How I learned to read - and trade stocks - in prison | Curtis "Wall Street" Carroll | TEDxSanQuentin

Financial literacy isn't a skill - it's a lifestyle. Take it from Curtis "Wall Street" Carroll. As an incarcerated individual, Caroll knows the power of a dollar. While in prison, he taught himself how to read and trade stocks, and now he shares a simple, powerful message: we all need to be more savvy with our money.
Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll overcame poverty, illiteracy, incarceration and a lack of outside support to become a stock investor, creator and teacher of his own financial literacy philosophy.
Carroll grew up in Oakland, California surrounded by poverty. In 1996, at 17 years old, he committed a robbery where a man was killed. He turned himself in and ended up in prison with a 54-to-life sentence. While in prison, the stock market captured his attention, but he was illiterate. Finally motivated to learn, he taught himself how to read at 20-21 years old, and then he started studying the stock market. Carroll's role models changed from drug dealers and sports figures to Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. He wanted others to learn this new way of making money.
When Carroll arrived at San Quentin in 2012, he met Troy Williams, who helped him start the Financial Literacy Program. Together they created the philosophy F.E.E.L (Financial Empowerment Emotional Literacy) that teaches people to recognize how their emotions affect their financial decision, and how to separate the two.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@MrJavon31000]

One of the best TED Talks I've ever seen. Only wish it were longer.

[@Serenityafterall]

There's more but I get it !

[@sampoornamsenthil1227]

Best speech ever heard

[@dashfo01]

I wished the same thing

[@annemarita4259]

You gotta love this guy. He proves everyone wrong who blames their history, society, circumstances, parents...etc. for their failure. No-one stands in your way but you. I cannot imagine any more difficult start in life than what he had. If he can get out if it, the rest of us can too....and he has no excuses. What a great man! The best Ted Talks Speech I've seen.

[@BruteStrength99]

Is he really out of it? He is still in prison for the rest of his life. He has redemption yes but his life is still gone.

[@TheStressD]

Brilliant speech, some people do deserve a second chance. He was born to become a public speaker, its amazing how people can turn their life around, maybe he was put on this earth do get convicted felons to follow in he's foot steps and make a change in society. Keep up the good work, he has a bright future ahead.

[@zed9zed]

5:35 his delivery of this complex series of English words is flawless and delivered as one who is purely communicating meaning rather than one who has practiced some lines. This one moment itself is inspiring, even without the rest of the interesting talk.

[@omnicarte5746]

This man is a true gem for our planet. We should have him run our country. We may make more money than we ever dreamed possible by enabling the soil to grow! Peace and love beloved. I look forward to meeting you one day 💪🏾👆🏾👑

[@musicstation7960]

man you inspired me..i'm broke but ill b financial free one day.

[@coryboi1000]

Thats right!

[@Ghost-my1tr]

When? Put a date on it, and set it as your goal. "one day" never happens.

[@fatsog123]

They are listening to him because he has the golden touch on picking stocks.

[@tulam2589]

This story is incredibly inspiring! From ghetto thug murderer to genius stock trading revolutionary hero of the people! WOW!

[@shinningstar-gv7dw]

Curtis, I would take your course! Good on you😊👍

[@sparkleinyoureyes8259]

Curtis definately has a gift. He has a brilliant mind and he's a phenomenal speaker...had me longer to hear more. He sounds rehabilitated to me. Good luck !!

[@seanwright8786]

inspiring & introspective. This young brother is exceedingly intelligent and humble. I definitely hope that he's released on parole on his 1st time up to the board

[@Kingdakid1]

wow

[@bcole1637]

Literally just found this brother today by accident!!! God bless him, and his journey to financial freedom

[@deleonalbert4935]

Inspirational, nothing but respect for this Man.

[@darlenex3300]

I’m so proud of this young man. Continue to stay strong.

[@lizzie5010]

That was absolutely incredible!

[@LA67895]

Curtis is 5 steps ahead of anyone

[@randomthoughts211]

it's a blessing in disguise for him to be imprisoned. because if he's not on that place, he may never know how smart he is because he grew up in an environment that doesn't unleash his biggest potential.

[@fastdoggy3135]

Don’t know if I’d ever describe prison as a blessing. But I get what you’re saying. Imagine how many super smart kids have had their lives ruined because of incarceration. Kids that when growing up have everything up against them. Bad neighbourhood, drugs,guns,alcohol, bad schools,limited employment,violence it goes on and on and on. Such a waste of life. I grew up in a rough neighbourhood in Victoria Australia. Nothing compared to the bad neighbourhoods of the US.

[@artisthelpingartists1499]

I really commend this young man he did not let is circumstances stop him from reaching his ultimate goal congratulations Curtis.

[@bellaxoxo5271]

Love this! When this man gets out he is gonna become such a successful person for sure!

[@letisitswereubenmadisakwan1799]

IF he gets out!

[@mysticmerchant6574]

He's probably not getting out. He got a 50yr to life sentence

[@jsm2687]

@@mysticmerchant6574 I saw his interview with Sway and I think he'll be out by 2021-2022.

[@lynettemiller7912]

I heard about this guy on NPR, and that was it. THIS dude has skill!

[@msblount2u]

One of the best ones I've seen so far.

[@istiklalcaddesi]

Well done! What a great man with huge vision and lots of practical helpful information to help masses.

[@emmanuelperalta2389]

It's amazing how some people just want to help the world and videos like this do exactly that!

[@Tino_Official_tz]

Waaoh!!! I listen and listen again and still have something new to learn. All the best brother and I wish you one day you will be out Amen🙏🙏🙏

[@dhani1taylor]

This makes me want to cry

[@franzenmac312]

Amazing and wonderful Curtis!

[@ameliadominguez7838]

Absolutely inspiring. Well done!

[@vig2712]

A gifted speaker too..

[@shotzlikeme2788]

This guy is a great inspiration, i hope he will be out soon & can enjoy his life 🙏

[@oliver086]

Such an inspiration.... Thank you.... 🙏👏👏👏

[@fellowamerican7923]

Beautiful! Thanks!

[@amanjoshi8684]

Best video came across this very day

[@himanshudas5301]

Awesome man...

[@dmanisthebest1]

God bless you brother!

[@cyncity6873]

curtis you are brilliant!!! 💪💪💪💪

[@sandeepkumar-cz9yh]

This is the best video I have seen on ted 🙏🙏

[@PS-gc7to]

Best ever emotional speech

[@antoniomontgomery859]

That's what's up I didn't know he was on Ted Talks

[@pahnakam5052]

WOW...JUST WOW......worth watching...my time was not wasted.

[@SP-zz6ml]

Wow that was an amazing Ted talk.

[@KathyMac0217]

That was great insite Mr.Curtis Carroll!

[@holoceneheart777]

Best tedx so far

[@tr1ckster726]

That was straight up fire 🔥.

[@koshadillztv]

would be thrilled. fi people checked my TedX talk. even knowing this guy did one is awesome. Shoot man. Hope to meet you one day. Freestyle Rap Saved My life - Tedx kosha dillz

[@n33d2grind]

Very Inspirational

[@berled5990]

Great job! Amazing!

[@AnkitKumar4u]

Huge respect

[@mrPauljacob]

Great words homie

[@kingpeta8322]

Self worth,knowledge,discipline.

[@PROM153]

Wow! I ALWAYS love Ted Talks...But This?!! This is really.fucking.cool! Curtis really has a way of projecting! What an outstanding presentation.

[@everydaydre1185]

This is a moment. I appreciate it. Look out.content world here I come.

[@mrknowitallyah6058]

You are an impressive man.

[@Danified1]

What an inspiration! Sad, that he's where he is now as a product of his environment. I hope he gets out soon.

[@SayMyName383]

Can we safely say that the problems of the country isn't actually racism? It's actually friends and families teaching the kids improper philosophies and beliefs. Solve that and we solve a lot of problems. Good video. Thanks.

[@ericmarcus5725]

well said brother well spoke!!!!

[@MrHaithink]

Very Nice guy!

[@irmaramirez1374]

Wow! Impresive!

[@Cam-SB]

I want to take this course!

[@keshiavaughn7900]

Amazing!!

[@MoNiqueJr100]

We have no excuse for poverty!

[@mosesdasancj1309]

Inspiring one

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

I dropped my last GF because she's financially illiterate. She had time to watch hours of reality TV but when i asked her to log onto her retirement website for 10 minutes per week it was a problem. All this after she had complained about me formulating an EXCEL SHEET for another make co-worker she refused to use the one I made for her. But she plans to travel abroad upon retirement. WHAT A JOKE!

[@whydoesitmatter6923]

I think you dated my sister

[@msmelanated8481]

I hope he gets out soon. He could be an example for kids . He could influence them BEFORE they get to prison.

[@patriciabusch4599]

That was great!

