Cf) 0 ~ w 0 <( 0 <( 'VISION FOR THE VULNERABLE' HARDING TO HOST WORDS Caitlin Denton I I PHOTOS Emi!J Griffin On Nov. 14, 2017, Harding hosted itsfirsteverTEDxevent. The event promoted an open-minded speaking arrangement where beliefs and idea could be pre ented in order to help the success of the community as a whole. TED was a nonprofit organizati n that began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged and has ince erved to spread ideas all over the world. The idea for Harding to host a TEDx Talk event began in spring 201 when Dr. 1ikeJame dean of the honors college, taught a clas and wanted his students to present their project in a similar format to how TED Talks were pre ented. ''The end goal is learning and presenting new idea that are worth listening to and being a part of the TED community," James said. Thi idea led James to wonder whether Harding could host a TEDx Talk. After re earching, he realized it was possible, as a TEDx event, the "x" denoting the fact that it was an independently organized event. nee the licensing proce s was finished, TEDx Harding was born, along with the theme ''Vision for the Vulnerable." The list of speakers consisted of students, faculty, alumni and gue ts who were impactful to the Harding community. speaker at the e ent, alumnu B. h.ris imp on, poke about making people feel more united in a time where nobody seemed to be. His topic title was FIRST TED TALK EVENT "From Ferguson to Memphis: Reversing eparatism to Improve ocialJustice." "If we can, in some \\/'a)~ be less separate in our society, while still acknowledging and celebrating our differences, we'd be so much better off," imp on said. Senior Raneisha tassin was also a speaker at the event. he spoke about her inspiring personal story and the people who helped her. Her speech title wa " Little Help." ' 1y tory [focused) on how I wa able to oYercome adversity with the help of others and hm it's important to remember that we are all a part of someone else's success tor , whether we know it or not," ras in said. Stassin felt encouraged that the event would help people connect more to each other. "As the only student speaking at this event, I hope I can provide unique perspectives that inspire people," tas in said. ''I hope that this event is a catalyst for more conversations [that] broadens [worldviews] and perspectives." According to impson, Harding's partnership with TED was a great opportunity for Harding to connect to the outside community as well. "[The event] will encourage people on a pers nal level," impson said. "[ s] a university it i important for our ministry [co] expand into things like TEDx. The greater we can cast our net into the world the more impact Christian education and values can be spread." Investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell presents his speech "Living Fearlessly" during the Tedx event on Nov. 14, 2017. Mitchell shared his story of years working to indict men who committed hate crimes in the early 1900's but were never convited. // Photo by Emily Griffin Minister Chris Simpson shares a powerful message about fear and division in his speech "Reversing Separatism to Improve Social Injustice," on Nov. 14, 2017. Simpson shared his passion for ending division through understanding and has served a multicultural congregation in Memphis, Tennessee.// Photo by Emily Griffin Senior public relations major, Raneisha S assin talks about the people who impacted her life during her speech "A Little Help," on Nov 14, 2017. Stassin was the only student to speak at the event and graduated in December with her Bachelor of Art in public relations. // Photo by Emily Griffin Phyllis Bell, child welfare senior advisor, shares a bit of her powerful life story during her speech "Life is he Sum of Our Choices," on Nov. 14, 2017. Bell began working to help at-nsk youth after growing up in an abusive home herself and has worked with much of Cental Arkansas's youth.// Photo by Emily Griffin
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