J Hackett at TEDxAsheville in 2022
Black Wall Street: The Key to Unlocking Any City’s Economy
J Hackett, Founder of Black Wall Street AVL, shares three actions any community can do to have more inclusive economics.
Black Business is everybody’s business and this talk explains how small to mid-size communities can move forward together in business.
J Hackett is the founder of Black Wall Street AVL and GRIND – Asheville’s first Black Owned Coffee Shop. While actively working to advance economic development locally, he has previously worked on projects across the globe focusing on the UN Sustainability Goals.
Call for Speakers
Do you have an idea that challenges the status quo, a story born from struggle, or a perspective that can shift the way we see the world? TEDxAsheville is looking for speakers who embody the spirit of the 2026 theme, Embrace the Mess.
Apply at www.tedxasheville.com/speak. The speaker portal closes September 21, 2025. Final speaker selections will be announced in December.
TEDxAsheville will host two fall salons, known as Red Rug Roundtables, designed for intimate dialogue and connection. The next gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 309 College Street, Asheville.
