David Goodman & Humanity Pictures - hosted by Pariti Sutaria | David Goodman | TEDxCamden

David Goodman's Background

• David Goodman, CEO of Humanity Pictures, was born in Jersey City and raised in Queens, New York.
• During his teenage years, he struggled with self-esteem and bullying but found solace in the arts, particularly through choir and dance.
• Inspired by a Freedom Theater performance in 1977, he pursued a career in performing arts.

Career Journey

• After high school, David worked various jobs while continuing to pursue acting.
• With his wife's support, he left his telemarketing job to study acting and eventually focused on acting full-time.
• Despite a successful acting career, his interest in technology and filmmaking led him to start videography as a hobby.

Inspiration Behind Humanity Pictures

• The killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired David to establish Humanity Pictures, a production company that promotes empathy and challenges dehumanization.
• A conversation with his friend Azie Jones about the myth of black fathers' neglect inspired a project called "The Black Fatherhood: The Otherhood," which aims to challenge negative stereotypes and showcase black fathers as loving and caring parents.

Personal Influences

• David's personal experiences as a father and his Buddhist practice have shaped his work and determination to overcome fear.
• He believes in the power of human revolution and the oneness of life and environment for positive societal change.

Current Projects

• David is working on a documentary about black fatherhood and a five-part YouTube series called "Winning Season," which features people's stories of victory and overcoming challenges.
• Inspired by a friend's story of overcoming postpartum depression, David seeks funding to continue producing "Winning Season," which has received over a thousand views on YouTube.
• He believes sharing stories of victory and inspiration is crucial in today's society.