The 2026 TIME100 Next Gala took place on October 29 in Manhattan, bringing together a group of artists, innovators, politicians, and athletes to celebrate the 2026 TIME100 Next list.
Inspiring Speeches
On this night, a live performance by Grammy-nominated singer Rae, who has recently gained fame with her singles, was showcased. The event provided a space for the honorees to mention what gives them hope and to acknowledge those who have helped them succeed.
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Among the speakers at the event were Tyrese Maxey, player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Himish Patel, actor, Alex Warren, singer and content creator, Wafira Nijero, founder of Food4Education, and Ashton Pedia, star of Saturday Night Live.
Tyrese Maxey: Inspiration and Hope
Tyrese Maxey began his speech by acknowledging the other honorees, saying, "For me, it is an honor to stand alongside you and speak today. What motivates me is you." Maxey also referenced a principle he has tried to follow since childhood: "Getting 1% better every day" and emphasized that his father reminded him that "the sky is the limit." He also mentioned his charity that gives back to the community.
Himish Patel: Power and Impact
Himish Patel, in his speech, referred to the power and impact of those present in the room, stating, "In these difficult times, it is essential for each of us to think about where we have power and how we can use it to do good in the world." He also shared his own story and emphasized that hope is an act of resilience.
Alex Warren: A Reminder from His Father
Alex Warren recounted a childhood story, saying, "When I was 7 years old, I climbed a tree and asked my dad, 'What if I fall?' and he replied, 'What if you fly?'" He spoke about his father's influence on his life and how he strives to achieve his dreams. Warren also talked about the loss of his father and its impact on his life.
Message from Wafira Nijero
Wafira Nijero, founder of Food4Education, highlighted the importance of humans in building the future, stating, "The valuable resource of this planet is never what we extract, but what we grow." She mentioned Food4Education's activities in providing food to needy children in Africa and emphasized that in the modern world, humans still play a key role.
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