When I founded American Public Square ten years ago, it was with the belief that, together, we can disagree while simultaneously understanding varying points of view when facing divisive issues. I believe that the advantages of being exposed to diverse perspectives gives us the opportunity to value critical thinking in others.

As I look back on 2023, I recognize that APS took on issues that were particularly divisive in our nation’s narrative. One of those was the topic of reproductive rights. APS’ Civics Education Initiative High School Ambassadors decided to address the subject because of their belief that the recent Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court, which overturned Roe vs. Wade, “will have lasting ramifications on our generation.” Nearly 250 people attended the panel discussion which presented significantly different perspectives and panelists who still honored the APS tradition of engaging in a civil and fact-based manner.

We also presented a panel on the topic of reparations for the Black community where we discussed questions like: What, if anything, does our society owe the descendants of enslaved people? Who should decide what ought to be done to repair the harms of slavery, and who should pay? And amid increased polarization, will slavery reparations only aggravate racial tensions in Kansas City? The APS event, co-hosted with Kansas City PBS, was also rebroadcast and encouraged Kansas Citians to continue the discussion and find solutions.

And, despite taking on these and dozens of other challenging topics throughout the years, APS had never been faced with cancelling an event due to the subject at hand—until this year. The program, “Exploring Gender & Identities,” to have been jointly hosted by APS, Kansas City PBS and the Johnson County Library, did not take place as scheduled. Shortly before the program, two panelists invited to represent the transgender community decided to no longer participate and we were unable to present a conversation that upheld the APS mission on this most contentious issue. We were profoundly disappointed in those who chose not to participate, and we believe the community was deprived of an important conversation. Despite this, APS will continue to address controversial topics in the same manner we have since we started.

I look to 2024 with enhanced confidence in this organization, its Staff, its Members and its Donors. As I announced at the end of the year, I am turning over all executive management responsibilities of APS to my very capable successor, Claire Bishop. It’s been an honor to lead this organization for its first nine years, which I could not have done without all of your support. I am extraordinarily confident in Claire’s ability to take the organization forward and I look forward to continuing to be part of the organization in the strategic capacity of Board Chair.

My top priority is that APS continues to grow and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities. Not only will we celebrate APS’ tenth year of programming in 2024, we will also watch another high-profile national election unfold—undoubtedly providing many reminders of why our organization exists.

I am eager to continue the work of APS and I hope you will continue to join me. The mission remains vital, and it cannot be accomplished without you.

Amb. Allan J. Katz (ret.)

Founder, Chairman and CEO