Black History Month (U)

From today’s most prominent activists to Civil Rights icons, our motivational black speakers celebrate the evolution of African-American race relations and diversity, as well as the ongoing battle for black female empowerment.

Page Title
Black History Month
Display Title
Black History Month

Halim Flowers

<p>Halim Flowers shares his transformational journey while incarcerated for 22 years, helping audiences overcome their obstacles and find their purpose.  </p><p>In 1997, Halim Flowers was arrested at the age of 16 and given two life sentences. His experiences were filmed in the Emmy award-winning documentary <em>Thug Life In DC</em>. During his incarceration, Halim discovered a love for literature and the arts, and began writing, painting, and freestyle-rapping.

Arndrea Waters King

<p>As a passionate leader in the global fight against inequity, injustice, hate crimes, and all forms of pain Arndrea Waters King has worked tirelessly on behalf of those who have been marginalized by helping them find — and collectively use — their voices for change.</p><p>Early in her career, Arndrea had the unique opportunity to be mentored by Dr. C.T. Vivian, a lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yolanda Renee King

<p>Yolanda Renee King has passionately addressed mass gatherings in protests against gun violence, homelessness and inhumane treatment of refugees seeking asylum on the U.S. southern border. She also cares deeply about environmental injustice and protecting our planet. </p><p>When she met with President Obama in the Oval Office at the tender age of 4, Yolanda Renee asked him, “Mr.

Alison Mariella Désir

<p>Alison Mariella Désir inspires audiences to find meaning and wellbeing through the transformational power of running, movement and the outdoors. </p><p>Research shows a powerful connection between movement and positive health outcomes. For Alison Mariella Desir, the bestselling author of <em>Running While Black</em>, running saved her life, connected her to community, and helped her find her purpose. </p><p>Alison got her start in the running and outdoor industry unintentionally, after seeing a Black friend train and complete a marathon.

Koritha Mitchell, PhD

<p>A renowned cultural critic who coined the term “Know-Your-Place Aggression,” Koritha Mitchell created the C19 Podcast episode, <em>The N-Word in the Classroom: Just Say No!</em> </p><p>In 2013, Koritha published <em>Love in Action: Noting Similarities Between Lynching Then and Anti-LGBT Violence Now</em>. She found that what lynching and anti-LGBT violence most have in common is the targeted group’s success.

Melissa M. Proctor

<p>From “ball girl to CMO,” Melissa Proctor shares stories from her trailblazing career journey, providing powerful strategies to help audiences navigate high-stakes decisions and achieve success. </p><p>Though Melissa Proctor never played basketball herself, it was her passion—in fact, her childhood dream was to be the first female coach in the NBA.

Jessamyn Stanley

<p>Jessamyn Stanley is an award winning yoga instructor, founder of The Underbelly, and author of <em>Every Body Yoga</em> and <em>Yoke</em>. She empowers her audience of 500k+ to break down barriers: both those that society has set and that they have set for themselves. </p><p>Jessamyn&#39;s work in the wellness space centers around being in community and creating space for students to restore and honor their authentic selves.

Tyler James Williams

<p>Tyler James Williams is the 2023 Golden Globe Winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Comedy or Drama for his role of ‘Gregory Eddie’ in the hit award-winning series <em>Abbott Elementary.</em></p><p>After hitting it off with Quinta Brunson on <em>A Black Lady Sketch Show</em>, she specifically wrote the Abbott Elementary substitute teacher character with Williams in mind.

Rosemary Saal

<p>Rosemary Saal helped make history as a member of the Full Circle Everest Expedition, the first all-Black team to climb Mount Everest. </p><p>One of three women on the Full Circle Everest Expedition team, Saal understands the value of diversity for leaders and teams, and the importance of focus in high-stakes environments.