Remarkable Thought Leaders for Juneteenth

June 16, 2023

In 2021, President Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, a federal holiday. Juneteenth is important for multiple reasons; namely, it commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved men and women were finally told they were free, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday now celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten and we are reminded that while change may happen slowly, it is possible.

These insightful thought leaders use their unique stories along with historical examples to illustrate how we can all better understand these lessons. Sharing narratives about self-discovery, leadership, and perseverance, these remarkable leaders leave audiences enlightened and inspired.

View All Juneteenth Speakers

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Author of the International Bestseller, InfidelRelevant Speech Topics:

Islam in Europe: The Challenges and Opportunities of an Increasing Immigrant Population
Clash of Civilizations: Islam and the West

View Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Speaker Page

DeMaurice SmithExecutive Director, National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)Relevant Speech Topics:

The New Workplace: Everyday Issues of Free Speech, Politics, and Social Justice in the Office
Power Forward: The Need to Improve Race and Gender Leadership in Sports

View DeMaurice Smith’s Speaker Page

Allen WestFormer Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas; Distinguished Conservative Thought-Leader; Highly Decorated Military Veteran; Author of Guardian of the RepublicRelevant Speech Topics:

Conservatism in the African American Community
Provocative Politics: A Candid Discussion with One of the Country’s Most Distinguished Conservative Thought Leaders

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Carla Harris30+ Year Wall Street Veteran, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Public Speaker, Author of “Lead to Win”Relevant Speech Topics:

Carla’s Pearls: Tools for Maximizing Your Success
Leadership: Currency, Change, & Creating A Powerful Presence

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Misty CopelandThe First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet TheatreRelevant Speech Topics:

Building Success and Finding Hope from the Ground Up: American Ballet Theatre
The Importance of Giving Back, Social Justice and Determination

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Cassandra Worthy Founder and CEO, Change Enthusiasm® GlobalRelevant Speech Topics:

Engineering a Resilient and Inclusive Culture: Practical Tools to Nurture High-Level Workforce and Customer Engagement
C.H.A.N.G.E. Traits ®: Exploring the critical skills for inspired leadership through change

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DeEtta JonesDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert; Author; StrategistRelevant Speech Topics:

Equity-Driven Organizational and Cultural Transformation
Inclusive Leadership Practices
EDI: Contemporary Trends and Expectations

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Ashley Allison Headshot_Circ.Ashley Allison Headshot_Circ.

Ashley AllisonCEO of Turner Conoly Group, CNN Commentator, Harvard Fellow, Former Obama-Biden Administration and Biden-Harris Campaign and Transition Senior Advisor, EducatorRelevant Speech Topics:

Corporate Racial Equity/DEI
A Seat at the Table: Building Lasting Coalitions
Building Winning and Sustainable Teams

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