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Igniting the Unknown: Building a Movement at TEDx Black Mountain

Jason Lear


Last night’s TEDx Black Mountain Adventure was more than just an event—it was the beginning of a journey into the unknown, a bold step towards building a truly engaged and invested TEDx Black community.


Stepping into the Unknown

Imagine a room full of potential TEDx speakers and a curious audience, all embarking on an adventure together. Few had heard of the Pecha Kucha style, a presentation format where stories unfold at a fast pace, filled with heart, authenticity, and personal insight. This challenge wasn’t just about delivering a talk; it was about embracing the unexpected and daring to step beyond the conventional.


Our adventure John Noltner who opened the night with a powerful message centered around his "A Peace of Mind" project. His work, which focuses on reconciliation and finding peace amid conflict, was an ideal fit for the Black Mountain Shared Space Project where we hosted the adventure. As he shared his journey through captivating stories and images, it became clear just how poignant the message was for our community. The setting of Black Mountain, a symbol of strength and unity, served as the perfect backdrop for this conversation on healing and forging connections. In a world often divided, John’s poignant work challenged us all to reflect on what it truly means to seek peace, reconcile differences, and find common ground. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound ideas are the ones that bring people together, even in the most challenging times. for 4 seconds


For those who want to learn more about John’s journey, you can explore his world at noltner.com and apeaceofmymind.org.


Building Towards the Main Event

This night was the spark that will fuel our build-up to the main event in June. We challenged our prospective speakers to deliver rapid-fire, heartfelt presentations to a panel of discerning judges. Their stories, while fleeting in their delivery, resonated deeply, each one a testament to the courage it takes to share one’s truth on a public stage.

Our Winner Jackie Brennan (See you at TEDx Black Mountain)
Our Winner Jackie Brennan (See you at TEDx Black Mountain)

The evening was an adventure not only for the speakers but also for the audience, who found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of fast-paced narratives that were as moving as they were memorable. Each story served as a reminder of the core mission behind TED: to spread impactful ideas and spark global conversations that inspire change.


The TEDx Movement: A Community Effort

TED and TEDx is more than a series of talks, it’s a movement. Its power lies in its ability to connect people through ideas that challenge the status quo and encourage action. Here at TEDx Black Mountain, we’re committed to creating a community that feels invested and engaged. By participating in events like last night’s adventure, every member of our community is not only witnessing the unfolding of great ideas but is also becoming an integral part of a larger, global conversation.


As we continue this journey, the adventure doesn’t end here. It evolves into sustained momentum, a commitment to keep building, sharing, and daring to change until the grand main event in June. Our community’s involvement is what will truly transform TEDx Black Mountain into a beacon of inspiration, driving us all to think differently, act boldly, and create positive change.


Join the Journey

We invite you to be part of this evolving movement. Whether you’re a prospective speaker, an enthusiastic audience member, or someone who believes in the power of shared stories, your participation matters. Let’s keep the conversation alive, the ideas flowing, and the spirit of adventure burning bright. Together, we can make TEDx Black Mountain an unforgettable experience that extends far beyond one night.


Our Winner

Drop your photos, thoughts, and reflections in the comments below and become part of our growing story.


TEDx Black Mountain
TEDx Black Mountain

 
 
 

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