Sports Speakers for Black History Month

Black History Month is an important time for reflection as well as for looking forward. The struggles and triumphs of black Americans are vital to understanding if we want to progress forward. There are many notable sports speakers for Black History Month that share their stories. These athletes' journeys and finding out what motivates them is truly inspirational.

Chiney Ogwumike

WNBA All-Star and ESPN Radio Host

Born in Texas to Nigerian parents, Chiney Ogwumike found her talent for the game of basketball at a young age, playing alongside her sister, current WNBA player Nneka. Ogwumike had an impressive high

Renee Montgomery

Former WNBA Player and Investor in the Atlanta Dream

Renee Montgomery is just one of the future leaders when it comes to making the sports world a more inclusive place. The former WNBA player actively spoke out against then-Atlanta Dream owner Kelly Loe

Dominique Dawes

Olympic Gymnastics Gold Medalist

Dominique Dawes was the face of American gymnastics for nearly a decade and competed in four consecutive Olympic Games from 1992 to 2000. In 1991 she burst onto the scene with a gold medal win in the

Gabby Douglas

Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnast and the 2012 All-Around Champion

When Gabby Douglas was 16-years-old she made history at the 2012 London Olympics Games when she became the first African-American female to win a gold medal during women’s gymnastics all-around event.

Simone Manuel

First African-American Swimming Gold Medalist

Simone Manuel made history at the 2016 Olympics. Manuel became the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in swimming. She tied for gold with Canada s Penny Oleksiak in the

Allyson Felix

Seven-Time Olympic Gold Medalist in Track and Field

Allyson Felix is one of the best-known American track and field athletes in the world today. Felix is a four time Olympic gold medalist. She won gold in London in the 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m re

Jennifer King

First Full-Time African American Female Coach in the NFL

Jennifer King is a current offensive assistant coach for the Chicago Bears who made history in 2020 by being the first African-American female hired as a full-time coach in the NFL. The Washington Red

Nneka Ogwumike

WNBA Star for the Seattle Storm

Nneka Ogwumike is a basketball forward of Nigerian descent who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Ogwumike attended Stanford University where she helped t

Crystal Dunn

United States Women's National Soccer Player

Crystal Dunn is one of the stars of the United States women's soccer team. Dunn debuted for the senior national team in 2013, after winning the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She had also just wrap

Briana Scurry

Legendary U.S. Goalkeeper, National Soccer Hall of Famer, Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist, World Cup Champion and Concussion Awareness Advocate

Briana Scurry was the goalkeeper for the U.S. women's national soccer team that an entire generation of girls looked up to. Scurry was part of the 1999 World Cup champion team and also won gold medals

Tommie Smith

1968 Olympic Gold Medalist

Tommie Smith is best known for one seminal moment in his athletic career. After winning a gold medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Olympics, Smith took a powerful stand for racial equality that has st

Cullen Jones

Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Cullen Jones is not only a two-time Olympic gold medalist, but he is a world record setter and holder, as well. Jones has changed history as he became the first African-American male to win a gold med

Derrick Brooks

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Derrick Brooks is one of the greatest football players in the history of the game. A native of Pensacola, Florida, it was evident during his days at Washington High School and Florida State Universit

Titus O'Neil

WWE Superstar and Community Ambassador

Titus O'Neil is a WWE Superstar. O'Neil got his wrestling start in Florida Championship Wrestling and NXT. He was apart of season two of the reality series "WWE NXT" and also appeared on "NXT Redemp

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Olympic Gold Medal Winning Legend and One of the Greatest Female Athletes of All-Time

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a graduate of UCLA, where she was a decorated All-American in both track and field and basketball. During her decorated olympic career she earned six Olympic medals, including

Lisa Leslie

Three-Time WNBA MVP and Four-Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Lisa Leslie graduated from Morningside High School in Inglewood, California and signed to play basketball at the University of Southern California after averaging 27 points and 15 rebounds during her

Doug Williams

Retired Super Bowl Champion Quarterback for the Washington Redskins

When Doug Williams led the Washington Redskins to a win in Super Bowl XXII in 1988 he became the first black quarterback to lead his team to a championship in NFL history. At the time Williams was th

John Carlos

1968 Olympian and Civil Rights Hero

John Carlos became a part of Olympic history in the summer of 1968. After winning the bronze medal in the 200-meters, he and teammate Tommie Smith took the podium with hands raised in a Black Power sa

Serena Williams

Record-Setting Grand Slam Tennis Champion

Serena Williams first captured the world No. 1 tennis ranking in 2002 and has since gone on to win 23 Grand Slam championships, including seven Australian Opens, three French Opens, five Wimbledon cha

Venus Williams

Former World Number One Tennis Player, Five-Time Wimbledon Champion and Successful Entrepreneur

Venus Wiliams is a trailblazer in the tennis world and one of the greatest performers in the history of the sport. Williams revolutionized the women's game, alongside her sister Serena. Overall, she c

Jason Wright

President of the Washington Football Team

Jason Wright has made history in his role as the President of the Washington Football Team. He became the first black president hired by an NFL team when he joined Washington in 2020. Wright has the u

Sandra Douglass Morgan

President of the Las Vegas Raiders

Sandra Douglass Morgan made history as the first black woman to serve as president of an NFL team when she was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Douglass Morgan is a Vegas lifer, having been bor

Magic Johnson

Basketball Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Lakers Legend

When Earvin Johnson earned the nickname "Magic" in high school, one could say that it foreshadowed what was to come in his career. After a magical career at Michigan State University in which he led t

Ben Watson

Retired Super Bowl Champion and Popular Speaker

Ben Watson is a former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion He was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia. Watson has also playe

Dhani Jones

Former NFL Linebacker

Dhani Jones played 11 seasons in the NFL after being selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He’d go on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals un

Elana Meyers Taylor

Six-Time Olympic Bobsledding Medalist and the Most Decorated Black Athlete at the Winter Olympics

Elana Meyers Taylor is one of the most accomplished bobsledders in Team USA history, with six overall Olympic medals. That haul also makes her the most decorated Black athlete in the history of the Wi

Inky Johnson

Inspirational Former Football Player

Inky Johnson is a football celebrity. Growing up, Johnson had always wanted to play professional and he was making that dream a reality, until September 9, 2006. Johnson attended the University of Ten

Warren Moon

Hall Of Fame Quarterback for the Houston Oilers

Warren Moon was a 2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and a trailblazing NFL quarterback. Moon went to nine Pro Bowls and led the NFL in passing twice. Despite having a banner college career, he h

Midge Purce

U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Star

Midge Purce is a star for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and in the NWSL. Purce made her senior national team debut in 2019. She has also had a lengthy pro career and currently is with Gotham F