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CHARLESTON, SC – May 18, 2016 TEDxCharleston organizers announced today that Derreck Kayongo has been tapped as the emcee for the 2016 event which will explore the concept of Tipping Point in our community and around the world.
Kayongo was a child refugee who beat the odds and is now an innovative leader for international social change. Kayongo, a TEDxCharleston speaker in 2014, was founder of the Global Soap Project, was named a CNN Hero in 2011 and is now the CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
“We are thrilled that Derreck has come back to be such an important part of this year’s event,” said Edith Howle, curator of TEDxCharleston. “His presentation a couple of years ago inspired us all with the power of life changing events and how anyone can have a ripple effect in their community and the world. Derreck’s infectious personality and charisma will be felt by everyone participating in the TEDxCharleston 2016 experience.”
“I am honored and very excited to emcee TEDxCharleston this year,” says Kayongo. “Participating in this event opened doors to new opportunities for me and I’m honored to be able to help this year’s speakers do the same, while inspiring the people of Charleston to explore the tipping points happening locally and globally that can ultimately create dramatic shifts and larger change.”
TEDxCharleston will take place October 19 at the Charleston Music Hall on 37 John Street. Tickets will be sold for $65 (plus a $2.50 processing fee) each and will go on sale later this summer. Tickets, which are expected to go fast, can be purchased at the organization’s website. Scholarships to attend will also be available. Last year’s event sold out in under 12 hours.
TEDxCharleston is an immersion experience at the intersection of science, art, performance and business. It is designed to enrich the Charleston, South Carolina community through presentations and entertainment that inspires, engages and transforms. This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.
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TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 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. Follow TED on X or on Facebook.