October 14, 2022 | By Sayyida Jean-Charles
The BDL recognizes our Debate en Español debaters for this National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. Within the Debate en Español program, the BDL strives to create an inclusive community that centers and celebrates Hispanic and Latinx language and cultures. This year, 6 public schools in Boston and Everett have Debate en Español teams
BDL Alumna Valeria Pereira ‘20 (Brighton High School) reflects on her time as a debater: “As a Spanish native speaker; I was a part of a big movement through the Debate en Español division at the Boston Debate League. It brings me joy to see how even after I’ve graduated from high school, the division” is prospering. Valeria adds, “the Hispanic community we built is something that I will always remember in my heart. I am proud of creating a community that felt close to home.”
Through Debate en Español, debaters engage in policy debate; they compete in tournaments and scrimmages, and they attend Debate Academies and summer debate camps to develop critical thinking skills entirely in Spanish. As a way to celebrate the value of the Spanish language within the professional world, Debate en Español debaters and coaches will come together for virtual Debate en Español convening.
National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month is a time to honor the Hispanic/Latinx community’s achievements and influences in society. The BDL wants to highlight the Debate en Español students for their hard work and dedication in their competitive debate careers. The BDL encourages students to engage in critical discourse, develop their debate skills in their Native Spanish language and use the power of their voices to foster change.