Doing Better”
“Recognizing 2019’s Power Players in Media, Technology and Marketing”
