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