February 8, 2022 | By Sara Gill
To honor Black History Month, the BDL is releasing a series of posts to highlight Black orators past and present.
As abolitionists, civil rights activists, professors, politicians, and artists, the individuals featured in these posts each harnessed the power of their voice, and the powers of persuasion and rhetoric, to ignite change.
The BDL creates inclusive learning communities where all students are welcome and supported in achieving the transformative benefits of debate. Through debate, young people develop the confidence and skills to be agents of change within their own communities, following in the footsteps of the Black orators highlighted in this series and paving the way for future generations of changemakers.
Follow the BDL on Twitter and Instagram to see the posts throughout the month.
In 2021, Kim Willingham was named Executive Director – the first woman and first Black leader – of the Boston Debate League. Before being named ED, Kim served as the BDL’s Director of Culture and Engagement and prior to that as an Instructional Coach on the Debate-Inspired Classrooms team. Throughout her 20+ years in education, Kim has held multiple leadership positions. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member in the Crescent City – New Orleans, LA – where she taught 6th grade ELA and Social Studies. Kim earned an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BS from Eastern Michigan University. Her experience also includes several years in school leadership and education consulting. Originally from the Motor City, she now resides in Dorchester with her two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time in nature. Kim is grateful for the joy she gets to experience daily working with the students, teachers, volunteers, and staff of the BDL community.