May 30th 2024.
This past Memorial Day weekend, two remarkable high school students, Nevaeh Rita Sencion and Saidah Ervin, etched their names into the history books. They became the very first African American women's debate team to conquer the highly esteemed National Catholic Forensics League's Grand National Tournament in the bustling city of Chicago.
These two talented young women, who are members of the policy debate team at Baltimore City College High School, took part in a grueling competition. They battled it out in five intense, two-hour debates each day for two consecutive days, pitting their skills against some of the nation's most renowned debate teams. It was no easy feat, but they persevered and emerged victorious.
The entire city was abuzz with excitement and pride as the news of their triumph spread like wildfire. The Baltimore City Public Schools even took to social media to extend their congratulations to Nevaeh and Saidah for their monumental achievement. It was truly a proud moment for the entire community.
According to a report from WMAR-2 News, these two dynamic debaters clinched the top spot by a single vote, edging out the country's number one high school policy debate team. Their winning argument was centered around the topic of whether the United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution by providing a federal jobs guarantee, increasing Social Security, and/or providing a basic income. This victory was a testament to months of tireless preparation, including crafting speeches that were infused with poetic elements.
Overwhelmed with joy, Ervin shared, "We always believed in ourselves, but to stand in front of such a big crowd and hear the cheers for us was an unforgettable feeling." It was a well-deserved moment of triumph for the two young women who had worked so hard to get to where they are.
Nevaeh and Saidah's accomplishment holds great significance, as they not only represented their inner-city school in Baltimore, but also Black women debaters as a whole. Sencion eloquently stated, "We have a unique responsibility and a sense of indebtedness to other Black debaters and programs, as well as the legacy of Black debate that has paved the way for us to advocate for ourselves and our communities."
Under the guidance of their dedicated Speech and Debate Director, Patrick Daniels, who has been leading the team for two decades, Nevaeh and Saidah reached the pinnacle of success. They shattered traditional notions of debate being a predominantly white, male-dominated activity. Daniels believes that their victory will serve as a catalyst for change and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.
As they prepare to graduate next week, Sencion and Ervin have their sights set on continuing their debate careers in college. Nevaeh will be attending Wake Forest University on a debate scholarship, while Saidah will be heading to the University of Kentucky as a leadership scholar. And in a heartwarming gesture, they plan to return to their high school alma mater to coach and judge the next generation of debaters.
This inspiring story of Nevaeh and Saidah's groundbreaking achievement is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and breaking barriers. It serves as a reminder that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. And it's stories like these that give us hope for a better future.
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