TEDxMorganStateUniversity (Baltimore, Maryland) Open Speaker Applications
TEDxMorganStateUniversity is back for TEDx come Spring 2027, and this one celebrates Morgan State University’s 160 years of history, impact, and innovation, through their upcoming TEDx theme “Legacy in Motion”.
They’re looking for ideas that help answer the question: What do we carry forward, and what do we create next?
If your idea explores progress, transformation, innovation, culture, leadership, research, community impact, or what comes next, this could be a strong fit.
Key Event Details
TEDxMorganStateUniversity
📍 Baltimore, Maryland, USA
📅 Tentative Event Date: February 26, 2027
⏳ Deadline: Applications remain open through Fall 2026 (final closing date has not yet been announced)
🎯 Theme: Legacy in Motion
As Morgan State University celebrates its 160th anniversary, this event will explore the ideas, innovations, stories, and movements shaping the future while honoring the foundations that made progress possible.
Don’t get stuck trying to force your idea into a conversation about history.
The organizers describe legacy not as something fixed in history, but as momentum, evolution, and the courage to move ideas forward. The strongest applications will probably show how an existing challenge, opportunity, discovery, or movement creates momentum for the future.
Who Is This For
The organizers are looking for speakers across a wide range of fields, including:
Technology and innovation
Science and research
Health and wellness
Education
Business and entrepreneurship
Sustainability
Arts and culture
Media and storytelling
Social impact and community leadership
They specifically mention wanting to feature innovators, scholars, creatives, researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and changemakers.
One important note:
Priority consideration during the initial review process will be given to currently enrolled Morgan State University students.
That said, applications from alumni, faculty, professionals, and community members are still encouraged and welcomed.
About the Organizers and Community
Morgan State University is one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with a legacy dating back to 1867. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Morgan has produced generations of leaders across business, science, engineering, public service, education, arts, and culture.
The theme feels particularly aligned with Morgan’s history as an institution focused on advancement, opportunity, and community impact. Looking at the application itself, the organizers seem interested in ideas that bridge where we’ve been with where we’re going.
What They Seem to Value
Reading through the application, a few things stood out:
A clear idea worth spreading
Strong connection to community impact
Evidence and credibility
Original perspectives and lived experience
Speakers who can support claims with research and sources
Alignment with the theme of progress, legacy, innovation, and future impact
How to Apply
This is what you’ll need to submit:
Proposed talk title
150-word idea summary
Why the idea matters to the Morgan community
Your unique perspective or experience
Information about any research or data used
Social media links
Public speaking experience
Theme category selection
A 2–3 minute speaker video (or uploaded video file)
Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGWdsz3UZCZfSKd_vH1jyIq8ccGXowcO0zHlNYBJLhDeL3zg/viewform
Social Media for Updates: https://www.instagram.com/tedxmorganstateuniversity/
Need Help?
You can absolutely figure this out on your own using what I share here, but I know the process can feel a lot faster and less overwhelming when you have someone in your corner.
That’s why I offer different ways to support you depending on where you are:
Just getting started → Join the Live masterclass (next class June 23) to understand how TEDx works and what to do next
Refining your idea → Book a 1:1 Idea Session to turn your topic into a clear, TEDx-worthy idea
Ready to apply → Book a 1:1 Strategy + application Session to submit strong, well-positioned applications
🔴 See all your options: Choose Your Path
Whether you’re here just for the open calls or you want more hands-on support, I’ve got you.
And if there’s something you want me to break down or a location you’re looking for, just hit reply or email me at geleen@travelnottoescape.com.
I’m rooting for you!
Geleen Antonio