TEDxMileHigh - Bobby Lefebre - Social Worker

He doesn't do it for the money. Bobby Lefebre, an award-winning spoken word artist, actor and social worker, reveals in this tremendous slam poetry performance his passion for impacting change through his profession as a social worker.
In the spirit of "ideas worth spreading," TED has created TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxMileHigh, where x = independently organized TED event. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

[@itzlegit1]

HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU HU 'crowd applause'

[@maribelmendoza438]

Spoken word for you.

[@okamohd]

He was tired of making this long speech and all of the people only know his heh-hih-hah-heh-hih-hih-hih-heh thankyou.

[@gusrodrigues2440]

lol help me

[@pengweng6662]

Faithygirl xo wut? OP was commenting on the fact that ppl were only remembering this guy for his breaths. He didn’t make fun of him???

[@stuchly1]

On the other hand, if it weren't for that meme I would have never known about him and I wouldn't have reverse searched the whole thing because I wouldn't know it existed and I wouldn't have anything to reverse-search.

[@MadelineClaire]

Hahahaha 😅

[@RelaxxedRage]

i like how his delivery is like someone at a slam poetry event

[@shelbytinaza9482]

because it is slam poetry

[@RelaxxedRage]

Shelby Tinaza hm. I didn't know that, thanks!

[@dommyespi6797]

Lol

[@laurajimenez7878]

J D. Yeah I’m so confused by that mainly??? Like is this a different kind of Ted talk or?

[@BananaLettuce]

Yeah people are just comfortable performing different ways. This guy prefers slam poetry, some prefer comedy and so on! It’s pretty fascinating when you think about it.

[@geometrydashjjpatterpatter4762]

Who's here from Vine?

[@KexiLexi]

I don't find that fuckin' vine. ._.

[@KexiLexi]

Thanks qwq

[@jayla1151]

🙋

[@pranksterrankster255]

me

[@smolmoonpearl6660]

🙌

[@limeadel303]

He walked in expecting to just give a speech He walked out a meme

[@stuchly1]

And that's how more people got to hear his message. I'd say that's a win-win scenario.

[@Horizonlotus]

Jesus Christ this guy is making it difficult for ME to breathe

[@jxrxm0468]

Horizonlotus FRRR😂😂😂😂

[@jasonbradfish9049]

Seriously, I'm a social worker as well. Your message, spirit and delivery moved me. Thank You

[@manwithcow]

would you say he took your breathe away?

[@lunar2671]

@@manwithcow😏😏😏 He should watch then vine...

[@alyssahancock4995]

I’m going to be a social worker soon also. I appreciate this video.

[@_renner_9838]

He said '' HEH '' about 55 times

[@beomgyusperson]

*_Renner_* Like your likes??

[@McDenney]

and?

[@rainirodriguez2931]

Probably more

[@fireballdude7368]

*_Renner_* the memes

[@McDenney]

He did not say "heh". He said a lot of things, but not "HEH" that would involve his body to exhale to pronounce the "heh" sound. He was inhaling when he made that sound, catching his breath. so spell that for me.

[@morp8047]

We need more passionate Social Workers like Bobby!

[@SuperSasha1969]

You have more passionate social workers than you know! We are overworked and underpaid! We wear many many hats and rarely recognized for what we do. We are often at the bottom of the barrel yet we continue to help . And please don’t respond with “ that’s what you signed up for”

[@jmaxag5419]

H- HE- HA- HU- HO-

[@jennyjenjuice]

*thank you*

[@Gochujangst]

Such a way with words :0

[@samuelpyke5933]

Time for A breather

[@maribelmendoza438]

Spoken word for you.

[@abemcg3803]

👏

[@smolmoonpearl6660]

You! HEH! And you! HEH! And you! HEH!

[@Ammar-tg1nb]

Drinking game: Take a shot everytime he breathes in

[@281CubicInchesOfFreedom]

Only 1 minute in and your BAC will be around four million!!

[@SuziLikesToPlay]

Please don’t I got severe alcohol poisoning

[@brookshw12]

I am a social work major, and we watched this in class today. It makes me tear up. I love this.

[@rowanoost5226]

"I still believe in people, i hope you do too" Comments - hurr hurr he breathes in a lot. Good job everyone. I wish more people cared this much about social work and youth (in)justice.

