What music can teach us about justice | Danielle Ponder | TEDxRochester

As a public defender, it wasn't unusual for Danielle to represent 50 people in one day. As a soul singer, she's performed everywhere from Poland to Attica State Prison. In this moving and thought provoking talk Danielle details the personal experiences that almost made her lose hope in the possibility of an equitable justice system and the powerful way in which music restored her faith. A native of New York Danielle Ponder performs internationally. She is a Professor in the Department of African American studies at SUNY Brockport, where she teaches Legal Rights of the Disadvantaged. At Northeastern University, where she received her Juris Doctorate, Danielle was awarded the prestigious Public Interest Law scholarship.
Danielle worked for 5 years at the Monroe County Public Defender’s office where she provided criminal defense for indigent defendants.
Danielle has dedicated the past 15 years to organizing and advocacy. She has worked on issues such as education funding, women's rights, and has spent the past 8 years advocating for criminal justice reform.
Danielle has been highlighted by several publications including the American Bar Association Journal and The Guardian. In 2017 she created the Multi-Media show "For the Love of Justice", in which she shines a light on our criminal justice system through powerful song and thought-provoking visuals.
You can find out more about Danielle at danielleponder.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@bigmacattacksrock1520]

I am a white male from western Canada and I am on board. That is the power of music and the power of you Danielle. Bless you.

[@lisaajohnson6497]

And the walls came tumbling down. You touched the soul of souls. Peace be unto my sista.

[@anthonycerneskie2664]

This is why we love Danielle! So lucky to be part of this journey!

[@mitchhagney8122]

So multi-talented and compelling! Can't wait to catch your next show near me!

[@barbvankerkhove2256]

The power of music and the power of empathy to create a more just world. Thanks for shining a light on this, Danielle!

[@natashamarie8507]

Thank you for representing Rochester well... I enjoyed your music before I ever knew about your profession or your background! How inspiring to see how God knit the two together so intricately.... through CHORDS that hum hope, NOTES that sing of justice and through the HARMONY that breeds love for all people! This gave me an even greater appreciation for your amazing music! So awesome.

[@danielleponder]

Thank so much Natasha such beautiful words!!

[@HealthDepot]

What a powerful, brilliant description of our criminal justice system.

[@ewunikeaminata]

This needs to go viral...

[@sandramendez9338]

You are LOVE ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thank you for your Spirit. 🥰

[@ameliaf.8770]

Beautiful message! Continue to let your light shine. God Bless you!

[@EsotericSyncretism]

The criminal justice system isn't broken. It works exactly as it was designed to. Tear down the walls.

[@bhobbs529]

Powerful! Thank you for sharing your story and your gift.

[@morganmaldridge]

Whenever Danielle grabs that mic and opens up that soul - the tears start to flow. What a light in this world- what a gift to treasure- what a role model.

[@sisterbeverlyreedscottba2286]

Music reminded me that all hope is not lost............... I stand with Danielle

[@alisonloebnyc]

Thank you for this. And you all rocked at Musikfest.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Great power and truth in what she says here, and just as much so in her music.

[@andrearoyehealandtransform9609]

Fantastic message! Thank you

[@benjaminharrigan3034]

Inspirational and incredible!

[@lisamchugh9303]

This is so awesome and inspiring!

[@kayliesimon1337]

Thank you for this brilliant and moving talk. You are an inspiration! I appreciate you shedding light on the injustices of our criminal system.

[@lindadonn5530]

❤ your purpose and your person❤️

[@fabianseh2783]

Thank you and bless you Ms Ponder....

[@yvettea7253]

Sis.... you are so, so, so deep. Thank you for your enlightenment. Your heart and voice are a powerful force.❤

[@philanvil]

inspiring x

[@LiveWisdom]

Amazing

[@TheRickmurray]

God I loved you in concert. This video made me love you even more.. wow

[@alexiswilliamsinc]

YUP. My life will never be the same.

[@DJEASE]

😊 585

[@Andy-il7kf]

I wonder if she would ever run for office.