Ideas worth spreading

It takes a community to eradicate hate

1,472,529 views | Wale Elegbede • TED@PMI

Standing up to discrimination and hate should be everyone's business, says community activist Wale Elegbede. In this vital talk, he shares how his community in La Crosse, Wisconsin came together to form an interfaith group in response to Islamophobia and racism -- and shows why a mentality of caring for your neighbors can make life better for everyone.

Standing up to discrimination and hate should be everyone's business, says community activist Wale Elegbede. In this vital talk, he shares how his community in La Crosse, Wisconsin came together to form an interfaith group in response to Islamophobia and racism -- and shows why a mentality of caring for your neighbors can make life better for everyone.

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with Project Management Institute. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about the TED Institute.

Connect with Wale Elegbede on the issues of discrimination, systemic racism and Islamophobia.

Take action at Everyone's Business, an organization that empowers people and communities to end discrimination, Islamophobia and racism.

Donate to Everyone's Business and support the fight against discrimination, Islamophobia and racism.

Follow Wale Elegbede on Twitter.

About the speaker

Wale Elegbede

Strategist, change-maker, social justice advocate

See speaker profile

Wale Elegbede is a strategist who believes good, ethical leaders have a responsibility to bring positive change to their communities, organizations and families.

Nelson Mandela | Back Bay Books, 1995 | Book

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

I’ve been inspired by Nelson Mandela’s work in his attempt to bring South Africa together. I believe that we achieve true greatness when we do it together and elevate opportunities for everyone. For a list of books on Nelson Mandela and his legacy, see here.

Mike Tighe | La Crosse Tribune, 2016 | Article

"La Crosse Muslim to other Americans: 'We are part of you'"

John Lewis | Hachette Books, 2017 | Book

Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America

I'm inspired by the late John Lewis. I had an opportunity to meet him on a plane (by chance) and learned some life lessons in the short amount of time we met and discussed. This book talks about important things we can all do to address discrimination and system racism with equality and justice for all.

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

Read more about the TED Institute

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with Project Management Institute. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about the TED Institute.

Connect with Wale Elegbede on the issues of discrimination, systemic racism and Islamophobia.

Take action at Everyone's Business, an organization that empowers people and communities to end discrimination, Islamophobia and racism.

Donate to Everyone's Business and support the fight against discrimination, Islamophobia and racism.

Follow Wale Elegbede on Twitter.