The talk is about my personal journey with the word as part of my vocabulary and psyche from a young age. It also includes how the word has morphed over time from a pejorative to a term of endearment to being eradicated from my vocabulary entirely. The talk concludes with what I believe is the front line of racial progress in our generation: definition, expectation, and normalcy


Servant to the poor. Butler to the great. Counselor. Philosopher. Lifelong mate.
Michael T. Smith is a High School dropout (and later GED recipient) that has devoted his life to advancing the cause of Justice in his generation and beyond. He has received multiple awards and citations for his work in addressing systemic racism, generational poverty, and violence. Michael is senior pastor at The Church of Jacksonville. Michael and his wife, Connie, have two children; Michael has been voted “#1 Dad” for 10 consecutive years by the “Bug” and the “Deuce,” an honor he holds most dear.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx