Last Thursday, Philadelphia experienced a TED conference in the form of TEDxPhilly. Developed to connect the local community with its own talent, the x version of the prestigious TED brings accessibility to a population used to watching the talks online rather than in the same room with the speakers.
From the first step into the Kimmel Center, you knew that something big was about to happen. The first presentor set the stage for the remaining speakers and I'm not sure any of them reached her bar. With her Presidential trivia and poetic enthusiasm, Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz, reminded us that we can be artists and have a full-time job. We can work on the side until we are ready to make the jump into the world of the unknown. Regardless, I believe that we can bring our passion into whatever we do to contribute to bettering our society.
Next up was Science Leadership Academy's Principal Chris Bartlett who brilliantly stated, "Information is great, but knowledge and wisdom are better." His intuitive approach to education is changing how the next generation will approach the problems of our times. To drive his point home, he pointed around the room to the cameras and video equipment that his students were using to record the day.
It would not be possible to talk about Philadelphia Right Here, Right Now without bringing food into the fold. Both Nic Esposito and Chef Michael Solomonov dissected this topic through urban farming and culinary visions. Esposito began his talk by debunking the typical environmentalist approach: the world is going to end. Instead, he celebrated the amazing work that is being done by activists all around us in the nooks and crannies of neighborhoods that fill our city. He challenged everyone to return to their communities and sew seeds of sustainbility.
Solomonov spoke from the heart about how his brother's death in the Israeli army inspired him to create the concept for Zahav. His charisma and wit balanced the serious tone similarly to his style of cooking. (Have you ever tried his hummus?)
Director of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra's Tune Up Philly had his musicians join him onstage. It was breathtaking to see the intimacy that these children have with their respected instruments. They played several variations of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" with sparkles of joy in their eyes. Did I mention that this program only started in September?
Other highlights included Simon Hauger, innovative teacher at West Philadelphia High School. He is working with students to design hybrid vehicles and win competitions. He believes that you "can't teach critical thinking skills without critical conditions." Then, Bill Covaleski, Founder of Victory Brewing Company, gave an education on the history of the flourishing craft beer industry without plugging his local brewery once. Kudos for that! Stephen Powers challenged the myth that all graffiti is bad. He is responsible for the Love Letters project across 20 blocks in West Philly along the El (also on the cover of the new City Paper Primer). Powers showed images of a neighborhood in Brazil that he transformed with his vision and cans of spray paint. The close of the day belonged to the powerful Ursula Rucker. Her vocals deepened the souls of all the attendees to properly end the conference.
A BIG thanks to all of those who organized the event!!
