Why Representation Really Matters | Aisha Thomas | TEDxBristol

"Until society represents everyone, the question will always be ‘where do I belong?’ " Aisha Thomas’s TEDx talk challenges us to imagine a world where all races are represented in all aspects of life. Where children grow up with a sense of value, connection and understanding of difference.

Her commitment to inspiring young minds was kick-started a decade ago during a mentoring meeting with a young offender in prison. He said to Aisha, "If you were my teacher, maybe I wouldn’t be in prison today." Then a law graduate, Aisha decided to retrain as an educator and dedicate her life to improving the lives of children in her community. She’s currently Assistant Principal at City Academy in Bristol, and one of only 26 out of 1346 black secondary school teachers in the city.

#RepresentationMatters

Credits:

Our talks and films are produced, filmed and edited by a brilliant team of talented volunteers and pro-bono partners:

Directed and Produced by Mel Rodrigues, Creative Director TEDxBristol

Production Manager: Clare Crossley

Filmed and edited by Floating Harbour:
Richard da Costa
Reuben Gaines
Chessie Sharman
Raph Watson
Tom Young
Ben Scrase

Iconic images drawn by Shanai Campbell Talk title: How YOU can change a young person’s life.
Aisha Thomas is a born and bred Bristolian. She studied law at the University of the West of England but switched to education in 2010. In September 2016 Aisha became City Academy’s Assistant Principal and Specialist Leader in Education for EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and Community.

Recently Aisha presented a BBC documentary about the lack of black teachers in Bristol and collaborated with city partners to launch the ‘Bristol One Curriculum’. This aims to create a more equitable representation of black history, achievement and culture in Bristol, Britain and globally. 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