STORIES FROM THE STAGE: Remembering Rita F. Pierson

Welcome to the latest edition of "Stories From The Stage," a limited series newsletter designed to offer a peek inside JAKE Small's TEDxRoxbury 2024 journey. This newsletter features some of JAKE's favorite TED Talks as well as advice for those who aspire to take the TEDx stage one day.

What was the first TED Talk you remember watching and in what ways does it inspire you as you prepare to speak at TEDxRoxbury?

I can trace my desire to speak on the TED stage back to a single moment. I had just finished my sophomore year of high school and came across "Every kid needs a champion" by Rita F. Pierson. I had watched countless TED talks before this one but Ms. Pierson's talk was the first that I felt connected to. I think what initially stood out was that she talks about coming from a family of educators. I too have parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who have dedicated their lives to education.

I am inspired by Ms. Pierson's conviction and her powerful message that still rings true: "Every child deserves a champion..." Sadly, Rita F. Pierson died in 2013 at the age of 61 just a few months after helping to launch TED Talks Education. Her legacy as a heart-centered educator will live on forever.

What do you hope the impact of your talk will be and who do you hope it will reach?

My talk is titled "The Miracle of Mattering" and responds to the interwoven system of oppression that Black men face in the American school system and in the professional world of work. I offer a central idea: The academic and professional advancement of Black men relies on the mattering of Black boys. Black boys have to matter to police officers, teachers, physicians, and everyone else before we'll see a significant shift in success outcomes for Black men.

I hope my TED talk reaches every Black boy in the world and reminds him that his success, his perseverance, his resilience, his ideas, his passions... they all matter!

Who is your talk dedicated to?

"The Miracle of Mattering" is dedicated to my three nephews: James, Aaron, and Justin. They are growing up as Black boys in America and will one day be Black men in this country. I endeavor to make this world more habitable for them. This talk is also dedicated to every Black boy and anyone who loves a Black boy! ??

Thank you for reading!

Follow www.imjakesmall.com to keep up with JAKE Small ????? and his work as a justice-driven consultant and speaker. JAKE is passionate about advancing education equity and focuses his research on the mattering of Black boys as a tool for academic persistence and professional success. He is the author of the upcoming book titled "For Every Black Boy." Learn more >>>

Visit https://lnkd.in/eaeE9z5f to get your tickets for TEDxRoxbury 2024.