The Importance of Community | Kentel Weaver | TEDxTufts
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
- 17:33What if the Mirror Lied | Dr.Nina Apra | TEDxKPRIETDr. Nina Apra delivers a poetic and soul-searching TEDx talk that challenges the way we perceive ourselves. She explores the idea that the mirror often lies-reflecting not who we truly are, but what our insecurities want us to see. With grace and conviction, Nina urges us to rewrite the stories we tell ourselves, let go of self-judgment, and embrace our authenticity. Her message is a powerful reminder that our worth is not defined by appearances, but by the truth we carry within. Dr. Nina Apra is an award-winning anaesthesiologist, bestselling author, and passionate social activist. With a diverse literary portfolio, including Echoes of Life and Beneath: Mind Matters, she inspires readers through powerful storytelling. A TEDx speaker, stand-up comedian, poet, and singer, Dr. Apra blends creativity and resilience in every endeavour. Honoured with multiple awards, including the COVID Warrior Award, she actively advocates for mental health, women’s empowerment, and social change. 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
- 13:53How AI Can Make Us More Human | Anurag Upadhyay | TEDxKPRIETIn a world gripped by the fear that AI is stealing jobs, Anurag Upadhyay, digital transformation leader and TEDx speaker, sets the record straight. His compelling talk reveals that this common belief is a misconception-AI isn't replacing humans, it's simply taking over the repetitive and irritating tasks that limit our true potential. By eliminating the mundane, AI allows us to focus on what truly makes us human: empathy, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Anurag urges us to embrace AI not as a threat, but as a tool for amplification-helping us evolve, connect deeper, and innovate with purpose. Anurag Upadhyay is a digital transformation strategist and TEDx speaker with 13+ years of experience. A Toastmaster and technologist, he specializes in AI, GenAI, FinTech, and Intelligent Automation. He has trained thousands across India, making emerging tech accessible and impactful. Through storytelling and real-world insights, Anurag inspires others to see AI as a creativity booster and change as opportunity. 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