By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
CHATHAM, Va. — More than two dozen speakers shared inspirational stories, music and more during a TEDx event at the Green Rock Correctional Center.
The event, held on May 7, was the first of its kind in a Virginia prison, the Virginia Department of Corrections said in a news release. It was hosted by the VADOC in partnership with Proximity for Justice.
“I appreciate every speaker for their uplifting stories of hope and redemption that demonstrate the importance of second chances,” said VADOC director Chad Dotson, who spoke during his talk about lessons he learned from a Southwest Virginia drug court during his tenure as a commonwealth’s attorney and judge. “I thank Proximity for Justice founder Delia Cohen and her organization for their partnership on this special project.”
Speakers at the TEDx event included Dotson, Delegate Rae Cousins, D-79th District, Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor, First Piedmont Corporation Chairman and CEO Ben J. Davenport Jr. and several members of the Green Rock inmate population.
A TEDx event is a community-based gathering featuring live talks and performances similar to TED conferences, according to the TED website. Each event is independently organized, with content and design tailored to the community’s interests, yet all maintain common features that reflect TED’s mission of sharing impactful ideas.