WELCOME

Okorie “OkCELLO” Johnson performing an opening act to launch SEEK 2020. His music is inspired by the exploration of African Diasporic melodies and narratives and their intersection with people’s perceptions and assumptions about the classical and European nature of the cello. An American cellist-songwriter, looper, improviser, and storyteller whose work is invested in themes and expressions of the African Diaspora, personal truths, deep love and celebration of women, and a commitment to wordless prayer. 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

OKorie Johnson presenting the photographic art of Sheila Pree Bright's work capturing the moments of BLM protests in Atlanta. Poem by Sheila Pree Bright : I cried today I thought of the elders who fought during the Civil Rights Era Imagine their trauma I thought of my parents, young people who endure the Jim Crow era Imagine their trauma I thought of the young visionaries who are fighting the same injustices today Imagine their trauma I thought of my ancestors, who were forced to come to a country to be sold as property Imagine their trauma I cry today because we lost a spirit who continue to fight the good fight Imagine his trauma He now knows what liberation looks like I cried today Sheila Pree Bright is an Atlanta-based, award-winning American photographer best known for her works Plastic Bodies, Suburbia, Young Americans, and her most recent series #1960Now. Sheila is the author of #1960Now: Photographs of Civil Rights Activist and Black Lives Matter Protest published by Chronicle Books. An American cellist-songwriter, looper, improviser, and storyteller whose work is invested in themes and expressions of the African Diaspora, personal truths, deep love and celebration of women, and a commitment to wordless prayer. 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

The main line, "I SHOULD LOVE THE SKIN I'M IN" ... becomes gut-wrenching on stage and at home for me. We are constantly bombarded with what we should change about ourselves, or improve, yet we forget how to truly talk to the person on the other side of the mirror. Skin, to me, has been a huge help in learning how to love myself more. Each time I perform it, I become a little bit stronger, and a tad bit taller too. I really should love the skin I'm in; this body I've been given, different from the next, unique in its own right, blood and bones, I am me. I am worth it. PRISCA - songwriter/vocalist/performer - PRISCA is a cinematic-pop artist who is showing all of her colors in her songs as well as her ever-changing hair. Her versatility and strength as a vocalist, songwriter and piano player, will leave you wondering if she is an alien. This soulful pop songstress and recording artist has been called upon to write for both independent and label artists in the likes of Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera, Jessie McCartney, The Voice, American Idol and many others. She is currently co-producing her debut album with Grammy-Award Winning producer Billy Hume. 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

Kalaivani Dance Academy is a nationally renowned dance academy that was founded by Smt. Padmaja Kelam in 2004 with the vision of engaging students in the fine art, technique, and love of one of the most ancient and graceful art forms of India that is Bharatanatyam. This performance showcases the strength of women seeking courage and unity! Music : Sid Kelam Performers : Anusha Gopali, Gaurika Bhatt, Sona Desai & Swathi Ramaswamy from Kalavani Dance Academy. Kalaivani Dance Academy is a nationally renowned dance academy that was founded by Smt. Padmaja Kelam in 2004 with the vision of engaging students in the fine art, technique, and love of one of the most ancient and graceful art forms of India that is Bharatanatyam. This performance showcases the strength of women and the journey of seeking courage & clarity. 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

How to dissolve the limiting 'boxes' we trap ourselves and others in? Lessons from a Professional Coach and first-generation American, born of Cuban exiles, on handling diversity, confusing labels, snap judgments, and the limiting beliefs that keep us from reaching our dreams in the face of adversity. Mitch Savoie Hill is a first-generation American, born of Cuban exiled parents. As a woman who overcame a multitude of adversities such as childhood poverty, abuse, workplace discrimination, and even homelessness she has made it her life’s work now to help others turn their roadblocks into runways to success. 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

Even seasoned warriors for social justice can struggle to come to terms with sexual abuse in their own lives. Naomi Seligman knows because she's one of them. Three years after Harvey Weinstein's exposure spawned the #MeToo movement, it's time to adapt and expand our thinking about abusers and survivors and learn #HowToMeToo. That means not only taking action but also developing a larger network of support and expertise so other survivors, famous or not, can win back their voices and take back their agency. Naomi is a powerhouse communications executive who has helped bring down corrupt politicians, undermined the NRA and its allies, fought for gender equity, and crafted crisis and litigation strategies for corporate leaders, elected officials, and high-profile advocacy organizations. Her passion is to help those in need to find their voice and advocate for change. As a sexual assault survivor, she has come to realize that those people include herself. 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

Have you ever dated yourself? Umama Kibria shares how this weekly investment into our wellness ecosystem fuels our mental, physical and social wellbeing. She vulnerably shares her story of transforming her life as a first-generation Bengali American entrepreneur using fitness to fight adversity. Implement her tactical strategies for dating yourself, creating movement, and finding a community to generate psychological momentum in your life. Umama Kibria is passionate about connecting people through fitness. After working out at 400+ gyms and connecting with 100k+ on social media, she founded SweatPack. As a proud Forbes 30 Under 30 leader, she’s building brand loyalty, traction, and impact. 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

You think you know U.S .history, but do you? Are you sure you know the whole story or the story as it existed before it was rewritten? Listen and seek the stories of Black women who have had their stories erased from the narrative of U.S. history. Dethra U. Giles is an international consultant, best-selling author, and highly respected keynote speaker. She is the founder of ExecuPrep, a global brand that provides leadership coaching and the host of the podcast, Happily Ever Employed. Her goal is to create global change by changing the way we think and the way we view what is possible when we work together for the greatest good. Giles moves her clients to walk in integrity, work toward greatness, communicate with authenticity, and to live inclusively. Giles’ clients call her because she inspires them to go beyond what they thought possible and moves them into greatness. 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

Have you ever met…you? Curiosity is a powerful tool that when turned within leads us on the life-long journey of learning ourselves and as a result, increases our ability to pursue what will bring sustained fulfillment. In this talk, Cassandra Worthy shares her personal journey of leveraging the power of curiosity to better understand herself which subsequently allowed her to embrace her alcoholism and begin living each and every day on purpose and more fulfilled. With contagious energy that radiates throughout every room she steps into, Cassandra Worthy is the world’s truly disruptive thought-leader on the change that companies need to build organizational resilience and adaptability. During times of major shift such as merger, acquisition, organizational restructure, new systems integration, and market disruption, Cassandra has created and cultivated the unique strategy of Change Enthusiasm® which is arming individuals around the world with the means to harness the power of emotion, a resource in infinite supply, to embrace and accelerate change and transformation journeys. Cassandra’s message nurtures highly resilient and adaptable organizations beginning at the heart of the individual. 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