Blog

TedxJacksonville Returns to #DTJax

Screen Shot 2017-10-12 at 10.00.35 AM
 

TEDxJacksonville: “We the People”

Saturday, October 14, 2017
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Florida Theatre
128 E. Forsyth

 
 
 
 
 
 

 “Because you belong, and we have work to do”

The highly anticipated TEDxJacksonville returns to #DTJax this Saturday at the Florida Theatre. This year’s conference brings along a new theme: “We, The People.” with the rallying cry, “We, The People, control our destiny — and we have work to do.”


The TEDxJacksonville website dives deeper into this year’s theme, saying, ” We, The People, are the thinkers, makers, doers and dreamers. We are the pacifists and the renegades, the mob and the masses. We are the inheritors of the past and the hope for the future. Ours is the sweat that builds great cities, the blood that secures freedom, and the strength of spirit that seeks life, liberty and justice for all. We refuse to be defined—we define ourselves. Whether born here, brought here, or drawn here by America’s bright promise, we come to the table of democracy as equals. We possess the same unalienable rights. We are a multitude of voices bearing witness to experiences that are different and unique, finding power in our diversity and common purpose in the struggle to build a more perfect union. We, The People, control our destiny.”

 

For the fourth consecutive year, the conference will be hosted by Hope McMath. This year, TEDxJacksonville brings 13 diverse speakers and 3 musical performances. Speakers include:

  • Cynthia Barnett, environmental journalist and author, speaking about rain and the climate
  • Brenda Bradley, certified health coach, speaking about the prevention of weight gain and illness
  • Amy Donofrio, Jacksonville educator, speaking about the misnomer “at-risk-youth”
  • Shari Duval, local founder of K9s for Warriors, speaking about her program to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury
  • Manal Fakhoury, pharmacist and mentor for prisoners, speaking about new ways of addressing opioid addictions
  • Melanie Flores, MIT graduate and educator, speaking about her adapted, child-friendly version of an MIT class
  • Ellen Freidin, attorney and redistricting reform expert, speaking about gerrymandering
  • Jeff Galloway, U.S. Olympian, speaking about new ways for runners to reduce pain and injury
  • Chris Hand, attorney, former speechwriter for Sen. Bob Graham and chief of staff for former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, speaking about how to beat City Hall
  • Chad Houser, restaurant founder and culinary trainer, speaking about his internship program for juvenile delinquents
  • Marc Hudson, land protection director at North Florida Land Trust, speaking about eco-utilities that can preserve the environment while creating jobs
  • Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, chair of Mayo Clinic Florida’s Department of Neurological Surgery, speaking of his journey from migrant worker to neurosurgeon
  • Jaimison Sloboden, Jacksonville traffic engineer with almost a quarter century of experience, speaking noways to reduce pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in Jacksonville

 
Musicians include:

 

New this year, TEDxJacksonville has partnered with #DTJax restaurants to provide lunch. Lunch is included with the event ticket and is available at these Downtown restaurants:

 

Tickets 

To no surprise, general admission tickets have sold out. You can, however, get on the waiting list for afternoon session tickets here. If you weren’t able to get your hands on a ticket this year, follow their Facebook page and website for updates on 2018. 
 
 
Lend a hand

If you’re interested in volunteering with awesome people to help put on an inspiring event, you can submit your info here