NEWS
Jelly Roll to deliver keynote at Oxford University’s World Literacy Summit, honored with Global Literacy Award
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Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord), the award-winning musician who has taken the world by storm with his chart-topping hits and inspiring life story, is set to speak at the prestigious World Literacy Summit 2025 at Oxford University on Monday, April 7th. The Grammy-nominated artist will be honored with the Global Literacy Award in recognition of his tireless advocacy for literacy and education, particularly within the justice system.
The event, held at the Sheldonian Theatre at 4:00 p.m. BST, will see Jelly Roll reflect on his personal journey—from his troubled youth, marked by incarceration in the juvenile justice system, to becoming one of the music industry's most influential voices for education reform. His keynote address will delve into his ongoing commitment to empowering young people through education, a cause he has championed through various grassroots programs and initiatives.
As part of the World Literacy Summit 2025, Jelly Roll will speak about his work advocating for literacy and educational access among incarcerated youth, sharing how his own experiences shaped his efforts. He has been an outspoken supporter of providing educational opportunities to those affected by the justice system, a mission that has led him to partner with organizations offering everything from GED programs to vocational training for young offenders. The keynote speech will be available for global audiences via livestream.
Jelly Roll’s journey to success is as remarkable as his advocacy. After a decade of struggle with the law, the Nashville-born artist turned his life around, going on to achieve immense success in both the country and rock music scenes. His 2024 album Beautifully Broken reached #1 on the Billboard 200 and earned critical acclaim, including praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, and Associated Press. Jelly Roll’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric—earning him multiple #1 singles, a GRAMMY nomination, and a sold-out arena tour.
But his impact reaches far beyond the music charts. Jelly Roll’s commitment to literacy and education was highlighted by his dedication to earning his GED while incarcerated, and his continued efforts to ensure that young people—especially those who have faced adversity—have access to educational resources and support. His work has touched numerous lives, including donating a recording studio to the juvenile detention center where he spent his teenage years, and appearing at rehab centers and prisons to inspire others to make positive changes.
The World Literacy Summit, an annual event that attracts educators, advocates, and policymakers from around the globe, will also feature notable speakers from organizations such as the World Bank, HarperCollins, and Penguin Books. Representatives from these groups, alongside the global literacy community, will be on hand to celebrate Jelly Roll's achievements and his profound influence on global education initiatives.
Jelly Roll’s remarkable journey as both an artist and a humanitarian continues to inspire millions. With his upcoming keynote address and the prestigious Global Literacy Award, his impact on the world is poised to expand even further.
Catch Jelly Roll’s keynote live on April 7th at 4:00 p.m. BST. Stay tuned for more updates on this extraordinary artist’s continued advocacy and musical journey.
For more information about the World Literacy Summit and the livestream link, please visit the official website.
The event, held at the Sheldonian Theatre at 4:00 p.m. BST, will see Jelly Roll reflect on his personal journey—from his troubled youth, marked by incarceration in the juvenile justice system, to becoming one of the music industry's most influential voices for education reform. His keynote address will delve into his ongoing commitment to empowering young people through education, a cause he has championed through various grassroots programs and initiatives.
Jelly Roll’s journey to success is as remarkable as his advocacy. After a decade of struggle with the law, the Nashville-born artist turned his life around, going on to achieve immense success in both the country and rock music scenes. His 2024 album Beautifully Broken reached #1 on the Billboard 200 and earned critical acclaim, including praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, and Associated Press. Jelly Roll’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric—earning him multiple #1 singles, a GRAMMY nomination, and a sold-out arena tour.
But his impact reaches far beyond the music charts. Jelly Roll’s commitment to literacy and education was highlighted by his dedication to earning his GED while incarcerated, and his continued efforts to ensure that young people—especially those who have faced adversity—have access to educational resources and support. His work has touched numerous lives, including donating a recording studio to the juvenile detention center where he spent his teenage years, and appearing at rehab centers and prisons to inspire others to make positive changes.
The World Literacy Summit, an annual event that attracts educators, advocates, and policymakers from around the globe, will also feature notable speakers from organizations such as the World Bank, HarperCollins, and Penguin Books. Representatives from these groups, alongside the global literacy community, will be on hand to celebrate Jelly Roll's achievements and his profound influence on global education initiatives.
Jelly Roll’s remarkable journey as both an artist and a humanitarian continues to inspire millions. With his upcoming keynote address and the prestigious Global Literacy Award, his impact on the world is poised to expand even further.
Catch Jelly Roll’s keynote live on April 7th at 4:00 p.m. BST. Stay tuned for more updates on this extraordinary artist’s continued advocacy and musical journey.
For more information about the World Literacy Summit and the livestream link, please visit the official website.
