Black History Month is an annual event during the month of February focused on celebrating black history. As we look forward to celebrating this month-long holiday, we’d like to recognize the many incredible black leaders who have made a lasting impact on our country. From politicians and activists to artists and athletes, these inspiring figures have used their platforms to fight for justice, equality, and progress.
Black History Month is placed in February because it contains the birthdays of notable figures in society who have done a great deal to advance the cause of civil rights. Each year, organizations and institutions around the world host events and programs dedicated to celebrating black history and culture.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our list of some of the top black history keynote speakers available to book for your next event.
Top Black History Month Speakers
If you’re looking for someone to inspire and educate your audience this Black History Month, look no further than our list of top black history speakers. These iconic figures continue to share their views of the Black perspective through a unique lens of life experience.
Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu
Race & Gender Justice Activist; Daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Reverend Tutu is a South African Anglican priest and human rights activist. Born in Johannesburg, she is the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Leah Tutu.
Tutu has been involved in activism since she was a teenager, working to end apartheid in South Africa. After the fall of apartheid, she continued her work as a human rights advocate, fighting for justice and equality for all people.
Rev. Tutu is an inspiring figure, and her work to promote human rights is invaluable. She has spoken out against racism, poverty, and other forms of discrimination, and she continues to be a powerful voice for change.
Marcus Bullock
Justice Reform Advocate; Entrepreneur; TED Speaker
Marcus Bullock is an entrepreneur and powerful advocate for criminal justice reform. After spending time in prison himself, he dedicated his life to fighting for change. In his speeches, he discusses the importance of compassion and understanding and urges audiences to never give up on the fight for justice.
Bullock is the founder and CEO of Flikshop, Inc., a software company that builds tools to help incarcerated people stay connected to their families and build community.
Bernice King
Daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr; CEO of The King Center
Bernice King is a powerful figure in the civil rights movement and the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. She has dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality, and she is a powerful advocate for peace and nonviolence.
Bernice King’s speeches are always inspiring and informative. She speaks candidly about the challenges faced by the civil rights movement, as well as the importance of continuing Dr. King’s legacy of peace and nonviolence. Her speeches are both moving and motivating, and they always leave audiences inspired to take action.
Shaun Harper
USC Race and Equity Center Executive Director
Shaun Harper is a race and gender scholar and activist. He is the executive director of the Race and Equity Center at the University of Southern California and has dedicated his life to the studies of race, gender, and LGBT issues in corporate and academic environments.
Harper has written extensively about racism in America, and he is a powerful voice for change. His speeches offer a unique perspective on diversity and inclusion in America. He is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn more about this important topic and can be an excellent choice as a keynote speaker when celebrating Black History Month.
Angela Davis
Legendary Human Rights Activist
An iconic figure of the Black Power movement, Dr. Angela Davis is a writer, scholar, and political activist. She is best known for her work as a radical feminist and her advocacy for the rights of prisoners and other marginalized groups.
A powerful orator, Dr. Davis has spent her career fighting for social justice. In her speeches, she challenges audiences to think critically about race, gender, and class in American society. Her passion and commitment to making positive change make her an excellent choice for any event looking to promote dialogue and action around social justice issues.
Keisha Lance Bottoms
60th Mayor of Atlanta
Lance Bottoms has a long history of fighting for social justice. As an attorney, she worked to promote equal access to education and housing for all residents of Atlanta. As a city council member, she championed measures to reduce crime and improve public safety. And as Mayor, she has pledged to make Atlanta a more equitable and inclusive city.
Lance Bottoms’ speeches reflect her dedication to social justice. In her talks, she discusses the importance of fighting for equality and breaking down barriers. She also highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Atlanta today and urges audiences to get involved in the city’s progress.
Keisha Lance Bottoms is an inspiring leader and a powerful advocate for social justice. Her speeches are sure to engage and inspire any audience interested in making positive change in their community.
Marcia Chatelain
Professor of History and African American Studies at Georgetown University; Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author
Marcia Chatelain is a historian and educator who studies race, racism, and social justice. She is the author of The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation.
