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
More from TED
- 3:09Africa: A Solution yet to be Discovered | Mercy Edede | TEDxIntercontinental Schools KanoIn this powerful and thought-provoking talk, 13-year-old Mercy Edede challenges the long-standing global narrative that paints Africa as a continent in need of saving. With clarity and conviction, she reminds us that Africa has always been a birthplace of innovation, resilience, and creativity. Africa: The Solution Yet to Be Discovered is Mercy’s bold call to action — to recognize Africa not as a problem to be solved, but as a solution waiting to be embraced. Through her words, she inspires a renewed pride in African identity and a vision of a future driven by homegrown talent, culture, and invention. Mercy Edede, 13, is a young creative who finds expression through writing, reading, and singing. With a diploma in public speaking and a growing interest in tailoring, Mercy represents a generation of girls blending intellect, creativity, and purpose. 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
- 1:30The New Frontier-A Child's Perspective | Aisha Abdulrahman Nuhu | TEDxIntercontinental Schools KanoAt just 11 years old, Aisha Abdulrahman Nuhu invites us to see the world through the eyes of a child — curious, hopeful, and full of imagination. In The New Frontier – A Child’s Perspective, Aisha challenges adults and young people alike to rethink how we listen to children’s ideas about the future. She explores how creativity, empathy, and courage can help build a world where young voices are not just heard but valued. Through her talk, Aisha reminds us that children are not waiting to be the leaders of tomorrow — they are already shaping the conversations of today. At 11, Aisha Abdulrahman Nuhu has already stood on a TEDx stage — an experience that shaped her confidence and love for sharing ideas. A curious reader and diploma holder in public speaking, she represents the bright, brave spirit of young changemakers. 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
- 9:38IA en el aula: Del miedo al reemplazo. | Tomás Fossatti | TEDxUniversidad Siglo 21En su charla, Tomás nos invita reflexionar sobre el uso responsable y transparente de la Inteligencia Artificial a través de una plataforma educativa que ayuda a estudiantes y docentes a evolucionar en la forma de educar y aprender dentro del aula. Student of Innovation and Development Engineering. He is also finishing her degree in Software Development. He defines herself as a curious, analytical, and adaptable person. He is passionate about deeply exploring topics that spark her interest and transforming them into solutions that use technology to drive evolution. In the TEDxUniversidad Siglo 21 talk, he invites us to reflect on the responsible and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence through an educational platform that helps students and teachers evolve in the way they teach and learn in the classroom. 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
- 12:46Educación Positiva: El Bienestar como Punto de Partida | Leonardo Medrano | TEDxUniversidad Siglo 21En su charla, Leonardo nos invita a tomar conciencia sobre la importancia de la educación positiva y el bienestar como ´Punto de Partida´. PhD in Psychology, Professor and Researcher. He has carried out his work at Universidad Siglo 21, the National University of Córdoba, and the Complutense University of Madrid. For years, he has been conducting research on emotional management and stress. In his talk, he will invite us to reflect on the importance of positive education and well-being as a Starting Point. 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
- 7:20The decision point between breaking & breakthrough | Bryan Neely | TEDxOldHickoryMile 17 isn’t just a mile marker - it’s a moment in life when we face the choice to break or breakthrough. Drawing from the extremes of ultramarathon running, military service, and personal loss, Bryan Neely reveals how our toughest moments define who we are. This talk will inspire you to embrace struggle, make courageous decisions in the face of fear, and discover strength you didn’t know you had. When life hits its Mile 17, the question isn’t if you’ll continue - it’s how you’ll rise. Bryan Neely is a man of faith whose life mission is to awaken resilience and pour inspiration into others. From the battlefield of grief to the endurance of ultramarathon races, Bryan’s story is a living example of what it means to rise—again and again. He is the owner of Billy Goat Coffee Café, a mountain-inspired community hub where faith, comedy, and great coffee come together to fuel conversation, connection, and personal growth. As a Krav Maga instructor, YoungLife ministry leader, ultramarathoner, and Military Funeral Honors Officer, Bryan has built a life around service—teaching others how to stand strong in adversity, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Bryan is also the author of Embrace Your Roar, a creative and inspiring call to action that challenges people to stop comparing themselves to others in order to Rise Up and be the Champion they were created to be. Bryan lives by a higher purpose—one rooted in faith and a belief that we’re all called to something greater. 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
- 7:03A Refined Moments, A Raw Life. | Mengyao Li | TEDxZhengzhou No.7 HSThis speech explores the contrast between "polished social circles" and "rough life" in the digital age. Through the speech and personal experiment, it offers practical strategies to balance online presence with real-world authenticity, ultimately encouraging audiences to find meaning in both polished and unpolished experiences. I am Mengyao Li. In the past, I saw a low of videos like this, the vlogger show both gorgeous pictures and the difficulties behind them. And I want to know how can we balance them in the digital age. I found that a rough draft just like an unfinished art. Although rough draft is raw and unrefined, it represents authenticity and the potential for transformation. Life, just like it, is a constant work in progress. So, patiently facing our “rough life” and enjoying it, appreciate others “polished social circle”. 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
