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Here is a list of famous black public speakers to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.
These black celebrity keynote speakers can cover such topics as motivation, inspiration, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, adversity, purpose, and more.
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Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington, an Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker, is a Hollywood mainstay. Washington began his acting career on television in the 1980s hospital drama “St. Elsewhere,” and has since gone on to have a successful film career.
His work in films such as “The Equalizer” (2014), “Training Day” (2001), and “Malcolm X” (1992) solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most well-known actors.
In the 1990s, Denzel starred in a number of big-budget movies, including The Pelican Brief, Philadelphia, Crimson Tide, The Preacher’s Wife and Courage Under Fire. He earned $10 million for his role in the latter film. I
In the 2000s, he appeared in a number of action movies, such as Out of Time, Man on Fire, Inside Man and The Taking of Pelham 123. He made his directing debut with Antwone Fisher and also directed The Great Debaters and Fences.
Will Smith
Will Smith is an actor and rapper from the United States. In both television and movies, he has had a great career. Will got his start as an actor on the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
He went on to star in a number of major motion pictures, including Men in Black, Bad Boys, and Hancock. Will has also produced several hit films in recent years, including I Am Legend and Concussion.
In 2019, Will Smith founded Westbrook Inc, a media company that empowers artists to tell compelling stories that resonate with a worldwide audiences.
Westbrook comprises of Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, a digital content studio, social media management firm, and Good Goods, a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business. It is also the studio home for the Emmy® award-winning show “Red Table Talk” on Facebook Watch.
Earvin Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a retired professional basketball player from the United States who is currently the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) (NBA). For 13 seasons, he was the Lakers’ point guard.
The Lakers selected Johnson first overall in the 1979 NBA draft after he won titles in high school and college. In his debut season, he helped lead the team to a title and an NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is the head of Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment group that focuses on providing quality products and services to ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. After leaving the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson used the same skill and tenacity he had on the court to create a number of successful businesses.
For the last two decades, Johnson has been forging alliances with some of the biggest names in business, including Sony Pictures and Starbucks. These ventures have not only been profitable for Johnson, but have also helped to spur economic development in inner-city communities.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal, better known by his moniker Shaq, is a retired professional basketball player from the United States. He is largely regarded as one of the best NBA players of all time. He was one of the largest players in NBA history, standing 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) tall and weighing 325 pounds (147 kg).
Shaquille O’Neal’s massive frame first caught people’s eye on the basketball court, but it was his down-to-earth persona and natural sense of humor that won him one of the most dedicated fan groups in sports. O’Neal’s genuineness paired with his smarts and inventive attitude have turned him into a beloved pop culture figure.
Acting in movies like Kazaam, making his own rap records, going head-to-head with celebs on Shaq Vs., getting his PhD, leading the Boston Pops Orchestra, being a host on Saturday Night Live, and being a reserve policeman are all just some of the things Shaq has done in his jam-packed life.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is one of the world’s most powerful persons. She is a philanthropist, a media magnate, and a talk show host. Both the National Woman’s Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame have honored Oprah.
She’s also known for her support of a number of humanitarian organizations, including child abuse prevention and education.
As the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, one of the most successful talk shows in history, Oprah Winfrey has become an icon for millions around the world. Nicknamed the “Queen of All Media”, she is one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in the world.
A pioneer in confessional television, Winfrey has broken taboos and given a platform to marginalized communities like LGBT people.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis is a multi-award-winning actress who has appeared in a number of films, television series, and Broadway performances. She was born in St. Matthews, South Carolina, on August 11, 1965, to Mary Alice (Logan) and Dan Davis.
Viola’s first performing part was in the play “Coriolanus” at Central State University’s honors program. She began her career after graduating from Juilliard School in 1993.
Not only is Viola Davis an award-winning actress and producer, she is also the first black person to ever win the “Triple Crown of Acting.” This prestigious title is awarded to those who have won an Oscar, a Primetime Emmy, and a Tony.
Time Magazine has recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in 2012 and 2017. In 2020, The New York Times even placed her at number nine on its list of “The 25 Greates Actors of the 21st Century.”
Kevin Hart
Kevin Darnell Hart is an actor, comedian, and producer from the United States. Hart, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began his career by winning several amateur comedy competitions at clubs across New England, culminating in his first real break in 2001, when Judd Apatow cast him in a recurring role on Judd Apatow’s show.
Kevin Hart is one of the most popular and successful comedians in film and TV. He has starred in hit movies like 2012’s “Think Like a Man” (which made over $90 million at the box office) and its 2014 sequel, as well as the Nick Stoller comedies “The Five-Year Engagment” and “Night School.”
He has also worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, and Tiffany Haddish.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman is an actor and filmmaker from the United States. With Million Dollar Baby, he received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2005. He has also received three Golden Globe nominations and four BAFTA nominations. He is one of his generation’s most accomplished actors.
