The Debate Stage Becomes A Platform For Justice In Black Youth Programs

In the 2007 film The Great Debaters, Denzel Washington portrays Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College in Texas during the 1935 era. He forms an innovative debate team comprised of intelligent students, marking the first occasion where a Black team competes against Harvard’s esteemed champions. This cinematic work ignited a renewed interest in debate, raising dialogue around perseverance, racial justice, and the transformative role of education. “Debate is combat, but your weapons are words,” Washington's character articulates, emphasizing the necessity of both mental and moral strength in discourse. Today, the legacy continues with Texas Southern University’s renowned debate team, led by Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts, who champions critical thinking as a means to confront misinformation. As students engage in these competitions, they embrace a powerful method to assert their voices amidst a tumultuous societal landscape. Debate not only sharpens their skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of multifaceted issues, paving the way for future leaders.