Great Black Speakers | Freshman Orientation Speakers

Home -> High School Home -> College Preparation

Great College Preparation and Freshman Orientation Speakers
"Shaping Minds One Speech at a Time"

When college freshmen leave home, a real life epic journey begins! Going to college represents one of the most exciting experiences in the lives of young people. This fact goes for those individuals who plan to live on or near campus and who are leaving home for the first time.

Many students are nervous and have no idea what is in store for them at the time of arrival. The speakers below at GBS enable college freshmen to cross barriers into genuine adulthood. We provide guidance on attaining independence, being a leader as opposed to a follower, and ways to endure trials and tribulations that will be faced.

Featured Video of Month

Featured Articles and Links

Top 10 Tips for Finding the Right Speaker

Effective Ways to Promote Your Speaker

The First Semester Poem by Dr. Boyce Watkins

XBox Blues by Dr. Boyce Watkins

Featured College Preparation Speakers

Dr. Boyce Watkins - Professor, Author, and Social Activist Price Range: $3500 - $7000 Categories: Motivation, Education, Leadership, Attitude, Media, Political Commentary Dr. Boyce Watkins has presented his message to millions, appearing regularly on CNN, ESPN, Fox News, and many more national media outlets. Although Dr. Watkins has his Ph.D. in finance, he is also an expert on a variety of topics including education and black social commentary. His commitment to inner-city youth is further shown in his role as National Director of the Step Up and Go to College Program. As a struggling high school student himself, Dr. Watkins formed this program to give students the motivation and tools to succeed at the college level. Read more... Video Footage of Dr. Watkins: Dr. Boyce Watkins Argues for Jena 6 on CNN Dr. Boyce Watkins on The Black Enterprise Report		Ericka Dunlap - Miss America 2004; Founder of the Crown Jewel Foundataion Price Range: $3000 - $5000 Categories: Education, Motivation, Leadership, Women in Society After being crowned Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap announced that she would promote the ideals of cultural diversity and inclusion during her reign. In addition, she also devoted herself to motivating audiences through her upbeat presentations on “Attention to Attitude”…the perfect way to energize and stimulate all age groups to maintain the right frame of mind toward achieving their priorities. Through her experiences as Miss America, Ericka took her message to audiences throughout the country and around the world, including several that had not typically been associated with the Miss America Organization. She was a special guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Hollywood Squares game show, The O’Reilly Factor, and she also served as the grand marshal of the Talladega-EA Sports 500 NASCAR race. Read More... Links: Ericka Dunlap's Higher Expectations Presentation
Courtney Anderson; JD; MBA - Extraordinary Woman, Lawyer; Educator Price Range: $6000 - $10000 Categories: Women in Society, Education, Relationships, Law, Motivation Courtney Elizabeth Anderson, JD, MBA, "the workplace relationship expert" is an attorney, internationally renowned business strategist and television media personality / legal analyst. She is a motivational and keynote speaker in all areas of leadership, personal empowerment and employment law workplace compliance. A globally recognized expert, the media turns to Ms. Anderson for answers. She appears in print, on radio and on television as a voice of authority, humor and unique introspection. Her numerous media appearances include frequent expert guest analysis on FOX News, MSNBC, CNN, CNN International and USA Today. Read More... Documents: Courtney Anderson Topic List Brochure		Al "The Inspiration" Duncan Price Range: $3500 - $6000 Categories: Motivation, Leadership, Diversity, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Networking Al Duncan is like a breath of fresh air- stimulating! He is a high energy, high content, high impact speaker, lecturer, and motivational powerhouse. Al has delivered over 500 keynotes and 300 seminars to more than a quarter of a million people. Al is a self-development expert and columnist for The Black Collegian Magazine. He is the co-author of Unleash the Greatness Within You and he is the former executive producer and host of The State of the Mind Address, a self-improvement television program. Read more... Links: Al Duncan Promo Al Duncan College Demo Video
Dr. Cyrus M. Ellis - Educator, Black Male Counselor; Diversity Expert Price Range: $3000 - $5000 Categories: Education, Psychology, Image/Self-Esteem, Drug Abuse Topics: "It's All Gumbo to Me - Issues facing African American Males and Emotional Effects of Racism." "We Need a Re-Mix - Rap Music and the Impact on the Black Authenticity." Dr. Cyrus M. Ellis is one of the leading and most provocative counseling education scholars in the African-American community. Growing up in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana, Dr. Ellis understands the overlapping nature of people, race, class and culture. Dr. Ellis has also developed a social-political understanding of how one's environment plays a role in the response of African-American males towards society. Read more... Links: Topic Sheet: We Need a Re-Mix Topic Sheet: It's All Gumbo to Me		Vondell Richmond - Owner; Open Mind Productions and Sophisticated Romance Price Range: $2500 - $3500 Categories: Leadership, Education, Entrepreneurship, Entertainment Topics: Entrepreneurship: "CEO of Self" College Leadership: "The Mind, Body, and Soul of a Leader. Building Strong Leadership Characteristics" Soon to release Sophisticated Romance his feature film debut as actor/writer, Vondell knows that racial boundaries are no respecter of talent. Vondell recently toured the nation in the play Cover Girls by Bishop T.D. Jakes where he originated the role of Shadrach Brewster. Prior to that was a stop at the John F. Kennedy Center, in The Color Of Justice, a Theatreworks/USA children’s production about Thurgood Marshall and Brown vs. The Board of Education. He earned his MFA in acting from Mason Gross School of the Arts, at Rutgers University. As an actor, he has appeared in over 35 productions to include (Oberon) in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, (Clay) in Black, (Doc) in Blues for an Alabama Sky, (Harold) in Orphans, and (Det. Cole) in Stop Kiss. Read More... Links: Sophisticated Romance Trailer Script to Screen: Conversation with Vondell Richmond
Dr. Cherry Collier - The Attitude Magician Price Range: $3500 - $5500 Categories: Attitude, Motivation, Women in Society, Image/Self-Esteem, Education One day Dr. Cherry had it all: a 6-figure job, both parents living, a loving and supportive relationship, and all the other things that go along with the fairy tale life. Suddenly, her dreams were turned inside out; forcing her to make some very tough life choices. Her greatest choice was deciding to view her cup as half full rather than half empty. Read More... Video Footage from Dr. Collier: Interview with Dr. Collier Preview Video of Dr. Collier Articles/Documents: Your Personal Board of Directors		Nikki Taylor - Teenage Mother turned Lawyer and Entrepreneur Price Range: $1500 - $3500 Categories: Education, Motivation, Women in Society, Image/Self Esteem “Nikki” Taylor-Compton, a former teenage mother, is a native of Louisville, KY and the eldest child of eight. She is also a graduate of Berea College and just recently graduated from the University of Louisville with both her law degree (J.D.) and her Master of Business Administration (MBA). Nikki enjoys using her experiences to motivate others. She openly speaks of her successes and failures in hopes to make a difference in the lives of many. Nikki’s speaking style is straight-forward, thought-provoking, and honest. She is very knowledgeable and HER MESSAGE IS POWERFUL! She is captivating and you will enjoy every moment. Her speeches are tailored to inspire, motivate, and give each individual valuable tips and tools for the present to pursue their own future. She is valuable to all age groups. Links: One Sheet summary - Nikki Taylor

Other Recommended College Preparation Speakers

Francine Ward - Lawyer, Author, Professional Speaker, Entrepreneur

Rasheed Ali Cromwell - Motivational Speaker; Personal Leadership Expert

Stephen Bardo - Motivational Speaker and Attitude Expert

Would You Like More Information About our Speakers? Fill out the form below and someone will get back to you shortly.