Celebrating Black History Month 2026: Leadership, Legacy, and Progress
Black History Month is an annual observance dedicated to honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Canadians and African Americans throughout history. In 2026, the global theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations” marks 100 years of organized Black history observances. It is a time for organizations to move beyond performative gestures and engage in meaningful reflection on the contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and creators who have shaped our modern world. Continue reading to discover the best speakers to book for Black History Month events in 2026.
6+ Guest Speakers for Black History Month & Beyond
Black History Month begins on February 1st and what better way to celebrate than highlighting some of Talent Bureau’s incredible Black voices. Here are 6 speakers for Black History Month and the year ahead.
Jully Black
Canadian Music Icon | Acclaimed Actress | Female Empowerment Advocate
Known as “Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul,” Jully is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actress who has performed for the Queen of England and shared stages with global superstars like Elton John and Alicia Keys. Her high-energy talks and workshops, such as “J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion),” use her unique “vocal athlete” perspective and lived experience to empower audiences to transform permanently and find their “Grief to Greatness.
Jesse Lipscombe
Dynamic Leadership and Achievement Expert | Bestselling Author | Actor
Do you ever want to make that one racist/homophobic/generally unpleasant family member feel as uncomfortable as they make you feel? Well, you’ve got Jesse Lipscombe’s permission to #MakeItAwkward. Started in 2016, #MakeItAwkward encourages everyday activists to respectfully confront those who make hateful remarks and let them know they won’t be tolerated. People can’t change overnight, but they can change; Jesse drives home how important these seemingly small acts of defiance make a big impact over time. Even those who don’t identify as confrontational will feel empowered to #MakeItAwkward.
Celina Caesar-Chavannes
Award-Winning Business Consultant | Bestselling Author | Former Member of Parliament
Respectfully, Celina is a badass. Before being elected the first Black person to serve the Town of Whitby as a federal Member of Parliament, Celina established herself as an esteemed and successful entrepreneur. She is a shining example of women in leadership, unafraid to call out inequity, tokenism, and performative activism when she sees it. Today, Celina is a business consultant, coach, and international speaker. She also serves as the Senior Advisor of EDI Initiatives and Adjunct Lecturer at Queen’s University.
Anthony Morgan
Host, The Nature of Things | Award-Winning Science Communicator
Anthony is an innovation leader and researcher whose work focuses on the power of curiosity to transform how teams think and collaborate. As the host of the iconic series The Nature of Things, he brings over 20 years of experience in science communication, helping organizations use evidence-driven processes to solve complex problems and reduce polarization. He is the creator of “Freestyle Socials,” a transformative social experiment and game designed to help teams navigate disagreements productively, uncover cognitive blind spots, and foster a culture of radical collaboration.
Cam F. Awesome
National Champion Heavyweight Boxer | Author
Cam is the winningest boxer in USA Boxing history and the former captain of Team USA, whose story of overcoming adversity is featured in the Netflix documentary CounterPunch. He delivers “knockout” presentations that blend stand-up comedy with hard-hitting lessons on mental toughness, reframing failure as feedback, and building a champion’s mindset through the power of gratitude.
Karina LeBlanc
CM, OLY, HCapt (Royal Canadian Navy) | President of Operations and General Manager, Portland Thorns
Karina is a retired Olympic goalkeeper and one of the longest-serving players in Canadian soccer history, having competed in five FIFA World Cups. As a speaker, she draws on her experience as a UNICEF Ambassador and professional sports executive to lead powerful conversations on inclusive leadership, the “Olympic culture” of excellence, and finding purpose through vulnerability and resilience.
Learn More About These Speakers for Black History Month
Did one of these guest speakers catch your attention? Or do you have someone else in mind? Explore more Black Voices at Talent Bureau (then chat with us after).
In Conversation with Jully Black
Event Planning for Black History Month Events
Key Event Themes and Topics for Black History Month 2026
When planning your Black History Month event, selecting a theme that resonates with your corporate values and current social trends is essential. Our speakers specialize in a wide range of topics, including:
- Inclusive Leadership: How to move from diversity as a metric to inclusion as a culture.
- The Future of DEI: Navigating the shifting landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2026.
- Anti-Racism & Allyship: Moving beyond awareness to actionable, sustained advocacy in the workplace.
- Black Excellence in Innovation: Highlighting Black achievements in tech, AI, and entrepreneurship.
- Resilience & Mental Wellness: Addressing the unique challenges and strengths within the Black experience.
Why Book Your Black History Month Keynote with Talent Bureau?
Finding the right voice to represent such a significant month requires care, nuance, and expertise. At Talent Bureau, we simplify the booking process while ensuring your event makes a lasting impact:
- A Diverse & Vetted Roster: We represent a wide spectrum of voices, from industry icons and activists to rising talent in business and technology.
- Curated Recommendations: Our agents don’t just send a list; we provide personalized matches based on your specific audience demographics and event goals.
- Beyond the “Standard” Talk: We prioritize speakers who offer proprietary research, fresh perspectives, and actionable takeaways rather than recycled narratives.
- Seamless Execution: From contract negotiation to travel logistics, we handle the details so you can focus on the impact of the message.
Hire a Speaker for Black History Month 2026 Events
Don’t delay! Speakers’ calendars are already filling up for 2026. Contact Talent Bureau to start your keynote speaker booking process today.