The TEDxOvertown talk titled “Once Upon a time or Happily ever after?” by Nicole Crooks explores the power of storytelling in shaping our beliefs and actions. Drawing on personal experiences and research, Crooks delves into how the narratives we internalize from a young age can influence our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us.
She challenges the notion of traditional fairy tales with their simplistic narratives of good versus evil and happy endings, suggesting that these stories may limit our understanding of complex human experiences. Crooks emphasizes the importance of diverse and inclusive stories that reflect the diversity of our society and inspire empathy and understanding.
Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, Crooks encourages her audience to critically evaluate the stories they consume and create, and to strive for a more nuanced understanding of the world. Ultimately, she argues that by expanding our storytelling repertoire, we can foster a more compassionate and inclusive society.
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Author Video Description
This inspiring speech explores the power of storytelling, the resilience of the African diaspora, and the magic of communities like Overtown. From the history of Shogun houses—often misrepresented as “shotgun houses”—to the deep wisdom passed down through generations, we are reminded that whoever tells our story owns our destiny. The narrative of Overtown, its architecture, its people, and their legacy is one of pride and survival. Join us in reclaiming the truth, honoring our ancestors, and writing the next chapter of the collective journe of Overtown.
#OvertownLegacy #StorytellingPower #ShogunHouses #AfricanDiaspora #CommunityResilience #OwnYourDestiny #CulturalHistory #LegacyOfStrength #HistoricOvertown #ReclaimingNarratives #EmpowermentThroughHistory Nicole Crooks, is a catalyst for change and advocate for the Beloved Community of which MLK often spoke . With over 30 years of experience in advocacy, Nicole currently serves as the Catalyst Miami Community Engagement Manager for Overtown and Founder of the Indigo Butterfly Effect. Through initiatives like Share Our America and “A Walk through Our Neighborhoods,” she brings people together across differences and ignites transformative change. Nicole’s commitment to the holistic well-being of People of African descent and the communities that nurture them is evident in her work as a leader with organizations like GirlTREK and Forward Promise. Passionate about the Legacy of Historic Overtown, she advocates for honoring the neighborhood’s roots and people while embracing progress. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Once Upon a time or Happily ever after? | Nicole Crooks | TEDxOvertown” was uploaded on 10/14/2024 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks