Empowering Voices and Cultivating Change: A Review of the Black Student Summit at Evanston Township High School

The Black Student Summit held at Evanston Township High School was not just an event but a celebration of culture, identity, and empowerment. Organized by the school's staff and students under the banner of Excellence Event Management, this two-day extravaganza left a lasting impression on all who attended.

From multiple pep rallies to insightful workshops spanning topics on blackness across the African diaspora, every detail was carefully curated to foster a sense of belonging and pride. The inclusion of native food options and healing justice tools further enriched the experience, creating a space where attendees could nourish both their bodies and minds.

What truly stood out was the active involvement of students in every aspect of the summit. From organizing workshops to DJing at the closing dance party, they infused the event with a vibrant energy and inclusivity that resonated with everyone present.

Black Alphabet was proud to present to the students about authentic representation in the media. A highlight of our time at the summit was the workshop attendance. It was heartening to witness Black and Latinx students actively engaging in conversations about their authentic intersectional queer identities, signaling a growing awareness and acceptance within the community.

Students displayed an impressive depth of knowledge, listing various LGBTQ+ references, sparking meaningful discussions, and teaching us a thing or two about the importance of authentic representation. The active participation of adult staff members, who shared their LGBTQ+ experiences with pride, further underscored the importance of intergenerational dialogue and support and its impact when we can come together. 

The students showcased their creativity and innovation through various campaign designs. From monologues to dance routines, each expression provided a unique perspective on Black Queerness, challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity. We have shared a few of those via our social media. 

Highlighting the importance of empowering younger generations to take up the mantle for themselves, the Black Student Summit at Evanston Township High School was more than just an event—it was a catalyst for change and empowerment. As we reflect on the lessons learned and the connections forged, one thing remains clear: the journey towards equity and inclusion is ongoing, but with events like these, we are moving closer to a brighter, more inclusive future.

Excellence Event Management:

• Evanston Township High School staff and students organized a two-day cultural empowerment event.

• Executed brilliantly with multiple pep rallies, insightful workshops on blackness across the African diaspora, native food options, and healing justice tools.

• Noteworthy: Students DJed at the closing dance party, adding a vibrant and inclusive touch to the planning details.

Attendance Increase:

• Workshop attendance increased by 400%, from 5 on Day 1 to an impressive 20 participants on Day 2.

• It was inspiring to see a good turnout of Black and Latinx students engaging in conversations about their authentic intersectional queer identities.

LGBTQ+/SGL Representation:

• The students displayed impressive knowledge; they listed over 75 references to LGBTQ+/SGL representation in the media and entertainment industry.

• Notable engagement from adult staff, sharing their LGBTQ+ history knowledge with joy and pride.

Creative Campaigns:

• Students showcased creativity and innovation in campaign designs.

• Varied expressions, including monologues, poems, organized dance routines, and visual art, provided diverse perspectives on Black Queerness.

Multi-generational buy-in! 

• What opportunities are we presenting to younger generations to empower them to take up the mantle for themselves?

• Through the exercises, we got to look into the participants' minds and learn what was important to them. 

• Companies take accountability for the communities they are representing. 

Last week, Black Alphabet had the opportunity to present at the 2024 Black Summit at Evanston Township High School. The well-planned summit introduced students to new ideas and cultures part of the Black diaspora. 

Our session focused primarily on the representation of Black LGBTQ+ people in the media. This brought up critical conversations about companies' role in representation and the follow-through needed to have authentic representation. As a nonprofit that strives to activate the community, we've learned some key ways how we can empower our communities to. 

This presentation taught me that we are always learning and that sometimes, the most important lessons can come from unexpected places. While we might have been there to enlighten and educate, I found myself being educated on new forms of media to watch and ways to be more authentic in our interactions with the community.

Intention is the key to being clear on how we want to show up for the community and how the community can show up for us.