K-12 Education

Over 55 years ago, APB was founded on the mission to provide an open forum for individuals to voice their opinions and points of view. Now is the time to speak out. Now is the time to stand together. Now is the time for change. We have a long history of working toward racial justice and providing a platform to those giving a voice to the voiceless, from such leaders as Martin Luther King, Jr., Dick Gregory, and Adam Clayton Powell to the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter. As we reflect on everything that is happening, let’s be confident that change will come – and smart enough to know that it must involve all of us.

Called "America’s Historian" and recognized as one of "Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors," Brad Meltzer recently gave his son a graduation like no other—a personalized one from the comfort of their own living room. In his speech, he said: “This cap is from my high school graduation. When I wore it, I was 18 and I thought I was invincible. When I wore it, I was dating the most beautiful girl in school, my high school sweetheart, now she’s your mom.” Watch the full speech here.

Former NFL player, Rhodes Scholar and sought-after speaker Myron Rolle is now on the front lines against COVID-19. He describes the similarities in battling his opponents on the football field to the spread of coronavirus. Rolle, a neurosurgery resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, is working hard with others in the healthcare industry to end this pandemic. He said to CNN, “In football we had to prepare (…) and now we have to prepare for what COVID-19 has prepared for us. Are there antibodies coming, is there a vaccine coming, who does it affect the most?”

Author, educator, leadership consultant and APB speaker Rachel Simmons appeared on Good Morning America to advise parents who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of their children being home from school for weeks due to coronavirus closings. Simmons advised parents to maintain structure, such as enforcing consistent wake-up times and meals in order to help kids feel safe and stable amidst these uncertain times. She also recommends crafting plans for the day together, such as deciding what to cook or how to get active, so that everyone is equally invested in the plan. For teenagers, Simmons points out that “this is an opportunity for your kids to develop some independence and contribute around the house.” 

One of the winningest game show contestants of all time, Ken Jennings recently earned legendary status when he won the coveted title of Jeopardy!'s Greatest of All Time. Dubbed "the Michael Jordan of trivia," Jennings has shattered records, become a pop culture icon and is one of our most sought-after speakers. Having spoken at corporate events and colleges nationwide, Jennings covers topics ranging from how to train your brain for high performance and success to the importance of education.

APB speakers Nick Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn are not only husband and wife, but also Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, human rights advocates and best-selling authors together. This super-couple has published their highly anticipated new book, Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope. To kick off the release, they adapted an essay from the book for The New York Times. 

APB speaker Herman Boone, a beloved football coach, mentor, leader and motivator that touched the hearts of thousands, has passed away at the age of 84 in his home in Alexandria, Virginia. Boone is best known for uniting two racially diverse football teams in the '70s as newfound head coach of the T.C. Williams High School. The incredible story, including his journey with assistant Bill Yoast, was memorialized in the mega-hit film Remember the Titans, in which Boone was played by Denzel Washington to great acclaim. Coach Boone was a larger-than-life figure in the Alexandria community, and he became a symbol of steadfastness in the fight for racial integration and equality nationwide.

LinkedIn has published its 5th annual “Top Voices” list, highlighting standout professionals from diverse industries who are breaking boundaries, building communities and starting conversations. APB’s Justin J. Shaifer, the founder and executive director of Fascinate, Inc., is featured on the prestigious Top 10 list for Technology, making 2019 a banner year for the young, science-loving firebrand.

Already a Top 10 New York Times best-selling book, Range, by APB speaker David Epstein has been named to multiple “Best of 2019” lists. These include Amazon’s Best Business and Leadership Books of 2019, Apple’s Best Audiobooks of 2019, Inc.’s Must-Read Books for Entrepreneurs in 2019, Bookpal’s Outstanding Works of Literature 2019 Longlist and Porchlight’s Business Book Awards Longlist. 

The 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors are set to take place at the Kennedy Center Opera House on December 8th. This year’s showcase marks the first time a television program will receive an award, with Sesame Street being honored as the iconic cultural institution that it is. APB’s Sonia Manzano, known for her longtime role as “Maria” on Sesame Street, is set to introduce the co-founders of the program who will be accepting the award. Manzano, who won many Emmy Awards as part of the Sesame Street writing team, is a core part of the show’s legacy.