About TEDxThirdWard

 

Seven years ago, I shared a thought on Facebook that still resonates with me today:

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"There is a TED Talk in each of us. A riveting, awe-inspiring story filled with lessons that could only be learned by the custom bumps and bruises of your specific journey thus far."

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At the time, I was reflecting on the power of storytelling and how our experiences—both the victories and the struggles—shape us into who we are. I believed then, as I do now, that everyone has a story worth sharing, one that can inspire, teach, and change lives.

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That belief sparked an idea: what if I applied to give my own TEDx talk? But as I sat with the thought, I realized I didn’t just want to tell my story. I wanted to create a platform for others to tell theirs, especially in a community as rich in history, culture, and resilience as Third Ward. So, I decided to dream bigger, dare to take a leap, and applied for a license to create something that would have a lasting impact: TEDxThirdWard.

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I’m Durrel K. Douglas, the lead organizer and curator of TEDxThirdWard. I was born in Third Ward at Park Plaza Hospital and now live less than a mile from where I took my first breath. Third Ward isn’t just my home—it’s a part of my identity. It’s the foundation of my work as a community organizer, advocate, nonprofit founder, and socialpreneur.

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In 2014, I founded Houston Justice (HouJustice.org), a nonprofit focused on civic engagement and justice reform. Our very first meeting was held at the historic El Dorado Ballroom, right here in Third Ward. Over the past decade, Houston Justice has grown into a movement for change, but TEDxThirdWard feels like coming full circle. It’s an opportunity to uplift the voices of this community and connect them to the world.

But what exactly is TED? At its core, TED is a global platform dedicated to spreading ideas that matter. Their principles are simple yet profound:

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• Curiosity: A hunger to learn, explore, and question.

• Creativity: Finding innovative ways to solve problems and tell stories.

• Connection: Building bridges between people, ideas, and communities.

 

TED Talks are built on the belief that ideas have the power to inspire action and change the world. Through its independently organized TEDx events, communities across the globe bring that vision to life on a local level. That’s where TEDxThirdWard comes in.

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Our theme, Dream. Dare. Do., is a call to action. It reflects the boldness of Third Ward and the determination of its people. This event isn’t just a chance to hear incredible ideas—it’s an invitation to imagine boldly, take risks, and turn those dreams into reality.

 

On March 1st at 2:00 PM at MATCH Houston, TEDxThirdWard will bring together a diverse group of speakers, performers, and attendees for an unforgettable event. But this isn’t where the story ends. My vision for TEDxThirdWard is not just a one-day gathering, but an ongoing movement. Between events, we’ll host workshops, meetups, and activities to help people learn, connect, and grow.

 

I want TEDxThirdWard to be a space where people find their voice and amplify it—not just for the stage, but for the world. Together, we’ll explore how to take the principles of TED—curiosity, creativity, and connection—and use them to create lasting change in our lives and our community.

So, I invite you to join us. Bring your ideas. Share your story. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Third Ward or someone just discovering this remarkable neighborhood, there’s a place for you here.

 

Tickets for our inaugural event are on sale now, but this is just the beginning.

 

Let’s build something extraordinary together—because, as I said seven years ago, there’s a TED Talk in all of us.

 

What are you doing with yours?

 

With gratitude and excitement,

Durrel K. Douglas
Lead Organizer & Curator, TEDxThirdWard