This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Helping at-risk youth gain "do-for-self" entrepreneurial skills is the goal of the "Sweet Potato Project". Sylvester Brown talks about promoting self-sustaining urban communities by empowering the people.

Sylvester could write a book about his life experiences and, in fact, he has. He also is an award-winning writer (previous stints include St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist and Take Five Magazine publisher) who founded the non-profit When We Dream Together (WWDT). The organization’s mission: to promote self-sustaining urban communities by empowering ordinary people. Its “Sweet Potato Project” — where at-risk youth plant, market and ultimately sell their products — teaches important “do-for-self” entrepreneurial skills.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. 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 are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)