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WAYMAKER MEN’S SUMMIT AT BETX REVEALS STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS
WAYMAKER MEN’S SUMMIT AT BETX REVEALS STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS
Los Angeles, CA – May 28, 2025 — BET Media Group and WayMaker Men’s Summit are proud to unveil the dynamic lineup of speakers and special guests for their impactful partnership during BET Experience (BETX). Taking place June 5 & 6, 2025, at The Beehive by SoLa Impact in South Los Angeles, WayMaker Men’s Summit at BETX will bring together influential voices across culture, business, sports, entertainment, activism and health and wellness.
“The WayMaker Men’s Summit at BETX is a space for real talk, vision and renewed purpose,” said Louis Carr, President of Media Sales at BET Media Group and founder of WayMaker, a platform launched in 2021 to offer guidance and support to those seeking growth and impact. “In a world that too often sidelines the stories of Black men, we’re proud to motivate, educate and inspire Black men so they can have a bigger vision for their families and their communities. BET has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for 45 years for the Black community, so it’s fitting that we come together around the biggest weekend in black culture.”
This year’s summit will kick off Culture’s Biggest Week with two days of dynamic keynotes, panels, workshops, and exclusive sessions for this generation of Black changemakers and beyond. The powerhouse lineup includes:
- Andrew Hawkins – Former NFL Player, Sports Analyst, Entrepreneur
- Anré Williams – Senior Executive Advisor, American Express
- Ben Crump – Attorney, Civil Rights Activist, Social Justice Advocate, WayMaker Trailblazer Awardee
- Big Boy – Radio Personality
- Matt “Bk” Augustin – Creative Content Lead, Digital & Experiential Team, Hartbeat Productions
- Brian “B-Mac” McIntosh – Host of For The Fellas, Media Personality
- Busta Rhymes – Recording Artist, Lifetime Achievement BET Award Honoree (2023)
- Charles Jenkins - Faith Leader, Recording Artist
- Chief Royal Ramey – Firefighter, WayMaker Making a Difference Award Honoree Community Leader
- David Banner – Recording Artist, Actor, Activist, Entrepreneur
- Derek Luke – Actor
- Dr. Courtney Hollowell – Urologist, Medical Expert
- Dr. Dave Montgomery – Cardiologist, Health Advocate
- Dr. Jamal Bryant – American Minister, Author, Faith Leader
- Dr. Marcus Collins – Cultural Translator, Marketer, Brand Strategist
- Darryl Spencer – Founder, Crowned Skin
- Eric A. White – Designer + Celebrity Stylist, Damari
- Etienne Maurice – CEO of WalkGood LA, Social Impact Entrepreneur
- Jason Wilson – Motivational Speaker, Author, Mental Health Advocate
- Joel Leon – Performer, Storyteller, Author
- Pastor Jon DeCuir – Pastor, Father, Vision Coach, Faith Leader
- Jordan Bentley – Entrepreneur, Owner of Hypland, Fashion Mogul
- Keir Gaines – Licensed Therapist, Mental Health Advocate
- Kirk Franklin – GRAMMY(r) Award-Winning Artist & Producer, BET Awards Ultimate Icon
- Michael Cooper Jr. – Actor
- Michael “Harry-O” Harris – Co-Founder and CEO, Death Row Records
- Michael Jai White – Actor, Martial Artist, Producer
- Michael Tubbs – Politician, Special Advisor to the Governor of California
- Norense – Mental Health Advocate, Mind Bully Podcast
- Nick Cannon – Media Mogul, Actor, Producer
- Phil Handy – NBA Coach, Sports Leadership Expert
- Ray Goulbourne – EVP of Broadcast Media Sales, BET Media Group
- Richard Gay – COO, Live Nation Urban
- Richelieu Dennis – Entrepreneur, Investor, Founder & Executive Chair, Sundial Group
- Scott Mills – President & CEO, BET Media Group
- Sean Williams – Founder & CEO, Dad Gang
- Shawn Gee – President, Live Nation Urban
- Skyh Black – Actor, Producer
- Terrence J – Actor & Television Presenter
- Vic Mensa – Artist, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
- Wallo – Motivational Speaker, Podcast Host, Entrepreneur
Summit Hosts: Louis Carr, Ian Michael Brock, Dometi Pongo, Kenny Burns (Podcast), Charmaine Bey (Red Carpet)
Summit Emcee: Gary “G-Thang” Johnson
DJs: DJ Earry Hall, DJ Kaptain, DJ TWiNN, DJ WattyJay
Registration for the WayMaker Men’s Summit at BETX is now open at https://waymakersummit.com.
Register NOW for free access to BETX Fan Fest at https://www.BETExperience.com.
BET Experience sets the tone for the premiere of “BET Awards” 2025 on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.
Additional “BET Experience” 2025, presented by SheaMoisture talent and programming will be announced at a later date. Stay informed with real-time updates by following BET Experience on Twitter/X @bet, and join the conversation using #BETX.
“BET Experience” 2025, presented by SheaMoisture is co-produced by Live Nation Urban.
ABOUT BET EXPERIENCE
BET Experience is the destination for elevating unapologetic Blackness with authentic entertainment, access and lifestyle experiences. Through the lens of millennial and Gen Z audiences, BET Experience cultivates the intersection of who this coveted segment is and where it’s headed.
ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP
The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.
For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements, visit www.paramountpressexpress.com/bet.
ABOUT LIVE NATION
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
Live Nation Urban (LNU) remains North America’s preeminent producer of concert experiences, festivals, and platforms headlined, curated, and owned by black talent. Operating in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, the company sets the tone for culture with over a dozen sought-after festival brands such as Roots Picnic, Broccoli City, Exodus Music & Arts Festival, ONE Musicfest, Strength of a Woman, and more.
Beyond their captivating live events, Live Nation Urban has established themselves as key social architects in black culture with their innovative initiatives that include Juneteenth: A Global Celebration (broadcast on CNN), Kerry Washington’s THICKER THAN WATER book tour, and a special Hip-Hop 50 event at the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in addition to tours by artists such as Ari Lennox, Kirk Franklin, Davido, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, Jodeci, and Raphael Saadiq. The LNU-produced “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop” special garnered a nomination at the NAACP Image Awards for “Outstanding Variety Show.” Live Nation Urban continues to grow across hip-hop, R&B, soul, and gospel as the most trusted purveyor of live urban music. For additional information, visit https://livenationurban.com/.
ABOUT SHEAMOISTURE
SheaMoisture is a global beauty and personal care leader committed to serving the Black community through strategic investment and community give back. SheaMoisture recognizes the power of entrepreneurship in addressing racial inequality with the belief that commerce can bring true economic independence. Every year SheaMoisture reinvests at least 1% of net sales directly into economic opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs and Black business owners. With every purchase, you are helping to fund investments that support funding for Black-owned business, entrepreneurial education, crisis response, equitable purchasing, and ethical sourcing. SheaMoisture develops no compromise beauty products that help every member of the Black community live their healthiest, most beautiful lives. Shea butter is one of the brand’s core ingredients, praised for its hydrating and nourishing properties, and sourced from women-led cooperatives in West Africa, providing fair wages and creating economic opportunities. The company leads globally in the hair care, bath, body, skin care, baby, and men’s categories, and is distributed in retailers throughout the world. SheaMoisture is a subsidiary of Unilever. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Contacts:
Johnny Cooper
Autumn Griffin
Mariana Ramirez
