15 Popular Inspirational Black Keynote Speakers Available to Hire Today

Finding the right speaker for your event can be daunting. You want someone who is inspiring and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. To help you with your search, we’ve created a list of incredible Black keynote speakers who can bring unique perspectives and invaluable insights to your event. Keep reading to learn more about these captivating speakers!

Who are the top inspirational Black keynote speakers?

Below, we have listed the top inspirational Black keynote speakers available to hire based on client testimonials from hundreds of international events. Research finds a lack of diversity and inclusion can severely impact people from minority ethnic backgrounds, causing mental health issues due to a lack of belonging. Transform your company culture with one of our outstanding speakers.

Source: City Mental Health Alliance

1. Piers Linney
2. Kelly Holmes
3. Kanya King
4. David Olusoga
5. Maggie Alphonsi
6. June Sarpong
7. Viv Anderson
8. Derek Redmond
9. Frank Bruno
10. Anita Asante
11. Pauline Miller
12. Briana Scurry
13. Ayo Sokale
14. Viola Llewellyn
15. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah

1. Piers Linney

“Really good feedback, viewers are finding the sessions extremely applicable to their situations. I have had numerous recording requests and we are seeing a high volume of multi-session registrations. The event was fantastic. Thanks very much for your assistance with organising Piers. He was very engaging, insightful and an absolute pleasure to work with.” – Steve, Leading Authorities

Piers Linney is one of the UK’s most successful businessmen, best known for his role as an investor in Dragons’ Den. With a diverse career in the tech and finance sectors, including roles like Non-Executive Director of the British Business Bank and Co-CEO of Genesis Communications, Piers has a wealth of experience to share. He captivates audiences with discussions on business excellence, social diversity, and workplace inclusion, making him a perfect speaker for any event.

2. Kelly Holmes

“Dame Kelly’s visit exceeded our expectations, she really did go above and beyond, not only talking to our Investors in Gold participants but then taking the time to speak individually to colleagues during her guided tour of the building. All of our colleagues really enjoyed sharing in the experience and it was echoed by all what a lovely and personable lady she is.” – Neil, CEO, Cabot Credit Management Ltd

Dame Kelly Holmes is a celebrated athlete who holds British records in the 800m and 1000m events. Her illustrious career includes two Olympic Gold medals from the 2004 Athens Games. Beyond her athletic achievements, Kelly openly discusses her struggles with mental health, offering a powerful narrative on overcoming adversity. As a speaker, she inspires future generations with her journey from a disadvantaged background to Olympic glory.

3. Kanya King

“Kanya is an inspiration to women around the world! Listening to her journey really kicked off the launch of our diversity & inclusion program. Her endless energy and positivity shines through in her speaking. Our employees left feeling motivated, invigorated and compelled to follow their dreams.” – AOL International

Kanya King, the founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry. Her creation of the MOBO Awards provided a platform for Black artists to be celebrated and recognized. As a speaker, Kanya passionately champions equality and diversity, sharing her journey and insights into the importance of diverse representation in the creative industries.

4. David Olusoga

“David was amazing. Everyone loved the session, people felt it was relevant, insightful, current with the world around us today and gave us food for thought. Please pass along our gratitude to David.” – Jessica, Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion, RS Components

Award-winning author, historian, and TV presenter David Olusoga has contributed greatly to Black history. His work covers crucial topics such as the Windrush scandal, slavery, and the British Empire. David’s peaking style and personal experiences bring to light the systematic racism still prevalent today, making him a captivating and essential speaker for any event focused on social justice and history.

5. Maggie Alphonsi

“Maggie was our guest speaker at our inaugural International Women’s Day event and it couldn’t have gone better. She was relatable to both the men & women in the room and her personal stories were both funny and inspiring. We were delighted with how the event went and we are very appreciative that she stayed behind to talk to our Associates.” – Louise, Lockton LLP

Maggie Alphonsi, a former rugby union international, has won numerous accolades, including the Six Nations title seven times and the 2014 World Cup. Now a corporate speaker, Maggie addresses the racism and sexism she faced as a Black female athlete. Her inspirational talks encourage audiences to value diversity and inclusion in sports and beyond, drawing from her personal experiences and professional successes.

6. June Sarpong

“We absolutely loved the session with June Sarpong. And June made for a formidable duo that rocked the house of Co-Op! Haha, that sounds like a quote out of Pose. But it was truly a fantastic session. June was powerful in her storytelling and very honest in sharing her thoughts around inclusion, bias and allyship. Thank you all for your support in helping us to deliver this session during Black History Month.” – Ash, Co-Op

June Sarpong, a well-known TV personality and political activist, is the BBC’s Director of Creative Diversity. With her extensive background in broadcasting and activism, June is an expert on recruiting a diverse workforce and representing diverse backgrounds. Her speeches are rich with insights on equality, diversity, and the power of inclusive representation, making her a sought-after speaker for events aiming to drive social change.

7. Viv Anderson

“Viv was outstanding! He had broad appeal in our firm due to his footballing and ethnic background and people were really commending us for bringing him in. He was very entertaining and everyone loved his war stories and his opinions on diversity in the management of football.” – Kenny, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Viv Anderson, the first Black football player to represent England, offers a unique perspective on racism in sports. With a decorated career that includes winning the European Cup with Nottingham Forest, Viv’s presence highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in football. His engaging talks shed light on his battles with racism and the impact of such experiences on players of colour in modern sports.

