Ideas worth spreading

Why your worst deeds don’t define you

1,760,503 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

See speaker profile

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

Malcolm X and Alex Haley | Ballantine Books, 1999 | Book

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

This book pricked my consciousness and showed me the power of transformation and personal accountability.

James Allen | Cosimo Classics, 2005 | Book

As a Man Thinketh

This was the first book that helped me explore the idea of positive thinking and thinking into existence the future we want for ourselves.

Plato | Hackett Publishing Company, 1992 | Book

Plato's Republic

Socrates' dialogues opened up my mind to the power of questions and examining our lives.

Michelle Alexander | The New Press, 2012 | Book

The New Jim Crow

Alexander tackles the hard-hitting issues of race, power and the historical context of the prison system. Her acute analysis of race and sentencing disparities cuts to the heart of the prison boom.

Thich Nhat Hanh | Beacon Press, 1999 | Book

The Miracle of Mindfulness

This book has been an invaluable tool during my transition back into society, reminding me to be present in the moment, even when those moments are uncomfortable.

Baratunde Thurston | HarperCollins, 2012 | Book

How To Be Black

This refreshing and super funny take on race is very inspiring, insightful and funny enough to make you read it over and over.

Robin Casarjian | The Lionheart Foundation, 2001 | Book

Houses of Healing

This book guided and supported me in confronting issues I struggled with in my personal life, like child abuse, being a victim of gun violence, and drug addiction.

Asha Bandele | Washington Square Press, 2000 | Book

The Prisoner's Wife

A very inspiring story about love and relationships that develop under dire circumstances. A beautiful expression of the human spirit and heart triumphing.

Learn more

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