HWA Speakers Who Made an Impact this Black History Month

This Black History Month, event planners turned to HWA Speakers to inspire, embolden, and empower audiences. Now is a great time to start planning for next year's programs.

MAE JEMISON: First African-American Woman in Space

"Dr. Jemison was simply amazing! The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive! There were approximately 450 people who heard her keynote speech and they gave her a standing ovation! ...The event itself was a huge success, but I know that having Dr. Jemison as the keynote speaker put it well over the top!"

- The University of Alabama

An icon of the civil rights movement, Jemison was recently immort a l ized in Lego form and was also honored in a Black History Month celebration that went viral

Keynoted Northwestern's MLK Commemoration, adressing nearly 1,000 students
Kicked off Black History Month Speaker Series at Michigan State University where, "Kellogg Center staffers dragged in hundreds of extra chairs to accommodate a throng of arrivals until over 600 people circled the dais like the rings of Saturn."
Delivered a lecture for hundreds at the University of North Texas Distinguished Lecture Series
Keynoted STEM symposium at the University of Alabama

Watch Jemison's keynote on creating the future >>

MARTIN LUTHER KING III: Civil Rights Activist and Oldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Martin Luther King III was spectacular! It was such an honor to have him at our event. His speech was heartfelt and impressive, and the audience seemed to hang on to Mr. King’s every word."

- The Kennedy Forum

Keynoted The Dollar General African American Employee Resource Group 7th Annual Black History Month Gala
Headlined Greatness in Leadership Management Development Day on difference makers and the spirit of community
Published a widely-shared Washington Times op-ed on the issue of voting rights

Sought out for his insights on social justice, Martin Luther King III continues his father's legacy as the President of the Drum Major Institute

Watch Mr. King's message to Murray State University >>

ANDREW YOUN G: Civil Rights Activist; Former Mayor of Atlanta, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and U.S. Congressman

“I have heard nothing but outstanding comments about both the interview and [Ambassador Young’s] keynote. He made an ever lasting impact on many. I can tell you that. Ambassador Young is the real deal. He's a humanitarian who genuinely cares about people. Please let him know that he made a difference in Modesto. He was inspiring!... The Modesto community REALLY appreciated his visit and felt honored to have a close and up front dialogue with him. We craved his wisdom.”

- The Modesto Peace/Life Center

Delivered keynote at Modesto College for the 23rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration for 700 student and community members
Keynoted United Negro College Fund 15th Annul Black History Month Luncheon
Kicked off the 10th season of his own documentary series "Andrew Young Presents" with a look at civil rights under the new administration

Watch Young discuss breaking bread with your enemies >>

JUDITH JAMISON: Artistic Director Ermerita, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

ROLAND FRYER: Behavioral Economist on Race & Social Issues; Founder & Director, Harvard's Education Innovation Laboratory

CHARLES RANGEL: Member, U.S. House of Representatives from New York (1971-2017); First African-American Chair, House Ways and Means Committee

DESIREE ROGERS: CEO, Johnson Publishing Company- Publishers of Ebony & Jet Magazines; Special Assistant to President Obama

Learn about more HWA speakers that can address topics of diversity and social justice >>