TJ Leyden
Tom "TJ" Leyden is the CEO of StrHATE Talk Consulting
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TJ is one of the most compelling speakers I've ever heard out of many. His no-holds barred personality tells it like it was and like it is now today. He is educated, aware, and inspiring. He not only shows that it is possible to change, he embodies what a contribution a person can become. He also tells the truth like no other about what faces our society in the hands of extremists with hate agendas. Whether he's talking to high schools, universities, law enforcement or military, he KNOWS what he's talking about and he's all about educating the audience to make better, safer, more ethical choices and to be better prepared in their personal lives and their work.
At two Know Gangs conferences in Vegas, Weisenthal Museum of Tolerance and at several other venues and book signings
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Turning Away from Hate
How can a man who covered his body in Nazi symbols, advocated for the death of Jews, and recruited teenagers into the hate movement become one of the nation's most compelling advocates for the importance of diversity and cultural appreciation?
BIO
As you may be aware, one of the most challenging messages to give people in todays society is the message of tolerance and racial understanding.
From his unique perspective, TJ Leyden, a former neo-Nazi skinhead can take you on the tough but fulfilling journey from a world of hate into a world of hope. As a leading recruiter, organizer and propagandist for the white supremacist and neo-Nazi movement, Leyden spent 15 years promoting hate, bigotry and racism.
TJ along with his wife Julie founded StrHATE Talk Consulting in 2001. StrHATE Talk is an organization that combats hate, bigotry, intolerance and discrimination through education.
After turning his back completely on the white power movement, TJ worked for 12 years (1996-2008) with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, 5 of them with Task Force Against Hate. TJ was the first skinhead to leave the racist movement and voluntarily give up information about the inside workings of the neo-Nazis and their recruitment methods. He is the leading authority on the neo-Nazi skinhead movement, with over 30 years of experience in this field.
TJ Leyden was a featured speaker at the Clinton White House Conference on Hate in Washington D.C. and was a major contributor to California Governor Gray Daviss report Governors Advisory Panel on Hate Groups. Leyden worked with Googles Think, Do Tank, as a member of the steering committee for the S/A/V/E Summit (Summit Against Violent Extremism) which was put on by Google, CFR (Council on Foreign Relations) and Tribeca Films.
Leyden has trained members of the Pentagon, FBI, military, law enforcement (from 5 different Nations), educators, and over 850,000 students. He has also worked with the Department of Justice and other District Attorneys offices on hate crimes cases where all defendants have been found guilty.
TJ has been seen on the History Channels Gangland Series (Hate Nation and Basic Training) and was a Technical Adviser for the FX hit show Sons of Anarchy, season 2. TJ worked with Dr. Phil as a subject matter expert. TJ has also appeared several times on FOX, CNN, MSNBC and other news agencies as an expert in the field of Hate and racism. TJ was also featured in Time Magazine and in over 2000 other publications, newspapers and BLOGs.
TJ Leyden co-author the book SKINHEAD CONFESSIONS from Hate to Hope in 2008, the autobiography of his life.
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TJ is one of the most compelling speakers I've ever heard out of many. His no-holds barred personality tells it like it was and like it is now today. He is educated, aware, and inspiring. He not only shows that it is possible to change, he embodies what a contribution a person can become. He also tells the truth like no other about what faces our society in the hands of extremists with hate agendas. Whether he's talking to high schools, universities, law enforcement or military, he KNOWS what he's talking about and he's all about educating the audience to make better, safer, more ethical choices and to be better prepared in their personal lives and their work.
At two Know Gangs conferences in Vegas, Weisenthal Museum of Tolerance and at several other venues and book signings
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very strong, intelligent,inspirational, heart wrenching, spine tingling speaker. All emotions were felt and i even got chills he is a living example that love truly conquers all... even hate which is very important especially in the world we live in now. this is truly his calling in life to educate others and inspire them to seek a better future.Continue the great work!!!
