826 National featured on WJXT Jacksonville

February 16, 2021

826 National CEO Laura Brief spoke with reporter Lena Pringle about Amanda Gorman’s  role in the Super Bowl and the importance of ensuring spaces for young people to write and thrive exist around the country. 

‘“She’s made the world a brighter place for all of us. And she has made this work just shine in an even more powerful way. And she’s brought tremendous inspiration to so many children around this country,” said Laura Brief, CEO of 826 National.

Amanda Gorman, a household name after her inauguration performance, continues to shine her light with messages of positivity, hope, and unity.

On Super Bowl Sunday, she performed her new poem honoring three Americans for their work during the pandemic.

“She also sent a really important message about the importance of writing, the importance of youth voice, and the importance of arts education. And so, when I think about Amanda stepping onto the field at the super bowl and doing the same, I just think about how much that message will be even more amplified,” said Brief.

Read the full article here.

More Stories Like This »

Top Ten Moments from 2018

December 16, 2018

What better way to ring in the New Year than to celebrate our creative, funny, brilliant young writers. Join us as we highlight 10 moments of joy and exploration from 2018 across the 826 Network. [ezcol_1third] Watch the performance that … Continue reading

The 826 Network at the 2019 Kennedy Center Arts Summit

May 16, 2019

On Monday, April 29th, “The Human Journey: Creating the Story of Us” 2019 Kennedy Center Arts Summit explored how stories—especially those stories that lay beyond the dominant narrative—can reframe world views, foster empathy, and build a more equitable society. Poets, playwrights, writers, … Continue reading

Image of blue jeans with a piece of paper sticking out of paper that says "Poem in Your Pocket Day April 27 #Pocket Poem"

Carry a #PocketPoem Zine With You (Carry it in your heart)

April 18, 2023

Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 27 with 826 National’s one-page #PocketPoem zine!  In partnership with the Academy of American Poets, this one-page #PocketPoem zine features the student poem “Run Away Snakes” by Ella L., Age 11,  from our … Continue reading