The Girl Who Harnessed Creativity | Damini Awoyiga | TEDxArgyle St
In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Damini Awoyiga shares her journey of growing up Black and neurodiverse with ADHD in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through poetry, story, and reflection, she explores how impulsivity — often framed as a flaw — can become a source of creativity, resilience, and possibility.From feeling misunderstood as a child to embracing her unique mind and cultural identity, Damini demonstrates how harnessing curiosity, courage, and creativity can transform challenges into opportunities. She encourages us to listen to our impulses, name them, and follow through — turning raw energy into innovation, self-expression, and empowerment.Given at TEDxArgyleSt in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Damini Awoyiga is a high school student and dynamic young leader passionate about activism, art, and creative expression. A spoken word poet and former Youth Poet Laureate of Halifax (2023–2024), she uses her voice to inspire change.Damini is the founder of Damini Creatives
and the Afro-Indigenous Book Club, promoting works by Black and Indigenous authors. She is
also a freelance journalist for CBC Mainstreet and serves on the HRM Youth Advisory
Committee.Her recent works include Through Our Eyes and Melanin in Motion, powerful performances blending poetry, music, and dance. Damini also loves to write, sing, and create. 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
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