by Valerie Durham
This year, from July 12 to 15, FreedomFest takes its spirit of liberty on the road, landing in a city steeped in history, resilience and innovation – Memphis, Tennessee.
FreedomFest isn’t just a conference; it’s a gathering of free spirits and forward-thinkers, a celebration of every aspect of liberty we cherish in our lives – be it political, financial, social, creative, professional, physical or intellectual. From academics and business tycoons to free-market aficionados and cultural powerhouses, the event brings together a melting pot of ideas and individuals all bound by a shared respect for liberty and freedom.
Why Memphis, you ask? Well, Memphis is more than just a city; it’s a living testament to the strength and versatility of the human spirit. The birthplace of both blues and rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is a living symphony of diverse cultures and backgrounds coming together. It’s a city that’s borne witness to civil rights movements and is home to corporate mavericks like FedEx and life-saving institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In the wider lens, Tennessee stands tall as a beacon of freedom. Ranking as the fourth most free state in the Cato Institute’s State Freedom Index, it sets an example with low tax policies and liberty-friendly laws that attract many to its welcoming borders. Yet, even here in Memphis, the city faces its fair share of challenges – housing, crime and economic disparity, just to name a few.
And, that’s where FreedomFest comes in – we’re not just here to celebrate freedom, we’re here to discuss, dissect and confront the issues that threaten it. Like the Anthem Film Festival, which uses cinema as a vehicle for critical discussions, FreedomFest provides a platform for voices to be heard and solutions to be found.
We also have the Punching Up Comedy Festival where we celebrate the importance of satire and freedom of speech – an essential American value and essential to freedom and liberty.
FreedomFest is more than an event; it’s a movement of individuals ready to tackle real-world issues head-on. This city, with its tapestry of history and culture, isn’t just a backdrop for the festival; it’s a vibrant part of the story we’re telling.
Our speaker lineup includes figures from across the spectrum of liberty including Mike Rowe, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Vivek Ramaswamy, Tulsi Gabbard, Matt Taibbi, Larry Elder, Nadine Strossen, Spike Cohen, Lisa Kennedy, Steve Forbes, Enes “Freedom” Kanter and former Mumford & Sons banjo player Winston Marshall, who will inspire and engage in thoughtful conversation on what freedom truly means. You can view the entire list of liberty-minded speakers here.
However, FreedomFest offers more than just discussions. It’s a place where you can kick-start your day with yoga, listen to globally acclaimed speakers after breakfast, choose from numerous enlightening sessions in the afternoon, judge innovative startup ideas and even watch movies throughout the day, followed by fun-filled karaoke at night.
So, come join us at FreedomFest in Memphis. It’s in your backyard in a few weeks. It’s not just about understanding freedom; it’s about living it in every breath we take, in a city that reverberates with its essence. For more about FreedomFest and to register to attend, visit freedomfest.com. We hope to see you in Memphis.
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Valerie Durham serves as executive director of FreedomFest, an annual festival where free minds meet to celebrate freedom in an open-minded environment.
