Colleges & Universities

Mental health affects our overall health and wellbeing. The pandemic worsened issues on campus for those already struggling with mental health challenges and substance use disorders, while others began experiencing these things for the first time. The rhythm of our lives continues to change as we crave a full return to “normal” student life. Drawing from years of experience and expertise, these speakers offer the answers, tools and insights into becoming more resilient and how to better care for our overall mental wellness as we enter second semester.

New York Times bestselling author and award-winning historian Dr. Keisha N. Blain has just been nominated for an NAACP Image Award and selected as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for her latest book, Until I Am Free: Fannie Lou Hamer's Enduring Message to America. 

Many of our speakers attribute their opportunities, successes and passion for change to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Founded during the height of the American Civil Rights Movement in 1965, APB is honored to have worked with Dr. King during his lifetime, as well as many other civil rights leaders who shared his vision. Devoted to spreading positive messages about love and equality, our speakers continue to honor Dr. King's legacy. Read their reflections below.

It's hard to believe we find ourselves kicking off another year. Many of our clients align their speaker needs with important dates throughout the year and have found it helpful to have a listing of such commemorative occurrences. Below please find some of the dates for which speakers get booked the most. It's never too early to begin your event planning and our experienced and talented agents are ready to offer speaker recommendations to fit your needs. Working on something last minute? We can help with that too, as several of our speakers are available to do virtual events.

With deep sadness and great respect, we mourn the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who has been a member of the APB family for decades. An iconic Nobel Laureate and human rights activist, Archbishop Tutu was known for tirelessly spreading peace, justice and democracy. A world leader and beacon of hope for all, he was once described by longtime friend Nelson Mandela as “Sometimes strident, often tender, never afraid and seldom without humor.” APB will forever feel grateful for having known and worked with such an incredible human being.

It's hard to believe we are coming to the close of yet another year battling the COVID-19 pandemic. We've never been more grateful to have clients and speakers who have continued to collaborate with us through the chaos of it all. From virtual to in-person events, together we found new ways to continue to do what we love best: provide a way for people to see exciting personalities, world leaders, activists and innovators, unedited and unfiltered by mass media.

We look forward to working with you in 2022.

Sometimes just one small action can change a life. For APB speaker Mickey Rowe, Founder and Artistic Director of National Disability Theatre, it began when he was introduced to Seattle Children’s Theatre by his grandmother. Rowe, who is autistic and legally blind, was told that he could never enter the mainstream world. Acting changed all of that. In his new autobiography, Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage, which was just called “immensely inspiring” by Publishers Weekly and will be available in March, Rowe tells the story of how he made it to The Great White Way.  

If you could only use one word to describe Elle Simone Scott, it would be warrior. The executive editor and founder of The Diversity Council at America’s Test Kitchen has navigated a career and life full of extreme highs and lows. From battling ovarian cancer to losing everything in the height of the 2008 recession, she fought to reinvent herself career-wise and is now one of the few queer women of color to work as a chef in the culinary world. APB recently sat down with Elle to discuss the intersection of food, culture and DEI in both our workplaces and communities (she even shared a free copy of her favorite Thanksgiving recipe, you can download it below!).

Wes Moore, APB speaker, former CEO of Robin Hood and candidate for governor of Maryland, is celebrating schools and educators during this week’s American Education Week by creating a site where you can add your name to thank Maryland teachers, administrators and public school employees for all that they do. Moore comes from a family of educators and is well aware of the transformative work they do in shaping the futures of our children and the betterment of our society as a whole.

WNYC Studios and PRX announced that APB speaker Melissa Harris-Perry has been named Host and Managing Editor of The Takeaway, the nationally-syndicated public radio news program that airs on WNYC AM 820 at 9am weekdays, on WNYC 93.9FM at 3pm weekdays, and on over 300 stations nationally.