TED Talks Daily Sunday Pick: How to love your hometown (w/ Hanif Abdurraqib & Sarah Kay) | How to Be a Better Human
Nov 23, 2025
Hanif Abdurraqib, a celebrated writer and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio, is joined by poet Sarah Kay. Together, they explore the deep connections that foster love for one's hometown. Hanif discusses how local interactions, like neighborhood gatherings during power outages, combat isolation. He highlights the significance of familiar places—like record shops and donut spots—in building community. Their heartfelt conversation emphasizes small acts of kindness and the urgency of appreciating beauty in everyday life.
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Neighborhoodness Over Individualism
- Hanif values neighbors who notice and respond, turning small moments into mutual care.
- That shared attention prevents isolation and roots identity in place.
Record Shop Memory As Community Glue
- In Spoonful Records, staff remember Hanif's conversations and hold items for him.
- Those gestures create ongoing connection and delight when they reunite him with discoveries.
Sneaker Shop That Gives Back
- Heat Archive acts like a community hub, giving kids shoes for good grades and supporting youth.
- The owners' quiet care demonstrates how small businesses sustain neighborhoods.