10 of the Best Black Speakers for Your Black History Month Online Celebration in 2025

While many in the UK claim to know “a lot” about British history, 75% admit they know “very little” or “nothing at all” about Black British history. Black History Month offers a vital opportunity to bridge this gap, raise awareness of racial inequality, and challenge harmful stereotypes.

Our Black keynote speakers specialise in delivering engaging virtual talks that educate, inspire, and promote meaningful conversations around race, social injustice, and the rich contributions of Black individuals to UK society. Book a speaker today to ensure your Black History Month online event makes a lasting impact and drives positive change.

When is Black History Month?

Black History Month takes place between 1st and 31st October every year.

Source: Twinkl

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month celebrates and recognises the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history. First marked in the UK in 1987, it was inspired by Carter G. Woodson’s Black History Week, launched in the US in 1926. The month highlights the often-overlooked role of Black communities in shaping British society, from the Windrush generation to figures like author Malorie Blackman and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton. Events, exhibitions, and educational activities take place nationwide, encouraging people to learn about Black heritage, confront racism, and honour the ongoing impact of Black Britons.

Source: BBC

What is This Year’s Theme?

The theme for Black History Month in 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”. It celebrates the resilience, leadership, and cultural richness of the Black community. This year highlights the profound influence of Black pioneers and activists who have shaped history, while inspiring future progress. Marking key anniversaries like 60 years of the Race Relations Act and Malcolm X’s assassination, it also honours figures such as Paul Stephenson OBE and Lord Herman Ouseley. The theme inspires everyone to embrace power through unity and leadership, and pride through cultural heritage and excellence, creating a more inclusive world.

Source: Black History Month

Who Are 10 of the Best Black Speakers for Your Black History Month Online Celebration?

The following speakers have been regarded by our Director, Jack Hayes as the best Black History Month virtual event speakers based on data collated across 126 events between 2022 and 2024.

• Kelly Holmes
• Shaun Wallace
• Frank Bruno
• Ade Adepitan
• Nicola Adams
• Mr Motivator
• Kanya King
• Jean Tomlin
• Colin Jackson
• René Carayol

1. Kelly Holmes

Double Gold Winning Olympian & BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2004

Dame Kelly Holmes is a top choice for virtual Black History Month speaking events due to her inspiring journey from a council estate to Olympic stardom. As a double gold medallist and world record holder, she exemplifies excellence, resilience, and determination. Her dual careers in athletics and the Army, combined with her openness about mental health struggles, allow her to connect powerfully with audiences. An advocate for disadvantaged youths and mental wellbeing, Kelly brings expertise not only as an elite athlete but also as a motivational leader. Her story resonates deeply, making her a sought-after speaker for meaningful, impactful events.

Official Testimonial for Kelly Holmes:

“The talk exceeded our expectations; the energy, authenticity, and inspiration Kelly gave our colleagues was brilliant, and since the session finished only 30 minutes ago, we have been inundated with positive feedback and comments. A huge thank you for agreeing to be part of our employee wellbeing initiative.” – Megan, MDLZ

2. Shaun Wallace

Star of ‘The Chase’, Known as the Dark Destroyer & Winner of Mastermind in 2004

Shaun Wallace is one of few speakers that brings the perfect blend of expertise, experience, and charisma. Best known as the Dark Destroyer on ‘The Chase’, Shaun’s mastery of knowledge and sharp wit have captivated audiences for over a decade. Beyond quizzing, his background as a trained barrister and lecturer showcases his depth of expertise. Shaun’s personal experiences, shared in appearances like ‘Racism: My Story’, make him a powerful voice on racism and inclusion. His engaging delivery, coupled with lived insights and legal acumen, make him a standout choice for virtual Black History Month events, where education and entertainment go hand-in-hand.

Official Testimonial for Shaun Wallace:

“We thoroughly enjoyed having Shaun at Chateau Impney. He is great fun, incredibly approachable and was fantastic with our guests. We have received nothing but compliments about him and I would have no hesitation in having him back.” – Chateau Impney

3. Frank Bruno

WBC Heavyweight Champion & Mental Health Advocate

Frank Bruno MBE‘s charisma and hard-won wisdom is next-level, and he uses it to captivate audiences during virtual Black History Month events. As a former WBCA Heavyweight Champion and British sporting icon, his powerful journey embodies resilience, diversity, and determination. Frank’s openness about his struggles with Bipolar Disorder adds depth to his inspiring message on mental wellbeing and inclusion. Beyond boxing, his successful media career and award-winning books have cemented his role as a national treasure. Corporate audiences hire Frank for his ability to connect, motivate and spark important conversations on overcoming adversity, making him a standout choice for Black History Month engagements.

Official Testimonial for Frank Bruno:

“Frank was an absolute gent. Please pass on our thanks to him; we really could not have asked for any more from him. He was a pleasure to deal with from start to finish.” – Byland Countryside Services

4. Ade Adepitan

Television Presenter for the BBC & Wheelchair Basketball Paralympic Gold Medallist

Ade Adepitan has been breaking barriers from a young age, and his inspiring journey makes him a standout choice for virtual Black History Month speaking events. Overcoming polio and forging a celebrated career as a Paralympic medallist and television presenter, he speaks with authority on adversity, resilience, racism, and disability discrimination. His extensive charity work, OBE, and recognition in the 2020 Powerlist further cement his expertise. Ade’s experience in broadcasting ensures he captivates virtual audiences effortlessly, blending personal stories with powerful messages. His compelling insights not only educate but also inspire, making him highly sought-after as a speaker for impactful Black History Month events.

