Hip Hop grew up, and so has the generation that grew up native to it. But, why is this significant, and how can it benefit today’s youth? Educator and author Bavu Blakes weaves personal narrative, research, and experience into how Hip Hop grew up, who grew up with it, what Hip Hop is (and isn’t), and the Hip Hop generation’s offering to today’s generation.Originally drawn to Austin, Texas, for journalism, Bavu found fame as a regional rap artist, making history as the first emcee in the city to have a song officially added to daytime commercial radio. His musical prowess, with collaborations with Grammy-winning producers like Adrian Quesada and Gary Clark Jr., earned him recognition, including "Bavu Blakes Day" declared by Austin Mayor Steve Adler in 2015. Blakes serves his wife, Dr. Tifani Jones Blakes, and their two children. He and his 12-year-old son co-authored El's Mirror, a picture book and reflective tool for families, parents, mentors, leaders, and educators of children.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Mentorship enhances our growth and development - from our earliest days in school to our professional careers. Sharing the transformative power of mentoring relationships that both enhance career and personal growth, Dr. Richard Reddick will discuss why mentoring can be impactful even across differences in identity, the powerful ability for mentors to build bridges of understanding, and how mentees can derive the most benefit from mentoring relationships. Through vignettes and reflections, Rich will share how his life trajectory was impacted by mentoring, and how you can also leverage these key experiences to create a community that welcomes and supports all.Dr. Richard J. Reddick is the inaugural Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Undergraduate College at The University of Texas at Austin. He previously served as Associate Dean for Equity, Community Engagement, and Outreach in the College of Education and was a professor in Higher Education Leadership. His roles included Assistant Director of the Plan II Honors Program and courtesy faculty in African and African Diaspora Studies. He was also a fellow at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis and a Visiting Associate Professor at Harvard. Dr. Reddick is the Faculty Co-Chair for Harvard's Institute for Educational Management and teaches in its Institute for Management Leadership in Education. He received the 2021-2022 President’s Award for Global Learning (PAGL) and holds a B.A. from UT Austin and master’s and doctoral degrees from Harvard.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Jeremy Cowart explores how the ideas, people, and experiences we allow into our lives shape who we are and the image we project to the world. Drawing from his work as a photographer, Jeremy reveals how being intentional with the "light" we let in can transform our hearts, relationships, and sense of purpose. This talk inspires us to curate the influences around us while understanding the powerful impact we have as a light in the lives of others. Named “The most influential photographer on the internet” by Huffington Post, Jeremy Cowart is an artist, photographer, and idea machine constantly pushing the limits of creativity. From shooting celebrities like Taylor Swift and the Kardashians to creating digital art that sells out instantly, his work has appeared in Rolling Stone, TIME, and Netflix.But Jeremy’s impact goes far beyond art. His viral “I’m Possible” life story was seen by millions and took him across the country, where he inspired tens of thousands at live events. This powerful message became the basis for his 2019 autobiography, "I’m Possible".Jeremy’s also a humanitarian. He created the Voices projects, telling powerful stories from places like Rwanda, Haiti, and Gatlinburg, and his global movement Help-Portrait has provided over a million people with free portraits.Through all his projects—whether pioneering, inventing, or speaking—Jeremy’s mission is simple: to explore the intersection of creativity and empathy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

As of today, Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from attending secondary school and higher education, prevented from working outside their homes and in some regions unable to leave their homes without a male guardian. Women are disappearing from public life as the spaces where they once gathered – schools, parks, gyms, beauty salons, offices – are closed to them. Facing such erasure, photojournalist Kiana Hayeri, spent months capturing small acts of joy and defiance by women in Afghanistan in a collection of beautiful and poignant photos. Kiana explains that documenting these hidden moments isn’t just about recording loss – it’s about creating a foundation for hope and resilience to build upon. Kiana is an Iranian-Canadian photographer and visual storyteller whose work focuses on migration, adolescence, identity and women's experiences in conflict zones. She lived in Kabul for eight years and stayed after the Taliban's return to power, documenting the rapidly changing social landscape for women. Kiana has received numerous prestigious awards and is laureate of the 14th Carmignac Photojournalism Award. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this video, we explore how games—both video games and board games—offer a unique and effective way to learn. While this isn't an argument against the current education system, it highlights how games integrate essential skills and learning methods that the traditional system continues to evolve towards. The video delves into the pros and cons of the educational system, its evolution, and how games like Dungeons and Dragons, Werewolf, and Catan teach valuable lessons through experimentation, failure, and reflection. Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy, Tbilisi, Georgia Games: A Better Way to Learn This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What would you do if you were told you were missing 90% of your cerebellum? Born with a rare brain malformation and later diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Samuel Kitchen spent years searching for control in the face of uncertainty. In this compelling talk, he explores how knowledge became his greatest source of resilience, turning fear into empowerment. His journey challenges us to rethink adversity—not as something to overcome, but as something to understand. Samuel Kitchen is a storyteller, leader, and competitor whose resilience defines him. As President of the Drama Club at Spartanburg Day School, he has acted in 20+ theatrical productions and contributed behind the scenes as a crew member for many more. His passion for performance is matched by his curiosity for the natural world—an interest that propelled him to success as a state champion Envirothon competitor, representing South Carolina internationally in Geneva, NY. Born with a rare brain malformation and later diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Samuel has spent his life confronting uncertainty with intellect and determination. Whether on stage or in competition, he has learned that knowledge provides stability in an unpredictable world, allowing him to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx