Sunday, August 7, 2022

Homelessness is an experience, not an identity


Moses lived on the streets for decades and became a well-known figure in San Francisco after deciding to set up an “office” on the sidewalk and showing up daily for 20 years. His life-changing decision to connect with busy people working in the financial district led to him helping thousands with his advice and a 10-year documentary film project about his life called, “Moses,” interviewed by Jill Wesley, TEDxSanFrancisco Speaker Coach. Born and raised in Forrest City (Arkansas), he was musically inclined from an early age. He learned how to play piano, flute and guitar.

In 1972, he moved to San Francisco, where he worked as a house painter and played with several bands in the Bay Area. 

His music was recorded by Pete Miller, a legendary British guitarist that toured with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and who later opened a recording studio in San Francisco. Moses' life imploded in the early 80's, and he ended up enduring a rough life on the streets of San Francisco for two decades. In 2007, he starred in a student film that launched him on a ten-year journey to reclaim his life, his family, and his music.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. 

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