When did you stop playing? Play is serious business for artist André Anderson. He’s not talking about ‘nostalgic’ play, but rather ‘aspirational play’. André shares how he and his neighbours used aspirational play to turn their ‘super deprived’ public housing estate into a publishing house. Together, they played, they told stories and then they self-published a collection of conversations, essays, poems, and manifestos, in a book called ‘Authors of the Estate’. Aspirational play, André explains, is a powerful tool that can help you change the world around you and play your way into a future that does not exist - yet. André is the Headmaster and Founder of Freedom & Balance, an Art College for the artist in everyone. He designs and leads creative programmes for communities and organisations of all kinds, helping them to playfully grow into the type of leaders their world looks for. His most notable programme, Authors of the Estate, resulted in dozens of local residents of Chalkhill and St.Raphael’s estate in London becoming confident, self-published authors. 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

In 2018 in the UK, Black women were five times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth and 6 weeks after than their white counterparts. The disparities in care faced by Black women was something Tinuke Awe and Clotilde Abe, the co-founders of Five X More experienced firsthand, and vowed to change. There has been progress - Black mothers’ mortality rate has dropped to 2.9 times that of white mothers - but this is still far too high. Tinuke and Clotilde suggest we focus on three things to address the systemic problems facing Black mothers: changing policy, improving practice and engaging the public. Together, they believe we can create a future, where childbirth for Black women isn’t something they fear. Tinuke and Clotilde are pioneering advocates for Black maternal health and well-being in the UK. They co-founded Five X More CIC, an organisation that campaigns for improved health outcomes for Black mothers. Five X More was inspired by research that revealed Black women were five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth compared to white women in the UK. Since they started their work, this disparity has slightly improved, but still sees Black women facing 2.9 times the risk as white women. 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

“The Palestine Comedy Club is a platform for every Palestinian comedian, artist and actor to share their perspectives”, explains co-founder Alaa Shehada. In conversation with stand up comedian, Nish Kumar they explore how comedy is a way to challenge stereotypes, survive conflicts and hardship and connect with others. Alaa is a Palestinian actor, comedian and a graduate of The Freedom Theatre acting school in Jenin camp, a theatre company nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024. He is also the co-founder of The Palestine Comedy Club - a platform for Palestinian comedians to share their stories, humour and Palestinian culture. Alaa’s new comedy show, The Horse of Jenin, is a profound and imaginative performance about humour, history and resilience.Nish Kumar has achieved huge success on the stand-up circuit with five rave reviewed solo stand-up shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, two of which have been nominated for the prestigious Comedy Award for Best Show in 2015 and 2016. Nish’s last show, Your Power, Your Control, is available on Sky and he is touring his latest show Nish: Don’t Kill My Vibe. 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

What does a better, fairer future look like for young people today? A group of young artists and performers from Hackney answer via spoken word and music. They explore how race, class, gender and politics impact on how they are perceived and the future possibilities open to them. Reflecting what matters to a younger generation of people that are too often undermined and ignored, this piece balances the young people’s frustration with the status quo and the future they aspire to. Hackney Empire Creative Futures is designed to support and fuel young artists and creative entrepreneurs. TEDxLondon experienced an exclusive original piece created by a small number of young participants from the programme ranging from 16-18. Everything was composed, written and directed by the young artists. Moving away from the notions of young people not having the wisdom to speak up, this is a group willing to express and prove those people wrong. 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

In this inspiring TEDx Talk, Bindiya a fitness model and powerlifter reflects on her incredible journey of overcoming adversity, both in her sport and in her personal life. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she faced countless challenges, from constant criticism to being overlooked and underestimated. Yet, she chose to push forward, not allowing external judgment to define her worth or abilities. With unwavering courage, she turned every failure into a stepping stone, embracing each setback as an opportunity for growth.Her story extends beyond the gym, where her personal life also tested her strength. She opens up about enduring the heartbreak of a failed marriage, finding the strength to rebuild herself, and ultimately finding love once again. Throughout her journey, she learned that true power is not just physical—it’s the resilience of the human spirit.This talk is a testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and the courage to continue moving forward, no matter the odds. A trailblazer in the world of fitness and empowerment, Bindiya Sharma is a name synonymous with breaking barriers and redefining strength. As India's First WBFF PRO Diva (2017), Bindiya carved a niche for herself, transitioning from a successful commercial model to a celebrated fitness icon.Her accolades include being crowned JEARI Winner 2017 and FitFactor Winner 2017, followed the Olympia Amateur Gold Medal (2019) and multiple Sheru Classic Gold Medals (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023). Bindiya also earned the title of Strong Woman Champion for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and has established herself as a powerhouse in competitive lifting as a State and National Powerlifting Champion.Bindiya’s journey exemplifies the courage it takes to challenge stereotypes, push boundaries, and create a legacy of resilience and empowerment. Her story inspires countless individuals highlighting that strength—both physical and mental—is the key to creating a life of purpose and impact. 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