We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it. — President Barack Obama
2023 TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet Speakers – IDEAS, VISION, PASSION: Talks about science, tech, engineering, art and math from the next generation of creators and innovators
Marcus Keon Knight is a 24-year-old content creator, singer, actor, producer, motivational speaker and more, harnessing a voice and message of optimism and authenticity. Recently, Marcus has graduated with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, one of the top business and music industry specialized schools. He has been a little of everything – from 4 years in residence life to a year-long host of a nationally recognized student showcase series, he is an avid lover of all things dealing with digital marketing, social media, personal branding and human development. When he isn’t working on something, he’s watching a new series on Netflix or hanging out with friends and family. He currently serves at his alma mater in a year-long fellowship, diving into higher education and strategic initiatives university-wide. He wishes to be a true connector, reconciling the world back to its truest and purest form.
Jada Scott is a STEM enthusiast with a life-long passion for inspiring others to explore their interests in science and math. As a published author and visual artist of the children’s book “Talking Planets”, she wanted to educate other young children about the solar system through a fun and colorful storyline from the planet’s point of view. Jada serves as a tutor in the Mu Alpha Theta math club, plays varsity tennis, member of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and is a part of the MLK Leadership Academy of Rutherford County. Recently, Jada was invited to join the Girls Who Tech AI Scholars Program in partnership with WITT and Amazon AWS. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at the local tennis club, drawing, traveling, and reading
Yara Elrez is 15 years old (a sophomore in highschool) and is ethincally arab more specifically Lebanese, as she likes to clarify. She was born and raised in the KSA and just recently moved to the US. Her goal in life is to find the cure to pancreatic cancer. She says her biggest achievement is probably moving to the USA.
My name is Vanessa Namubiru. I currently go to Ravenwood High School. I love to swim, draw and travel.
Jayla Lyle is 17 years old and enjoys collecting hobbies as her hobby because “they bring me peace and choice.” She especially enjoys writing poetry and stories, crocheting, and reading. Her favourite books are All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven and Identical by Ellen Hopkins.
Mauryce Thomas II is a student at Fisk University, majoring in Psychology. The mental health industry in America needs more Black male therapists to create a space for Black mental health. Mauryce firmly believes mental health education is the future. In January 2021, Mr. Thomas launched The Breakable Cycle. The Breakable Cycle is dedicated to educating the Black Community on the importance of Mental Health. Mauryce has always believed in advocating for Black mental health. My interest in the field of psychology began in high school. I learned, based on my own experiences with mental health and the assistance I was able to provide for my friends who confided in me, that becoming a psychologist was the career I felt a calling towards. Mr. Thomas ultimate goal is receive in his masters degree in child psychology and open his on private practice and provide a safe space for Black youth
Dorsa Taheri is a 16-year-old at Franklin High School in Franklin, Tennessee. She is passionate about music, nature, and the intersection between the humanities and technology. Her work with AI and machine learning have led her to explore the modern day consequences of technology in the real world, and how to sustainably use it to better humanity.
Mauryce Thomas II is a student at Fisk University, majoring in Psychology. The mental health industry in America needs more Black male therapists to create a space for Black mental health. Mauryce firmly believes mental health education is the future. In January 2021, Mr. Thomas launched The Breakable Cycle. The Breakable Cycle is dedicated to educating the Black Community on the importance of Mental Health. Mauryce has always believed in advocating for Black mental health. My interest in the field of psychology began in high school. I learned, based on my own experiences with mental health and the assistance I was able to provide for my friends who confided in me, that becoming a psychologist was the career I felt a calling towards. Mr. Thomas ultimate goal is receive in his masters degree in child psychology and open his on private practice and provide a safe space for Black youth
Five Tenn. students spoke about science, technology, engineering, art & math (STEAM) at TEDx@JeffersonStreet sponsored by the Division of Public Health Practice at Meharry Medical College. Organized by Trenay Perry Bynum.
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