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Xernona Clayton, a trailblazing civil rights leader and broadcasting executive, is currently the Founder, Chair, President & CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, an organisation which honours African American achievement. A passionate and compelling racial equality speaker, her activism is shaped by a lifetime of lived experience as a Black woman in the segregated American South. Her work addresses the systemic barriers faced by marginalised communities, and her speaking topics span racial equity, civil rights history, leadership, and media representation. Clayton brings a deeply personal and historical lens to her talks, which resonates powerfully with audiences across generations and industries.
Clayton began her career in the thick of the American civil rights movement. She worked closely with Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, through her role at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This early activism laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to justice. In 1967, she broke ground by becoming the first African American in the South to host a daily prime-time television talk show. Her success in broadcasting led her to Turner Broadcasting, where she rose through the ranks to become Vice President for Urban Affairs in 1988, advocating for diverse representation both on and off the screen. In 1991, she published her autobiography, I’ve Been Marching All the Time. Her media influence was instrumental in opening doors for Black talent and reshaping the narrative of African American life in mainstream media.
Among her many accolades, Clayton has received widespread recognition for her lifelong service to civil rights and the community. In 2004, she received the Local Community Service Award from Spelman College and founded the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, celebrating historic figures in the struggle for justice. In 2011, she was honoured with the James Weldon Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award by the Detroit NAACP. Most recently, in 2023, the City of Atlanta unveiled a statue in her honour, along with naming a plaza after her—an enduring testament to her legacy and impact.
Clayton’s speaking engagements are rich with insight, shaped by decades of frontline activism, ground-breaking media work, and unwavering dedication to racial equality. She speaks on the power of resilience, the importance of inclusive leadership, and the ongoing fight for equity in all sectors of society. Audiences benefit from both her wisdom and candour, making her an in-demand speaker for educational institutions, corporate diversity initiatives, and community events. With her unique blend of experience, eloquence, and historical perspective, she is an exceptional choice for those seeking a speaker who embodies both legacy and leadership in the fight for racial justice.
Xernona Clayton is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“Our companies loved Xernona’s presentation and Q&A session!”
“Mrs. Clayton was absolutely amazing. She was more than knowledgeable on the topic at hand throughout the event.”
“When I tell you this event was transformative for not only the attendees, but the staff members and even the hotel staff that was in the room spoke of how inspired they were by Xernona. While we had a great conference, having her as one of our speakers took it to the next level.”
The BAME Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for Black, Asian and minority ethnic speakers since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars.
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