[@melissag.3812]

Calm down jaden smith go be boring and corny somewhere else

[@mr_overdrive5793]

Anyone else hear nothing but HEH every THREE seconds

[@sadietheratlady]

If you've never been to a slam poetry event? Or don't know what art is?

[@jacktaylor6289]

@@sadietheratlady lmaoo sorry to disrespect 😂

[@yooo7973]

Now it's a meme😂😂

[@abcdecity]

yea the vine is a fuckin classic, but this is a lovely video.

[@leannemclaughlin799]

WOW! goose bumps! I am a social worker, and I still believe in people too; we all do, our we oculd not do this work! Great Job Bobby!

[@ttii1594]

Heh hah huh hah

[@DominicDuran]

I am extremely honored that God has called me to this feild. I can't imagine myself spending my life in any other profession and the further I walk on my journey the more my heart is filled with love, joy, excitement, curiosity and gratitude. Again I say, I am extremely honored.

[@DominicDuran]

Love it!

[@DominicDuran]

🎤👏

[@CESSqc]

+Dominic Duran - God has called you to this field? ...Really?

[@krazylyte]

Field*

[@michelleshelly6320]

+Dominic Duran I totally get that too! I just can't imagine a better way of serving the community than really getting right into circumstances providing hope and support for people to change and all the while knowing God is with me every step of the way!

[@danielleharty]

The heavy breathing really distracted me from what he was really saying, but nonetheless inspiring

[@activationcranberry4943]

Haha ... Tru

[@ssssSTopmotion]

Lol

[@on_jah]

You predicted the future.

[@DanielleGarnica]

Came from the vine, ended up surprised

[@kiannalim308]

Lol same

[@L0VEisAmixtape]

Becoming a social worker was the worst decision of my life. It is definitely not for everyone. And many social workers go into the field because they are codependent... thinking their self worth and identity are about helping others. But if others decide that they don't need your help.... (working with mandated clients like mine) your identity gets free to realize that your self worth is not defined by your ability to help others or in others needing you. And you become sort of this free agent. Anyway I am leaving the field of social work as soon as I can after making this realization after 8 years in the field.

[@eisforegg]

It's good to hear this side of things too. I'm glad you found out this truth about yourself and I hope you are happier in whatever you are doing now a year later. It's an interesting perspective that is useful to anyone considering going into the field. 8 years is amazing and I'm sure you have helped a lot of people.

[@jelcarr5528]

this man is incredible. As a Social work student who grew up in the inner city of Detroit i commend him for his work and TRUE words! i must meet him! great role model.

[@LoLo-cw2ly]

I love Social work. I'm glad I chose this field. ❤

[@ncoro100]

2:56 has me deceased lol

[@ashutoshpokhrel8017]

your name scares me

[@tytytut435]

bro please tell your viruses to stop doing this annoying plague

[@abayommijackson2762]

I do believe in people, and this is just the beginning of my goal for my MSW, so that I can help my fellow humans. Peace

[@camdentown69]

I am a student social worker and I feel Inspired to help and continue my work with the Youths of the UK.Great Video

[@bigbug2683]

aside all those "H-" he was actually giving a good speech

[@daj2699]

Had to watch this for my field seminar 2 class as a current social work student and this poem was amazing. Brought me to tears 😢

[@P1Milly]

Came here to find a meme. Ended up laughing at a serious poem... (I'm a poet myself, watched a second time for the poem. Promise.)

[@BowlerTheHatGuy]

Social work is difficult to study, and not for everyone. While there are much more women in this field it doesn't mean it is easy work. It is very hard and mentally challenging work, after a day you feel emotionally exhausted. Work burnout syndrome is as high as that in security and police field. The income is very low in relation to every day stress level and responsibilites. For me, social work is somehow boring as an academic discipline and not in my type. I always admired people who talk about social work with such honest enthusiasm.

[@KhaledH0]

just hear the breathing

[@applesororanges001]

Social Workers: Angels on earth.

[@pamelajophryn]

I like how the social worker used poetry to tell his client's story.

[@cherrykeskesorn6037]

Your selfless dedication to helping others without expecting any monetary reward is truly admirable ! Your actions embody the true essence of compassion and humanity ❤

[@michaelballek9313]

A wonderful inspiring video. Well done Bobby and all other social workers who help people find their passion!

[@anoozak]

felt like watching slam poetry

[@ivanhernandez8070]

anooza k I think it is.

