Available to book

Author, journalist & policy expert

Adam Harris

Politics

Social Justice

Social Mobility

Adam Harris helps organizations dismantle inequality and navigate complex political dynamics. Award-winning author, journalist, and education policy expert who examines how history shapes American institutions. Featured on NPR, CNN, and PBS with work published in The Atlantic and The New York Times.

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Trusted by New America, The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC

Adam Harris

Seattle, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

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Seattle, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

Send an email

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Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Adam Harris's biography

Political Analyst

Historian

Author

Educator

Academic

At a glance

Author examining history and power in American life
Education policy expert and senior fellow at New America
Staff writer at The Atlantic covering politics and inequality

Adam Harris is an author and journalist who examines how history, power, and place shape American life. His work spans books, essays and reporting on education, politics, and the American South. Adam is the author of The State Must Provide: Why America's Colleges Have Always Been Unequal and How to Set Them Right, named one of NPR's Best Books of the Year. His second book, Is This America?, a narrative history of the South's influence on national politics, will be published by Pantheon. He is a senior fellow at New America's Education Policy program and was a staff writer at The Atlantic from 2018 to 2024, recently returning as The Atlantic's video podcast host. His reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, and on the BBC, and he makes regular appearances on PBS, CNN, NPR's Fresh Air, and other major media outlets. Adam helps organizations understand the structural forces that create inequality, particularly in education and politics. Drawing from his research on higher education's history of racial injustice, he shows institutions how to build more equitable structures. His analysis of Southern politics reveals how regional dynamics shape national debates on subjects such as education, voting rights, and reproductive rights, giving audiences tools to navigate these complex issues. Audiences gain a clear understanding of how historical inequities affect current systems, practical approaches for creating fairer institutional structures, and insights into the political forces shaping policy debates. Adam connects past and present to help people see where change is possible. Book Adam Harris to understand the historical roots of today's most pressing challenges and learn actionable strategies for building more equitable institutions.

Adam's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

How To Set America's Higher Education System Right

Adam Harris examines why US higher education, long viewed as a ladder of opportunity, has repeatedly failed Black students and other marginalised communities. Drawing on deep historical research and investigative reporting, Adam connects the origins of colleges and universities to today’s debates over access, funding, and citizenship. With a clear and narrative-driven style, he reveals how inequality became embedded in academic institutions and how confronting that past creates more equitable and resilient futures.

How The Politics Of The South Shape The Nation

Adam Harris explores how the American South has shaped national politics for more than two centuries, from education and voting rights to reproductive freedom and cultural power. Using vivid historical storytelling and contemporary reporting, Adam shows how a region with declining population still exerts enormous influence over the country’s political direction. His perspective links past contradictions to present-day conflicts, illuminating how regional politics continue to define democracy, policy, and the possibilities for meaningful national change.

Why we recommend booking Adam

Book Adam Harris to gain clear insights into how history shapes today’s education and politics, and discover practical steps for creating fairer systems. Invite him to your event to empower your audience with the knowledge and tools for real change.

Check Adam's availability

Trusted by New America, The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC

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15,000+ experts

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What topics does Adam Harris specialise in?

Adam Harris specialises in discussing educational equity, education policy, US national politics and more.

What is Adam Harris's speaking style like?

Adam delivers clear, insightful presentations that connect history to current issues. He equips audiences with practical strategies for equity, making complex topics accessible and actionable for organisations and individuals alike.

How can I book Adam Harris for my next event?

Email adam.harris@getapeptalk.com or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Adam Harris for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Adam Harris's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Adam Harris directly.

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