10 Inspiring Black Motivational Speakers to Feature at Your Next Event

Events featuring motivational speakers are becoming increasingly popular, providing inspiration and introducing new perspectives to audiences. The stories of Black motivational speakers are some of the most inspiring, often sharing themes of bias and overcoming adversity. But it’s also important to recognize that these aren’t the only themes to be found in Black American stories. There are also countless stories of triumph, perseverance, and a deep celebration of culture and identity.

Black motivational speakers share a perspective that is not only powerful and inspiring, but that is crucial for any organization committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Each speech given by an African American motivational speaker is an opportunity to celebrate tenacity and determination as cornerstones of success. An opportunity to deepen our understanding of the impacts of discrimination and injustice. An opportunity to reflect on our own roles in creating change.

At Sports Speakers 360, we couldn’t be more proud of the Black speakers on our roster. Each individual brings their own one-of-a-kind outlook and unique story to the stage, and has captivated audiences across the country. If you’re interested in partnering with a Black motivational speaker to deliver an unforgettable address at your next event, this blog is for you. Keep scrolling for a list of the top African American motivational speakers today. ... Read More

Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

On September 8, 2021, the National Baseball Hall of Fame held its induction ceremony celebrating its class of 2020, which was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Derek Jeter, who played his entire 20-year career from 1995-2014 with the New York Yankees, highlighted the inductee list. Jeter, a lifetime .310 batter, accumulated 3,465 hits in his career and served as Yankees team captain from 2003 until his retirement. A 14-time All-Star, Jeter led the Yankees to five World Series titles (1996-1998, 2000, 2009). His honors include World Series MVP (2000), American Rookie of the Year (1996) as well as five Gold Gloves (2004-2006, 2009-2010) in recognition of his defensive prowess at shortstop. In four consecutive seasons from 2006-2009, Jeter won a Silver Slugger Award, capturing a fifth in 2012. He won the Hank Aaron Award twice, in 2006 and 2009, in honor of his abilities as a hitter and also was named the recipient of the annual Roberto Clemente Award in 2009, recognizing his sportsmanship and community involvement. Jeter’s No. 2 jersey has been retired by the Yankees and he is a Monument Park honoree within Yankee Stadium. He was enshrined within the Baseball Hall of Fame having received 99.75% of the vote, good for the second-highest such percentage in baseball history, trailing only his former teammate, closing pitcher and fellow Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. Jeter currently works as the chief executive officer of the Miami Marlins and is a minority owner of the team as well. ... Read More

Sports Speakers 360 Secures Joe Thomas, AJ Hawk, DeAngelo Williams and Fred Lynn for Virtual Event

Cleveland Browns Great, Joe Thomas

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations are foregoing in-person meetings and fundraisers and are instead hosting virtual events. Sports Speakers 360 was recently contacted by a leading cloud solutions company about their interest in hiring virtual speakers for a series of events as a way for them to stay engaged with current and prospective clients. Sports Speakers 360 put together a list of athlete suggestions based on their budget and markets and ultimately secured four athletes…retired Cleveland Browns great Joe Thomas, retired U. of Memphis and NFL running back DeAngelo Williams, retired Boston Red Sox outfielder Fred Lynn and retired Ohio State and NFL linebacker AJ Hawk. ... Read More

The 9 Best Catchers of All Time

There are only 18 Major League Baseball (MLB) catchers in the Hall of Fame but true baseball fans know the list of the best catchers of all time is much longer. Many famous catchers are remembered for their role in leading their teams to victory. Some excel more at the plate than the field, and vice versa, but the top catchers of all time have been great no matter their position. Below is a compilation of who we consider the best catchers in MLB history.

1. Johnny Bench

When a player is elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, you know he is considered one of the greatest catchers of all time. Many consider Johnny Bench the best catcher in MLB history. A 16-year career (1967 – 1983) with the Cincinnati Reds saw Johnny Bench inducted as a Hall of Famer in 1989. The ‘“Little General” of the Big Red Machine led his team to two World Series wins in the mid-70s and in the process collected two NL MVP awards, 14 selections to the All-Star Game, 10 Gold Gloves and a Rookie of the Year award. ... Read More

MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry Nominated as The Keynote Speaker for the 10th Annual Harvest of Hope Gala Fundraiser

Darryl Strawberry Speaker Fee

A Keynote Speech By Darryl Strawberry About His Journey With Recovery

Former MLB player Darryl Strawberry will speak about his struggles with addiction, and his road to recovery that ultimately led him to be the man he is today at the 10th annual Harvest of Hope Gala Fundraiser hosted by The Good News Rescue Mission.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 6 pm at the Redding Civic Auditorium,  700 Auditorium Dr, Redding, CA 96001. For more information and tickets, please visit: ... Read More

World Series Champ Jason Varitek to Make Appearance at Boston, MA Charity Gala Event – Nov 3

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BOSTON, MA – World Series champion Jason Varitek will make an appearance at the Pedro Martinez Charity Gala in Boston, MA on Friday, November 3rd, 2017. The purpose of the fundraiser will be to help raise money for the relief effort for people affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean. Jason Varitek will make an appearance from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to dine with guests at the special gala dinner. The event will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116. Source: Eventbrite ... Read More

Six-Time All-Star Willie Randolph Appearance at Little Falls, NJ Charity Dinner and Auction – Oct 26

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LITTLE FALLS, NJ – Join Six-Time All-Star Willie Randolph at a charity dinner and auction in Little Falls, NJ on Thursday, October 26, 2017. Willie Randolph will make an appearance between 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to meet and greet dinner guests and speak at a Q and A session at the gathering. A porton of the auction proceeds are to benifit Autisum plus there will be additional items available for purchase. The event will take place at The Falls by Frungillo Caterers, 215 Route 23 South, 07424 Little Falls, NJ 07424. Source: Facebook ... Read More

Three-Time World Series Champ Vida Blue Appearance and Autograph Signing in Shakopee, MN – Oct 28

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SHAKOPEE, MN – Three-time World Series champion Vida Blue will be at an autograph signing in Shakopee, MN on Saturday Oct 28, 2017. Vida Blue will make an appearance from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to meet and greet fans and sign autographs and memorabilia at the Minneapolis Sports Collectible Show and Autograph Convention. The event will take place at the Canterbury Park Racetrack and Casino, 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379. Source: Cactus League Sports ... Read More

World Series Champ Bret Saberhagen Appearance and Autograph Signing in Hempstead, NY – Oct 21

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HEMPSTEAD, NY – World Series Champ Bret Saberhagen will be at an autograph signing in Hempstead, NY on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Bret Saberhagen will make an appearance from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. to meet and greet fans and sign autographs and memorabilia at the The Long Island National sports memorabilia show. The event will take place at Hofstra University – David Mack Center, 100 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11549. Source: JP’s Sports and Rock Solid Promotions ... Read More

Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith Appearance and Autograph Signing in St. Louis, MO – Oct 21

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ST. LOUIS, MO – St. Louis Cardinals great and Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith will be at an autograph signing in St. Louis, MO on Saturday. October 21, 2017. Ozzie Smith will make an appearance from 11:OO a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to meet and greet fans and sign autographs and memorabilia at the Westport Sport Collectible & Autograph Convention. The event will take place at the Double Tree Hilton at Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd., St. Louis, MO 63146. Source: After The Game Sports ... Read More