TEDCity2.0, an urban innovation worldwide event being held on September 20, will have a Richmond chapter: TEDxGrace Street.
TEDCity2.0, an urban innovation worldwide event being held on September 20, will have a Richmond chapter: TEDxGrace Street.
Wren Lanier, in collaboration with John Sarvay, has spent the last month putting together 13 speakers to discuss “What’s next for Richmond?”
Grace Street was chosen for being symbolic of modern day Richmond.
“Grace Street is experiencing a rebirth and a renaissance of sorts,” said Lanier.
“That’s still happening side by side by poverty and profound inequality.”
Lanier is hoping some of these inequalities will be discussed on Saturday, so Richmond can build a more positive future for all.
“I think it’s impossible to speak honestly about Richmond and where we are today and where we are going if we don’t talk about the least among us,” she said. “this includes discussing the inequality between different neighborhoods in our city both in terms of income, education and opportunity. “
Lanier and Sarvay focused on choosing speakers for the event who were not necessarily regulars on the public speaking circuit. “One of our other goals was to put on stage some people who haven’t been on stage in Richmond so much,” says Lanier, “and try and make their work visible to the community.”
Speaker highlights include Damon Jiggetts, executive director of Peter Paul Development Center in Church Hill. Jiggetts will be talking about “expecting more from the people we serve”. Christy Coleman, the president of the American civil war center is discussing ‘milking the sacred cows.’
“I have no idea what sacred cows she will be talking about but she’s an incredible scholar and person so I’m excited to see what she brings up.” says Lanier.
Unfortunately, due to the limited number allowed to be sold, tickets have sold out.
“John Sarvay is a first time licenser for TED, so he was only allowed to have 100 tickets. 60 tickets went for sale and 40 tickets have been given to volunteers, different local organizations,” said Lanier. “We’re trying to reach a new audience of not just the people who would typically buy tickets, or hear about this or perhaps afford tickets but would still have an interest in being there.”
For those lucky enough to have gotten their hands on tickets, the organizers hope attendees will come to the event with an open mind.
“Come with an interest both in the speakers and in the people sitting around you,” said Lanier. “Because I think we are going to put a really interesting group of people in the room on Friday. Come prepared to introduce yourself to some new folks.”
For the rest of us, the talks will be available online after the event. Check out their website for more details.
Let the public discussion begin!
TEDxGraceStreet, will be held from 8:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2013 in downtown Richmond.
For more information about TEDxGraceStreet, please visit www.tedxgracestreet.com
