Community & Nonprofit

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.

As CEO of Robin Hood, one of the largest anti-poverty forces in the nation, APB speaker Wes Moore is passionate about helping people in need. CBS News reported that Tina Fey hosted a one-hour virtual telethon called “Rise Up New York,” put on by the Robin Hood Foundation, accompanied by other big-name A-Listers, and helped raise $115 million for New Yorkers during this coronavirus pandemic.  

Michelle Obama’s Chief Speechwriter and APB speaker Sara Hurwitz recently received rave "tweetamonials" from the Obamas about her book, Here All Along. Hurwitz decided to use her lifelong passion of writing and turn it into a book about connecting to religion, specifically Judaism. On April 17, 2020, Former United States President Barack Obama praised her book and recent Washington Post article on showing “lovingkindness” during a time of social distancing.  

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.” 

APB’s Wes Moore joined Stephania Ruhle on MSNBC to explain the extreme risks that coronavirus poses on the poor and homeless populations, pointing out that the most vulnerable among us need to be protected in this unprecedented crisis. Moore, who is the CEO of the anti-poverty organization Robin Hood NYC, highlighted the dangers for the homeless who rely on resources such as shelters and food banks, as well as to the many working people in our society who are “one shock away” from poverty.

APB speakers Nick Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's new book Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope is now #2 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Known for their international reporting, the investigative duo turned their focus domestically for the book, examining the epidemic of depression, unemployment, poverty and addiction that is plaguing the working class across America – an ...

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.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist, world champion many times over and APB speaker Kayla Harrison closed out 2019 with a bang! She clinched a major victory over challenger Larissa Pacheco in the Professional Fighters League women’s lightweight championship.

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.

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.