Sponsors Thank You to Our
Big thanks to our sponsors for standing with TEDxHarlem. Your support powers more than an event; it fuels a movement rooted in culture, creativity, and community. Together, we’re not just making it happen- we’re making it Harlem.
HARLEM ON MY MIND
In 1969, the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuted the groundbreaking exhibition Harlem on My Mind, a photographic journey into the heart, soul, andcomplexitiesofHarlem.Thoughtheexhibition sparked controversy, it affirmed what generations already knew: Harlem is not just a neighborhood; it'saculturalforce.Amovement.Astateofmind.
From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement, from Marcus Garvey's rallying cries to the stages of the Apollo, Harlem has always been where voices rise, ideas ignite, and history gets written It's where Langston Hughes dreamed, James Baldwin dissected, and everyday people became legends. Harlemhas given birth to music, movements, and a rhythm that reverberates aroundtheglobe.
In that spirit, we are proud to host the 6th annual TEDxHarlem, a platform that continues this legacy by amplifying bold ideas, radical creativity, and powerful storytelling Held at the Apollo Stages at theVictoria,thisyear'stheme-FREEDOM-couldn't be more fitting. Harlem has always been synonymous with struggle and triumph, resistance and rebirth. It is a place where conversationsdon'tjusthappen;theymatter.
TEDxHarlem exists because Harlem deserves a seat at every table where ideas shape the future. As part of the global TEDx community, we honor Harlem's past by investing in its present and envisioning its future Here, in this historic and ever-evolving community, we come together not just to speak, but to listen, learn, and liberate what'spossible.
Welcome to
KENNETH L. JOHNSON
I'mKennethL.Johnson,andI'vebeen aproudlicenseesince2018 TEDxHarlemismorethananevent; it'saglobalstagerootedinthespiritof Harlem Today,wegatheratthe ApolloStagesattheVictoriatoexplore FREEDOM,ideasthatchallengelimits, sparkchange,andhonorHarlem's legacyofbrilliance.Let'sbuildthe future,together.
TEDxisagrassrootsinitiativeinspired byTED’smissiontoshare“ideasworth spreading.”OrganizedunderaTED license,TEDxeventsbringTED’sspiritto localcommunitiesthroughlive speakersandrecordedtalks Organizers followTEDguidelinesoncuration, coaching,andeventplanning.Over 3,000TEDxeventsareheldannually worldwide
DR.CHELSEA JACKSON ROBERTS NY WHITAKER
Dr.ChelseaJacksonRobertsisan internationallycelebratedyogateacher andscholarknownforhersoulful, accessibleapproachtothepractice Witha Ph.D.inEducationalStudies,shebridges yoga,literacy,andcommunity engagement.Chelseaisthefounderof RedClayYogaandcreatoroftheYoga, Literature,andArtCampatSpelman College,invitingallbodiesand backgroundstofeelseen,strong,and connected.
NyWhitakerisapassionateleader andcommunitybuilderwhose extensiveexperiencespans education,eventmarketing,civic engagement,andpoliticalorganizing. AsFounder&ChiefStrategistof PROJECTNYNEPRODUCTIONS,Ny drivesinitiativesthatempowerNYC’s diversecommunitiesandcreate meaningful,sustainablechange.
Welcome to
THE LINEUP
Set The Stage
“Center” Stage
Introducing...
The Culture Shifters
TAKE FIVE
The Culture Shifters
Kenneth L. Johnson
Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts
Ny Whitaker
Jessi Mitchell
Cissé Elhadji
Billy Council INTERMISSION
Princess Jenkins
Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr.
Yusef Salaam
Kenneth L. Johnson
Final Bow
Meet Today’s Voices. Harlem Speaks
From the pulpit to the retail floor, the newsroom to the kitchen, City Hall to community halls, our TEDxHarlem speakers reflect the heartbeat of Harlem. Each brings a unique voice, rooted in purpose and passion, embodying the creativity, resilience, and spirit that make Harlem a global symbol of culture and possibility.
Billy Council
Founder CouncilHim Foundation/Sonday Dinner
BillyisthefounderoftheCouncilHim Foundation,anonprofitdedicatedto inspiring,empowering,andequipping youngmenofcolortopursue educationandcareergoals The foundationhasimpactedyouth, adults,andfamiliesthroughreso support,andcommunityinitiativ
Jessi Mitchell
Anchor of CBS News Roundup
Cissé Elhadji
ExecutiveChefOwnerPontyBistro, Renaissance,PBBrasserie&HarlemCafe ChefCisséisacelebratedculinaryartist blendingWestAfricanrootswith Frenchtechnique Hebalances traditionandinnovationtocreate unforgettablegastronomyexperiences Hisfouracclaimedestablishments
Princess Jenkins
President/CEO The Brownstone and Notable New York PrincessJenkinsisthevisionary behindTheBrownstone,aHarlembasedfashionboutique,andfounder ofWomenintheBlack Achampion
Yusef Salaam
New York City Council Member District 9
JessiMitchellisaCBSNewsanchor andaward-winningjournalistknown fortellingimpactfulstoriesthatcenter community,equity,andresilience Withapassionfortruthand representation,sheusesherplatform toelevateunderrepresentedvoices andlivedexperiences
NewYorkCityCouncilMemberYusef Salaamisapassionateadvocatefor justice,equity,andcommunity empowerment Amemberofthe ExoneratedFive,henowworksto createpolicythatupliftsunderserved communitiesandinspireslasting systemicchange
Michael A. Walrond, Jr
Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church
PastorMichaelA Walrond,Jr leads Harlem’shistoricFirstCorinthian BaptistChurch Apowerfuloratorand spiritualleader,he’sknownforhis transformativemessageofradical love,justice,andcommunity empowermentthatresonateswell beyondthewallsofthechurche
Harlem is a Village
Meet Our Village
It takes a village to bring TEDxHarlem to life. Behind every idea shared on stage is a dedicated team of organizers, creatives, and volunteers who embody the spirit of Harlemcollaborative, bold, and visionary. Meet the passionate minds working behind the scenes to make this experience unforgettable.
OPERATIONS
Brand Building Blocks
Audio/Video Idea Manufacturer
VOLUNTEERS
Craig Ford
Danetra Dillard
Andrew LoScalzo
Ashley Scott
Nicole Smith
Sharday Urtarte
Bruce Savage
Darryl DeBrest
Michael Dennis Tramaine Dunlap
