TEDx Georgia SouthwesternU

TEDx Georgia SouthwesternU TEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU is an independently organized TED event. What is TEDx? In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxBoise, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxBoise event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx

events, including ours, are self-organized. What is TED? TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 32 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert and Sir Richard Branson.

“In small towns like Americus, your investment for the next four years could literally change the next four generations....
12/17/2025

“In small towns like Americus, your investment for the next four years could literally change the next four generations.”

John Schroeder explains why small towns like Americus offer a unique “fast pass” to impact, where individual voices can shape generations. Drawing from his experience as a podcaster, pastor, and newcomer to Americus, he challenges people to take risks, invest locally, and commit to staying and building a thriving community.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

“It's important that we keep that spirit alive and keep that movement alive… pass the lessons on to [the next generation...
12/03/2025

“It's important that we keep that spirit alive and keep that movement alive… pass the lessons on to [the next generation] so they'll be the leaders of the future.”

Sam Mahone reflects on his roots in Americus and his work preserving the history of the local civil rights movement. He describes the ongoing effort to restore the former Americus Colored Hospital into a Civil Rights and Cultural Center that will serve, educate, and inspire future generations. His message centers on legacy, community, and keeping the spirit of the movement alive.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

"Pageants are not beauty competitions. They are about creating well-rounded young women who are not afraid to speak up a...
11/25/2025

"Pageants are not beauty competitions. They are about creating well-rounded young women who are not afraid to speak up about the world around them.”

Macy Taylor shares how childhood pageants, her sister’s disability, and the weight of stigma shaped her passion for advocacy. Through her “Just Say Hi” initiative, she works to destigmatize disabilities by educating children and encouraging open conversation. Her story highlights how pageantry gave her both a voice and a platform to drive meaningful change.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

“There is no better community building we can do than to help educate our young people and give them something to do to ...
11/20/2025

“There is no better community building we can do than to help educate our young people and give them something to do to stay here locally.”

Rene Smith shares how an unexpected college friendship transformed a shy engineering student into a community-minded leader. His story highlights the power of relationships, adapting to change, and stepping into roles that help strengthen Sumter County.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

"Dance teaches you to stand tall when the choreography is really tough, to recover gracefully if you fall, and to adapt ...
11/13/2025

"Dance teaches you to stand tall when the choreography is really tough, to recover gracefully if you fall, and to adapt when the music changes—because sometimes life changes too.”

Hannah Pitts shares how her lifelong love of dance grew from a childhood passion into a transformative force for both young people and downtown Americus. After studying dance at college, she returned home to open a studio that brings professional-level training and and confidence to local youth. From humble beginnings with just one student to now teaching 175 dancers, she emphasizes how dance builds confidence, discipline, and resilience, all life lessons that reach far beyond the stage.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

“You don’t have to leave home to change the world. You can actually build something quite extraordinary and leave a lega...
11/05/2025

“You don’t have to leave home to change the world. You can actually build something quite extraordinary and leave a legacy right where you are.”

Eshonda Blue traces how she discovered her purpose through three foundational truths: learning to be herself, embracing adversity, and realizing she didn’t have to leave home to build a legacy. Growing up in a Americus, she found that her upbringing, challenges, and community shaped her resilience and vision. Through faith, family, and entrepreneurship, she built a business that honors her grandmother and uplifts others.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

“My place isn't necessarily a physical location, but it is an activity. My place is volunteering.”Kim Christmas reflects...
10/29/2025

“My place isn't necessarily a physical location, but it is an activity. My place is volunteering.”

Kim Christmas reflects on finding her “sense of place” through volunteering and community involvement after years of moving from place to place. Her story highlights that real belonging isn’t tied to a location, but to the connections we make and the ways we step up for one another.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

“Music is very personal. It also connects us with our family and with our community and that is never more evident than ...
10/22/2025

“Music is very personal. It also connects us with our family and with our community and that is never more evident than in rural communities.”

Dr. Mark Laughlin explores how music shapes identity, connection, and community - especially in small towns. Through the story of his ancestors who built a church that became a hub for music education, he shows how one simple decision can create a legacy that spans generations. His message reminds us that even the smallest actions can leave lasting ripples in our families and communities.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

"Small towns are not behind. We are the blueprint, and the world is finally about to find out."King Randall, I. shares h...
10/15/2025

"Small towns are not behind. We are the blueprint, and the world is finally about to find out."

King Randall, I. shares how mentorship, education, and community support shaped his path and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the places that raised us. His message is all about small towns cultivating big dreams that can change the world.

TEDx GeorgiaSouthwesternU presents “Small Town, Big Vision.” Friday, October 10th, 2025. Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Georgia Southwestern State Univer...

10/15/2025

Three guest umbrellas were left behind after the event on Friday night. If you are missing an umbrella, please let us know!

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800 GSW State University Drive
Americus, GA
31709

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