Featured: From Kansas to the Red Carpet — Natalie Speech Shares Her Story with Shoutout LA

Natalie Speech (Founder of BEMu)

Natalie Speech recently had the honor of sitting down with the team at Shoutout LA to share her story. It isn't often that she pauses to look back at the entire road that led her to this moment—from a little girl in Kansas dreaming of Soul Train to founding the Black Entertainment Museum Foundation (BEMU) in Hollywood.

Reflecting on this journey for the interview reminded Natalie that every twist, every setback, and every "scenic route" she took while raising her four children and navigating the entertainment industry was necessary preparation.

As she shared with Shoutout LA:

"My background gave me two invaluable gifts: a deep respect for the traditions of Black artistry and a bold entrepreneurial spirit to create opportunities where few existed."

For Natalie, this feature isn't just about her own success; it is about the "why" behind BEMU. It highlights why she believes so fiercely in preserving the legacy of Black entertainers and creating a space where the next generation can see exactly what is possible.

I invite you to read the full article to learn more about my path from Montana to the red carpet, and the vision fueling the future of BEMU.

Stay tuned for more BEMu events coming in 2026!