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.

APB is proud to announce that two of our speakers were just honored for their work to help save the planet and to make science cool. Climate Activist Wawa Gatheru and Stem Advocate Justin Shaifer were named as AFROTECH Future 50 Changemakers. Each year, AFROTECH Future 50 honors dynamic investors, future makers, corporate catalysts, changemakers and visionary founders who are actively shaping the future. AFROTECH is a top tech, investing and wealth-building platform for the Black community.

Daniel Dawes, Senior Vice President, Global Health and Founding Dean, School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., recently announced the school is now accepting applications for the inaugural class for its five inaugural degree programs focused on actualizing health equity in the United States and around the world.

Each May on Memorial Day, we pause to recognize and bring awareness to those who died defending our country. APB proudly honors them, as well as the veterans below who we work with each day. We thank them for their bravery and patriotism.

APB mourns the loss of longtime speaker and CNN political commentator Alice Stewart. Stewart passed away on Saturday in Virginia. She was 58.

Reminding society of the importance of love, dignity and human rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, these sought-after speakers are perfect for LGTBQ+ programs. Consider one them for your next event!

Admiral Michelle J. Howard was recently a guest speaker at the Annual Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture at the College of Holy Cross. She was selected as speaker at the annual event for her “remarkable dedication to public service.” A groundbreaking leader during her 35-year career in the U.S. Navy, Howard was the first female to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first woman to be appointed to the position of vice-chief of naval operations (the second highest rank in the Navy). She was also the first African-American woman to reach the rank of three-star and four-star in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the first African-American woman to command a ship in the Navy.

Emmy-Winning TV Host and Breast Cancer Survivor Samantha Harris launched a new podcast on May 13. Your Healthiest Healthy is available on all platforms. Ten episodes will drop consecutively to honor Harris’ 10 years of being cancer free. Blindsided by breast cancer at age 40 ignited something so powerful in Harris that it compelled her to search for the answers we all need to successfully mitigate the risk of chronic disease and live more vibrantly and healthier than ever. Harris is fiercely dedicated to giving you the tools needed—with alternating episodes of solo, science-backed coaching sessions and renowned, in-demand guest wellness and medical expert interviews.

New York Times columnist, Pulitzer Prize Winner and Bestselling Author Nicholas D. Kristof will release a new memoir on May 14. Chasing Hope: A Reporter's Life is available for preorder now and is an intimate and gripping portrait of Kristof’s life in journalism.

Award-winning journalist and APB speaker John Quiñones’ newest book—One Year in Uvalde: A Story of Hope and Resilience—releases May 7. Quiñones co-wrote the book with María Elena Salinas. It is a narrative that builds on year-long ABC News reporting from Uvalde, Texas, chronicling how the community is forging on through grief with hope and activism in the shadow of tragedy.