Leading and leaving the London gang world | Karl Lokko | TEDxLondonBusinessSchool

Karl Lokko talks about the importance of community and his transition from a gang member to a community leader, creating a therapeutic rehabilitation center for youth.
Karl is a 25 year old former gang leader who has now turned his life around. He has managed to harness his life experiences which has propelled and uniquely situated him as an activist/influencer within the U.K. Karl is a gifted orator with an ability to connect with people on a human level, granting him undoubtedly the role of a bridge, bridging worlds and uniting community. Karl Lokko’s oratory capacity came into the light through the unfortunate and unsettling 2011 riots, where he was called upon to speak and express the hard to articulate feelings of the community in which he lives in.

Karl Lokko is an ambassador for Kids Company, a ‘Big Changer’ and consultant for Big Change, a tireless community worker and campaigner working to reform gang culture in the U.K, currently doing the ground work to establish this country’s first therapeutic community gang rehabilitation centre whilst at the same time affecting policy around the issue.
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

[@ElleChi24]

you're needed. This needs to be played over and over in secondary schools all round the UK. I seriously commend you.

[@mooganoid]

I wholly concur.

[@BigC1290]

Facts it needs to

[@hamkham07]

I know this brother well, he's one of the most humblest young man you could ever wish to meet, Proud of you Karl.

[@123stargirl456]

just watched his wedding video on KZbin was so beautiful. didn't know of his past what an amazing person and public speaker.

[@MsJcmJcm]

Camilla A.R Just watched their wedding video. I heard some say, they overcame so much. Left me in search. He sends such a powerful message 👍🏽

[@babygirl608]

Beautiful poem and speech! x

[@JWPhotosanddesigns]

I'm over here in tears. This is touching me regarding someone I love so much which is my son and know that his breakthrough will come one day as well as it did for Mr. Lokko. Thank you for being a great example that anyone can change for the better. Favorited in my playlist.

[@tiamo726]

Bella J if you need a prayer patner am here hun. It is possiblr we have to stay prayed up mama

[@bexp748]

I hope you're ok and he's free from it all now. If not I'm so sorry, I hope you've found peace. Big love to you and your son. X

[@berlindaacheampong9007]

Am I the only one who loves the way he talks 😍😍

[@KKoks]

An orator indeed...Surprised at how engaged I was the entire talk. Keep shining caterpillar. The world is yours.

[@gracee6741]

That was powerful. I don't know him but I am incredibly proud of how far he has come

[@Swizzieland]

I wonder how proud Karl's parents are of him after seeing this powerful performance, you have a beautiful soul Karl xxx

[@leeyhung9123]

"This guy, it's like whenever he speaks; time stand still" say it with a Ghanaian accent

[@sweetzbaby1]

Lol 😂 That part replayed in my head . All glory to God .🙌🏿

[@suipig8701]

he has something indeed

[@sunniemorales4406]

Listen to this man speaking!!!!!! Bravo brother, bravo. You make me have hope. What a smart man!!

[@VannieBee]

Karl is such a good orator. Good to see that he was able to re discover himself in the midst of what was/is seen as a prideful job in the community he grow up in. Proud of the work you are doing Karl.....Keep flying butterfly

[@BlessedDivine77]

just outstanding..you were born a butterfly..but still even among butterflies your a special kind of butterfly..God is surely amazing

[@charlenemiles8534]

Mr Karl you should write a book of poems you wedding was wonderful your wife was beautiful god bless you guys

[@iysha2011]

Brother this was really well put across; I've seen lots of motivational speakers over the years and can honestly say you are by far the most engaging. Your analogy re- the butterfly and caterpillar was so effective and your story is inspiring and motivating. Please continue with public speaking as, firstly, you're a natural and secondly we need more people of colour to do this good work you do. May God protect you always.

[@neeuqamilam1170]

iysha2011 such kind words! I'm motivated reading your comment. Nice! 🙂

[@misso6420]

Amazing! So inspiring and you have a truly amazing gift... I hope many youths follow in your footsteps and see that there is more to life than being in a gang and becoming a statistic ✊🏾

[@InesMunyemana]

Amazing talk ..keep growing and make your dreams come true!

[@ShardzSent4rmHeaven]

Wow! God bless you sir. You have a phenomenal story and amazing articulation. Your destiny is great, keep moving forward - inspiring and empowering others.

