What Is Identity When You’re Always the Minority? | Lahib Jaddo | TEDxTexas Tech
What does identity mean when you’ve never belonged to the majority? Born in Iraq to a Turkmen family, Lahib grew up navigating life as a minority — in Iraq, in Lebanon, and later in the United States. In this talk, she shares her journey across cultures and borders, reflecting on how identity is shaped, questioned, and ultimately redefined when you’re always the outsider. Lahib Jaddo is an Iraqi-born artist, architect, and educator whose work spans painting, sculpture, and storytelling. Born in Baghdad to a Turkmen family, she spent her formative years in Iraq and Lebanon before immigrating to the U.S., where she earned a Master of Architecture and a Master of Fine Arts from Texas Tech University. Jaddo's art explores themes of memory, displacement, and cultural identity, blending her Middle Eastern heritage with her deep connection to the American landscape. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally and is the subject of the award-winning documentary Jaddoland. 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
- 1:22Sydney’s infamous eight-legged serial killers #shorts #tedx#shorts #tedx #ted #spiders #australia #nature #wildlife
- 10:12A photographer’s frame work for witnessing our shared humanity | Tony Menias | TEDxChicagoWhat happens when a doctor trades his stethoscope for a camera? Photodocumentarian Tony Menias reveals how slowing down transforms the way we see ourselves and each other. From medical missions to National Geographic, his decade-long journey captures life's hidden rhythms and our shared humanity. Through stunning imagery and raw reflection, Tony shows how everyday moments become visual poetry when we pause to truly notice. This talk invites you to witness the divine connections that surround us daily—teaching that when we see with our hearts, not just our eyes, strangers become family and chaos becomes peace. Driven by curiosity & fascination with the world, Tony's love of capturing life began when his father handed him his first camera at age seven. From medical school to global missions serving the impoverished, photography was his guiding light in finding beauty in the simplest things. Witnessing the resiliency of souls he treated inspired a life change. Tony left medicine to pursue his craft. Within his first year as a photographer, he was recognized by National Geographic, held multiple exhibitions, & won an Award for Excellence. Photography was no longer a hobby, but calling. Known under the artist name ‘Beloveful’, Tony's passion for capturing the raw & unfiltered aspects of life led him on a profound journey of self-discovery. With a keen eye for detail & unwavering commitment to authenticity, he portrays beauty & chaos equally. Whether capturing bustling markets, serene landscapes, or intimate daily moments, he conveys connection & commonality among people– the rhythm of life. 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