[@traywilliams5847]

Inspiring

[@Jtree1991]

Respect

[@nikkithomasTV]

OOOH, this is GOOD

[@lindastuart6490]

Now he is a real reality Show

[@destineyrodriguez4533]

POWER!!!

[@jordyntaylor877]

Amazing

[@TheNhell24]

just saying.. i feel like watching this with a beat on the background.. so inspiring. im learning coding and soon will teach it for free.

[@lawistruth]

Fab!

[@ConsciousCrypto]

This guy... Truth Sayer

[@grownman25000]

love

[@cesargutierrez8581]

I need to take his class

[@editatairo9667]

I bet this man is a future billionaire. His determination towards financial education and independence will take him to highest levels

[@hageloder2871]

your talking style is awesome. you would also have given speech in rap style.

[@woodsoncircle]

I hope Curtis is paroled in 2020. He's no longer a menace to society & completely rehabilitated.

[@jolttsp]

Too many people focusing on the backstory. It's probably making them emotional, and they're gonna go spends some money lol. But seriously, that message about emotions and money is heavier than any of the backstory. He's talking about people getting out of prison, but the message is just as relevant to all of us that just "need my Starbucks!"

[@kennoshiafullilove8185]

This is Who God Always Called you to Be Curtis Carroll, You are NOT, NEVER a Murderer , that's what you involved yourself in/did. You ARe who Almighty God say's you are , and This Man here , Had to step in a Hard Core Prison, a dark place to Tap Into The Man that you WERE Created to Be !! Blessings to you my Brother .. SO PROUD OF YOU! A Sister in Christ hope to meet you oneday

[@81veez]

Love the story with no helpful tips

[@Serenityafterall]

It's called " Retail Therapy " !! I've learned . 😏

[@PInk77W1]

He reminds me of Inky Johnson

[@longhand335]

One day this guy will be rich, and hopefully someone will make a movie about him.......

[@jsm2687]

he already rich.

[@erichawkins5738]

I agree

[@everydaydre1185]

Wall Street looks and sounds like Michael from the Hughley's all grown up.

[@daysoffleadtooffdays1814]

Lol you must’ve not seen him grown up

[@YNGM1991]

God is good!!

[@patriciatoney240]

How do I take the class I want to know?

[@Dyamondclay1192]

but frfr where is his class? it's needed bad 🙋🙌

[@sssnipermonkey5566]

Prisons are detrimental towards the goal of becoming a multi-planet species. We should do more in order to rehab, reduce and prevent.

[@ashutoshanshu3305]

this guy has read 'rich dad poor dad'

[@nedznazz8431]

Curtis you are greater than you thought, you so much INSPIRED me, i will save some money to start trading mid next year 2019 but i really want your mentor-ship or guide to a profitable trade in stocks, how can i contact Curtis? dont know if hes still in prison or not. If anyone has his social media page or handles, email or contact mail address, please kindly help.

[@Splurgx]

Amaya

[@roc-it798]

This man need to be pardon asap

[@rudolphjones7202]

How can I write this brother

[@godlove1798]

rudolph jones research is name and prison.

[@antoniohernandez7171]

rudolph jones man I’m hoping they free this man.. he’s beyond rehabilitated. There’s still hope for him to be free and be the man he’s destined to be.

[@PrajjwalShyale]

I feel disgraced because I realized that I am I have a poor financial literacy.

[@gitaujosphat573]

Why did people at the end seem to run out ??

[@jaimemendoza4665]

Because the stage was set in prison

[@sochyvonnnora6035]

Is the wire on his neck meant to shock him if he try something weird?

[@jackiemack97]

Wow...

[@lawearsmith9851]

wow he got out awesome story ,eww I saw the interview with Swayy on djvladtv

[@913rlw]

Lawear Smith i did to swayy thought he was going to walk up out of that jail with the blueprint on how to become a millionaire and then when he looked at it he realize he didn't know what the hell he was looking at and gave it back and said oh so you still got the secret sauce so he gave old boy back his book because he did not know what to do with it that was funny as hell you got to watch it😂

[@zurii]

Sway is not a finance guy and there's nothing wrong with that!However he did use his influence to give exposure this guy which is priceless.....

[@YakThaWiseman72]

RLW 913 lol that was hilarious the look on Sway face was classic

[@lindastuart6490]

Lawear Smith He an people like him should be on bravo

[@1SK.]

the people in the audience doesn't look like they are financially illiterate at all... The presentation was Nice though Curtis

[@bijenatom3486]

Why only 69k?