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The Lavin Agency Speakers Bureau

A speakers bureau that represents the best original thinkers,
writers, and doers for speaking engagements.

America250

On July 4, 2026, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a momentous occasion: one that inspires us to reflect on the past, strengthen our love of our country, and renew our ongoing commitment to the ideals of democracy. Lavin’s top speakers for America250 offer powerful talks on the meaning of this occasion and the road ahead.

11 America250
Speakers

Jelani Cobb

New Yorker Staff Writer | Columbia Journalism School Dean | Author of Three or More Is a Riot | Speaker on History, Politics, and Culture in America

In the fight for racial justice, we must face the past to forge a better future.

Nikole Hannah-Jones

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Creator of The 1619 Project | Executive Producer of the Emmy Award-Winning 1619 Project Hulu Docuseries | MacArthur Genius

Black history is American history.

Mary Ziegler

Leading authority on the legal history of American reproductive rights | Author of Beyond Abortion and Roe: The History of a National Obsession | Guggenheim Fellow

Our justice system has far-reaching repercussions for our democracy—understanding it will equip us with the tools to rebuild trust in our institutions.

Rachel L. Swarns

Author of The 272: The Families who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church | Associate Professor at New York University | Former New York Times Johannesburg Bureau Chief

Slavery fueled the growth of our churches, schools, and institutions. We must face that history if we want to understand—and someday transcend—our racial divide.

Derek Thompson

#1 New York Times Bestselling Co-Author of Abundance | Host of thePlain English Podcast | Founder of the Substack Derek Thompson

We live in a world of scarcity. But there's a better way forward—into a future of abundant housing, energy, innovation, and progress on all fronts.

Annette Gordon-Reed

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author of On Juneteenth | Harvard Law Professor | MacArthur Genius

The legacy of Juneteenth, the holiday which marks the end of slavery, continues to influence us and our fight for racial justice today.

George Packer | Bestselling Author of The Unwinding and Last Best Hope | The Atlantic Staff Writer

George Packer

Bestselling author of The Unwinding and Last Best Hope | The Atlantic staff writer

In our fractured landscape, the passion for equality is the "hidden code" can drive us toward a unified America.

Clint Smith

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of How the Word Is Passed and Above Ground | The Atlantic Staff Writer

The legacy of slavery still shapes our cities, roads, and stories today. Understanding our history will help us make sense of our world—and fight for a better one.

Sarah Lewis

Founder of Vision & Justice | Harvard Associate Professor | Bestselling Author of The Rise and The Unseen Truth

What is the role of art and culture for racial justice?

David Wallace-Wells

Bestselling author of The Uninhabitable Earth | New York Times columnist

The most important driver of climate change is human action. We have our hands on those levers.

Andrew Marantz | New Yorker Writer | Author of Antisocial

Andrew Marantz

New Yorker Writer | Author of Antisocial

Social media is what we make it—here’s how we can use it to create a kinder, more imaginative world.