[@williamchin5904]

Bobby is a super-hero. No question about it! May the universe bless him literally from the bottom of the hearts of us empaths/INFJs/INFPs!

[@tuilata29]

So Passionate and Inspirational! Hope to be a good social worker like you one day when I graduate:)

[@liquidpencils]

I bet ur a wonderful social worker now!! :)

[@tobiaskoran6787]

I literally watched this video just to hear his soothing inhales... 😂😂😂

[@Studiosagi]

SAME LMAO

[@StacyBraiuca]

Hello, my name is Stacy and I'm addicted to TED talks. And I am also a social worker for over 15 years. I applaud my brother Bobby here, as he puts elegant and appropriate words to what we do everyday and why we do it! Thank you Bobby, Thank you....

[@diontate122]

Bobby's ability to deliver that message was incredible.

[@faithygirlxo9504]

From a 4th year social work student in New Zealand, i thank you for this.

[@MadaraUchiha-dw8ch]

HE HAAH HE HUA HAH HAGH HAA *_applause_*

[@roni9762]

Weakness disguists me

[@keithmyass3350]

“kids who grew up seeing their probation officer more than their father”... i feel attacked 😭

[@tlepageart4294]

I hear nothing but "HEH" Im laughing so hard 😂

[@prophetesschristinacurrywi3474]

iT'S SAD that you can here the times he gasp for another breathe to continue to speak but lack to hear the importance of the message , and this is why our job is so important

[@carsonconn4325]

You have inspired me to pursue my passion further. Thank you

[@microsofthoodie]

beating asthma?

[@Brobooke]

This is the first appreciative post I saw in the comments of this. I'm a little disappointed that even though a ton of people saw the meme/vine first, they can't actually hear what this man is saying... He's speaking passion, truth, inspiration, yet people only want to laugh. Fine, laugh, but this is incredibly reinvigorating for people that are working to get into this field.

[@carsonconn4325]

Brooke it’s pretty terrible how people can look at someone who is clearly passionate about his purpose and not congratulate him but rather attempt to criticize and make fun of him. This guy is awesome, the people commenting negatively about this man I’m sure lack purpose, self awareness, compassion and everything else one might become while searching for Wholeness for authenticity.

[@LindaLiinda]

Makes me proud to be a Social Worker. People need to be educated on how amazing Social Work is. Yes, there are bad social workers but the profession itself is simply beautiful-wanting to empower others.

[@viamartin5519]

this video was shown in class today and wow powerful and inspiring: getting into this field of social work

[@LoLo-cw2ly]

👍👍👍

[@limp6129]

*breathe breathe wheeze breathe wheeze breathe breathe*

[@shazzamitsbj]

This is incredible. What a passionate man

[@ImaraDouglas]

That was absolutely beautiful. The power in his words.

[@damian10mendez62]

YOU, HEH , AND YOU, HEH, AND YOU, HEH

[@hopeinyou9743]

Come on people. This is Slam Poetry NOT Slam the speaker! He speaks the truth regarding the real work of a Social Worker.

[@McDenney]

Well said!! This is why I do what I do and will continue to strive to do better and be better for others. Amen! well said!

[@Abcdefg-uw4id]

He's breathtaking

[@user-dy3hy6cb9y]

All jokes aside, i admire this man's message and dedication to making the world a better place

[@fakeapplestore4710]

The edited video brought me here.

[@leebarberie208]

Consider his gasping is mirroring the way these kids are drowning in their trauma and struggle and gasping for hope and change.

[@lvminous]

Lilly B nah he’s just out of breath

[@Mrnobody957]

Hats off to you Bobby. Its people like you who shoulder the burdens of society with a Grace that can only be termed "heavenly". Deepest Regard.

[@krwebster4900]

That was a true heart felt message passionately delivered.

[@leslierich6442]

Simply Amazing!!! You inspire my heart and catch my passion on fire... give me all those you speak of, I will love them like I am loving you! You rock and I say tall... rock on my brother in Social Work!

[@classimisscassi]

thank you for sharing what you do. It is such an inspiration to hear there are some good people out there working to make the world a better place. I am too.

[@egledavidsoniene5075]

Woooooow this lector has so strong opinion about the workers, that I cant stop listening. 1M best regards for your working team.

[@TheAuzz00]

This makes me happy I chose this profession.