Official Testimonial for Ade Adepitan:

“Ade was extremely amenable and relaxed – he gave us some fantastic quotes and a brilliant interview.” – Tourism South East

5. Nicola Adams

Double Olympic Gold Medallist & Former WBO Female Flyweight Title Holder

Nicola Adams, renowned for defying expectations and rewriting history, stands as a leading choice for virtual Black History Month speaking events. As Britain’s most successful female boxer, double Olympic gold medallist, and WBO Flyweight champion, her ground-breaking career speaks volumes. Beyond sport, Nicola champions diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ representation, sharing powerful personal experiences of breaking stereotypes in male-dominated arenas. Recognised with an OBE and named among the UK’s Most Influential LGBT People, her compelling virtual talks deliver practical insights on fostering inclusive cultures. Audiences are captivated by her authenticity, resilience, and trailblazing journey, making her an expert and inspiring speaker.

Official Testimonial for Nicola Adams:

“Fantastic! Nicola was open, honest, and inspiring. It went amazingly well, and we can’t wait to have her back.” – Macquarie Group Services

6. Mr Motivator

Former GMTV Fitness Instructor Who Was Awarded an MBE for His Motivational Series During the COVID-19 Lockdown

Mr Motivator is bursting with infectious energy and positivity, making a top choice for virtual Black History Month events. With over 30 years championing health and fitness, his iconic GMTV appearances, best-selling workout DVDs, and national campaigns like Change4Life showcase his expertise. His uplifting presence during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading BBC’s ‘HealthCheck UK Live’, cemented his status as a trusted motivator. Awarded an MBE for his services to fitness, Mr Motivator inspires individuals of all backgrounds to embrace healthier lifestyles, while his pioneering role as a Black British fitness icon brings powerful relevance and resonance to Black History Month discussions.

7. Kanya King

Founder of the MOBO Awards & Recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award

Kanya King uses her lived experience and industry-shaping impact to engage audiences during virtual Black History Month events. As the visionary behind the MOBO Awards, she transformed the UK music scene, championing Black artists and addressing inequality in creative industries. Her personal journey — from overcoming poverty and adversity to earning an MBE and CBE — gives her talks depth, authenticity, and inspiration. Candid about her struggles, Kanya engages audiences with powerful insights on diversity, equality, and racism. Her influential voice and lived experience make her a highly sought-after speaker who motivates others to challenge discrimination and pursue meaningful change.

Official Testimonial for 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

8. Jean Tomlin

Former HR Director for the London 2012 Olympic Games, Founder & CEO of Chanzo

Jean Tomlin is a popular choice for virtual Black History Month speaking events, whether addressing leadership, organisational change, or diversity. As HR Director for the London 2012 Olympic Games, she led the UK’s largest peace-time workforce, managing 70,000 volunteers alongside thousands of staff and contractors. With senior roles at Marks & Spencer, Ford, Prudential, and Sainsbury’s, Jean’s expertise spans major transformation, cultural change and inclusion. Appointed OBE and a recipient of the CIPD Outstanding Contribution Award, she draws on both lived experience and a distinguished career to deliver powerful, practical and inspiring insights to her audiences.

9. Colin Jackson

Legendary British Hurdler & World Record Holder Who Went 44 Races Undefeated

Colin Jackson CBE speaks, and audiences listen. A record-breaking hurdler, world champion, and Olympic medallist, his 15-year career yielded 21 major medals, including 12 golds. His first-hand experience with peak performance, resilience, and handling pressure makes him uniquely qualified to address these topics. Beyond sport, Colin’s vibrant media career and coaching success showcase his charisma and versatility, captivating virtual audiences worldwide. Recognised with a CBE for his services to athletics, Colin combines authority with infectious energy, making him a top choice for Black History Month events, where his inspiring journey and expert insights leave a lasting impact on any audience.

Official Testimonial for Colin Jackson:

“Colin Jackson was the perfect addition to our business event. He was extremely engaging, lovely to talk to, and interacted with all our delegates following his keynote. Would highly recommend him as a speaker for any event!” – Helen, Events Northern

10. René Carayol

Global Leadership Speaker Who Was Awarded an MBE for Services to Business

René Carayol boasts decades of hands-on leadership experience, engaging virtual audiences during Black History Month by blending personal insight with expert knowledge on inclusion and leadership. Having held senior roles at Marks & Spencer, PepsiCo, and IPC Media, René offers first-hand understanding of corporate challenges, particularly around diversity and representation. His interesting digital presentations draw from his acclaimed books, TV appearances, and TEDx talks, empowering individuals and businesses to embrace inclusive cultures. Awarded an MBE for Services to Business, René’s powerful message of self-improvement and business excellence makes him a highly sought-after speaker for impactful and memorable Black History Month events.

Official Testimonial for René Carayol:

“That was such a fantastic talk – one of the best I have ever attended. I can’t wait to continue talking and to be able to do that face to face. You’ve lifted our spirits with an impact that will last way beyond today.” – Poly, WarnerMedia UK & Ireland

Book a Black History Month Virtual Speaker Today!

If you are interested in hiring an inspiring Black speaker for your online event, contact the Virtual Online Speakers Agency today! Give one of our booking agents a call on 0203 9317 391 or complete our online contact form to begin the booking process. To explore more trending keynote speakers, visit our full listings today.

This exclusive article on 10 of the Best Black Speakers for Your Black History Month Online Celebration in 2025 was authored utilising official event poll data from over 126 virtual online events between 2022 and 2024, and vetted information from industry event platforms, client testimonials, and speaker bureaus.