Family Values | Deon Jones | TEDxAmericanUniversity

Summary

The speaker, born in rural Mississippi, shares his journey from a life of poverty to making a significant impact, inspired by his grandmother and the influence of Oprah Winfrey. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and being a 'rainbow in someone's cloud,' advocating for the upliftment of youth, especially those from at-risk backgrounds. The power of caring and validating young people's dreams is highlighted as a means to change their life trajectories and foster future leaders.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The speaker emphasizes the importance of being cared for and the impact it had on their life, from childhood to adulthood.
• 🌱 Growing up in a small, impoverished town in Mississippi, the speaker's family background and living conditions were challenging but formative.
• 🏡 Life at Great Grandma Shug's house, despite its lack of modern conveniences, provided a foundation for the speaker's values and aspirations.
• 📺 Watching Oprah with Grandma Shug instilled in the speaker the idea of striving for more and the importance of mentorship.
• 🎓 The speaker's journey from a high school dropout to becoming the first in their family to graduate from college was fueled by an instinct to thrive.
• 🌟 The speaker's success includes interning in the administration of the first African American president, highlighting the power of perseverance and mentorship.
• 🤝 The impact of being a mentor and a positive figure for incarcerated youth underscores the speaker's belief in the potential of every individual.
• 🌈 The speaker's life was influenced by 'rainbows in the clouds'—people who cared and made a difference, a concept they wish to pass on to others.
• 📚 The value of education and mentorship is a recurring theme, with the speaker's experiences at American University and with notable figures like Julian Bond and Dr. Maya Angelou.
• 💔 The tragic story of Jonathan McClard illustrates the devastating consequences of a lack of mentorship and the importance of caring for at-risk youth.
• 🕊️ The speaker calls to action, urging everyone to find a way to be a 'rainbow in someone's cloud,' emphasizing the collective responsibility to uplift humanity, especially the youth.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's story?

The main theme of the speaker's story is the impact of care and mentorship on personal growth and the importance of being a 'rainbow in someone's cloud' to uplift and support others, especially young people.

Where was the speaker born and what was the living condition like in their hometown?

The speaker was born in Mississippi, in a very rural and impoverished area. The hometown, Wiggins, and the nearby community of Bond, Mississippi, were so small that the combined population was only 4,500 people.

What was the significance of the speaker's great-great-grandmother's house in their upbringing?

The speaker's great-great-grandmother's house was significant because it was where they spent much of their childhood. Despite the lack of modern amenities, it was a place where they learned about resilience and were influenced by the values and wisdom of their elders.

Why did the speaker's family watch Oprah regularly?

The speaker's family watched Oprah regularly because their grandmother believed that Oprah was 'somebody' and that watching her show would provide valuable life lessons for the children to become successful individuals.

What impact did the Oprah Winfrey Show have on the speaker's life?

The Oprah Winfrey Show had a profound impact on the speaker's life, serving as a source of inspiration and a constant presence throughout their life, teaching them about the potential for a better life and the importance of striving for more.

How did the speaker's experience with Dr. Maya Angelou influence their perspective on life?

The speaker's experience with Dr. Maya Angelou reinforced the idea that everyone has a 'crown' that has been paid for by the sacrifices of others, and that it is their responsibility to live up to that legacy by being a positive influence for others.

What is the significance of the phrase 'rainbow in someone's cloud' in the speaker's message?

The phrase 'rainbow in someone's cloud' signifies the role of a mentor or caring figure who provides hope and guidance to someone facing difficult circumstances, helping them to see a brighter future.

What was the speaker's experience like when they first moved to Atlanta?

When the speaker first moved to Atlanta, they continued the ritual of watching Oprah at 4:00 pm Eastern Time on ABC, channel 2, as it was a constant in their life and a source of comfort during a time of upheaval.

What was the speaker's relationship with Julian Bond during their time at American University?

The speaker had the privilege of having Julian Bond, a civil-rights icon, as their professor during their senior year at American University, which was a significant and influential experience for them.

How did the speaker's grandmother's death impact their life and perspective?

The speaker's grandmother's death was a deeply emotional experience, but it also reinforced the speaker's commitment to live out their purpose and to continue the legacy of care and mentorship that their grandmother had instilled in them.

What is the speaker's call to action for the audience?

The speaker's call to action is for the audience to take on the role of a mentor or supportive figure in the lives of young people, whether through financial support, direct mentorship, or simple acts of kindness and encouragement, to be a 'rainbow in someone's cloud'.