{"id":2966,"date":"2023-09-29T13:06:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T13:06:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tedxhiltonhead.com\/?p=2966"},"modified":"2023-10-03T13:09:41","modified_gmt":"2023-10-03T13:09:41","slug":"lester-young-jr-an-extraordinary-path-of-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tedxhiltonhead.com\/lester-young-jr-an-extraordinary-path-of-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Lester Young Jr.: An Extraordinary Path of Transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"
READ ARTICLE ONLINE<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n At age 19, Hilton Head native Lester Young Jr. found himself facing a life sentence in prison\u2014a daunting reality that could have stifled his potential. However, he embraced the challenge, determined to turn his life around and positively impact the lives of others.<\/span><\/p>\n Hilton Head Island native Lester Young Jr. speaks about the power of redemption and transformation. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n Despite entering prison without a formal education, Young\u2019s thirst for knowledge propelled him to defy the odds. With unwavering support from his family and friends, he not only earned his G.E.D but also embarked on business management courses through Ashworth University, pursuing education through mail correspondence. This drive for self-improvement set the stage for his remarkable journey ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n Inside the confines of the prison walls, Young\u2019s commitment to education extended far beyond his personal growth. Collaborating with the prison chaplain, and with the warden\u2019s support, he became a beacon of change, crafting templates, outlines, and programs that provided education and mentorship to incarcerated individuals. Even today, these initiatives continue to shape lives within the prison system.<\/span><\/p>\n Young\u2019s transformative efforts didn\u2019t end upon his release on May 15, 2014, after 22 years and five months of incarceration. Rather, this marked the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to inspiring and empowering others. He went on to publish two books that encapsulate his journey and the principles of redemption he embodies. In addition, as the founder of the not-for-profit organization Path2Redemption (www.Path2Redemption.org), he is impacting the lives of many others as a dedicated advocate and organizer for fair-chance hiring, housing, and youth mentoring for those with felony convictions. Founded in 2015, Path2Redemption\u2019s mission is to provide aftercare assistance for formerly incarcerated individuals with their transition back to society.<\/span><\/p>\n Young will be sharing his powerful story and his important message about the power of redemption as he takes the stage at TEDxHiltonHead on Saturday November 4 from 2-5 p.m. at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. This year\u2019s event, \u201cThe P_wer Of\u201d, will feature eight dynamic speakers who have used the power of their unique passions and personal journeys to create real change in their communities to make a positive change in the world. Young\u2019s \u201cIdea Worth Spreading\u201d will highlight his own journey as well as how providing individuals with felony convictions the chance for employment, housing and education\u2014and treating them with dignity\u2014is a step toward breaking down barriers and promoting a more just and compassionate community.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI spent 22 years and five months incarcerated, and during that time, I personally experienced the discrimination that stems from having a felony conviction\u2014even one that was over 30 years old,\u201d Young said.<\/span><\/p>\n Young\u2019s influence extends to the realm of policy change and societal reform including collaborating with Steve Benjamin, former mayor of Columbia, S.C., to successfully champion the statewide \u201cBan the Box\u201d ordinance, granting those with past convictions the opportunity to complete applications without facing discrimination.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBeing denied a second chance in the workforce was emotionally taxing, and I\u2019m determined to help others comprehend that individuals with felony convictions are human beings who are essential to our society,\u201d Young said. \u201cMy journey underscores the need for a fairer perspective, one that recognizes their worth and potential for contributing positively to our communities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Young\u2019s journey encapsulates the essence of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of education and empathy, and his dedication to uplifting others and advocating for a more inclusive society stands as a testament to the potential for positive change within every individual. Through his life\u2019s work, Young paves a path toward a brighter, more compassionate future, and he\u2019s excited for what he hopes people will come away with from his inspiring TEDxTalk.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPeople with felony convictions are human beings who deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society,\u201d said Young, who, in September 2020, achieved a significant milestone, receiving a full pardon from The State of South Carolina. He now aids others in navigating the complex process of applying for pardons to ensure they, too, have a chance at redemption and a fresh start. \u201cEmbracing rehabilitation, second chances, and the belief in human growth, we should support the restoration of their rights, which not only reduces recidivism, but also fosters social and economic benefits, upholds principles of equality and justice, and recognizes the potential for redemption and growth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n TEDxHiltonHead will take place on Saturday, November 4 from 2- 5 p.m. at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Tickets are available and can be purchased at artshhi.com. For more information and the complete lineup of speakers, visit tedxhiltonhead.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" READ ARTICLE ONLINE \u201cPeople with felony convictions are human beings who deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society,\u201d said Young, who, in September 2020, achieved a significant milestone, receiving a full pardon from The State of South Carolina. At age 19, Hilton Head native Lester Young Jr. found himself…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-in-the-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n<\/span><\/p>\n
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