Tuesday, Becker Schools hosted assemblies all day featuring the music of Yam  House and the speaking talents of Terrence Talley.

The events were sponsored by the organization, Dylan’s Hope.

Talley, a Twin Cities native, is an inspirational speaker with high energy and strong messages. He has been in his line of work  for over five years and travels across the country to share his messages.

Tuesday, Talley held five sessions —one for each school and one open to the public. He uses his relationship with his parents and some heartbreaking moments he’s endured to convey his message to the youth. Being a black man, Talley spoke on the male prejudices he’s faced growing up and the feelings of peer pressure, family hurts, bullying and life-altering choices. Talley spoke with vitality when storytelling and calmness when the subject became serious. He knitted clean jokes throughout the session and included students and teachers in demonstrations.

In the commons area of the high school, a mental health & wellness fair was being held for free for the community. A variety of community resources and programs from over a dozen organizations welcomed guests as they filed through the doors outside the PAC.

Talley’s top message Tuesday was for the students to “never give up.” He told the gatherings that he was sure there was at least one person in the auditorium who was feeling useless, worthless and matter-less. He encouraged that one person to never lose hope and to think positive because “everyone has someone who loves them.”

“If we can help bring students together, give another option, heal some hurts and help realize positive life choices, we would have better students and a positive school atmosphere.,” Talley is quoted on his website.

“My hope is that students will know that they matter and because they matter, they can make a difference. With the battle students face, they have to know there’s hope.”

Talley is a self-proclaimed comic book/movie nerd, a husband to wife Courtney, father to Gracie and Cece, and author of the book Secrets Anonymous.