Find Your Voice 2007

BDL debaters became a part of history on Saturday, January 20, 2007, when they participated in the first annual Find Your Voice event, sponsored by Hostelling International and the Massachusetts Service Alliance. Following in the footsteps of Samuel Adams, William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. Anthony, ten students had the opportunity to debate issues of national importance at historic Faneuil Hall. Tourists visiting the historic landmark paused to hear speeches on school desegregation, slavery reparations, immigration reform, and national service. It was clear from the fascination of these guests that our students did a great job carrying on the tradition of debate at Faneuil Hall!

Josiah Quincy Upper School debater Christopher Gray cross-examines Excel High School's Tamara Panameno about her proposed guest worker program as Dr. Westy Egmont, former director of the International Institute of Boston and Guest Moderator for the debate, and Alexander Chan, also of JQUS, look on.

Boston College African and African Diaspora Studies Director Dr. Cynthia Young considers Excel High School debater Andrea Robinson's rebuttal to a proposal for slavery reparations.

Academy of Public Service debater Charlotte McHayle ponders her next argument in support of slavery reparations.

JQUS debater Alexander Chan argues against an expansion of AmeriCorps as his partner, Christopher Gray, takes notes.

Academy of Public Service debater Michael Rivers responds to questions about his proposal to expand AmeriCorps.

Academy of Public Service debate coach Locksley Bryan takes an advantage of an opportunity for audience members to cross-examine the debaters.

Deputy Director of City Year Boston Rick Jakouis moderates a debate about AmeriCorps.

Jessica Lewis of the Academy of Public Service  prepares to argue against an expansion of Peace Corps to address global HIV/AIDS.

Excel High School's Reyna Rivera contends that the Supreme Court ought to allow public school districts to use race as a factor in assigning students to schools.

Charlestown's Ll i Hui Xiu cross-examines Excel debater Reyna Rivera concerning the integration of public schools as her partner, Tamara Panameno, looks on. Dr. Kahris McLaughlin, Affirmative Action Officer for the Cambridge Public Schools, moderates the debate.

JQUS debater Christopher Gray argues against guest worker legislation.

Excel High School's Tamara Panameno outlines the need for guest worker legislation.

Dr. Cynthia Young. Director of the African and African Diaspora Studies program at Boston College, offers post-round commentary on a debate about slavery reparations.

City Year co-founder Dr. Alan Khazei, keynote speaker at Find Your Voice 2007, presents Excel debater Tamara Panameno with a medal.

Dr. Khazei awards a medal to JQUS debater Jack Trieu.

Dr. Kahris McLaughlin, Affirmative Action Officer for the Cambridge Public Schools, compliments Excel debaters Tamara Panameno and Reyna Rivera for a great debate on school desegregation.

Students get comfortable on the majestic Faneuil Hall stage during pre-debate preparations.

Carmen Jaquez, Peace Corps recruiter for the New England region and a returned Peace Corps volunteer who helped fight HIV/AIDS in Uganda, moderates a debate between APS' Charlotte McHayle and Jessica Lewis and JQUS' Jack Trieu.

Academy of Public Service headmaster Zachary Robbins emcees the event.