Barry Bradford Speaking for a Change

Awards & Recognition

What do you get when you combine a bestselling author, a former standup comic, the National Teacher of the Year with an internationally acclaimed crusader for justice? You get Barry Bradford, who is best known for leading national movements to reopen two cold cases from the Civil Rights Era – including the notorious “Mississippi Burning” case.

Through his commitment to justice and belief in the power of every individual to affect history, Barry brings conviction and passion to his message of leadership and personal empowerment. He inspires audiences to claim their voices and speak up to create a change in the world around them while motivating teams and individuals to accomplish unprecedented results.

Barry has earned national media recognition and has been interviewed by nearly every major media outlet including The Today Show, The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, ABC, CBS, and NBC Evening News, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN , C-SPAN and more.

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What People Are Saying About Barry...

  • "You are a dynamic reminder of the power of one individual to make a difference. You honor Medgar by your leadership and commitment to justice. He would be proud to know he continues to inspire a new generation of leaders."

    Myrlie Evers-Williams
    Past President, NAACP

  • "An inspirational leader, I was proud to sponsor you for a Congressional award and hope that you serve as an example for citizens everywhere."

    Mark Kirk
    United States Senator, Illinois

  • "A champion of the quest for justice, leading a new generation of students to believe they can be agents of change."

    John Lewis
    US Congressman, Georgia

  • "Amazing! You enthralled British students with your dynamic and moving presentation!"

    Matt McDonald
    Teacher Balby Carr School, England

  • "Barry is an exceptional speaker who is a pleasure to work with. We represent many speakers - including well-known celebrities - and we rank Barry among our best!!"

    Ed Madden
    Owner, Sterling International Speakers

  • "As a speaker Mr. Bradford does an excellent job of motivating the audience to believe that they can do whatever it is that needs to be done. His personal experiences are enhanced by his ability to keep and captivate an audience. Along with his ability to captivate, he is very creative. Once Mr. Bradford is given a presentation topic, he does the necessary research and through the use of storytelling, he can make the topic come to life. He has incredible talent!"

    Eric Schleutermann
    Teaching American History Grant Director, Illinois

  • "Our faculty found the event educational, inspiring and beneficial for their students. Additionally, I received phone calls from community members yesterday thanking MCC for sponsoring the event and praising your presentation. I appreciate your dynamic approach and am excited to invite you back in the future."

    Amy Carzoli
    Director Of Special Events, McHenry College, Illinois

  • "The seminar participants were challenged, enthralled and motivated by your dynamic and exciting presentation. They walked away on a historical cloud nine, believing that every individual can make a difference in the world. You are a master speaker and a gifted storyteller"

    Scott Wilson
    Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska

  • "I cannot thank you enough for your fabulous presentation. My students were deeply moved by your captivating, challenging and exciting speaking style. I appreciate your flexibility in meeting the demands of our schedule and tailoring your amazing storytelling to the specific needs of my students."

    Kelly Jones
    Wagy     Brighton High School, Colorado

  • "Barry Bradford's passion for justice is inspiring; his ability to reach people of all colors, backgrounds and political persuasions is impressive. We were proud to give him a special award and deeply appreciate his leadership."

    Hon. Roy Innes
     Executive Director, Congress Of Racial Equality

  • "Congratulations on your many accomplishments as a teacher, historian and leader. I have greatly enjoyed working with you."

    Hon. Adlai E. Stevenson III
    Former United States Senator, Illinois

  • "I hope that you will always bring joy, fun and inspiration to students in that way that I witnessed last week."

    Paul N. "Pete" McCloskey
    Former Congressman and Presidential Candidate

  • "Barry Bradford is a compelling and riveting speaker, who did a marvelous job of making history come to life for our teachers. Truly inspiring!"

    Alexis Jones,
    Program Coordinator     American History Teachers' Collaborative

  • "Barry Bradford is a creative, energetic, dynamic speaker. His classes cover a dizzying array of topics with great expertise. He has brought a new dimension of stimulating programs to the Patty Turner Center and its members. We are thrilled to have him here."

    Joan Simonds,
    Program Director     Patty Turner Center For Adult Education

  • "Barry Bradford is one of the finest speakers and educators I have ever known. He is dedicated, passionate, engaging and knowledgeable. His love of life and his love of learning are positively contagious! A+ for the teacher!"

    Meredith Aquila
    Northern Virginia Community College

  • Barry WIth Former Head of NAACP Myrlie Evers

  • Barry With Congressman John Lewis