In his TED talk, Kentel Weaver brings together the stories of various allies, who offered him opportunities that became substantial turning points in his reintegration journey. People often frown upon recidivism rates that remain high, with the assumption that incarcerated individuals have all the society’s resources accessible to them upon reentry, yet that’s simply a falsehood. He hopes to highlight the importance of opportunity for formerly incarcerated individuals, so that “success” for formerly incarcerated people should go beyond being attributed to pure “chance” or “luck”. Kentel Weaver is a Tufts University Civic Studies major who started his journey of higher education in MCI Concord in 2019 through the Tufts University Prison Initiative of Tisch College degree program. He went to prison when he was 16, was sentenced to life in prison at the age of 18, and spent the next 19 years of his life in prison until he was released in November of 2022 at the age of 35. He’s been home for two years and is now finishing completing his bachelors degree in Civic Studies at Tufts. He works for the Transformational Prison Project which is grounded in Restorative Justice practices. As a full time circle keeper he goes inside DYS facilities to hold restorative justice circles with the inner city youth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 17:39The Digital Drug : Why Social Media needs Safety labels | Nishtha Jain | TEDxAndoverNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of technology and mental health which remains an ongoing field of study. Comparisons to drug addiction lack scientific support and may be alienating to some viewers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn a world wired for constant connection, what is it costing us to always be online? In this talk, Nishtha Jain unpacks the hidden dangers of social media addiction and how it is hijacking our attention, and changing how we live, connect, and feel. Drawing from personal experiences this talk proposes a revolutionary idea of having the Digital Safety Labels. It's time to pause, reclaim presence, and choose a more mindful relationship with technology. Nishtha Jain is a highly esteemed strategic thought leader and executive with over 15 years of global experience in information technology. She specializes in steering digital technology transformations, developing digital products, and formulating and implementing digital innovation strategies. Nishtha possesses significant expertise across multiple industry sectors, including healthcare technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, with an in-depth understanding of the entire value chain. Her fervent interest lies in harnessing emerging digital technologies, such as AI, to improve patients' healthcare experiences and journeys. In her current position as Head of Innovation & Digital Technology, R&D Quality at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, she spearheads digital and data initiatives from ideation to execution, applying emerging technologies and design principles for transformative outcomes. Her prior experience includes positions at GSK, Biogen, Thomson Reuters, Dr.First, Accenture. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:01How Quiet Nudges Can Lead to a Life of Purpose and Impact | Pam Rosener | TEDxPlanoNOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWe're all looking for clear direction to tell us what's next. But what if the biggest signs come through small whispers? Pam Rosener is the President and Founder of Young Men’s Service League. Pam loves mentoring young men to develop their hearts for service. She also delights in seeing moms deepen their relationships with their sons while growing personally through their leadership roles in YMSL. She’s on a mission to bring the YMSL experience to as many communities as possible to provide YMSL’s unique service, learning and leadership opportunities to young men and their moms across the country and around the world. Currently, there are over 100 chapters in 15 states. Since its inception YMSL members have served over 2 million community service hours. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
