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As the world turns: an activist looks back from 50: Kevin Jennings at TEDxASL

3,184 views · Published 25 October 2013 · 21:22 · Indexed 27 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2013 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Kevin Jennings is executive director of the Arcus Foundation, a private, global foundation committed to advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality worldwide. He has made a long and distinguished career as an educator, social justice activist and author. He began his career as a high school history teacher and athletic coach. Later, he founded the Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network, a national organization for LGBT and straight teachers, parents, students and community members seeking to end anti-LGBT bias in American schools. From 2009 to 2011, he was Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education in the first administration of President Barack Obama. Prior to joining Arcus, Jennings was CEO of Be the Change, a nonprofit that creates national issue-based campaigns on pressing problems in American society.  He has authored six books, including Mama's Boy, Preacher's Son: A Memoir, which was named a Book of Honor by the American Library Association.  He graduated magna cum laude in history from Harvard University in 1985 and earned a  degree in education from Columbia Teacher's College.  He also earned a master's degree in business administration from New York University's Stern School of Business.

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