The TEDxDover crew made history earlier this month when they hosted a TEDx event at Delaware State University (DSU).
It was the first TEDx to be held at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). With a theme of “On the Wings of Diverse Thought,” the event organizers had a mission to expand the reach of TED during Black History Month.
“It was empowering to be a part of history on Saturday. The energy in the room was so uplifting, it was something I will truly never forget,” said Rachel Weinberger, a graduate student at the University of Delaware’s Horn Program in Entrepreneurship.
Weinberger’s talk focused on “The Bad Side of Good” — her observation that NGOs, charities and nonprofits that give away free goods  are a short-term solution. A long-term remedy to poverty, Weinberger said, are services that empower people.
This was Weinberger’s first TEDx talk, and she shared the the stage with speakers such as DSU President Dr. Harry Williams, The Charity Company’s Eric Smith, AllHipHop.com’s Chuck Creekmur, Dr. Francine Edwards, fellow Horn Program student Jordan Gonzalez and more.
Weinberger said it was “nerve-wracking” to be a student sharing the stage with accomplished people.
“While I was nervous, I felt really inspired to be on stage alongside other important figures,” she said. “The other talks were amazing, and the speakers were all great role models for what I aspire to do in the future.”
We’re looking forward to what Weinberger does next.