Looking for an Engaging and Interactive Speaker?

Educational Speakers & Workshops for College Campuses

Brian is nationally recognized for his energetic, interactive workshops and seminars. After years of honing his speaking gift, Brian joined the roster of lecturers for CAMPUSPEAK in the summer of 2008. He was nominated BEST DIVERSITY ARTIST by the readers of Campus Activities Magazine in 2010.

Two New Keynotes from One of Our

Best Speakers on Diversity

Since joining the roster in 2008, educator, author and minister BRIAN C. JOHNSON has become one of the most respected names on the CAMPUSPEAK roster, delivering his diversity keynote Reel Diversity to college students across the nation. Reel Diversity provides a safe dialogue in which students consider multiculturalism messages in popular movies.

It’s no wonder that students tune-in to Brian’s approach; discussions around the diversity topic are often mandated by higher education institutions, leaving students feeling singled out and combative along identity lines. Brian is a master, however, in creating a comfortable environment that allows every student to see himself or herself as diverse. During Reel Diversity, students laugh and remember some of their favorite movies, and from there, an interactive discussion about diversity can begin. While students are challenged to care about “social justice” – power, oppression, ethnocentrism, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination – they are also asked to make personal judgments and recognize that the opportunity for change exists within each of us.

Brian is now adapting this tried-and-true method of using film to generate honest dialogue in two brand new keynotes with very different foci: Reel Greek for fraternity and sorority audiences and Reel Diversity: Move Over Chuck & Larry for any group concerned about the portrayal of heterosexism and homophobia as normal behavior in our society.

REEL GREEK: Where Hollywood Boulevard Meets Greek Row

Hollywood’s idea of fraternity is well known. “Frats” are portrayed as moronic, destructive, sadistic party boys, and sorority sisters as catty, backstabbing social climbers. Most everyone who’s had a real fraternity experience knows that there is a huge gap between reality and the image found in popular films. Fraternities and sororities were founded upon the exemplary principles of scholarship and achievement, service, philanthropy, and leadership; yet you’d never know that from a trip to your local multiplex! Naturally, the images on the screen affect how most people in our world think of fraternities and sororities.

Brian Johnson’s keynote, Reel Greek: Where Hollywood Boulevard Meets Greek Row, uses film clips from popular films like Old School, Animal House and Stomp the Yard (and many others) to explore the Greek community’s image, reputation, and ability to recruit. By examining these images, audiences (Greek and non-Greek) will be challenged to question what it really means to live in community with others, and to think critically about counteracting the negative public perceptions and promoting the true ideals of these organizations.

Reel Greek is perfect for Greek Week, new member events, officer training, or as a stand-alone all Greek program.

REEL DIVERSITY: Move Over Chuck & Larry

How many viewers of movies find themselves questioning heterosexual identity and behavior on screen? Not many, because it’s usually perceived as the norm; their reactions change, though—mostly in a negative way—when homosexual identity and behavior is portrayed on film. This also creates a psychological impact on LGBTQ viewers, who must cope with this negative reaction, overt or not, from the majority audience.

Homophobia is, unfortunately, coded into the fabric of our society and one of the most common places is in mainstream Hollywood film. In fact, as detailed in the documentary This Film Is Not Yet Rated, films that include homosexual acts of sex will more likely receive the dreaded NC-17 rating, whereas similar acts by heterosexuals will receive more favorable ratings (R or PG). This is one clear example of how our film-going society favors heterosexuality as normal and homo/trans/bisexuality as not.

Brian explores the societal issues of sexual orientation in his new keynote Reel Diversity: Move Over Chuck & Larry, using this particular movie as one example of how film can reinforce ideas of heterosexism and homophobia, and magnify the stereotypes and prejudices of each. By viewing and discussing films, such as The Birdcage, Brokeback Mountain and The Talented Mr. Ripley, students will examine concepts of “hetero-normativity” and its influence upon popular movies, and how young people may readily accept these images as truth. They will leave this keynote with the challenge to define their own sexual orientation in terms that are non-sexual, and a better understanding of how people’s ways of lives deserve acknowledgement and respect.

This keynote is perfect for new student orientation, LGBTQ celebration and awareness events, diversity programming and res life training.

In addition to Reel Diversity and these great NEW programs, Brian will continue to offer these excellent keynotes to high school and college audiences:

LEAD: Leadership Excellence Acknowledges Diversimilarity

In this program – perfect for new student orientation and leadership development – Brian frames diversity as a leadership issue, making it an appropriate discussion for students of different backgrounds. Brian directs students toward a journey of cultural competence – helping them acquire a factual knowledge base about different cultures, and giving them the confidence and comfort to generate communication between cultures.

BONUS:  Brian's expertise also allows for faculty and staff professional development seminars and training for student paraprofessionals like residence hall assistants and student government leaders. He can customize learning opportunities specifically for your campus.

WE’VE SCENE IT ALL BEFORE: College Life in the Movies

This fun and interactive keynote opens the door for first year students to discuss their pre-college conditioning and temper these images with real campus life. Using clips from popular films set on college campuses, Brian will help deconstruct the Hollywood myth machine and empower students to make positive choices regarding the challenges they will face on a daily basis. This presentation will get students laughing as they remember their favorite scenes, as they are challenged to be critical thinkers about how to make positive, informed decisions about success in college as well as how to be a productive citizen within the campus community.

To book Brian for your next event, click CAMPUSPEAK or call 303-745-5545. (references available)