Bakari Sellers

Bakari Sellers

Keynote Speaker: Author, Attorney, Political Commentator, Health & Education Advocate; Youngest African American Elected Official in the U.S.

Bakari Sellers Biography

Bakari Sellers is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, civil rights activist, attorney, entrepreneur and legislator. Sellers made history in 2006 when, at just 22 years old, he defeated a 26-year incumbent State Representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. In 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in the state of South Carolina.

Earning his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, where he served as student body president, and his law degree from the University of South Carolina, Sellers has followed in the footsteps of his father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers, in his tireless commitment to championing progressive policies to address issues ranging from education and poverty to preventing domestic violence and childhood obesity.

Sellers practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC and is a political commentator at CNN. The author of the bestselling memoir “My Vanishing Country,” he also wrote the "Who Are Your People?" and "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now," a 2025 release. He hosts The Bakari Sellers Podcast, which airs two times a week on the Ringer Podcast Network.

Sellers, widely considered to be a rising star within the Democratic Party and leading voice for his generation, served on President Barack Obama’s South Carolina steering committee during the 2008 election. He has received numerous accolades including being named to TIME Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2010 as well as “The Root 100” list of the nation’s most influential African-Americans.

He has served as a featured speaker at events for the National Education Association, College Democrats of America National Convention, the 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Bakari Sellers and other top speakers and celebrities.

Bakari Sellers Speaking Topics

A Look Down the Political Pipeline

t no other time in American history have so many watershed moments run parallel to one another. In what may be, as Bakari Sellers puts it, “the weirdest convergence of events in our country’s history,” we’re left with more questions than answers when it comes to political progress in our country. Formerly the youngest African American elected official in the U.S. and currently a rising star in the Democratic party considered among the most prominent voices of his generation, Sellers is uniquely positioned to analyze the day’s pressing issues and offer candid, expert commentary on the present political landscape.

Recognized from his appearances on nation’s leading news outlets, Sellers is a household name who breaks down issues such as race, immigration, trade, and national security, as well as the impact presidential administrations, both past and present, have had on various policy positions in our country. An extremely articulate and passionate speaker, Sellers’ 360-degree view of the future of U.S. politics will leave audiences informed and uplifted, and instill new sense of duty within each person to play his or her role in reshaping our nation.

My Vanishing Country

Based on his New York Times best-selling memoir of the same name, in this talk, Sellers takes audiences on an eye-opening journey through America’s past, present, and future. In what can be described as a unique blending of cultural analysis and poetic personal history, Sellers explores the plight of Black Americans while shining the light on, and humanizing the struggle of, the “forgotten men and women” – the people who are often overlooked by the media, but have, nonetheless, played a pivotal role in shaping our country.

A courageous conversation about race and our country’s path forward in the wake of current events, Sellers’ message is one that will give marginalized members of society a sense of pride while helping others develop a deeper understanding of their struggles. Audience members will be inspired to play their role in reimagining an America for all and tackling society’s prevailing challenges head on – beginning within their own organizations.

Bakari Sellers Videos

Bakari Sellers' Keynote Speech- Clemson University Virtual Student Summit
Bakari Sellers: A Vanishing Country
Bakari Sellers - PBS/"Frontline"

How do I book Bakari Sellers to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Bakari Sellers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Bakari Sellers, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Bakari Sellers or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Bakari Sellers for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Bakari Sellers, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Bakari Sellers are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Bakari Sellers, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Bakari Sellers speak about?

Bakari Sellers is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Civil Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, Political, Black Heritage, Social Activism, Mental Health, Education, Black History Month, Commencement, Culture, Law, Obesity Awareness Month, Family & Parenting, Health, Nutrition, Generational Issues, Democrat, Government, Social Justice, College, DEI, Authors and Podcast Hosts.

Where does Bakari Sellers travel from?

Bakari Sellers generally travels from Charlotte, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Bakari Sellers?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Bakari Sellers for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Bakari Sellers for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Bakari Sellers or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Bakari Sellers is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Civil Rights, Diversity & Inclusion and Political. The estimated speaking fee range to book Bakari Sellers for live events is $30,000 - $50,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Bakari Sellers generally travels from Charlotte, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Ijeoma Oluo and Tamika D. Mallory. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Bakari Sellers for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 18/11/2024.

Bakari Sellers Speaking Topics

  • A Look Down the Political Pipeline

    t no other time in American history have so many watershed moments run parallel to one another. In what may be, as Bakari Sellers puts it, “the weirdest convergence of events in our country’s history,” we’re left with more questions than answers when it comes to political progress in our country. Formerly the youngest African American elected official in the U.S. and currently a rising star in the Democratic party considered among the most prominent voices of his generation, Sellers is uniquely positioned to analyze the day’s pressing issues and offer candid, expert commentary on the present political landscape.

    Recognized from his appearances on nation’s leading news outlets, Sellers is a household name who breaks down issues such as race, immigration, trade, and national security, as well as the impact presidential administrations, both past and present, have had on various policy positions in our country. An extremely articulate and passionate speaker, Sellers’ 360-degree view of the future of U.S. politics will leave audiences informed and uplifted, and instill new sense of duty within each person to play his or her role in reshaping our nation.

  • My Vanishing Country

    Based on his New York Times best-selling memoir of the same name, in this talk, Sellers takes audiences on an eye-opening journey through America’s past, present, and future. In what can be described as a unique blending of cultural analysis and poetic personal history, Sellers explores the plight of Black Americans while shining the light on, and humanizing the struggle of, the “forgotten men and women” – the people who are often overlooked by the media, but have, nonetheless, played a pivotal role in shaping our country.

    A courageous conversation about race and our country’s path forward in the wake of current events, Sellers’ message is one that will give marginalized members of society a sense of pride while helping others develop a deeper understanding of their struggles. Audience members will be inspired to play their role in reimagining an America for all and tackling society’s prevailing challenges head on – beginning within their own organizations.

Bakari Sellers Videos

Bakari Sellers' Keynote Speech- Clemson University Virtual Student Summit
Bakari Sellers: A Vanishing Country
Bakari Sellers - PBS/"Frontline"
Bakari Sellers Talks 2020 Candidates
Beyond Normal Lecture Series featuring Bakari Sellers

Bakari Sellers Reviews

  • Bakari was incredibly easy to work with from the start. He welcomed any questions we had, and his energy and charisma were evident both on and off the stage. He resonated deeply with our audience, who loved him. His talk, focusing on making the world a more just and prosperous place through law, struck a chord with everyone.
    Law School Admission Council, Inc. (LSAC) - Jun 13 2024

  • University of Michigan School of Public Health - Jan 26 2024

  • Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County - Jan 19 2024

  • We absolutely loved having Bakari! His talk really resonated with our group and we so appreciate him taking the time to join us.
    AgileOne - May 08 2023

  • Everything went great!
    Procter and Gamble - Nov 18 2022

Bakari Sellers News

  • How do I book Bakari Sellers to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Bakari Sellers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Bakari Sellers, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Bakari Sellers or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Bakari Sellers for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Bakari Sellers, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Bakari Sellers are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Bakari Sellers, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Bakari Sellers speak about?

  • Where does Bakari Sellers travel from?

    Bakari Sellers generally travels from Charlotte, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Bakari Sellers?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Bakari Sellers for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Bakari Sellers for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Bakari Sellers or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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