
Ishmael Beah Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Speaking Fee:
$20,000 to $30,000
Travels From:
Contact Us for Primary Airport
Travels From:
Contact Us for Primary Airport
Primary Topic Category:
Authors & Storytellers
Primary Topic Category:
Authors & Storytellers
Secondary Topic Category:
African American & Black
Secondary Topic Category:
African American & Black
Ishmael Beah Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Ishmael Beah is a bestselling author and UNICEF advocate for children affected by war. His #1 New York Times bestselling memoir A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier recounts the harrowing years he spent as a child soldier. UNICEF help, he was removed from the army and placed in a rehabilitation home where he learned to forgive himself, to regain his humanity, and, finally, to heal. In the years since, Beah continues to advocate for the thousands of children still trapped in violent conflicts.
Ishmael Beah is a distinguished author and humanitarian known for his compelling storytelling and deep insights into human resilience. Born in Sierra Leone in 1980, Beah's life took a dramatic turn when the civil war engulfed his country during the early 1990s. His personal experience as a child soldier forms the backbone of his acclaimed memoir, "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier." Published in 2007, this powerful narrative not only brought international attention to the plight of child soldiers but also highlighted the indomitable spirit of those affected by conflict.
Beah's journey from Sierra Leone to international recognition is a testament to the healing power of words. After leaving his war-torn homeland, he found refuge in the United States, where he completed his high school education at the United Nations International School in New York. He later graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in Political Science. These academic achievements laid a foundation for his subsequent work as an advocate for children affected by war. His writing and speaking engagements continue to shine a light on the challenges faced by those in conflict zones.
In addition to "A Long Way Gone," Beah has penned "Radiance of Tomorrow," his first novel, which further explores themes of recovery and rebuilding in post-conflict situations. Through his fiction and non-fiction work, Ishmael Beah eloquently addresses the lasting impacts of war and the human capacity for recovery. His stories resonate with audiences worldwide, offering both insight and hope.
Beyond his writing, Beah is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and working with various NGOs to promote children's rights. His dedication to advocacy is a powerful extension of his storytelling, transforming personal experience into a platform for change. Through his work, Beah underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in the global conversation about peace and justice.
Ishmael Beah's life and work challenge the boundaries of survival and resilience. As a keynote speaker, author, and activist, he continually inspires others to confront the world's uncertainties with courage and compassion. His remarkable journey from a childhood marked by conflict to a life dedicated to healing is a story of hope, transformation, and the enduring power of the human spirit.