June 14th 2024.
It was a momentous occasion for the debate team at Baltimore City College High School. Nevaeh Rita Sencion and Saidah Ervin, the dynamic duo, had just returned from the National Catholic Forensic League's Grand National Tournament in Chicago, and they had every reason to celebrate. Not only did they make history as the first team of African American women to win the policy debate tournament, but they also had the trophies to show for it.
The ladies were proud of their achievement, knowing that it was the result of their hard work and dedication to the subject. As they reminisced about the competition, they couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotions. "They announced second place first, and we heard the other team. We were both just in shock," exclaimed Ervin. "We knew we had it in us, but to hear it in front of such a large audience and to receive all the cheers and support was an incredible feeling."
Going up against some of the most prestigious speech and debate teams in the nation was no small feat. Sencion and Ervin had to participate in five debates over two days, with each debate lasting two hours. But with determination and perseverance, they managed to knock out the top-ranked high school policy debate team in the country by just one vote. Their topic was "United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution by providing a federal jobs guarantee, increasing social security, and/or providing a basic income. I think that's the exact way it's said in the policy," explained Ervin.
The process of delving into such a complex topic was intense, and at times, both ladies felt exhausted and scared. But they leaned on each other for support and encouragement, especially in moments when they wanted to give up. "I think we started to believe in ourselves a little more and believe that we could make it to the end," said Sencion.
Preparation for the competition was no easy task. They had to come up with various speeches, including some that incorporated poetry, making their win even more significant. "We have a unique responsibility - almost a sense of obligation - to other Black debaters, other Black programs, and the legacy of Black debate that has paved the way for us to advocate for ourselves and our communities," Sencion shared. "We don't just talk about policies; we also talk about our experiences as inner-city Baltimore students and Black women in this activity."
Both Sencion and Ervin have been part of debate teams since middle school, and as they prepare to graduate from high school, they are excited to serve as role models for the next generation of girls who share their passion for debate. "I love arguing," admitted Ervin. "I want to be a lawyer, and I really enjoy doing research. Daniels always says that debate is a competitive research activity."
Patrick Daniels, the director of speech and debate at City College, has been leading BCC's Speech and Debate Society for over 20 years. He emphasized the significance of their win, not just for his students, but for Baltimore schools as a whole. "It's an incredible achievement," Daniels said. "Not just for the city of Baltimore, but for the debate community as a whole. This win challenges the traditional view of debate being an all-white, all-male activity and offers a vision for a more inclusive future."
As they prepare to embark on their college journey, Sencion and Ervin plan to continue their debate careers. Sencion will attend Wake Forest University on a full debate scholarship, while Ervin will head to the University of Kentucky as a leadership scholar. However, their ultimate goal is to come back and give back to their roots by coaching and judging for BCC's Speech and Debate Society.
It's a testament to their dedication and passion for debate that has not only opened doors for their higher education but also paved the way for the next generation of Black debaters. And as they continue to inspire and break barriers, they will always remember where it all began - at Baltimore City College High School.
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