Simon Wiesenthol Center and Museum of Tolerance, CA
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TJ and I were contemporaries in the white power movement back in the late 80s and early 90s. We never met in person back then, but knew of each other as we were both in leadership positions. By 1996, we had both come to our senses enough to realize the tragic error of our ways, but while I went on a decade-long drug and alcohol bender, TJ went directly to work against racism. His knowledge of the ugliness behind racism is surpassed only by the wisdom he has gained over 14 years of diversity promotion and his passion for peace. TJ's presentation ranges from shocking to hilarious and leaves the audience inspired to anti-racist activism.
Sept 23rd · Sherif's Training Acadamy · Milwaukee, WI
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T.J. Leyden is an amazing speaker that will captivate your speaking egagement from start to finish. He will leave your audience with the shocking truth about the white-power movement, and is a must for the youth of our troubled world. He has the "street cred" and can relate to the youth with his life experience like no other speaker I have heard. His no nonsense approach, and his message of Hate/Tolerance needs to be heard throughout the United States in these troubled times. He is the upmost professional, and his story/talk is truly amazing.
Salt Lake City Library
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I saw TJ speak at a train the trainers conference that was geared for educators. TJ is a living example, a positive example of the power that people have to change their lives. He came from an environment that lived in HATE and now spreads the message of love and acceptance. A very powerful program! I heartily recommend him.
Denver in 2002 Train the Trainers conference
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An amazing speaker! He gave a riveting, high energy talk, that led the audience through a world of hate, into a world of peace. He even challenges the tolerance of others with a witty, twist that leaves the audience questioning their ability to be impartial when it comes to race. He has much to teach, to those who are willing to learn. A kind-hearted man seeking to reform others.
Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum
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We brought TJ to Findlay for diversity week at our University. He is nothing short of outstanding! His story takes you on a journey filled with hate, violence, transformation, and acceptance. He is one to be admired and is an excellent example of the ultimate in justice. We can't stop talking about TJ, he certainly has left a lasting impression on the students of my small town university. We continue to use his book Skinhead Confessions in the classroom, it is an amazing learning tool for my social work students.
University of Findlay in October 2010
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I would recommend TJ as a speaker to engage people in the conversation regarding hate. He is the very epitome of how love can change a person's very soul. He is very knowledgeable, and without a doubt, engaging on this subject. I've listened to him personally, and I've read his book. I believe there is a need for TJ in our society, to help us and others find a better understanding of what racism and hate can do to people. His passion exceeds all expectations.
Patrick Airforce Base Florida (DEOMI)
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TJ Leyden is one of the most captivating speakers I have ever brought out. I work in teen outreach and I have had TJ twice. The kids are always captivated and will stay for hours after the speech is over to continue talking with him. TJ will reach even your toughest kids. Kids always ask when is the next time he is coming back
Twice in Seattle, WA
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I have personally traveled the country with TJ hearing him speak over the past 10 years and I can honestly say that his lecture holds true to a core topic of racism and tolerance but his research is always updated and information current. Traveling with him, I have seen many speakers and none compare on this topic. From his personal viewpoint his lecture is captivating and amazing to hear. I am always on the edge of my seat.
Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance and many other venues.
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Not only have I read TJ's book and seen him speak at the 2009 VGIA conference, but he has also become a close personal friend. I have been in law enforcement for over 20 years and he is one of the rare ones, the one who people say will never change..well he did. His ability to to turn hate into peace is an amazing journey into one mans life. I am proud to call him my friend.
VGIA conference 2009
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TJ is a very engaging speaker who speaks with true passion. He has certainly walked the walk and now talks the talk on the subject of hate groups. An A+ addition to any conference agenda.
5th Annual Gangs, Guns, Drugs Conference, May 2010, Las Vegas NV.
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After hearing TJ speak, the first thing that came to my mind was that he is a walking, talking example of how Love is stronger than Hate. He is a powerful speaker and I was able to relate to his love of his sons and how he wants them to grow up in a better world.
2010 MGIA National Conference St. Louis
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I would highly recommend TJ for any speaking engagement. TJ was very easy to work with and his information was exactly what we needed. His past experience and his desire to continue his eduction on this matter goes far and beyond most. TJ is a person I am honored to call a friend and I am very honored to have had the ability to listen to him speak.
Salina Kansas in Feb 2009
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