Theme: The Journey

A tapestry is being stitched
story by story,
step by step, thread by thread
 
Lao Tzu’s says, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” That single step requires faith and courage. Each step thereafter requires patience and awareness. Along the way there will be trials and tribulations, and moments of uncertainty. To endure, we must learn to recognize the intrinsic value of our expedition while constantly striving towards the end goal.
 
Whether it is a grand quest undertaken to solve the mysteries of the universe or a quiet journey of self-discovery, we take our humble beginnings and surge towards the future. We forge a bold new path, stretching our roots and becoming something both recognizable and utterly unique. While not a simple task, we are leaders, innovators and dreamers, willing to take what our forbearers have given us and reach towards soaring heights.
 
At TEDxDouglasville 2017, we’ll explore stories of adversity and triumph in business and education, in sports and the arts, and in science and the humanities. With diligent staff, remarkable speakers, and the continued support of Metro-Atlanta and West Georgia communities, TEDxDouglasville forges ahead in hopes of beginning a journey towards a remarkable future.

Douglas County High School
8705 Campbellton St
Douglasville, Georgia, 30134
United States

BG(R) Christopher Kemp

Chris is a Brigadier General (Retired), US Army, with over 34 years of experience in Telecommunications, IT, and Cyber Security, along with 17 years in the law enforcement profession. During his time with the Army, Chris served at every level of command from Platoon Leader to Division Commander. He was forward deployed multiple times, serving as a staff principal for Third US Army and as the Commander of a Signal Brigade in Afghanistan and a Theater Signal Command in Kuwait.

Casey Bethel

Casey Bethel is a passionate educator and an accomplished scientist. He hosts elementary STEM exhibitions and tutors middle school science students. At New Manchester High, he teaches Advanced Placement Biology and Physics. He is also an Adjunct Professor at two local universities. Lessons he designed have been published in The Journal of Chemical Education. In 2015, he was nominated for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Away from school, he conducts Biochemistry research at GA Tech, hoping to find cures for Alzheimer’s disease and Inherited Glaucoma. His most recent publication appeared in Nature-Chemical Biology.

Christopher Kemp

Chris is a Brigadier General (Retired), US Army, with over 34 years of experience in Telecommunications, IT, and Cyber Security, along with 17 years in the law enforcement profession. During his time with the Army, Chris served at every level of command from Platoon Leader to Division Commander. He was forward deployed multiple times, serving as a staff principal for Third US Army and as the Commander of a Signal Brigade in Afghanistan and a Theater Signal Command in Kuwait.

La Lucha

La Lucha is a Tampa Bay based trio that consists of three best friends from three different parts of the world; Colombia, Mexico & United States. Its members are Alejandro Arenas, bass; John O’Leary, piano; and Mark Feinman, drums. Their repertoire is a diverse mixture of Latin inspired rhythms with Jazz standards, twisted arrangements of pop songs and original compositions. Each member of the trio has extensive national and international performance experience, including a tour of Italy and France with performances at the “Umbria Jazz Festival” and “Jazz a Juan” in Juan Les Pins.

Phil Proctor

Phil Proctor is a professional sculptor practicing in Atlanta since 2003. He holds an MFA from East Carolina University and a BFA from the University of Southern Mississippi. His permanently installed public art works can be found across the southeastern United States and Eastern Europe including at least seven large scale outdoor works in the Metro Atlanta area. His outdoor sculpture exhibition record covers the southeast and includes a solo exhibition at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Proctor has developed a professional reputation in the public art community by his involvement in the infrastructure of public art. Some examples are: his role as board member for the development of a public art master plan for the city of Suwanee, GA and his initiatives leading to the first annual temporary outdoor sculpture exhibition in the city of Decatur, GA. Phil Proctor occupies an 11,000 square foot studio in south Atlanta where he works to generate his sculpture. His company, Nucleus Sculpture Studio LLC, also provides the service of fabricating, transporting and installing the sculptural works of other well-known artists.