About Dr. Chatman
Dr. O’nae Chatman is an award-winning educator, author, speaker, and mentor dedicated to transforming the lives of students, educators, and communities across the nation. As the founder of the Young Kings Gentlemen School and CEO of Chatman Consulting Group, Dr. Chatman has become a leading voice in social-emotional learning, male-centered achievement, leadership development, and relationship-centered education.
A nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Chatman was recently named the winner of the 2026 National Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Education Award. He delivers impactful presentations and workshops for schools, churches, conferences, and organizations, focused on empowering youth, strengthening school culture, and developing emotional intelligence in students and adults alike. His work particularly centers on mentoring Black boys, teaching life skills, and helping young people unlock their full potential through education, exposure, and self-awareness.
Dr. Chatman earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is the recipient of the prestigious NAACP Community Service and Humanitarian award. He is also the author of over 35 books and educational resources focused on leadership, resilience, mentoring, and personal growth.
Known for his powerful storytelling and transformational message, Dr. Chatman’s mission is simple: to inspire people to rise above their circumstances, embrace purpose, and walk in greatness.
His work cultivates:
• Emotional intelligence
• Healthy identity and self-confidence
• Responsible decision-making
• Resilience, discipline, and self-control
• Strong relationships and conflict-resolution
• Academic focus and purpose-driven leadership
WHO HE SERVES
• Middle Schools
• High Schools
• Colleges & Universities
• Youth Development Organizations
• Juvenile Programs & Rehabilitation Centers
• Faith-Based Institutions
"Elevating academic success by centering social-emotional learning, strengthening instruction, and creating personalized pathways that support the growth of every learner."
WHY DR. CHATMAN
• 30+ books authored
• Programs used nationally and internationally.
• Rooted in SEL, cultural relevance, identity development, and trauma-responsive research.
• High-impact storytelling and real-world tools.
• Proven frameworks, measurable results, and sustainable culture shifts.
Keynote Speaking & Student Assemblies
Dr. O’nae Chatman delivers high-energy, transformational presentations designed to inspire students, educators, parents, and community leaders. His presentations focus on leadership, resilience, emotional intelligence, mentorship, purpose, and overcoming adversity.
Popular Topics Include:
-
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
-
Leadership Development
-
Black Male Empowerment
-
Emotional Intelligence in Schools & Workplaces
-
Student Motivation & Academic Success
-
Mentoring & Identity Development
-
Decision-Making & Life Skills
-
Character Education
-
College & Career Readiness
-
Black History & Cultural Empowerment
Student Workshops & Youth Development Programs
Interactive workshops created to engage middle school, high school, and college students through real conversations, activities, and practical life lessons.
Signature Student Programs:
-
A.I. Bootcamp for Black Boys
-
Decoding Power
-
Professor Chatman’s Summer Success Workshops
-
Leadership & Life Skills Training
-
Conflict Resolution Workshops
-
Emotional Intelligence for Teens
-
Teen Leadership Development
-
Boys Empowerment Conferences
-
College & Career Readiness Sessions
Professional Development for Educators
Training sessions designed to help educators build stronger relationships with students while improving school culture, student engagement, and emotional intelligence practices.
Training Topics:
-
Relationship-Centered Teaching
-
Building Trust With Students
-
SEL Implementation Strategies
-
Understanding Black & Latino Male Students
-
Emotional Intelligence for Educators
-
Student Motivation & School Culture
-
Leadership Development for Teachers & Administrators
tESTIMONIALS
Dr. Chatman captivates his audiences because he has his finger on the pulse of youth culture. In addition, his books provide culturally relevant, academic, and social-emotional supplemental support. Whether speaking to students, teachers, leaders, or parents, Dr. Chatman’s presentations are powerful, practical, engaging, insightful, and deeply relevant.
Chike Akua, PhD
Author of Education for Transformation: The Keys to Releasing the Genius of African American Students
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Clark Atlanta University
I highly recommend Dr. O'nae Chatman as a dynamic and impactful speaker for your next professional development, conference, or student assembly. He comes prepared, well-equipped with applicable strategies, and transforms the audiences he's speaking to. Dr. Chatman has a unique ability to connect with both educators and students in a real and relevant way, delivering messages that resonate deeply and inspire positive change. His presentations are a blend of powerful storytelling, practical strategies, and motivational insights that empower teachers to engage students more effectively. His expertise in social-emotional learning, character education, and leadership makes him a valuable resource for any educational community. Whether it's motivating students to be leaders or equipping teachers with tools for success, He brings energy, passion, and relevance to the space. As an educator, former principal, and now consultant, I personally recommend him without reservation to your district, event, program, educational learning community.
Principal Baruti Kafele
Milken Educator Award Winner ASCD Best-Selling Author
During my time as Principal at Okolona High School, I had the great pleasure of Dr. Chatman working with my students in the areas of motivational speaking, college and career readiness training, and data analysis for state assessments. It gives me great pleasure to report that the school ACT scores grew by 3.0 points collectively for my junior class, we had a dramatic increase in students scoring at level four and five (35%), and the accountability rating of the school grew from low performing to successful! Dr. Chatman’s motivational message and one on one sessions were informative, engaging, and inspiring! The message resonated with my students and had a profound impact on their lives and their future aspirations. I was more than pleased with his work product, punctuality, professionalism, energy, and presentation.
I strongly recommend Dr. Chatman’s professional services to any school or district without any reservations, I am confident that you will be more than pleased.
Christopher Hill, Ph.D.
Principal
Byhalia High School
At Chatman Consulting Group LLC, Dr. O’Nae Chatman is committed to transforming education by centering social-emotional learning, cultivating the brilliance of every scholar, and empowering educators to lead with purpose. Through strategic insight and innovative, people-centered solutions, we partner with institutions to build inclusive, high-impact environments where students and communities thrive.
Grounded in strong academic leadership and strategic consulting, Dr. O’Nae Chatman bridges the gap between vision and practice by centering social-emotional learning, strengthening instructional systems, and building educators' capacity. He believes every educational journey deserves a clear, intentional path—one that is guided by data, rooted in purpose, and committed to unlocking the full potential of every learner.
Empowering Educational Excellence through SEL
Empowering Academic Excellence through Social Emotional Learning