In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Southern University Frank Hayden Hall Theatre
F St, Baton Rouge, LA 70807
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70807
United States

Anthony Kimble

Real Estate Developer

Anthony Kimble born in Morganza, La is a recognized leader in the Baton Rouge community and is the founder and managing partner of Kimble Properties LLC, a privately held real estate investment and development company. In addition to his role at Kimble Properties, Mr. Kimble is an avid mentor in his own youth basketball program, a serial entrepreneur, and a dedicated social activist. Mr. Kimble was raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from LSU Lab also known as U-High. From there he went on to attend Stanford University, where he was a Science, Technology, and Systems major, as well as a member of the varsity football team. He then went on to obtain his masters in Sustainable Real Estate Development from Tulane School of Architecture. His primary objective is to teach the value of wealth building, property ownership, and financial literacy to individuals in the communities he grew up in, which have historically been disadvantaged.

Elijah Precciely

Elijah J. D. Precciely, a 15-year-old prodigy from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a prolific author, inventor, and minister. At 10, he authored "MISSION CHRISTIAN," followed by "A PRODOGY" at 12. With five patents pending, Elijah is a Critical and Innovative Thinker. As a Licensed Minister, he hosts "Word of Faith" on WTQT 106.1 FM and Facebook Live. Founder of ELIJAH J. D. PRECCIELY ENTERPRISES, INC. in 2018, his focus spans literature, education, talk shows, inventions, ministry, and entrepreneurship. The youngest Joseph S. Clark Presidential Scholarship awardee, Elijah maintained a 3.9 GPA at 11, majoring in Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Southern University. As G. L. O. W. for Knowledge Challenge Founder, he empowers youth. The youngest in prestigious honors societies, Elijah leads various organizations, including the North Baton Rouge Jr. Chamber of Commerce. Featured in national media, he graduated from the Joseph Business School’s Executive Accelerator Program at 14. Born to Pastor Stephen and Pamela Precciely, Elijah is the youngest of three. His remarkable journey continues to inspire through achievements, leadership, and a commitment to empowering others, marking him as a beacon of excellence for his generation.

Ellen Mcknight Hill

Nutritionist

Ellen McKnight Hill believes that healthy communities are built on a foundation of access, education and opportunity. Promoting healthy lifestyle changes and providing urban communities with economic development opportunities by way of fresh food access is Ellen’s passion. Ellen is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified lactation counselor, and public health advocate. Ellen is the principal of The Maxine Firm. The Maxine Firm is a nutrition, wellness and public health engagement firm. The Maxine Firm is made up of a network of minority healthcare professionals whose primary objective is chronic disease prevention in rural and urban communities. Heart attack doesn’t have to be our family history and diabetes doesn’t have to be our destiny.

Gary Chambers

Former Candidate for U.S. Senate + Change Agent

Gary Chambers, an entrepreneur and co-founder of the media outlet, The Rouge Collection, is a noteworthy social justice advocate and community organizer who has been featured in outlets such as 225 Magazine (2017 People to Watch edition), Wired Magazine, The New York Times, CNN, Morning Joe, and Roland Martin Unfiltered for his tireless efforts in advancing the most disenfranchised communities across Louisiana. As an advocate, his work has contributed to advancements in the justice system, healthcare access, and to equality in the municipal contracting process for minority owned businesses. Louisiana has been burdened with the type of inequity that can only be resolved through fearless representation on its behalf. Chambers has a courageous vision to bring resources back to the people of Louisiana, and is guided by the belief that we can lead this nation from the bottom of the map.

Melē & Manaia

Polyglots

International travelers by the ages of 6 and 7, Mele and Manaia first began learning Mandarin Chinese and Spanish at the young ages of 4 and 5. They're love for their own culture (Samoan) motivated them to study Samoan. Madarin Chinese, Samoan, and English became their primary focus languages. Mele, an ethnobotanist who has an extensive knowledge of indigenous medicinal plants and their healing properties, is also a recording artist, graphic artist and writer. Manaia, an artist and aspiring architect who drafts and studies modern and contemporary design and the effects it has on the wellbeing of a community, is also a recording artist, photographer, and cartoonist. The sisters are writing their debut album in Mandarin Chinese and are currently studying Choctaw, Spanish, Japanese, and French.

Murphy J. Paul Jr.

Chief of Police

Chief Paul began his career with the Baton Rouge Police Department on January 1, 2018, after retiring from the Louisiana State Police as a Deputy Superintendent with more than 26 years in Law Enforcement. He has held management responsibilities in various areas of law enforcement which included the oversight of Gaming Operations, Criminal and Special Investigations as well as the State Fusion Center. As a Black police chief, he fights racism while also keeping crime rates down in the community of Baton Rouge, a primarily Black city. Chief Paul has served on The LA Governor’s Drug Policy Board, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), the Regional Counter-Drug Training Academy RCTA and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Executive Board. Chief Paul earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University in New Orleans, LA.

Rahzel

Innovator + Producer + Writer + Composer

7X nominee and 3X Grammy Award winning, multi platinum artist. BEATBOX Icon and Innovator. Producer, writer and composer..Also known for his vocal contributions for the Tonight Show w. Jimmy Fallon band "The Roots"

Raymond Jetson

Catalyst | Innovator | Elder

Raymond A. Jetson is a leading voice on community change strategies, social innovation and the resurgence of elders in African American life. He was a winner of the 2022 AARP Purpose Prize, a national award for innovators over the age of 50. Raymond has a rich history of public service including 15 years as a State Representative, 23 years as pastor of Star Hill Church, and as the deputy secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). Among his many “irons in the fire” he has recently launched Aging While Black, a discourse exploring the intersection of aging and race.