Feb 11, 2026
Celebrating Black History Month With Trailblazers and Changemakers
It’s Black History Month, a celebration of the courage and contributions of Black trailblazers whose work has shaped culture, leadership, and innovation. It’s a time not only to honor the past but also to recognize how their legacy continues to influence the world we are building today.
We’re proud to present a lineup of Black keynote speakers whose work reflects this enduring legacy. Each brings a unique perspective, offering insight and inspiration that will enrich any audience.
Rashaun Williams – Advocate for Economic Access and Inclusive Investment
Rashaun Williams is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate who rose from Chicago’s South Side to become a nationally recognized leader in business and ownership. A guest Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank and limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons, he has backed over 170 companies while expanding access to opportunity. On stage, he brings lived experience and practical insight to empower audiences to build wealth and create generational impact.
Marcus Collins – Cultural Strategist and Educator on Marketing and Influence
Marcus Collins is a marketing expert, cultural strategist, professor, and bestselling author. He has led strategy at top agencies, developed major campaigns for global brands, and teaches at the University of Michigan. Marcus helps organizations understand the role of culture in shaping behavior, driving innovation, and creating meaningful impact in business and society.
Wema Hoover – Strategist in Inclusive Leadership and Organizational Change
Wema Hoover is a global leadership strategist and executive coach specializing in organizational performance and leadership effectiveness. She has held senior roles at Google, Pfizer, and Sanofi, leading enterprise initiatives focused on culture and leadership capability. Wema advises leaders on navigating change and building high-performing organizations for long-term success.
Gregory Robinson – 33-Year Veteran of NASA, Former Director, James Webb Space Telescope
Gregory Robinson is an American engineer and former director of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Program. He successfully led the team through one of the most complex science missions ever undertaken, demonstrating extraordinary leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. His work has advanced human understanding of the universe and serves as a model of visionary leadership.
Omar Johnson – Builder of World Class Brands at Beats by Dre, Nike, Apple, Kraft, and Coca-Cola
Omar Johnson is a branding and marketing leader who served as Chief Marketing Officer of Beats by Dre and Vice President of Marketing at Apple. He helped transform Beats into a global cultural phenomenon and now leads ØPUS United, offering insights on human-centered branding, innovation, and culturally relevant storytelling.
Chaunté Lowe – Champion of Athletic Excellence and Human Resilience
Chaunté Lowe is a four-time Olympian, American high jump record holder, and world medalist. She has inspired audiences through her athletic excellence, her courage as a breast cancer survivor, and her determination as a mother and elite athlete, demonstrating resilience, strength, and purpose.
Daymond John – Entrepreneurial Leader and Global Business Mentor
Daymond John is an entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and founder of the global fashion brand FUBU. Known for his role on Shark Tank, Daymond mentors entrepreneurs and teaches leadership, branding, and business growth, helping others achieve success through innovation and perseverance.
Shola Kaye – Expert in Empathy‑Driven Communication and Leadership
Shola Kaye is an international keynote speaker, author, and expert in leadership and communication. She helps leaders and teams cultivate empathy, psychological safety, and inclusive workplace cultures, empowering organizations to foster connection, collaboration, and high performance.
Kwame Christian – Authority on Negotiation and Purposeful Leadership
Kwame Christian is one of the world’s top negotiation experts, a bestselling author, attorney, and founder of the American Negotiation Institute. He teaches leaders how to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and confidence, helping organizations and individuals negotiate effectively, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships.
Discover more inspiring Black keynote speakers here!
From corporate events to university lectures and conferences, these exceptional voices deliver powerful, thought-provoking messages that resonate long after the event.
Ready to elevate your next event? Email info@bigspeak.com to book a speaker today.
