How to Go Beyond Diversity and Inclusion to Community and Belonging | E'Ula Green | TEDxOU

TEDx Talks・2 minutes read

The speaker shares personal experiences of facing challenges and promoting diversity, advocating for more inclusive representation in historical pictures at the University of Oklahoma. She highlights the importance of empowering others, promoting diversity, and fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

Insights

  • The speaker's journey from Sierra Leone to the United States, facing challenges in a new school, and transitioning through law enforcement to becoming a special education teacher underscores the transformative power of personal experiences in shaping one's path and career choices.
  • The advocacy for diversity and inclusion, as exemplified by the speaker's initiative to change historical pictures at the University of Oklahoma, highlights the tangible impact of individual efforts in reshaping institutional representation and fostering a more inclusive environment for all.

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Recent questions

  • What challenges did the speaker face in a new school?

    Feeling out of place in a new school in McAlester, Oklahoma, the speaker encountered difficulties adjusting to a different environment after moving from Sierra Leone to the United States.

  • How did the speaker earn the nickname "The Fixer"?

    The speaker earned the nickname "The Fixer" by standing up for her sister against a bully and intervening in conflicts at school, showcasing her willingness to help others in need.

  • What advice did the speaker's mother give her regarding conflicts?

    The speaker's mother advised her to find non-violent ways to help others after she was reprimanded for physically confronting students while trying to resolve conflicts at school.

  • What career path did the speaker pursue after facing challenges in law enforcement?

    Transitioning from law enforcement, the speaker decided to become a special education teacher and later pursued a master's in Social Work to address family issues, showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact in the community.

  • What policy change did the speaker advocate for at the University of Oklahoma?

    While attending the University of Oklahoma, the speaker advocated for more inclusive representation in historical pictures on campus, leading to a policy change where two out of every three pictures were replaced with diverse images to reflect the current student body and staff.

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Summary

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From "The Fixer" to Diversity Advocate

  • The speaker shares personal experiences of moving from Sierra Leone to the United States, feeling out of place in a new school in McAlester, Oklahoma.
  • She recounts standing up for her sister against a bully, earning the nickname "The Fixer" for intervening in conflicts at school.
  • Despite her good intentions, she gets reprimanded for physically confronting other students and is advised by her mother to find non-violent ways to help others.
  • Transitioning to a career in law enforcement, she faces challenges and decides to become a special education teacher, later pursuing a master's in Social Work to address family issues.
  • While attending the University of Oklahoma, she notices a lack of diversity in historical pictures on campus, leading her to advocate for more inclusive representation.
  • Her efforts result in a policy change where two out of every three pictures are replaced with diverse images to reflect the current student body and staff.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of empowering others and promoting diversity and inclusion through actions like voting, contacting representatives, and learning people's names correctly.
  • She concludes by highlighting the significance of building community and fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging individuals to embrace diversity and create connections with others.
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