Reggie Selma

Reggie Selma made history in 1982 as CNN’s first African-American photojournalist assigned to the White House — a milestone that defined a trailblazing 30-year career at the network’s Washington, D.C. bureau. Behind the lens, Reggie filmed every U.S. president from Reagan to Obama and earned a rare front-row seat to history alongside some of the world’s most iconic figures, including Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama.

Growing Up in Jim Crow Alabama

Reggie’s journey to the White House began in the segregated south of Birmingham, Alabama — a childhood shaped by “whites only” signs, church bombings, and fire hoses. What carried him through was a strong, loving family that instilled an unshakable belief: faith, education, and confidence in yourself can overcome any obstacle, even legalized discrimination. That foundation became the bedrock of everything Reggie has achieved.

From the Lens to the Stage

Now stepping in front of the camera, Reggie brings audiences into a world few ever witness. His presentations weave together firsthand accounts of presidential power, global leadership, and personal perseverance into a program that is as entertaining as it is inspiring. Audiences from Tokyo to London, Amsterdam to Dublin, have left his talks moved — and talking about them long after the event ends.

Reggie Selma is available as a keynote speaker on leadership, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself against all odds.

Leadership

As a former CNN photojournalist assigned to the White House, Reggie has traveled the world filming every U.S. president from Reagan to Obama. Reggie Selma has also filmed such iconic leaders as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Pope John Paul II. With that rare front row seat to history, Reggie has witnessed leadership, and the wisdom it takes to govern a country, and inspire the world.

Perseverance

While growing up during the segregated Jim Crow south of Birmingham, Alabama, Reggie experienced first hand the injustice of sanctioned discrimination. But, with a loving, and supportive family, who taught him to believe in yourself you can overcome any obstacle. With that guidance, in 1982, Reggie went on to become CNN’s first African- American cameraman assigned to the White House.

Inspiration

Reggie Selma has moved audiences all over the world. From Tokyo, to London, Amsterdam, Ireland, and the United States, with his stories of his childhood, the media, and family.