LeVar Burton
Keynote Speaker: Literacy Advocate & Actor Known for "Roots," "Star Trek" & "Reading Rainbow"
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LeVar Burton Biography
LeVar Burton launched his acting career while still a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he found himself on the cover of Time Magazine, after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television series "Roots." A seemingly impossible act to follow, Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series – a role he reprised in "Star Trek: Picard" in 2023. However, it has been his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children’s series "Reading Rainbow" of which he is most proud. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history, but also one of the most acclaimed, earning over 200 awards including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.
As a lifelong literacy advocate, Burton has dedicated decades to encouraging children to read. In 2017, long-standing literacy non-profit, Reading is Fundamental, acquired Burton’s Skybrary reading app in order to provide access to millions of children both at home and at school. Always committed to improving children’s education through the latest pioneering technologies, Burton partnered with Osmo’s Reading Adventure, an innovative technology that uses speech recognition and digital storytelling to teach children to read. In 2023, Burton premiered his first documentary, The Right to Read, a film that positions the literacy crisis in America as a civil rights issue. The Right to Read was an official selection at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and SXSW Edu.
Most recently, Burton launched LeVar Burton Entertainment (LBE) with a mission to create content that fosters empathy, champions diversity, and builds community. Under this banner, Burton develops projects in the film, television, podcasting, and publishing space. Now in its 11th season, the enormously popular "LeVar Burton Reads" podcast has over 175 episodes in its catalog, boasting 25 million downloads. LBE’s first Kids & Family podcast, "Sound Detectives," debuted on Stitcher in 2023.
Burton continued to exercise his passion for storytelling as the award-winning author of "Aftermath," "The Rhino who Swallowed a Storm," and "A Kids Book About Imagination." A modern-day griot, Burton launched his first book club with Fable, a digital book club community. In his partnership with Masterclass, Burton shared the power of storytelling by offering insights into his own life and the importance of authenticity, and dynamic expression.
As the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 15 Emmys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys, Burton has demonstrated that he can do it all. He is often invited as a keynote speaker at leading education and technology events, including NASA, ISTE, The National Education Association, FAST COMPANY’s Innovation Series, and many more. In 2022, Burton was selected as the Tournament Of Roses Grand Marshal, ushering in the new year with the theme of “Dream. Believe. Achieve.”
With over 4 million social media followers, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a dedicated park in his hometown of Sacramento, this pop culture icon has the unique ability to reach across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups – communicating to a large fan base that is highly engaged and motivated to embrace his message.
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LeVar Burton Speaking Topics
Join LeVar Burton as he shares the powerful impact that his mentors, technology, storytelling, and science fiction have had on his life and how each has helped shape his incredible life's work. Be there as he concludes the session with a personal demonstration of how he employs today's latest technologies in his efforts to educate and enlighten—a world premier peek at his latest project, the Reading Rainbow App.
LeVar Burton Videos
How do I book LeVar Burton to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like LeVar Burton 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 LeVar Burton, 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 LeVar Burton or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book LeVar Burton for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for LeVar Burton, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book LeVar Burton are $100,000 - $200,000 for live events and $50,000 - $100,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire LeVar Burton, 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 LeVar Burton speak about?
LeVar Burton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as College, Inspirational, Black Heritage, Diversity, Acting, Entertainers, Social Activism, Family & Parenting, Television & Film, Personal Growth, Early Childhood Education, Literacy, Social Media, Authors, Education, Celebrity, Commencement, Modern Media, Cancer, Social Justice and Culture.
Where does LeVar Burton travel from?
LeVar Burton generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for LeVar Burton?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like LeVar Burton 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 LeVar Burton for your next private or corporate function.
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LeVar Burton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including College, Inspirational and Black Heritage. The estimated speaking fee range to book LeVar Burton for live events is $100,000 - $200,000, and for virtual events $50,000 - $100,000. LeVar Burton generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Hill Harper, Mayim Bialik and Daymond John. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling LeVar Burton for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
LeVar Burton Speaking Topics
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On Reaching One's Full Potential
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The Power of Imagination
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The Influence of the Media in Education
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The Importance of Literacy
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Technology & Storytelling: Making a Difference in the Digital Age
Join LeVar Burton as he shares the powerful impact that his mentors, technology, storytelling, and science fiction have had on his life and how each has helped shape his incredible life's work. Be there as he concludes the session with a personal demonstration of how he employs today's latest technologies in his efforts to educate and enlighten—a world premier peek at his latest project, the Reading Rainbow App.
VIDEO
LeVar Burton Videos
REVIEWS
LeVar Burton Reviews
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Overall my experience was great. The night before we were told LeVar had "slides" for his presentation (he did not), but that threw us into a panic as we were not prepared for slides. Other than that, it was all positive!
Public Health Foundation Enterprises (PHFE) - Oct 16 2017 -
Higher Education Web Professionals Association - Oct 20 2016
NEWS
LeVar Burton News
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LeVar Burton explains his 'driving while black' traffic stop ritual ...
LeVar Burton explains his 'driving while black' traffic stop ritual. by Andy Macdonald Posted: July 3, 2013 4:18 PM Last Updated: July 3, 2013 4:45 PM.
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'Community' Season 5: LeVar Burton to return, terrify Troy - Zap2it
LeVar Burton will return to “Community” in Season 5. Presumably, he will reprise playing himself in order to traumatize Troy (Donald Glover).
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How 'Star Trek' Vision of Future Inspired Next Generation Actor ...
From Yahoo News: Playing Geordi La Forge on TV's "Star Trek: The Next Generation" was more than just a job to actor LeVar Burton.
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'Star Trek's' Inclusive Vision of Future Inspired Actor LeVar Burton ...
'Star Trek' inspired a generation of young people, including LeVar Burton, who went on to star in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation.' Read more about his ...
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