On a vibrant Saturday, the Shops at RedBird welcomed thousands of children and families for an engaging event organized by the T.D. Jakes Foundation. This annual STEAM Expo is crafted to ignite curiosity and foster creativity among young participants in the realms of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and family-oriented activities, the event covered diverse topics such as human anatomy, artificial intelligence, sports medicine, and forestry. The gathering also incorporated educational displays on Juneteenth, enriching attendees' understanding of cultural history.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as eager children and their parents streamed into the venue. Interactive booths and dynamic presentations captivated the audience, offering hands-on learning experiences that are pivotal for early intellectual development. For instance, a five-year-old participant named Leondri Stiggle was thrilled by the science experiments, marveling at how they created lotion resembling juice. Her father, Leon Stiggle, expressed gratitude for such opportunities, reflecting on the importance of early exposure to innovative fields.
Beyond the scientific and technological explorations, the expo delved into cultural education. Exhibits dedicated to Juneteenth featured live actors portraying significant historical figures like Dr. Opal Lee, known affectionately as the "grandmother of Juneteenth." Sponsored by the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., these displays highlighted the Emancipation Proclamation and its educational implications. Maiya Bangurah, the chapter president, emphasized the significance of these living exhibits in fostering a deeper understanding of history and progress.
Kelley Cornish, president of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, underscored the importance of this event as part of the nonprofit’s broader mission. Celebrating the organization's tenth pop-up event in just two years, Cornish pointed out the alarming statistic of 2.4 million unfilled jobs annually due to a lack of qualified candidates. By introducing children to these critical fields early, the foundation aims to bridge this gap and transform family dynamics through career exposure.
As the event concluded, anticipation grew for the foundation's upcoming fall event. Participants left inspired, equipped with newfound knowledge and aspirations, embodying the expo's vision of cultivating a future-ready workforce through creativity and curiosity.