[@aprilhdunmoyer]

HA HE HU WHEEZE WHEEZE *WHEEZE* *_WHEEZE_*

[@michellekruse-crocker5666]

He speaks with an eloquence that many will never know in their lifetime. An amazing, talented, young man!

[@estherregua5799]

Wow!!! Excellent! It moved me to tears. I can't wait to get out there in the field!

[@SocialWorkScrapbook]

I love being a social worker ✨ as long as it’s your passion your heart is rich😊

[@courageoverfearcoach]

Just dope! I am a Social Worker too and i still believe in people. Love this piece sir!!

[@lunar2671]

This was really good but all I can think about know is the vine...

[@jeninarvaezmelo656]

Bobby Lefebre can give Lin Manuel Miranda a big run for his money. Also, damn, we need more social workers like Bobby.

[@rain596]

I came here from the vine but honestly what he said was so beautiful and poetic you guys need to stop sleeping on that

[@justathoughtmyfriend1403]

Wow. As sensitive as I am to sounds due to misophonia, I didn't notice the breathing. Then again, this is my line of work. I heard every word he said. Find it strange this was diminished into a joke. But hey, it takes special folks to do such a job and to do it well and effectively with passion, y'know, give a care.

[@FeliciaFollum]

Lol now all I hear is the breathing

[@DK-hy2fs]

Huge respects to the male Social Workers of the world. Well done Mate.

[@yvonneprouty525]

Intense! Thank you for still believing in people! I am a Social Worker!

[@robertcope5152]

This video is my go to when I need to fire up and remind me of why I am a social worker

[@_thatambitiousgirl]

"They speak in Sign Language because they have been taught that they are voiceless." That play on words gave me chills.

[@candacewilkins4545]

Thank you for this Bobby.

[@bellarae9780]

As a socialworker myself I loved this. Thank you.

[@thabonyambe8587]

I send my applause to you Sir . This is a proud and true reality about our world today. I'm an aspiring social worker too. I will meet you at the top. Stay blessed Thabo.

[@thabonyambe8587]

Profound*

[@vlozzy1046]

Great Job BOBBY! Way to preach brother! Keep doing it for whatever reasons, but make sure you get that paycheck! lol

[@maribelmendoza438]

Blessed my morning! This is real life

[@daspicysausagextra]

I am genuinely looking to go into social work, did not expect to see the vine guy 😂

[@MichaelHarperMike]

iFunny brought me here

[@joey7713]

Same lol

[@mannabelle9001]

Yusssss

[@rudimarramirez8723]

Same

[@andreyrioux]

yep

[@kerriray4934]

me too

[@ttii1594]

brooo I kept cracking up because every time I skip it always ends up in 'hah' 💀💀

[@el_chino778]

Never been more proud to be a Social Worker ✊🏻✊🏽✊🏿

[@GenXAbovetruth]

I love the passion!❤

[@jpp4566]

Once you see it you can’t unsee it

[@251239]

Love it, god bless, universe bless, all bless, only love!

[@destanyrocha]

ITS a serious issue and if it took a meme for you to here the message that's great but as human beings we should realize the real situation and appreciate people who give their life to help others in a positive way and I think it is sad when negativity sometime discourage others from doing postive work that can benefit humanity.

[@Miviejo2553]

So amazing, and inspirational! I've shared with family & friends .

[@chloebones]

i found this by googling "that one ted talk with the guy"

[@Sarah-sw5zg]

I am a social worker. Love this Ted Talk...screw the haters(vine)

[@lulu486]

Yeah all jokes aside, that man delivered the message beautifully.

[@jazzy78]

Proud to say that Bobby is a MSU Denver alumni, and an Alumni Association Award Recipient for 2013.

[@sunbbyash1410]

DRINKING GAME!!! Every time he sighs take a sip

[@sunbbyash1410]

Realized that some people might get drunk within the 4 minutes and drink responsibly

[@thestylishwizard2160]

Oh well I guess I'm drunk

[@Kelliembecker]

yes yes yes Bobby! Love the passion and message! ❤

[@jaedouglas6919]

I'm taking an Introduction To Human Services course and this video is part of the weekly assignments. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw it was the breathing vine.

[@joshuawinebrinner3113]

Amazing video and message but I swear its nearly impossible to hear past the HEH

[@mathematicalmatt]

He is much cooler than the vine led me to believe.