Ideas worth spreading

Why your worst deeds don’t define you

1,760,649 views |

Shaka Senghor |

TED2014

• March 2014

In 1991, Shaka Senghor shot and killed a man. He was, he says, "a drug dealer with a quick temper and a semi-automatic pistol." Jailed for second degree murder, that could very well have been the end of the story. But it wasn't. Instead, it was the beginning of a years-long journey to redemption, one with humbling and sobering lessons for us all.

In 1991, Shaka Senghor shot and killed a man. He was, he says, "a drug dealer with a quick temper and a semi-automatic pistol." Jailed for second degree murder, that could very well have been the end of the story. But it wasn't. Instead, it was the beginning of a years-long journey to redemption, one with humbling and sobering lessons for us all.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Shaka Senghor

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Using literature as a lifeline, Shaka Senghor escaped a cycle of prison and desperation. Now his story kindles hope in those who have little.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.