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.
Jeff Henderson
<p>Jeff Henderson inspires with his emotional journey of redemption from the streets to the stove, sharing real-life strategies to help you achieve your dreams, no matter your stage of life.</p>
Daymond John
<p>Straight from the set of <em>Shark Tank</em> and the boardroom of FUBU, Daymond John takes audiences through his hard-won, real-world lessons on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurialism, and what it takes to succeed. </p><p><span style="font-size: 13px;">An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Daymond John has come a long way from taking out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house and moving his business operation into its basement.
Dr. Julianne Malveaux
<p>Dr. Julianne Malveaux has long been recognized for her progressive and insightful observations. She is a labor economist, noted author and colorful commentator. Described by Cornel West as “the most iconoclastic public intellectual in the country”. Her contributions to the public dialogue on issues such as race, culture, gender and their economic impacts are shaping public opinion in 21st Century America.</p><p>Dr. Malveaux’s popular writing has appeared in <i>USA Today</i>, <i>Black Issues in Higher Education</i>, <i>Ms.
Michele Norris
<p>An award-winning journalist, <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author, and one of the most recognized voices in radio, Michele Norris engages audiences in candid discussion about current events, social issues, and bridging the divide in America. </p><p>From the radio airwaves of NPR to <em>The Washington Post </em>to her current role as MSNBC Senior Contributor, Michele Norris is one of the most trusted voices in American journalism. </p><p>For a decade, as host of National Public Radio’s longest-running program, “All Things Conside
Freeman A. Hrabowski, III
<p>Freeman A. Hrabowski, III -- a charismatic leader who was jailed for almost a week as a 12-year-old in the fight for civil rights in the early-'60s Alabama -- has spent two decades as the president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) striving to channel minorities toward grad school. His research and publications focus on science and math education with special emphasis on minority participation and performance.
Derreck Kayongo
<p>With his trademark panache, Derreck Kayongo tells his courageous story of survival, social entrepreneurship, and humanitarianism, and the life lessons he learned along the way. </p><p>From Ugandan refugee to successful entrepreneur, CEO, and renowned human rights activist, Derreck’s journey inspires audiences to dream big. Through personable and articulate storytelling, he shares his visionary ideas for harnessing the power of observation and creative problem solving, applicable to any organization or community.
Benjamin Jealous
<p><strong>Renowned activist, civil rights leader, community organizer and politician Benjamin Jealous outlines what it will take to secure true equality for all Americans and to empower the next generation to lead toward a better future.</strong></p><p>With a background in social justice advocacy, Ben brings a unique perspective to his role as Executive Director at the Sierra Club, focusing on issues of environmental justice, climate change, and conservation.
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
<p>Dr. Marc Lamont Hill shares a bold vision of the future, where social progress and the pursuit of equality depend on listening to each other while adopting a fearless attitude toward change.</p>
<p>As a scholar and award-winning author, Dr. Hill expertly dissects political and social moments as a way to initiate frank discussions on culture, politics and race. By identifying key issues, challenges, controversies and trends in the news, he spotlights the work that must be done to sustain the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom.</p>
Jay Smooth
<p>Jay Smooth enlightens with poignant observations about music, race, politics and other important cultural and social issues, while promoting the importance of mutual respect.</p><p>As the former host of <i>The Underground Railroad</i>, New York City’s longest-running hip-hop radio program and the popular video blog, <i>The Ill Doctrine</i>, Jay has established himself as a unique and leading voice at the nexus of sociopolitical issues who brings a singular perspective on society and culture.</p><p>Through thoughtful examination, Jay m
Angelica Ross
<p>From the board room, to film/TV sets and even the Obama White House, Angelica Ross is a leading figure of success and strength in the movement for transgender and racial equality and a star in Ryan Murphy’s hit FX series <em>Pose</em>.</p><p>Making TV history, the show features the largest transgender cast ever for a scripted series - five transgender women of color cast to play five series regular roles, including Angelica’s role as the witty and fiesty ‘Candy Abundance,’ the brashest member of the ‘House of Abundance.’ Angelica’s performance is receiving r