At the event, we heard from Fatuma Mohamed and Frezzella Cullinane, two After-School Debate alumni. They shared how debate provided them with community and a sense of belonging, and helped them learn how to use the power of their voices to advocate for real-world issues. With this background, both are now working in support of today’s young people – Fatuma as a Youth Advocacy Coordinator and Frezzella as a teacher and debate coach. We also heard from Chris Madson, a Debate-Inspired Classrooms Teacher Leader who shared how our instructional approach is the one he returns to year after year; Marisa Suescun, the longest-serving BDL employee and current Director of Programs; and Alison Eggers, our incoming Board Chair and one of the very first BDL volunteers. We’re grateful that these amazing individuals joined us to share the value of the BDL and what debate means to them.

We’re thankful for everyone who came out to celebrate this incredible milestone with us. We also want to thank and acknowledge our event sponsors, the Red Sox Foundation, First Republic Bank and District Hall Boston.

If what we’ve accomplished in our first 15 years is any indication of what the future holds, we know that the BDL and the young people we serve will do great things. Watch the BDL’s 15th Anniversary video and join the celebration!