“You have to dare to dream, despite what people say. Then you must take action. That is the story of self, the story of us, and the story of now.” – Marshall Ganz
TEDxThirdWard, founded by the visionary Durrel Douglas, is more than just an event; it’s a movement. Rooted in the historically wealthy and culturally significant Third Ward of Houston, Texas, this independently organized TEDx event is a platform for highlighting voices that challenge conventions, inspire change, and redefine possibilities.
About TEDxThirdWard
Seven years ago, Douglas shared a thought that continues to resonate today: “There is a TED Talk in each of us. A riveting, awe-inspiring story filled with lessons that could only be learned by the custom bumps and bruises of your specific journey thus far.”
This belief in the power of storytelling and lived experiences became the spark for TEDxThirdWard. Douglas envisioned a platform where the voices and stories of his community could be amplified—not just to inspire, but to connect and drive meaningful change.
TEDxThirdWard, an independently organized TED event, is rooted in the heart of Houston’s flourishing cultural legacy and historically significant Third Ward. With the theme “Dream. Dare. Do.”, this event reflects the boldness, resilience, and determination of the neighborhood’s people. TEDxThirdWard provides a space where ideas come alive, voices find amplification, and a global platform connects with a local identity.
On March 1, 2025, at MATCH Houston, TEDxThirdWard will bring together diverse speakers, performers, and attendees for an unforgettable event. But this isn’t just a one[1]day gathering—it’s the beginning of an ongoing movement. Between events, TEDxThirdWard will host workshops, meetups, and activities to foster learning, connection, and growth within the community.
As Douglas says, “I want TEDxThirdWard to be a space where people find their voice and amplify it—not just for the stage, but for the world.”
Dream: A Vision for Third Ward
Durrel Douglas’ journey to founding TEDxThirdWard is a quintessential “story of self” that mirrors the resilience, creativity, and relentless pursuit of purpose that he seeks to inspire in others.
From his work in public service to his dedication to creating a world where fewer people end up in prison, Douglas’ guiding principle is clear: “For me, the litmus test is this: does it improve lives and make a difference?”
Our interview with Douglas took place at Rado Market, located at the corner of Emancipation Drive and Elgin Street. Sharing a building with the historic Eldorado Ballroom and Hogan Brown Art Gallery, the market embodies the spirit of cultural preservation.
After the interview, we stepped outside to see the newly redeveloped Emancipation Park. Its potential as a community anchor sparked conversations about how the dynamic cultural fabric of Third Ward could inspire its future.
As Douglas put it, “Third Ward is more than history—it’s potential. When you look at places like Emancipation Park, you can see the future of how this community can thrive.”
His dream for TEDxThirdWard is to celebrate and magnify these opportunities for growth, resilience, and transformation.
Dare: Stepping Outside Comfort Zones
Creating TEDxThirdWard was no small feat. It required daring to believe in the potential of Third Ward’s stories and stepping outside of the comfort zone of what’s expected.
“Anytime you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone, there’s fear,” Douglas shared. “But that fear tells you you’re in the right place. Falling is just the cost of admission to doing something great.”
Third Ward is a community steeped in history, activism, and artistic expression. It’s also a place that has faced systemic challenges over the years. For Douglas, the neighborhood represents both resilience and untapped potential. He dared to build TEDxThirdWard as a space for innovation, collaboration, and transformation—showing that big ideas can emerge from local roots.
Douglas also recognizes the power of stories to fuel action, saying, “We’ve been conditioned not to dream, not to dare, and not to do. But the ‘juice’ is in sharing these stories. That’s where the magic happens.”
TEDxThirdWard encourages others to step boldly into their own stories and reimagine the future.
Do: Turning Ideas into Action
TEDxThirdWard is not just about dreaming and daring—it’s about doing. At its core, the event is a call to action, reminding attendees that the time to act is always now.
“Ten years ago, we were just getting started,” Douglas reflected. “Now, look around—we have the Emancipation Center, new projects down the street, and pop-ups that bring vibrancy to Third Ward. It’s happening because people believed in doing the work.”
TEDxThirdWard stands as a platform for showcasing and accelerating this kind of community-led action.
By weaving together personal and collective narratives, TEDxThirdWard becomes more than an event—it’s a movement of tangible impact. Douglas has created a space where innovation meets tradition, where bold ideas meet historic roots, and where the energy of Third Ward becomes a catalyst for global inspiration.
About the Founder: Durrel Douglas
Durrel Douglas, a dedicated advocate and community leader, is the visionary behind TEDxThirdWard, set to premiere on March 1, 2025, at the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH). With the theme “Dream. Dare. Do.”, this event aims to augment bold ideas and honor the thriving heritage of Houston’s Third Ward—a neighborhood Douglas holds close to his heart.
Beyond his work with TEDxThirdWard, Durrel’s leadership has driven transformative initiatives that have reshaped communities and empowered marginalized voices:
• Project Orange (founded in 2017): Texas’ first jail-based voting initiative, which has registered over 5,000 eligible voters and established the state’s first polling location within a jail.
• Street-to-Leadership Pipeline (founded in 2014): A grassroots initiative transforming engaged citizens into powerful community advocates, training over 3,000 leaders and inspiring new nonprofits.
• Texas ID Connect: Helping Harris County residents obtain essential documentation for voting, employment, and housing.
• Justice-Involved Voter Guide: Empowering Texans with justice-involved backgrounds to reclaim their voice at the ballot box.
Douglas’ journey from corrections officer to political strategist underscores his unwavering commitment to equity, empowerment, and community revitalization.
Upcoming TEDxThirdWard Events
• Feb. 15, 2025: – “Get on The Bus” – A guided bus tour of Third Ward’s historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and redevelopment projects, concluding with a TEDxThirdWard Open House.
• March 1, 2025: – TEDxThirdWard Main Event at 2 p.m. at MATCH Theater, followed by a reception at Emancipation Park.
Be a part of the conversation and witness ideas worth spreading. Visit TEDxThirdWard.com for more information, tickets, and updates.
About the Author
Tiffani Robinson is an entrepreneur, writer, and community advocate with deep ties to Houston’s Third Ward. As the owner of Texas Electrical and Mechanical Solutions, she leads a team dedicated to delivering energy-efficient solutions for homes and businesses. Separately, Tiffani is a skilled storyteller who shines a light on transformative ideas and uplifts underrepresented voices. Her work reflects a commitment to innovation, resilience, and creating meaningful change in the communities she serves. Read more of Tiffani’s work at subcusa.com.
