Let's Address the Needs of Critically At-Risk Youth | Donna Dukes | TEDxBirmingham

In this straightforward talk, educator Donna Dukes paints the picture of what life is like for critically at-risk youth - those living with almost unimaginable circumstances - and tells us why we as a society need to think about and provide for them.

Donna Duke’s life goal is simple: to help critically at-risk youth and adults turn their lives around and become productive members of society.

An educator with a calling, Donna is the Founder and Executive Director of
the Maranathan Academy, whose mission is to help critically at-risk youth and adults graduate from high school. She is a firm believer in the importance of education, service, and academic achievement.

Donna is also a filmmaker, and has made the award-winning documentary "Stand! Untold Stories from the Civil Rights Movement," in which civil rights leaders talk about the Selective Buying Campaign of 1962, and how members of Birmingham’s white community supported and helped their efforts.

[tonyandlisa]

I work with at risk youth every day at a mental health hospital, and what she is saying is absolutely true. Most of these kids just want to be seen and loved. Many of them have never had anyone see them and tell them they make a difference.

[empressbrandyalexander]

Hey Ms. Dukes! I was one of your formal students that have successfully achieved & All areas of my life because of you. I will never forget you. Because Jesus Christ put you and my path I was able to graduate from your school with a high school diploma, I was able to go and get a college degree I was able to build a SOLID foundation for not just me but for my you have helped a broken little at-risk girl become a successful Mother/Mentor/College Grad/ Teacher that No other school in BIRMINGHAM, Alabama ever wanted to give a second I knew the first time I met you that you were perfect for me and my kids. I sincerely Thank You with ALL of my heart and I wish you the Best and all your For any single Mother/ Father or single Male or Female that do Not have a HighSchool Degree who is at Risk, Ms. Dukes will be a perfect fit for you! This is definitely agree that this will be the Right way to

[sarahcoffman]

I don't know how this doesn't have more views. This was a genius talk!

[tashamac]

This is the best TEDX speech I've ever heard

[arnellawoods]

This is an amazing outlook on youth and what we must do as a community, parents, teachers, and advocate of some sort to make sure that our youth do better and have some things to look forward to in life our critically at risk kids needs us more than ever .. Thanks Ms.Dukes for sharing these outlooks on life and youth...I'm now a student in Ms.Tolbert class and she has given me hope in many ways

[TheBlockBlues]

I’m here 2023 and this needs to be heard Today 💡

[swatidoesthings]

"Life is only precious to people who believe success is possible."

[juanitahull]

nailed it! Donna, you remain the amazing young woman of faith I met 23 years ago. I am so proud of all you and your family have accomplished through the School. Thank you.

[rooowtwx]

This is a great talk. Finding hope in a seemingly hopeless world.

Addressing the problems at-risk youths have isn’t giving them to use that as an excuse for committing crimes. It’s about finding the root cause and solving that crime, saving the victims and the perpetrators from the crime.

[aparamo]

5:20 When youth feel safe and secure that’s when see them strive and excel in life. I volunteer at after school program once a wk to gain more experience and make a positive difference. Youth also need to feel positive 😊

[Youthmover]

Fantastic talk! Beautifully written to tap into human emotion and make a powerful point! Would like to learn more and connect.

[atlaswilliams]

I know this women surly helped my life get to this point that I’m in now

[kayliasbirdsanctuary]

We have a moral obligation to support at-risk youth. We have to understand that treating students fair doesn't mean providing equal amount of support with other students, it means doing whatever it takes to identify at-risk students early in their education and provide whatever it takes to get them on par with their succeeding peers; it's that simple. Fair and equal are two different things, we need to love the students we have and treat them with fairness.

[christinae]

A sincere thank you for this speech. I appreciate what you share and the work you do, and will use this as inspiration for my work.

[MicroWATCHTV]

Very powerful and deep! Thank you for inspiring our youth, Miss Dukes.

[jerryjordan]

This is moving I have no more words other than I'm on the right pathed thank you very much...

[txanajones]

miss dukes is my principal at maranathan academy

[danielleblimline]

Wonderful and important message. Great TedTalk.

[rossellcasildo]

Quickly get me the money Daniel so I can start working on your project.