April 18, 2023 | By Kelly Cody
A Night of Debate and Discourse on GBH’s Basic Black
Did you catch the GBH Basic Black segment on Public Speaking, Discourse and Debate last week?
The segment was a treat for the mind and the soul! Boston Debate League (BDL) debaters Alana Laforest, Presley Simelus, Brandon Ren, and Ruth Reid, tackled the complex and important topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their impact on communities of color.
BDL’s Executive Director, Kim Willingham, joined a panel discussing the debate, which included some heavy-hitters: Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Councilor At-Large, Deion S. Hawkins, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Argumentation & Advocacy at Emerson College, and Lynn Yeboah, Student and Policy Debater on the Harvard Debate Council. The panelists also explored other relevant issues regarding public speaking.
The debate was a real tour de force! BDL debaters presented compelling and well-researched arguments, backed up by their impressive knowledge, and presented with eloquence. The panelists were wonderful as well, bringing their unique perspectives and insights to the discussion. It was a lively and informative dialogue that left us all feeling smarter and more engaged with the issues that affect our communities. It was truly a meeting of great minds!
If you missed the live event, we highly recommend checking out the recording below. And if you’re feeling inspired by what you see, consider getting involved with BDL. BDL students showcase how debate can be both enjoyable and fulfilling, highlighting how it hones students’ ability to communicate complex real-world issues and policies by giving them the opportunity to construct logical arguments, conduct research, and persuasively present their ideas to an audience.