Next week, we have the privilege of celebrating the graduation of twenty Rikers youth from our Fall 2009 program. Since October, our Fall Malcolm X Debate Program has provided debate education for over 50 youth, ages 16-18, at Rikers. This is no small feat; and we could do not do it without our fourteen volunteer debate coaches. Please join us in congratulating the youth who have learned, with patience and enthusiasm, to articulate their point of view and back it up with evidence, speak up for their values, and walk in someone else’s shoes. We are continually growing together! Looking forward to the Spring.
Here are some of the things Malcolm X Debaters had to say about our Fall 2009 program:
“I learned how to argue; but in a good way, without turning to violence.”
“The Malcolm X Program helped me to stand up for my actual court case.”
“I learned that people like me should speak up for themselves…”
“[I learned] that I have talent… please enroll more people in the program.”
“I learned so many different things about politics that I did not know before.”
“I learned that I am smarter than I had expected.”
“I have learned to put myself on both sides of a debate, whether I honestly believe it or not. I think that’s pretty cool.”