Before making it big in Hollywood, Morgan Freeman got his start on the soap opera ‘Another World’ and the PBS kids show ‘The Electric Company.’ He went on to play leading roles in many popular movies, such as ‘ driving Miss Daisy,’ ‘Glory,’ ‘The Shawshank Redemption,’ ‘Robin Hood: Price of Thieve,’ ‘Unforgiven,’ ‘Seven’ and ‘Deep Impact.’
In recognition of all his hard work, Morgan has received a Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate from Delta State University. If you’re interested in booking him for an event or endorsement, he’s always open to meeting new people!
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is an actor and film producer from the United States. He has appeared in over a hundred films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), and The Incredibles 2 (2000). (2018).
His films have grossed over $27 billion globally as of 2019. Jackson’s work has gained critical acclaim, notably for his role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With over 100 film credits to his name, Academy Award-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. He is known for playing powerful and often controversial figures, including Jules in Pulp Fiction and Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Jackson still averages 4 films per year – because he says he simply enjoys acting too much to stop.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is an actress, comedian, author, and television personality from the United States. She’s been in movies including Ghost, The Color Purple, and Sister Act.
Goldberg is noted for her social activism, as well as her acting. She is a strong advocate of a variety of issues, including human rights, education, environmental justice, and marriage equality.
Whoopi Goldberg is one of a very select few performers who have won the prestigious Grammy, the coveted Oscar, the esteemed Emmy, and the Tony. She is also well-renowned for her selfless work on behalf of various causes such as helping children, the homeless, and those with AIDS.
Whoopi is also a Goodwill ambassador for the UN. On top of her successful film, theatre, and television career, she has authored multiple best-selling children’s book.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is one of Hollywood’s most well-known actors and comedians. He originally gained notoriety on Saturday Night Live, where he soon ascended to prominence.
He is an acclaimed American entertainer who rose to prominence in the 1980s. He is well-known for his Stand-up comedy, acting, and singing abilities, as well as his impressions.
At only 19 years old, Murphy was recruited to join the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1980. There, he became the show’s top talent, with popular recurring sketches such as “Mister Robinson” (a parody of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood), “Tyrone Green” (a convicted poet), and a very grumpy Gumby.
He went on to have a tremendously successful career in movies after that, appearing in films such as 48 Hrs., Beverly Hills Cop, and Coming to America, among others. Murphy has made a resurgence in recent years.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union is an accomplished actress and model from the United States. She began her acting career in television sitcoms in the early 1990s. Her breakout performance was as a high school cheerleader in the 2000 film “Bring It On.”
Gabrielle has been in a number of famous films since then, including “Bad Boys II” (2003) and “Deliver Us from Eva” (2003).
Gabrielle Union is best known for her starring role on BET’s ” Being Mary Jane.” She also played leading roles in the films ” Think Like a Man” and its sequel, as well as ” Top Five.”
In addition to her work in front of the camera, Gabrielle is an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness. As an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen foundation, she has shared her personal experience of loseing a friend to the disease.
Gabrielle also supports the Rape Trauma center at UCLA. When she’s not working, you can find her traveling on behald of susan G. Komen or visiting Kelso Elementary school, where she help start a program to provide economic assistance to students and their families.
Chris Rock
Chris Rock is an actor, comedian, and filmmaker from the United States. In the early 1980s, he began his career as a stand-up comedian before becoming well-known as a cast member of Saturday Night Live in the late 1980s.
Rock has subsequently gone on to become one of the most popular stand-up comedians, starring in multiple HBO and Showtime comedy specials.
Rock first gained notoriety as a stand-up comedian before making the transition to film. He eventually found himself cast as a regular on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the 1990s. In addition to hosting the Oscars twice, Rock has also won four Emmy Awards and three Grammys.
Michael B. Jordan
An outspoken supporter of racial justice, Michael B. Jordan has built an impressive career as an actor, film maker, and TV star. His critically-acclaimed work includes the movies Black Panther and Just mercy, as well as the hit TV show The Wire.
Through his innovative production company Outlier society productions, Jordan is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
Celebrity speaker and up-and-coming actor Michael B. Jordan is best-Known for his roles on the hit HBO show The Wire and NBC’s Friday Night Lights.
His most Recent work includes co-starring in the film That Awkward Moment with Zac Efron and Miles Teller, and he has been cast to play the Human Torch in the upcoming 2015 film adaptation of the Fantasic Four comic books.
Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne is an actor, director, and producer from the United States. Apocalypse Now, The Matrix, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice are just a few of his credits. He has received several honors, including a Grammy and an Emmy.
With over 70 credits to his name in film, TV, and theatre, Laurence Fishburne is one of the most versatile actors working today.
He has received numerous awards for his work, including a Tony, an Emmy, and an Academy Award nomination. His breakout role was in the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It, where he played Ike Turner.
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx is an actor, singer, and comedian from the United States. In 2004, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the biographical drama Ray.
In 2005, Ray catapulted Foxx to superstardom. He won an Oscar for Best Actor and was nominated for a SAG award for his performance in the film. Not to mention, he also took home a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and NAACP Image Award.
