Just a Barber | Donald Conley | TEDxComptonBlvd

In a city synonymous with violence and gangster rap, Donald chose a life that would take him from the street life to a greater world beyond. Donald describes the struggles of going from business man to caretaker for his mother suffering from dementia. Learn how his relationship with his mother helped him find re-define his identity and perspective on life A self-published author of two children's books, Donald finds joy in being a father. He’s a U.S. Navy Veteran that focuses on community leadership through his BarberShoppe business. The proud owner of Barberizm, he focuses on injecting positivity into the lives of youth by teaching the history of Compton. After being awarded the first SchedulicityCares grant, Donald vowed to use the funds to provide the Compton children a safe place in his barbershop they would be proud of. His barber shop allows children to complete homework and safely spend time with peers after school. Through advocacy and business ownership, Donald is a part of the culture that is impacting the evolution of the perception of Compton. This talk was given at a TEDxComptonBlvd event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx. Donald Conley is a native of Compton CA. A self published author of two children's books, he also finds joy in being a father and a caretaker. As a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, he currently focuses on being a community leader through his local BarberShoppe business. As the owner of Barberizm, he focuses on injecting positivity into the lives of youth by teaching them the history of the city of Compton. Donald, a self proclaimed savvy businessman, was awarded the first SchedulicityCares grant. He vowed that he will use the funds to provide the children of Compton with a safe place in his barbershop, they not only deserve, but can be proud of. The space will allow area children to successfully complete their homework and safely spend time with their peers while they are not in school. Through advocacy and business ownership, Donald is a part of the culture that is impacting the evolution of the perception of Compton. 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