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).

Memphis Museum of Science & History (M.O.S.H)
3050 Central Ave
Memphis, Tennessee, 38111
United States

Anaya Muray

Anaya Murray, was born in Orlando, Florida, raised in New York, and seasoned in Memphis for the last four years. Anaya is a 17 year-old senior in high school, who is a multi-talented artist. Singer, writer, producer, model, actor, coder, filmmaker, intellectual, poet, loyal friend, and loving sister. Anaya is one of those kids you just know is going to do something amazing with her life. She has volunteered over 200 hours with the CodeCrew St. Jude Partnership, been invited to speak to over 300 local middle school students, President of her National Honors Society and Member of the Grizzlies Foundation Student Council. Anaya has been interviewed by Congressman Cohen 3 times, and even by Governor Bill Lee who met Anaya at the Governor's Association Conference where she advocated for computer science for all kids. Author of two children’s books, most recently, “Ava Joins the Robotics Club” which comes out next month AND director of three award-winning short-films. As a Stax Music Academy student, Anaya was privileged to perform in the 2021 Biden Presidential Inauguration “Celebrating America,” as a background singer with Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons’ in the music video “Better Days.” Anaya has so much to share with the world, so sit back and relax and get ready to gather special jewels as she talks about the need to “Empower Girls in Technology.”

Ayo McKinney

As a 23 year old recent magna cum laude graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Ayo McKinney has an innate desire to learn and create. By day, he’s a certified personal trainer, but by night he is a world builder, crafting connections between media psychology, comic books, and animation. At just 9 years old he wrote his first creative story. Ten years later, he published his first psychological research paper. He spent the last two semesters of college studying Afrofuturism, trying to find connections between it as a cultural aesthetic/critical theory and psychology. By exploring the connections between Afrofuturism and psychology, his hope is to develop a useful model for Black creativity, health, and perseverance. Ayo spends his free time pouring his thoughts into his own comic book universe that he hopes to one day share with the world. Connect with him on (LinkedIn): ayodelemckinney (IG): ayodelemc (Website): studioconquest.com

Caleb Alexander Thompson

Caleb Alexander Thompson is a passionate, and accomplished singer, dancer, actor, and model. Caleb made his professional theatrical debut in the international broadway tour of “Kinky Boots” in the role of ‘Young Lola.’ Other credits include, being the youngest cast member in the 2021 historic production of “Fire Shut Up In My Bones” at the Metropolitan Opera of New York and playing the neighborhood friend of Emmett Till in the ABC mini-series “Women of the Movement.” Caleb is a gifted high school student who lives with his family and 3 dogs in Memphis, Tennessee. Connect with Caleb here: Instagram - @_calebalex_ YouTube - @CalebAlex365 Personal web - http://www.calebalexanderthompson.com

Carrigan Barnes

Carrigan Barnes is a 10-year-old fifth grader who attends Mid-South Gifted Academy. Carrigan loves violin, dance class (ballet, tap, jazz, West African), STEM classes, Robotics Club, and theater. Being a Big Sister, and fighting for the rights of others and herself is a priority. In April of 2023, she, along with her siblings, found a dog in there who had given birth to 8 puppies. Carrigan immediately knew that it was her responsibility to help. This incident changed her life and has inspired her to continue to help, to educate others, and to work to become a veterinarian for her future career.

Graham Burks

Graham Burks, III is a 14-year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music producer from Memphis, TN. His current band, Above Jupiter, features Graham on drums and vocals. Graham has earned college credit in Studio Production and Songwriting from Berklee College of Music, and has taken home first place in regional production competitions. Graham's formal training has included Advanced Concert Band at Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, Memphis Youth Symphony Program, and Stax Music Academy. Connect With Graham here @abovejupiter.music (instagram), abovejupiter.com (website)

Keaton Mitchell

Keaton Mitchell is a 10 year old 5th grader and an Honor student in the optional program at Whitehaven Elementary Stem School. He is a member of the Coding Club and also plays basketball for the Whitehaven Broncos. Keaton is an innovator who has aspirations to become a mechanical engineer in the future.

Kyla Bursey

Kyla Bursey is a graduating senior, computer science major at Rhodes College. She is an innovator and aspiring technologist-entrepreneur. Driven by purpose, Kyla desires to inspire and motivate others to realize their potential. She believes that realization goes beyond discovery; it encompasses seeing your potential unfold. Given the current mental health crisis and epidemic of loneliness in the United States, Kyla recognizes the need for mental-health consciousness. Instead of asking ourselves how we should be more productive, we should ask ourselves what we need at this moment––how can we better take care of ourselves? With a passion to destigmatize mental-health, Kyla seeks to spread awareness of how to develop self-love. Connect with her here: Linkedin @ kyla-bursey

