Expert insights from Juneteenth speakers
Booking a Juneteenth speaker for your event is one of the most powerful ways to engage teams, communities, or customers in meaningful dialogue about equity, freedom, and cultural legacy. Whether you're planning a corporate diversity seminar, a virtual town hall, or a keynote for an in-person Juneteenth celebration, the right speaker can elevate your message and create lasting impact.
We're honored to present a varied selection of Juneteenth speakers for your event or celebration, each bringing a rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge. Our speakers excel in various fields, from African American history to civil rights activism, providing powerful insights that can inspire your organization to engage more deeply with the themes of freedom, equality, and justice in honor of Juneteenth.
Some of the most sought-after Juneteenth speakers bring a unique mix of lived experience, historical expertise, and cultural insight. Opal Lee, often called the Grandmother of Juneteenth, remains a powerful voice for civil rights and healing. Historian Annette Gordon-Reed, author of On Juneteenth, connects the holiday to broader narratives of American history. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of The 1619 Project, challenges audiences to reckon with the legacy of slavery in modern America. Poet and scholar Clint Smith, known for How the Word Is Passed, speaks with clarity and emotion about how history is remembered and misremembered.
Other standout voices include Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, who explores the systems behind racial inequality and offers frameworks for change. Isabel Wilkerson, whose bestselling books Caste and The Warmth of Other Suns reveal the hidden structures of discrimination, brings a deep historical lens to today's racial dynamics. Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School, expertly bridges past and present in his talks on politics, race, and media. Culinary historian Michael Twitty provides a unique perspective on cultural identity through food, while Brittany K. Barnett’s legal activism and storytelling around mass incarceration offer a powerful call to action. Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, shares her journey of overcoming barriers and the importance of representation in the arts.
Juneteenth speakers are available for a wide range of formats, including virtual presentations, in-person keynotes, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and moderated Q&A sessions. These events are ideal for organizations looking to honor Juneteenth meaningfully, launch DEI initiatives, educate employees, or simply create space for deeper conversations around race, freedom, and resilience in America.
Ready to book a Juneteenth speaker for your event? Let us help you find the right voice to spark connection, inspire change, and move your audience forward.
What is Juneteenth?
This day is observed on June 19th, the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when, as the American Civil War was ending, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas. As well as being a day of significant historical importance, it often broadly celebrates African-American culture.
Observing Juneteenth (a portmanteau of the words "June" and "nineteenth") in the workplace can be a meaningful way to celebrate the end of slavery and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By bringing Juneteenth speakers to speak to your workforce, businesses can foster a more inclusive and culturally aware workplace, attract and retain a diverse team, and enhance employee satisfaction.
"Every year on Juneteenth, we remember the struggles and the triumph, the pain, and the progress that has made us who we are." — Kamala Harris
Get in touch with PepTalk
If you're looking for an expert speaker to provide a fresh perspective for your business, we can help. Reach us by email at hello@getapeptalk.com, by completing the contact form on our website, or through our live chat feature. You can also contact us by calling +1 737 888 5112 (US) or +44 20 3835 2929 (UK). We work with thousands of speakers and can provide expert recommendations or schedule a free strategy session to understand your business needs. Talk to us today to discover how PepTalk can enhance your learning initiatives, enrich your events, bolster well-being, and positively transform your culture programs.
