Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of domestic violence and abuse. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf
This TEDx talk explains how harmful messages boys hear early can blur the line between love and affection with harmful behavior and abuse. Through a personal story of witnessing domestic violence and losing his sister, Richard A. Celestin, Esq. urges society to rethink how boys are taught respect and consent, redefine manhood to include empathy and emotional health, and advocate as men to prevent abuse. Richard Anthony Celestin is an attorney, educator, author, motivational speaker and youth advocate with over 15 years of experience in the legal and education arena. He serves as a consultant for several organizations seeking to develop youth-based programs within the community, practices various areas of the law, and is an adjunct professor, teaching public speaking, critical thinking, criminal justice and social justice. In addition to working with youth involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems, Mr. Celestin created a limited liability corporation, Richard Celestin Consulting Group, LLC, for the purposes of providing legal skill development, self-awareness, youth empowerment, and consequential thinking programs to elementary, middle and high school students in NYC, Long Island and New Jersey. Richard has supported close to 200 school communities by providing direct support to students, parents, teachers and administrators based on the needs of the school and students. 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
NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of domestic violence and abuse. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf
This TEDx talk explains how harmful messages boys hear early can blur the line between love and affection with harmful behavior and abuse. Through a personal story of witnessing domestic violence and losing his sister, Richard A. Celestin, Esq. urges society to rethink how boys are taught respect and consent, redefine manhood to include empathy and emotional health, and advocate as men to prevent abuse. Richard Anthony Celestin is an attorney, educator, author, motivational speaker and youth advocate with over 15 years of experience in the legal and education arena. He serves as a consultant for several organizations seeking to develop youth-based programs within the community, practices various areas of the law, and is an adjunct professor, teaching public speaking, critical thinking, criminal justice and social justice. In addition to working with youth involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems, Mr. Celestin created a limited liability corporation, Richard Celestin Consulting Group, LLC, for the purposes of providing legal skill development, self-awareness, youth empowerment, and consequential thinking programs to elementary, middle and high school students in NYC, Long Island and New Jersey. Richard has supported close to 200 school communities by providing direct support to students, parents, teachers and administrators based on the needs of the school and students. 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