Chatelain is an engaging speaker who offers a unique perspective on the black perspective in America. In her speeches, she provides historical context for the current discussion of race in America. She also offers strategies for dismantling racism and promoting social justice. Her talks are informative and inspiring and provide attendees with a better understanding of the complex issue of race in America.
Anthony Ray Hinton
Prison Reform Advocate and Author
Anthony Ray Hinton is a civil rights activist and author who was wrongly convicted of murder and spent 30 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. During his time in prison, Hinton became a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and wrote a book about his experiences called “The Sun Does Shine.”
Since his release in 2015, Hinton has continued to fight for criminal justice reform. He speaks publicly about the need for reform and the importance of compassion and understanding. He also urges audiences to never give up on the fight for justice, no matter how difficult the struggle may be.
Philonise Floyd
Brother of George Floyd; Advocate for Social Change
Philonise Floyd is the co-founder of the Philonise and Keeta Institute for Social Change and has dedicated his life to fighting for social justice. Brother of George Floyd, the institute’s principles are to advocate for children and families in an effort to eradicate the daily impacts of police brutality in communities across the country.
In his speeches, he discusses the importance of education and activism in the fight for social justice. She also urges audiences to get involved in their community and help make positive change.
Sybrina Fulton
Mother of Trayvon Martin; Social Change Advocate
Sybrina Fulton is best known as the mother of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager who was shot and killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer in 2012. Since then, Fulton has become a powerful advocate for criminal justice reform and racial equality.
In her speeches, Fulton discusses the importance of fighting for justice and ending racism. She also talks about her own personal story, and how it has motivated her to fight for change. Fulton’s speeches are moving and inspiring, and offer attendees a glimpse into the fight for equality and justice in America.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of black Americans and to learn about the challenges they have faced. These speakers offer a powerful and necessary perspective on race, identity, and social justice. By booking one of these speakers for your event, you can ensure that your audience will have a meaningful and educational experience this Black History Month.
Common Speaker Topics for Black History Month
Topics for Black History Month are most often both inspiring and informative. Whether focusing on an issue like civil rights or the role of the family in black culture, the best speakers push their audience to consider new ideas and move to action to improve the black experience across the country. Here are just a few of the most popular speaker topics for Black History Month.
The Role of Black Culture in America
Black culture has played a significant role in shaping American society. From music and fashion to art and literature, black culture has left an indelible mark on the United States. This is especially evident during Black History Month when Americans celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the country.
Developments in Civil Rights
The civil rights movement was a pivotal moment in American history. During Black History Month, it is important to reflect on the progress that has been made since then and the work that still needs to be done. Speakers can discuss the various developments in civil rights over the years and how they have affected the black community.
The Future Black Experience Across the Country
Despite progress made over the years, black people continue to face many challenges. Speakers at Black History Month events can discuss the future prospects for black people across the United States and ways that everyone can help create a more equitable society.
The Importance of Education
Education is often cited as one of the most important tools for black people to achieve success. Black History Month is an ideal time to discuss the importance of education and how it can help close the achievement gap between black and white students.
Booking the Perfect Black History Month Keynote Speaker
When booking a black history month speaker, it is important to consider the audience and the overall tone of the event. Some events may be focused on celebrating black achievement, while others may be more focused on promoting social justice or sharing stories about overcoming adversity.
No matter what the focus of the event is, scheduling and budget are two additional important factors to consider when booking a speaker. From a budget standpoint, many speakers will require accommodations, travel fees, meals, and possibly even security in addition to their base speaker fees. It is crucial to evaluate the full costs from the beginning when choosing a speaker. Otherwise, you may find that your expectations are not aligned with the actual cost of bringing a specific speaker to your event.
Booking a speaker as early as possible is a great way to ensure you have the speaker you would like. Often, prime dates with great speakers are likely to be booked months or even years in advance.
Final Thoughts
There are many great speakers who can help educate and inspire audiences during Black History Month. By featuring one or more of these speakers at your event, you can ensure that your audience will have a meaningful and memorable experience.
The best way to ensure that the event is successful is to work with a speaker bureau that can help you find the perfect keynote speaker based on your objectives and budget. The team at Key Speakers has extensive experience booking speakers for black history events. We can work with you to find a speaker who will inspire and engage your audience. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make your event a success.
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