Black History Month Speakers for US Corporate Events (February)

Every February, the United States celebrates Black History Month, a time to recognise the achievements, culture, and impact of African Americans across history. In 2026, we mark 100 years of this observance, celebration and reminder.

100 Years of Black History Month: Voices Shaping America’s Future

How BHM Began

Black History Month began in 1915, when historian Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH) to correct the absence of Black achievement in public education. February was chosen to align with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two central figures in the fight for equality. Originally a one-week event, it became a month-long observance in 1976 when President Gerald Ford urged Americans to recognise “the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.”

Why 2026 Matters

The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of national Black History commemorations — a century of documenting, teaching, and celebrating Black contributions to American life.

According to ASALH’s executive summary, the centennial theme A Century of Black History Commemorations highlights how these observances have evolved from classroom lessons to cultural institutions, shaping civic life across the nation.

The history also links the centenary to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, calling for a more complete retelling of America’s story — one that places Black history at its core. For educators, employers, and event organisers, 2026 is an opportunity to deepen understanding and amplify voices that continue to shape progress.

U.S. vs U.K. Black History Month

While the U.S. celebrates in February, Black History Month in the U.K. takes place in October, first marked in 1987 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation. The focus differs too — the U.K. version highlights the experiences of Black Britons and the wider African and Caribbean diaspora.

Speakers to Inspire Your 2026 Black History Month Events

Morgan Matthews

Morgan Matthews is a DEI expert, organisational change leader, and people experience specialist. As Senior Manager of Inclusion & Strategy at Peloton and Global Director of People Experience & Culture at Pfizer, Morgan helps global companies turn values into measurable progress. Her talks — “From Civil Rights to Corporate Rights: The Evolution of Workplace Equity” and “Honouring Juneteenth Through Family Legacy and Community” — connect historical movements with modern business practice.

⮕ Learn more and book Morgan Matthews as a speaker.

Apryl Williams

Apryl Williams is an author, researcher, and scholar of technology and inequality. Author of Not My Type: Automating Sexual Racism in Online Dating and Senior Fellow in Trustworthy AI at the Mozilla Foundation, Apryl examines how race and gender intersect with digital platforms and algorithms. Her sessions help audiences understand bias in technology and design more equitable systems.

⮕ Learn more and book Apryl Williams as a speaker.

Deah Berry Mitchell

Deah Berry Mitchell is a historian, author, and cultural preservationist based in Dallas. Founder of Nostalgia Black Group, she combines food, history, and technology to protect Black heritage. Deah has served as Historian-in-Residence for the City of Dallas and on the Board of the National Juneteenth Museum, leading projects such as the Freedom Trail app and a VR tour of Dallas’s Deep Ellum neighbourhood. Her book Cornbread & Collard Greens traces West African influences on soul food and Southern identity.

⮕ Learn more and book Deah Berry Mitchell as a speaker.

Speech Thomas

Speech Thomas is a Grammy-winning artist, social activist, and cultural curator. Co-founder and lead singer of Arrested Development, he continues to use music to explore racial justice and spirituality. His documentary 16 Bars and media platform Black Existence highlight both the struggles and creativity of Black communities worldwide. Speech’s sessions can include live performances that blend art, history, and social commentary.

⮕ Learn more and book Speech Thomas as a speaker.

Patrick Harris

Patrick Harris is an educator, storyteller, and author. An award-winning Detroit teacher and author of The First Five: A Love Letter to Teachers, Patrick helps schools create inclusive, sustainable learning environments. His work reflects the next century of Black history — one centred on representation, wellbeing, and educational equity.

⮕ Learn more and book Patrick Harris as a speaker.

Plan Your 2026 Black History Month Events

The 100-year milestone will bring global attention to the role of Black Americans in shaping the nation’s identity. Whether you’re planning an internal event, a community conversation, or a large-scale conference, these speakers bring informed, engaging perspectives that connect history with action.

📩 Contact PepTalk to book for Black History Month 2026 or let us curate the right lineup for your organisation’s theme. Send us a message via chat or you can also call us on +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!