In The News

Juneteenth (short for June 19th) marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans throughout Texas learned that they were free—news that took approximately two months after the Confederate surrender of the Civil War and two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation to reach them.  As our nation recognizes the legacy of Juneteenth during a time of heightened consciousness over pervasive racism and persecution in our nation, we urge everyone to continue to do their part in igniting change.

Dive into the nuanced world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with award-winning STEM educator, producer, TV host and sought-after speaker, Justin J. Shaifer. In this timely keynote, Shaifer demystifies the crucial role AI plays in today's educational landscape and beyond. This eye-opening journey illuminates the importance of AI literacy among educators, describing its role in shaping today's learning environments. Shaifer will introduce practical, easy-to-use AI tools, specifically designed to revolutionize teaching practices, help teachers and boost student engagement.

How can you tell if someone is struggling with addiction or chemical dependency? APB speaker Dr. Nii Addy, Neuroscientist, Yale Professor and Mental Health Advocate, recently shared his thoughts on the subject on the PBS show Healthy Minds With Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein. 

Former NCAA Division I women’s basketball head coach and APB speaker Joanne “Coach P” McCallie visited the set of Big 10 Network’s Big 10 Today show to share her story of battling bipolar disorder and to promote Mental Health Awareness Month.

Named both "America's Historian" and one of "Hollywood's 25 Most Powerful Authors," Brad Meltzer has now earned a reputation as one of our top speakers for corporations, organizations and associations. Known for working closely with clients, speaking authentically from the heart and infusing humor and insights into engaging, highly motivational narratives, he has received standing ovations from audiences ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

It’s Okay to Laugh by APB speaker and bestselling author Nora McInerny was just named one of the top 10 books to comfort a friend by Oprah Daily. McInerny wrote the book after suffering the loss of her husband, Aaron, second pregnancy and father within a few weeks of each other. When Aaron was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, they refused to let it limit their love. They got engaged on Aaron's hospital bed and married after his first surgery. They had a baby when he was on chemo. They shared an amazing summer filled with happiness and laughter. A few months later, Aaron died in McInerny's arms in another hospital bed.

APB speaker Heather Abbott, Boston Marathon bombing survivor and amputee, was recently featured on the Today show reflecting on the 10^th anniversary of the horrific tragedy. On April 15, 2013, what is referred to as Marathon Monday in Boston, Abbott of Newport, R.I. set out on an annual tradition with six friends. They would attend the Red Sox game, followed by a walk over to the finish line to watch the runners. Abbott would never have dreamed this day would change her life forever.

In a new interview in People magazine, APB Speaker Samantha Harris says she’s “healthier than ever after surviving breast cancer.” Harris, best known as the co-host of Dancing with the Stars and Entertainment Tonight and current host of Game Show Network's wordplay game show Tug Of Words, first felt a lump in her breast in 2013. Two doctors told her it was nothing to worry about. Despite their answers, she felt something was seriously wrong. In 2014, she visited a surgical oncologist, where she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.

Award-winning journalist and author Charlayne Hunter-Gault was just honored by The Cleveland Foundation as one of the winners of its Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. The award is the only national juried prize for literature that confronts racism and explores diversity. Hunter-Gault was recognized for her lifetime achievements.

APB Speaker Daniel E. Dawes, the executive director of the newly founded Global Health Equity Institute at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., was recently recognized as one of the “names you need to know in life sciences” on the 2023 STATUS List. The list is compiled by STAT, a digital publication focused on health, medicine and life sciences.