In her powerful and deeply personal TEDx talk, Melissa A. Mitchell explores the ancestral, cultural, and personal dimensions of Black resilience, framing it as an inherited and intentional superpower. Through vivid storytelling, she invites the audience to imagine persistent adversity—academic achievement met with rejection, career success shadowed by illness, personal tragedy layered on professional struggle—and to see how these experiences forge resilience rather than defeat.Melissa recounts her own birth as an act of survival and symbolism, drawing parallels between her journey and the broader African Diaspora experience. She unpacks how the erasure of African excellence from historical narratives distorts Black identity, emphasizing that resilience is not a new phenomenon but a birthright passed down through kings, queens, artists, inventors, and survivors.The talk traces Black resilience from ancient Kemet through slavery, the Harlem Renaissance, the civil rights movement, and into the modern day—where Black creativity, innovation, and perseverance continue to redefine the world. Through inventions, art, education, and activism, Black communities have consistently responded to oppression with brilliance.For Melissa, art becomes both protest and purpose—her paintbrush a pulpit, her creativity a legacy tool. She positions herself as a modern griot, carrying the weight of those who came before her and using her talents to honor them. Ultimately, Mitchell asserts that Black resilience is not just a reaction to hardship—it is a divine inheritance and a creative force, making her and others who embrace it, truly unstoppable. Melissa A. Mitchell is self-taught artist, entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she has a love for vibrant colors, unique shapes, and bold dark lines that she attributes to her Bahamian heritage, melodic sounds and the colorful world around her.In 2014, she founded Abeille Creations. Melissa has gone on to create over 500 original art pieces, 40 larger than life murals and been featured in Forbes, Vogue, ESSENCE, SHEEN Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine and The Huffington Post, among others. Most notably, she is known for turning her lively artwork into textiles, specifically head wraps named after influential women in her life, seen on the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Amara La Negra, Yandy Smith, Karen Civil, Rebecca Gross. The author of, Views from My Kaleidoscope.Melissa,has partnered with two billion dollar brands—the recent winner of Spanx’s Illuminate-Her contest with her Bra-llelujah Bralette and Under Statements Thong collection. 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

Before the world tells you who to be, someone else already has — you. That constant inner dialogue, the voice narrating your every move, is the most powerful influencer in your life.In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, Umar Saleem explores the unseen force shaping our choices, self-worth, and mental health: our inner voice. With insight drawn from psychology, lived experience, and everyday battles with doubt, they reveal how this voice can either uplift or sabotage — and how learning to reframe it can change everything.Forget filters and followers — the real transformation begins when we become conscious of what we tell ourselves. Because when you change the voice in your head, you change your entire story.Umar Saleem is a leading Pakistani comedian, content creator, and podcast host, renowned for his viral sketches and insightful humor that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally. With over 649,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 189 million views, his flagship show, *Podcastic*, blends comedy with critical discussions on culture and societal norms. Umar's engaging content and unique perspective have made him a prominent figure in Pakistan's digital entertainment landscape. 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

We all carry stories of pain, grief, and loss — but what happens when those stories are silenced, dismissed, or rushed past?In this powerful TEDx talk, Osama Akhter invites us into a deeply human space — where emotional truth is not only felt but validated. Through their own journey of navigating grief, they show how holding onto a clean heart and a clear mind isn’t about being unaffected by pain, but about honoring it without letting it poison who we become.This talk is a testament to the strength it takes to sit with sorrow, to let others be seen in theirs, and to create meaning from what once felt meaningless. It’s about transforming emotional wounds into spaces of connection, purpose, and quiet power.Because when we validate our grief — and others’ — we don’t just heal. We build a more compassionate world. Osama Akhter is a Pakistani storyteller, community builder, and founder of Buland Community—a platform dedicated to reviving the art of storytelling as a means of connection, healing, and empowerment. With a background in psychology from COMSATS University, he combines his understanding of human behavior with a passion for mass communication to create inclusive spaces where people can share their narratives and foster empathy. Through open mic nights, creative workshops, and community events across cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, Osama is cultivating a culture of active listening and shared growth. 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

In a world clouded by ego, noise, and constant comparison, what does it really mean to live with a clean heart and a clean mind?In this reflective and uplifting TEDx talk, Jaffer Shah explores the quiet power of inner clarity — how kindness, honesty, and emotional discipline aren’t signs of weakness, but the foundation of true strength. Sharing deeply personal stories and timeless wisdom, the talk journeys through the challenges of letting go, choosing compassion over conflict, and staying mentally clear in chaotic times.This isn’t just about being good — it’s about being strong in a different way. A way the world needs now more than ever.Because real strength doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it simply refuses to carry hatred. Jaffer Shah, known by his stage name Jeem Se Jaffer, is a dynamic Pakistani singer, composer, and performer celebrated for his soulful vocals and genre-blending musical style. With a significant following on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, he has captivated audiences with his heartfelt covers and original compositions, such as "O Yaara" and "Kabhi Arsh Par Kabhi Farsh Par." Jaffer's live performances, including collaborations with artists like Vahaj Hanif, showcase his ability to connect deeply with listeners through music that resonates with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. His innovative approach and authentic artistry continue to make him a prominent figure in Pakistan's contemporary music scene. 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

Angelino compartilha sua vivência no Timor-Leste e os aprendizados sobre identidade, pertencimento e as marcas invisíveis do colonialismo. A partir de uma experiência de cooperação internacional, ele revela como o desconforto pode ser um ponto de partida para a escuta e a transformação. “O X da Questão” surge quando até os símbolos mais sagrados são usados para agradar quem ainda dita as regras. Uma fala que provoca e inspira novos olhares sobre o que realmente nos move. atua em planejamento e gestão orçamentária para transformar políticas públicas em ações que impactem vidas. Ao longo da carreira, dedicou-se a construir pontes entre pessoas e instituições, fomentando o diálogo, a transparência e a eficiência na gestão. Reconhecido por sua visão estratégica, sabe que cada desafio é também uma oportunidade para gerar valor público de forma criativa. Sua trajetória combina rigor técnico com sensibilidade humana, é apaixonado por ideias que inspiram mudanças. Acredita que o serviço público é um convite à construção coletiva de futuros e um laboratório de ideias para inspirar pessoas a acreditar no poder do coletivo. 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

What happens when a sport produces global champions for decades — yet still battles for recognition in its own homeland?In this powerful TEDx talk, Farhan Zaman shines a spotlight on squash: a sport with a legacy of dominance, discipline, and national pride — particularly in countries like Pakistan, once home to the greatest dynasties the game has ever seen. From Jahangir Khan’s historic unbeaten streak to generations of forgotten champions, this talk explores how squash rose to greatness... and why the world still looks the other way.Through personal passion and historical insight, this is more than a tribute to a sport — it’s a call to honor the stories, struggles, and triumphs of athletes who defined excellence long before social media ever noticed.Because some legends play in silence — but their legacy deserves to echo. Farhan Zaman is a professional squash player from Peshawar, Pakistan, known for his agility and strategic gameplay. Born on March 9, 1992, he turned professional in 2007 and reached his career-high PSA world ranking of No. 47 in January 2017. Farhan has secured five PSA World Tour titles and has been a pivotal member of Pakistan's national squash team, contributing to their Asian Team Championship victories in 2012, 2014, and 2016. He also represented Pakistan at the 2022 Asian Games, where the team won a silver medal. Coming from a family with a rich squash heritage, including his uncle Qamar Zaman, a former British Open champion, Farhan continues to uphold the legacy of Pakistani squash on the international stage. 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