Not only did Foxx receive Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG Award, BAFTA Award, and Image Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in the drama Collateral– but he also got nominated for a Golden Globe and SAG Award and won an Image Award for his lead role as Stan “Tookie” Williams in the TV movie Redemption.
He’s also appeared in Collateral (2004), Jarhead (2005), The Kingdom (2007), Dreamgirls (2006), Django Unchained (2012), and Baby Driver (2012). (2017).
Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle gained notoriety for his role as the DA on the 90s TV show Picket Fences. However, he’s since gone on to star in popular movies such as Rosewood, The Family Man, and Out of Sight.
His last three films were all under the direction of acclaimed director, Steven Soderbergh. In 2005, Cheadle was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor because of his moving performance in Hotel Rwanda–a film based on the true events of the Rwandan Genocide.
Not only is he an incredible actor, but he also produced the 2006 Best Picture Winner, Crash.
He attended the California Institute of Arts as a youngster, but after two years switched to Yale University, where he majored in English Literature.
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Cuba Gooding Jr. was born in the Bronx, New York, on January 2, 1968. His father, Cuba Gooding Sr., was the lead vocalist of The Main Ingredient, a soul group, and his mother, Shirley, was a backup singer for Gladys Knight & The Pips.
In 1986, Gooding Jr. began his acting career with tiny roles in comedies including Why Would I Lie? and Boyz in the Hood.
In 1996, Gooding’s acting career soared to new heights with his role in the sports drama “Jerry Maguire.” He stole the show as Rod “Show me the Money” Tidwell, a talented football players in Cameron Crowe’s well-received film.
Gooding not only held his own against co-star Tom Cruise, but also demonstrated impressive comic timing and natural charisma. It came as no shock when he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson, commonly known as The Rock, is an actor, producer, and semi-retired professional wrestler from the United States.
Johnson began his wrestling career with World Championship Wrestling in 1996 after studying at the University of Miami.
He joined the World Wrestling Federation in 2000 and swiftly rose through the ranks to become one of the company’s top performers.
Dwayne Johnson is a true Renaissance man. From acclaimed athlete to award-winning actor and New York Times best-selling author, he’s done it all.
After playing on a full football scholarship for the University of Miami as a Defensive Tackle, Dwayne couldn’t stay away from the Wrestling ring.
Jay Z
Jay Z is an American rapper, songwriter, and producer who was born Shawn Corey Carter. With a net worth of over $1 billion, he is one of the most successful musicians of all time.
Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is an iconic figure in the rap world who has won 20+ Grammys and has had 3 of his studio albums placed on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
In 2009, he was hailed by Billboard as the 10th most prosperous artist of the 2000s, as well as the 5th top solo male artist and 4th top rapper next to huge names such as Eminem, Nelly, and 50 Cent. He was also acknowledged by Rolling Stone as the 88th-greatest musician of all time.
Jay Z is a co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and TIDAL, a music streaming service.
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah is the most prominent comedic voice in all of Africa and the Emmy® Award-winning host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central.
Since Noah took over, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” has expanded beyond the confines of a 30-minute show, instead creating captivating social media content, web-series, podcasts, and more for its international following.
“The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Variety Series in 2021 amongst stiff competition in an overcrowded market.
On top of that, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Talk Series and an MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Talk / Topical Show in 2021.
Spike Lee
Spike Lee is a well-known film director, actor, and producer from the United States. Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X are two of his most well-known films.
Lee has also made documentaries regarding the 1963 Birmingham church bombing, such as 4 Little Girls.
Lee has directed multiple stage shows and served as a lecturer at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in addition to his filmmaking career.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is an actress and former model from the United States. In 2002, she received an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the romantic drama Monster’s Ball, becoming her the first and only woman of color to do so.
With all of her success, she has rightfully earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been the face of Revlon cosmetics and Versace. The Call was a crime thriller that Halle Berry played an emergency responder in; it was distributed in 2013.
In March 2014, Halle Berry and her business partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas started their own film production company named 606 Films–a subsidiary of CBS. This new venture came about as part of a deal for Halle to play the leading role in an upcoming sci-fi drama television show Extant.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from the United States. Over 35 million records have been sold globally.
His musical journey started in 1992 when he was found by Dr. Dre and included in Dre’s solo debut, “Deep Cover”, and then on Dre’s solo album, The Chronic. Since then, he has sold over 23 million albums in the USA and 35 million globally.
Snoop’s initial album, Doggystyle, made by Dr. Dre, came out in 1993 through Death Row Records. Pushed forward by the anticipation surrounding Snoop’s appearance on The Chronic, the album landed at number one on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.
In 1994 Snoop also put out a Soundtrack for the short film Murder Was The Case which starred him. His next album Tha Doggfather (1996) also made it to number one on both of those same charts with “Snoop’s Upside Ya Head” as its lead track. That album was later recognized with a Double Platinum certification in 1997.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry is an actor, writer, producer, singer, and director from the United States.
In the mid-1990s, he began his career as a playwright. His debut film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, was released in 2005.
Since then, he’s written and produced a number of other films and television series.
Tyler Perry is most known for his role as Madea in the Madea movies.
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