Fargo INC! August 2016 | Page 30

EMERGING PRAIRIE TEDxFARGO 2016 CALLS FOR ACTION AMIDST TIME OF UNREST Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography T BY MARISA JACKELS Lead Writer & Social Media Manager, Emerging Prairie 28 AUGUST 2016 he seventh TEDxFargo event was held July 21 at the Fargo Civic Center with more than 1,800 attendees and 25 speakers from all across the country. The event, which centered around a theme of acceleration, wove in urgent calls to action as speakers spoke about topics in the realm of TED: technology, entertainment and design. Each of the talks addressed problems in the world today and how we can respond with solutions. Challenges such as wealth disparity, loneliness, disease, discrimination, sexual abuse, disability, and debt were countered with encouragement for systematic change, connection, cure, empathy, justice, strength and radical love. “During a time of change, unrest, and uncertainty, the concept of an ‘idea’ may be our most powerful tool to give all people the chance to live, love and contribute to the greatest planet in the universe,” curator