8. Derek Redmond

“We worked with Derek for an online event this year, and he was absolutely fantastic. Extremely professional and really easy to work with. His talk, even though it had to be done online due to the pandemic, was very interesting and all the feedback we received from our guests was positive. Very happy to recommend him for any event.” – Clint, Casual Business

Derek Redmond, a former Olympian, is best remembered for his heroic finish at the 1992 Olympics after a career-ending injury. His story of perseverance has inspired millions worldwide. Now a motivational speaker, Derek advocates for racial equality and helps Black athletes share their stories. His talks are transformative, offering insights into overcoming adversity and the importance of being a Black ally.

9. Frank Bruno

“Just want to say a personal thank you to yourself and Frank for his work at the weekend. Without a doubt, one of the nicest people I have ever met, made the night for everyone and I can’t thank you enough. Everybody loved him.” – Shawn, Majestics Personal Training

Frank Bruno, former WBC Heavyweight titleholder, is renowned for his powerful boxing career and public advocacy for mental health. Frank’s journey from a challenging childhood to a world champion is inspiring. He uses his platform to discuss the impacts of racial abuse and mental health issues, encouraging audiences to champion diversity and support those facing similar challenges.

10. Anita Asante

“Anita was a great fantastic addition to our FA Pride Inside 2020 panel event in June. Anita’s experience as an elite athlete provided an amazing insight from not just a performance perspective, but importantly specifically on how that intersected with elements of her identity. She facilitated in the successful delivery of a very informative and authentic panel.” – Jehmeil, Football Association

Anita Asante, an elite defender in women’s football, has represented top clubs and even Team GB at the 2012 Olympics. Despite facing racism, Anita has achieved remarkable success. As a speaker, she empowers others by sharing her experiences and promoting diversity in sports. Her talks are a powerful call to action for embracing inclusivity and fighting discrimination in all its forms.

11. Pauline Miller

“I could listen to you all day Pauline” – Lisett, Helpline Manager, Versus Arthritis

Pauline Miller, Head of Culture for Lloyd’s of London, is an expert in diversity and inclusion strategies. With a background in financial services, Pauline has pioneered initiatives at Barclays and State Street Bank. As a speaker, she educates audiences on the importance of corporate diversity and the need to eliminate unconscious bias, drawing from her extensive professional experience.

12. Briana Scurry

“Briana Scurry is a passionate, enthusiastic, and effective speaker with a unique ability to draw an audience in and leave a lasting impression. The U.S. Soccer Foundation is proud to work with Briana. This past year, Briana attended and spoke at a few of our events that featured some of our largest partners. Not only did she give remarks, but she stayed and interacted with our guests, which helped us continue to solidify and grow our relationships. We look forward to working with Briana in the future and growing our impact nationwide – together.” – Ed, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation

Briana Scurry, a former American goalkeeper, was the first Black woman inducted into the USA’s Soccer Hall of Fame. With two Olympic Gold medals and a Women’s World Cup title, Briana’s success is a testament to her skill and resilience. As a speaker, she addresses the challenges of being a Black female athlete, promoting diversity and inclusion in sports.

13. Ayo Sokale

“You were TREMENDOUS! We have had so many people saying how inspired they were by you and what you said. Also how much they appreciated you sharing your personal experience and wisdom. The feedback has been overwhelming and all positive. We had 350 people on the call at different points, which is a great turnout for Arup. Thank you very, very much for taking the time to participate in the panel discussion. I am thrilled to have met you virtually. You made a hugely important and valuable contribution to making the event a success. We really appreciate it. Thanks, on behalf of everyone at Arup who attended.” – Andrea, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Arup

Ayo Sokale, a Project Manager for the Environment Agency, is a trailblazer in civil engineering and politics. Advocating for diversity in STEM, Ayo’s talks inspire future generations of engineers. Her experiences in a male-dominated field and her dedication to sustainability make her a compelling speaker on women in STEM and racial diversity.

14. Viola Llewellyn

“She is an extremely professional individual, with a good sense of humour to boot. All around, Viola is a first-rate human being and a total class act.” – Steve, Executive Recruiter, Information Technology, Optum

Viola Llewellyn, co-founder of Ovamba Solutions Inc., is a leading figure in FinTech and trade. She is committed to growing African businesses and promoting financial inclusion. Viola’s rise in the African business market and her passion for diverse business practices make her an insightful speaker for events focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.

15. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah

“Phyll is a tour de force. A woman who vibrated with influence and uses it wisely. She creates exceptionally functional teams, nurtures everyone who works with or for her and continually inspires those around her to be the best they can be. She leads by example, is authentic, emotionally and intellectually intelligent, kind and creative. I hope I get to work with Phyll for a very long time.” – Julie, Founder & MD, The Fundraisers

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, co-founder of UK Black Pride, is a prominent activist for the Black and LGBT+ communities. Her work with UK Black Pride and the Kaleidoscope Trust highlights the importance of intersectionality and human rights. Phyll’s speeches on equality, diversity, and inclusion inspire audiences to continue the fight for social justice and unity.

Call to Action

Are you ready to inspire and empower your audience? Book one of these exceptional Black keynote speakers today. Call us at 0203 9317 392 or use our online contact form to learn more and make your event unforgettable!