This talk traces the extraordinary legacy of Collier Heights—one of the first communities in the U.S. built by and for Black homeowners during the height of segregation. Through the story of visionaries like Mr. Russell and the collective determination of Black Atlantans, the speaker illuminates how ownership—of land, of narrative, of future—became a tool of resistance and empowerment. At its heart, The Power of Ownership is a tribute to the people who dared to dream, build, and protect a neighborhood where Black excellence could thrive. Committed to living by his personal motto, “Build As We Climb”, change agent, thought leader, entrepreneur and emerging philanthropist, James M. Bailey has dedicated his life to serving others. James serves as President and CEO of the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE). Honoring the great legacy and visionary business leadership of Herman J. Russell, Sr., he will lead the development of the largest center in America, driven by impact, dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and small business owners; over 50,000 square feet designed to inspire ideas, create jobs, grow companies, and increase wealth in the community.An Atlanta native and die-hard Georgia Bulldog, James has a proven track record of success, recognized by 3 U.S. Presidents for his leadership and community efforts. In 2012, James was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” 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 does it mean to be Black? In this powerful TED Talk, the speaker unpacks the richness, complexity, and expansiveness of Black identity. Black is a Spectrum challenges monolithic narratives and embraces the diverse experiences, cultures, histories, and expressions that exist within the global Black community. Through personal stories, cultural insights, and social critique, the talk explores how Blackness is shaped by geography, language, class, gender, and legacy—offering a vision of identity that is fluid, multidimensional, and deeply human. This is an invitation to reimagine Blackness not as a box, but as a boundless spectrum. Osei Kweku, a first-generation immigrant in North America. As a multi-faceted international businessman that grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and Middle America. As a graduate of Hampton University, Osei began to make his mark in the Broadcast Media industry in Washington, DC. As an on-air personality with a distinctive voice, his talents were sought after in markets on the eastern corridor of the United States including such cities as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Hampton/Norfolk, Virginia, and Atlanta. While promoting brands on the air, this forged the symbiotic relationship between marketing, branding, and international business. Now a public figure in media with over twenty years in covering and analyzing politics and entertainment news, to include years of working in public radio. His greatest strength is his knowledge of marketing international creative culture. Proceeds of DSI goes towards the redevelopment and redesign of Osei’s family hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. 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