Lucien White

Born in 2007, Lucien grew up a social child. Constantly spewing out words, thoughts or ideas. He’s worked around words his whole life doing theater since his elementary years. Lucien is now a junior attending Overton High School who has performed in plays, musicals, and local short films. He's also been featured on Fox 13 News and referred to as "young talent" he hopes to continue receiving great connections and support for his future. Many opportunities have arisen for him to spread his ideas, talents, and message to others. For those opportunities, and many other things he has always been grateful. Connect with him on Instagram: luckyboiperson

Peighton Cantrell

Peighton Cantrell, age 14, is a co-founder of BookIt4Life Children's Book & Social Club, 501(c)3, the Memphis Children's Business Fairs, and the G.H. DePriest Memorial Scholarship Fund. She was named co-recipient, with her twin brother, of the State of Tennessee Gifted Students of the Year Award in 2019. In 2021, Peighton received an award from John Hopkins CTY for reading and language arts scores, and in 2022 she received a Character Achievement Award from Rotary Club of Memphis Central. Peighton's impressive achievements extend beyond her academic and philanthropic pursuits. She has been a competitive cheerleader, a symphonic band member, assistant to a special abilities cheer team, president of a local Best Buddies International Club and Builders Club, a software tester for a reading fluency program, accepted into the National Junior Honor Society and National Beta Club, among other accomplishments. With a heart of compassion and love of service, Peighton strives to lead with purpose and introduce children to opportunities to make themselves and their communities better. Currently a freshman in high school, Peighton takes honors and AP classes and serves on the Student Council. In her spare time, Peighton enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Connect with here here: (Website): Cbfmemphis.com (Facebook): @MemphisCBF and @BookIt4Life (Instagram): @CBFMemphis

Preston Brown

Preston Brown is a 10 year old in the 6th grade who has a deep interest in marine biology, and most importantly, scuba diving. Through his research he has learned about the world beneath the ocean’s surface and how it has slowly been impacted by pollution. He would like to educate people about what is happening and how to reverse it for future generations. Preston’s future goals are to attend the University of Miami where he will major in marine biology. Upon graduating he intends to take his talents around the world where he will further his studies, educate people on issues such as water pollution and its impact on marine life, and teach more sustainable waste practices. When Preston is not studying marine life or scuba diving, he is an active 2nd degree black belt at his dojo where he studies the art of Taekwondo. He takes lessons in both the guitar and drums, and is a member of the Omega Lamplighter program. Connect with Preston on Instagram @preston_scuba_life

Sam White

Robert Samuel White III - better known as Sam - is a fun-loving 9 year old who loves to read books, play games with his friends, and make up his own quirky dance moves. In late 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam brought smiles to the faces of millions of others with a viral video capturing him rapping a song he co-wrote with his Dad about careers he could grow up to be. This video led to “shout outs” from the likes of Former First Lady Michelle Obama and author Mel Robbins, and numerous national media appearances including a special segment on ESPN, an article in Newsweek magazine, and three appearances with Sam’s friend Ellen Degeneres in the last season of The Ellen Show. The rap was also turned into a children’s book from Penguin-Random House, You Can Be ABCs which is now a part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library which provides free, age-appropriate books through the mail to children from ages 0-5. To date, the original video of Sam’s rap has been viewed over 45 million times. Connect with Sam here: IG: @morewithSam_ ; Facebook: More with Sam ; YouTube @MorewithSam

Serena Whittaker

Serena Whittaker, a senior at the University of Memphis pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations with a communication minor, is a dedicated alumna of REACH Memphis. She has honed her skills through this program, preparing for an outstanding academic journey. Serena aspires to make a meaningful impact in politics and public service, ensuring that the public remains well-informed. She believes in advocating for the underprivileged, striving to be a powerful voice for those who often go unheard, and aiding those in need. Serena believes in leading with excellence and integrity, aiming to impact the world positively. Connect with her here: IG: Renafaithh Facebook: Serena Whittaker LinkedIn: Serena Whittaker

Shaun & Jared Murray

Shaun and Jared are 16 year-old identical twins who are homeschooled students and love playing video games, coding, and hanging out with their friends. Born in Tallahassee, Florida, raised in New York, the Murray twins moved to Memphis in the fall of 2019. Two years in a row they received the Indie Memphis “Audience Choice Award” for their sci-fi thrillers, “By Design and Amorphous.” Participants of CodeCrew and CyberPatriots, both have experienced success and in 2023 won the National Congressional App Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious youth computer science awards. In the future, Jared hopes to marry his love for baking with technology while Shaun desires to partner his love of animals with his computer science skills. Both musicians at Stax Music Academy, Jared is a skilled drummer with Premiere Percussions while Shaun is learning the ropes of playing bass in the Rhythm Section Band. These talented twins will leave a smile on your face, and you can connect with them on IG: jsmurraytwins