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.