Look Who it Was Random video

On being young black men changing the world | Brandon Hill & John-Lancaster Finley | TEDxStanford

2,782 views · Published 24 May 2016 · 12:46 · Indexed 23 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2016 · Nonprofits & Activism

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The opening photo of Brandon Hill and John-Lancaster Finley as Stanford seniors in graduation gowns welcoming the latest class of freshmen breaks too many stereotypes to count on one hand, say the self-described activists. In their talk sharing the secrets of making change within the elite world of their top-tier university and the community beyond, best friends and VP and President of the Stanford student body, Hill and Finley explain what they’ve learned about speaking out and being heard without caving to stereotypes, unreasonable expectations and a culture where they want to push without being labeled “angry black men.” It’s a dance they have perfected with lessons applicable to every walk of life. 

Brandon is a graduating senior at Stanford where he serves as the student body Vice President over the university's 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Originally from Eden Prairie, Minnesota he is double majoring in political science and African/African American studies and is driven to make an impact on long standing social injustices like racial caste and educational inequality. Brandon has interned for the White House, UNICEF Tanzania, and YouTube and in 2012 co-founded an urban social innovation incubator for high school students called Enza Academy. He is currently building an education startup called Grio with three other Stanford students. Brandon eventually plans to run for public office.

John-Lancaster Finley is a senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Urban Studies, and was born and raised in America’s Finest City: San Diego, California. He currently serves as Stanford's student body president. Within student government, he has served as Frosh Council President, and two terms on the ASSU Undergraduate Senate. Elsewhere at Stanford, he is currently a student event coordinator for Cardinal Nights, a core member of the Black Student Union, and on the leadership board for Stanford Democrats. He is also a proud Eagle Scout, and usually spends his free time playing the saxophone. John-Lancaster aspires to a career in public service and plans to run for office in the future.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

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