calling in white folks to talk about race | Brianna Johnson | TEDxVail Youth
In her compelling TEDxVailYouth Talk, Colorado native and Bay Area climate advocate Brianna Johnson reveals why "calling in" rather than "calling out" white people creates the transformative conversations about race essential for dismantling systemic oppression. Drawing from personal experience as a Battle Mountain High School alumna working at the intersection of climate justice and racial equity, Johnson offers powerful strategies for engaging white communities in meaningful dialogue that leads to genuine action and lasting change. Through a framework built on love and active listening, she demonstrates how these difficult but necessary conversations can create more equitable communities while addressing our most pressing social challenges. Brianna Johnson was born and raised in Colorado and currently calls the Bay Area home. Her work centers on building equitable communities through climate solutions. Her passion is calling in white folks to engage in conversations about race so that they actively participate in deconstructing systems of oppression. Her free time is spent managing a yoga nonprofit and adventuring with her spouse and pup. Brianna is an alumna of BMHS (class of 2010). 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
More from TED
- 9:14True Leadership: Changing the World | Valeria Castillo Hernández | TEDxColegioAmericanoXalapaYouthValeria Castillo Hernández redefines leadership, asserting it's not about titles or being first, but about being felt and having the courage to stand for something. She challenges the idea of waiting for permission to lead, urging her generation to stop chasing "normal" and instead embrace their unique spark. Valeria's powerful message inspires us to act with purpose and heart, believing that true impact comes from being the change we wish to see in the world, leaving a legacy worth remembering. Valeria is passionate about sharing ideas that inspire reflection, connection, and positive change. With unique experiences and a personal perspective, she joins TEDxYouth to spark conversations and encourage others to see the world in new ways. 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
- 11:03Tu Voz en la Política | Erandi Sophia Castro Colorado | TEDxColegioAmericanoXalapaYouthErandi Sophia Castro Colorado desafía valientemente el tabú de discutir sobre política, argumentando que su papel fundamental en la configuración de nuestra vida diaria exige el compromiso de la juventud. Traza la evolución de la "política" desde las antiguas ciudades-estado hasta las democracias modernas, revelando cómo siglos de lucha culminaron en nuestro derecho a participar. Destacando la extendida desvinculación juvenil —alimentada por sesgos sociales y desinformación—, insta a su generación a abandonar los paradigmas limitantes, abrazar la participación activa y pasar de ser meros espectadores a los protagonistas del futuro de su nación. Erandi Sophia is passionate about sharing ideas that inspire reflection, connection, and positive change. With unique experiences and a personal perspective, she joins TEDxYouth to spark conversations and encourage others to see the world in new ways. 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
- 14:01The cruelty of endometriosis | Samantha Coffin | TEDxBrevardListen closely to Samm Coffin's compelling talk on women's health and the importance of community and activism for every woman to be heard. Her personal experience with endometriosis is shared with humor and vulnerability. Samm uses her experience to educate everyone. Samm is the owner of Matcha Nude, a sustainable matcha company dedicated to providing premium-grade organic matcha in eco-friendly packaging. As a health and wellness coach, Samm is passionate about empowering individuals to reclaim their health and vitality, drawing from her own journey of overcoming chronic illnesses, including Lyme Disease, Celiac Disease, and Endometriosis. Driven by a desire to build a life aligned with her values, Samm leverages her experiences as an entrepreneur and advocate for holistic wellness to inspire positive change within her community and beyond. Through her work, she encourages individuals to embrace their vulnerabilities, foster supportive networks, and create lives that prioritize self-care and authenticity. With a commitment to sustainability and community building, Samm strives to make a meaningful impact by promoting wellness, resilience, and connection in all aspects of life. 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
- 13:49Perder una casa, encontrar un refugio | Arturo Diez Gutiérrez | TEDxColegioAmericanoXalapaYouthArturo Diez Gutiérrez narra un viaje profundamente personal de autodescubrimiento, donde un amor infantil por la escritura, inicialmente impulsado por flechazos inocentes, evolucionó hasta convertirse en un refugio para toda la vida. Comparte cómo la pérdida de su hogar de la infancia y la lucha contra la depresión lo alejaron de la escritura, para luego llevarlo a una profunda reconexión con la literatura, no solo como creador, sino como lector. Su historia enfatiza que la literatura, ya sea a través de la escritura o la lectura, ofrece un santuario portátil, una herramienta para ampliar la experiencia y un acto valiente de autoaceptación, demostrando que encontrar tu verdadera vocación significa atreverse a mostrar tus heridas y elegir continuamente vivir la vida al máximo. Arturo Diez Gutiérrez is a storyteller and poet. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences from UNAM and a Master's in Hispanic American Literature from the University of Guanajuato. His published works include the poetry collection La Sombra de la Mariposa and the short story collection Lucine en Espirales. He currently balances teaching with his writing career. 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
- 7:46Importancia de los Espacios Públicos | Ariadna Hernández Contreras | TEDxColegioAmericanoXalapaYouthAriadna Hernández explora el profundo impacto de los espacios públicos y áreas verdes en la vida de los jóvenes. Argumenta que estos lugares fomentan encuentros, mejoran la seguridad y son clave para la expresión cultural y la identidad. Su charla resalta cómo entornos urbanos bien diseñados benefician el bienestar juvenil, urgiéndonos a crear espacios que nutran a la comunidad. Ariadna is passionate about sharing ideas that inspire reflection, connection, and positive change. With unique experiences and a personal perspective, she joins TEDxYouth to spark conversations and encourage others to see the world in new ways. 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
- 6:11Diseñar para la Infancia | Alhondra Aguirre Cancela | TEDxColegioAmericanoXalapaYouthAlhondra Aguirre, an architect and former student, advocates for designing urban spaces with children in mind. Her project, centered on the Adolfo López Mateos Elementary School in Xalapa, Veracruz, exposes the critical lack of safe and stimulating environments for children, from hazardous commutes to absent green spaces. She argues that by prioritizing the needs of the youngest citizens in urban planning, we not only build better infrastructure but also sow the seeds of justice, community, and a more equitable future. Alhondra is passionate about sharing ideas that inspire reflection, connection, and positive change. With unique experiences and a personal perspective, she joins TEDxYouth to spark conversations and encourage others to see the world in new ways. 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