Black History Month Speakers for UK Events (October)

Black History Month is celebrated in February in the US and October in the UK. In the US, the timing commemorates the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both abolitionists, while in the UK it coincides with the start of the school year and opportunities for African leaders to engage in dialogue. The 2025 UK theme is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, exploring the influence, leadership, and cultural pride of the Black community.

The six subthemes this year highlight contributions in protest, heritage, influence, the arts, today’s changemakers, and service. Here are six inspiring Black History Month speakers whose work and stories align perfectly with these themes.

Power in Protest – Shola Mos-Shogbamimu

Shola Mos-Shogbamimu is a British-Nigerian lawyer, civil rights activist speaker, and social justice advocate. Known for her expertise in human rights, gender equality, and diversity, she brings powerful perspectives on racial identity and resistance. Her activism extends beyond her writing, with regular media commentary and active involvement in marches and campaigns, earning her multiple awards. She is a compelling choice for organisations seeking a diversity and inclusion keynote speaker to challenge audiences and inspire action.

Learn more and book Shola Mos-Shogbamimu as a speaker.

Pride in Our Roots – Emma Dabiri

Emma Dabiri is a broadcaster, historian, and bestselling author whose work bridges identity, history, and culture. With academic credentials in African Studies and Sociology, she explores the historical context of contemporary issues, influencing change from British school policies to broader societal narratives. Her books, including Don’t Touch My Hair and What White People Can Do Next, have inspired conversations on heritage, allyship, and racial equality. Emma’s storytelling makes her a standout Black British history speaker for events looking to deepen understanding of cultural roots.

Learn more and book Emma Dabiri as a speaker.

Icons of Influence – Ama Agbeze

Ama Agbeze, former England netball captain, lawyer, and sports broadcaster, is a champion for diversity and female empowerment. Her leadership experience extends from the court to the boardroom, including roles in sports governance and as a Commonwealth Games board member. Ama’s talks offer unique insight into teamwork, resilience, and inclusion, making her an excellent choice for corporate events seeking inspirational Black leaders or equality and diversity speaker bookings.

Learn more and book Ama Agbeze as a speaker.

Black Excellence in the Arts – Akala

Akala is an award-winning musician, writer, poet, and historian whose career defies traditional boundaries. With collaborations alongside Jay-Z and Nas, and as founder of The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company, he blends music, literature, and social commentary in powerful ways. His bestselling book Natives offers a profound exploration of race, class, and identity. Akala is the ideal choice for organisations looking to celebrate Black excellence in the arts and book a cultural heritage keynote speaker who can inspire through both art and activism.

Learn more and book Akala as a speaker.

Future in Focus – Collette Philip

Collette Philip is the founder of Brand By Me, an anti-racist brand consultancy helping organisations integrate equity, anti-oppression, and anti-racism into their core strategies. Her work improves representation in media and advertising while empowering brands to take meaningful, lasting action. Beyond her consultancy, she co-founded Join Our Table to amplify Black women in communications and chairs a music charity supporting minority children. Collette is a top choice for a DEI speaker for corporate events looking to put future-focused racial equality at the centre of their work.

Learn more and book Collette Philip as a speaker.

Service and Sacrifice – George Rhoden

George Rhoden was one of the UK’s first Black police officers, rising to Detective Inspector during a period of significant tension between police and the Black community. Injured in the 1981 Brixton riots, he became a respected leadership consultant in security, crisis management, and DEI. His lived experience offers powerful lessons in resilience, public service, and building trust. George is an African heritage speaker whose story is ideal for Black History Month event ideas focused on service and reconciliation.

Learn more and book George Rhoden

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Would you like to celebrate and honour British Black History with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929.