[@jakebaba2149]

Nii Barnor, I have just seen your TED Talk and also seen your wonderful wedding videos; you had a full metamorphosis from cocoon to full grown beautiful, colourful butterfly and your journey is amazing and inspirational. You had to travel the way you did in your life, to be an inspiration to others in the world. God's blessings are with you and your wonderful wife Cass. May He continue to look after you, give you His grace daily and bless you abundantly to be a blessing to humankind. God loves you both. Be encouraged and know that, you have a great and beautiful contribution to make for human progress.

[@acharich]

🔥🙏🔥

[@omadaw]

Karl is an amazing being, very proud to have met him, what a gentleman, he inspires me to do better everyday. God bless you and your beautiful family.

[@deborah7765]

and now he is married to his beautiful wife, God bless

[@MonsieurBlain]

the wedding was soo lit

[@deborah7765]

ikr!

[@MonsieurBlain]

goals af 😍

[@MariamTalks]

GLORY BE TO GOD!

[@sherreep8381]

And a baby on the way

[@neiixx]

that was the most eloquent speech i have seen on a ted talk! awesome talk

[@udemeobongomorogbe5165]

I bless God for your life Karl . Keep flying.

[@vickileonce6383]

I'm so touch that God's workmanship by delivering this man because he knows how gifted he is.

[@KiRetteCouture]

Superb talk! That centre is very much needed.

[@sarahmushiya5518]

This speech had me so captivated 👏👏

[@21stCenturyGirlsx]

Amazing testimony, amazing speaker!

[@GracefullyKaren]

Beautiful poem/testimony. Thank you for sharing :)

[@mbamaliafoma4547]

Wish this had more views

[@DavinaPearlDOTMH]

I had no idea he was a public speaker! Wow I love them even more

[@Sunshine-rd1si]

Thank you for sharing your honesty and determination of Change as Change brings Change ❤

[@wil3]

Thumbs up for Louis

[@simonedaniel5126]

Brilliant talk, fantastic movement...keep this up please. Thank you.

[@HecyJL]

Here because of Louis, good stuff!

[@EmineHassan]

🙏🏼 well done !! You’ll receive support from us all regardless because we felt how real your intentions were. So raw wow 👏🏼

[@bexp748]

My daughter's stuck she's trying to leave. She has two boys 8 and 6, they are all living with me while we're trying to get them rehoused. She doesn't fully realise how awful things are as she's trying to keep herself safe. We've spent the last year going through court to get her justice over what the father of her boys put them all through. And last night she finally told me how involved she's been with this gang. It's horrific and desperately sad. I just want to keep her and my grandsons safe. It's all a whirlwind and we will definitely be all moving far away. This videos been helpful I just wish the charity was running now so we could get help. She'll never name any of them as she cares for them understandably they've all gone through it. I just wish this wasn't as awful as it is, I wish so much had been different for her and that I could of protected her. I don't want my grandsons getting caught up in it. It's a living nightmare. She will get out of it completely as she doesn't want that life anymore. I have faith in her and trust her so much more since she's been honest. So much adds up now and makes sense. But my heart is broken for her and my fear over two beautiful boys getting pulled in. My hearts breaks for all the people that get stuck. Life is so much more than war. If anyone knows any anonymous charities I could get help from pls reply. Im currently searching and if all else fails I'm going to ask the church for help, im not practising any religion but i love them all at points. Thank you for the video and well done.

[@marypoppins0169]

Your poem really resonated ❤️ you need to be getting into schools and giving your experience 🙏🙏🙏 you are a breath of fresh air Xxxx

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

WOW, NOW THAT'S REAL TALK. GOOD JOB SIR.I WISH YOU WELL.

[@Missbeauty79]

I applaud you Karl

[@k_a47]

Absolutely captivating talk

[@judibortier7352]

well spoken man. i loves it. very spreading the word

[@eliakimjosephsophia4542]

Great poem, best wishes with your plans and new ambition.

[@delolaaDML]

I liked it about less than 3 minutes into the video. Very engaging and informative.

[@Greatlakes-z9s]

He has an ever changing vibe as well! I think I see the wisdom of his ancestors 💜✨

[@mooganoid]

Mr Lokko, you're a king! Much love to you sir for what you have achieved and your future journey. Even without any connection to gang culture, you're words are an inspiration to all on how to live.

[@ashlyrutheckels7114]

Such a powerful talk

[@ayesha7719]

Beautifully put so proud

[@leahindia8223]

Love you Karl 💕 , sooo moving ! Always !

[@venishaplange7480]

such a beautiful poem

[@nickandchrismom]

God is faithful, profoundly beautiful TED talk! Wow!

[@ItsmsMA]

Brilliant! Great testimony, praise God

[@rhodeciahmulu6021]

Great poem Karl..... Your wedding was beautiful 👌

[@marcusrashford568]

this is the best one. get this viral

[@jebasworld1920]

Woah! This is amazing 👏👏

[@samdonegan2546]

He is a great speaker, very inspirational, and seems like a cool guy also!

[@troyreynolds5428]

this was really good!

[@abz_journalist9622]

Great guy....I completely understand the world he comes from. Both having a literature background and gang affiliations. When you are artistic and an open soul creative, you can explore and adapt to almost anything. If brought up in the wrong place in London, being part of a gang is a desirable pride. However you always come back to your true self.

[@KushQueen9]

This makes me incredibly happy!!!

[@ItsJustGayle]

That is amazing!

[@winsomeg1124]

What a story! WOW! ....VERY Inspirational. Thanks for the honesty & thanks for sharing. Your'e an excellent Speaker with a beautiful accent. LOL Hopefully, your story sheds some light & will change many lives, Bravo!! I shared on Facebook.

[@LilyellaLondon]

Inspirational ~ Karl I hope you're getting support for G.R.O.!

[@iamCET]

what a wonderful speech

[@thechanellewilson]

Very Inspiring!

[@allypally6907]

Amazing !!!!! I prey you forfil your dream.

[@Tyraakua]

Love this !!

[@misskay8131]

Wow, this was phenomenal. That story about his friend who got stabbed and his shirt being blown forward by the gush of blood was so haunting. And the fact that he's been stabbed and survived shows God has a big purpose for his life.

[@TheArtofLovers]

Beautiful. Thumbs up. Here from Alex's channel. :)

[@anyalake]

who Ikonn?

[@TheArtofLovers]

Yes. That's how I found out about this video :)

[@obionyido8417]

great talk Karl

[@stephenrodriguez3022]

Ambitious ted talk

[@qq9769]

truly amazing

[@johnkeithrobinson7399]

that was good keep up the good work

[@kalzztv5279]

Wooow this is deep💯

[@onyeukwu6606]

We will help you spread the message bro

[@SumaH]

That was great👌🏾👌🏾

[@tofiyin1218]

This is amazing

[@Danish-ft2ed]

There’s no doubt this guys a genius. You can hear it in his sentences

[@emsyourlife]

Amazing !

[@KushQueen9]

yesss a GRL policy sounds amazing!! The statistics in the number of youths that will turn their lives around will be at its highest.

[@i0913]

Powerful!

[@happycutebox]

Amazing!!! God bless him.

[@InspiringVanessa]

Karl is incredible 💓

[@Misspersepshen]

Love it!

[@chungsybadmind]

So powerful

[@NaelleVlogs]

This was so powerful! Anyone knows where I can find his butterfly poem? xo

[@micaela5849]

Extremely powerful

[@AbukarScience]

My students loved it.

[@blackliondubsuk]

Powerful

[@CreeperBusters1000]

very good poem

[@riannam1312]

Beautiful.

[@doseofdeja1425]

amazing! amazing! amazinnnng

[@moniquebryan5999]

Blessed.

[@LB22222]

What an amazing talk. Does anyone know a way of getting in touch with him? I'm making a documentary about London gang culture and would really help me to chat to Karl.

[@NRSxNRS]

Amazing well done Lokko

[@TiTiDutch]

As long as you do not live the past- you can move. Good for you @KarlLokko.

[@rosedurowaa4026]

God has being so good to you .thank God for your life .this a good inspirational message .

[@grilledupuk1578]

Amazing

[@jahazielelliott9599]

GRO sounds banging. Would love to see what that looks like

[@simonesimpson6254]

well done

[@sarahandreac6034]

Feel so proud!!! 😭😭😢🙌🙌🙌

[@BriLoveMusic]

Wow, this was so inspiring and moving. God bless his sweet family and future in helping others in Jesus' Name. I'm blown away.

[@yourunclefemi]

So this is the man that started 410

[@CharlieF-rh5wb]

@@ashiakiaidjerhe4407 yh it is lol his boy tiny alien who got killed was 410 aswell. why u jus saying no when you dont even kno the truth? google is free. use it.

[@muntari82]

No but he took over

[@shhcold8022]

C F 410 is just a new generation before it was OC

[@innitbruv2257]

@@shhcold8022 410 and OC aren't the same thing.