In the realm of Speech and Debate, where voices collide in intellectual battles, the Howard University Speech and Debate Team (HUSDT) stands out as a beacon of representation, advocacy, and empowerment. The team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with a unique story. In this exclusive feature, three senior members—Brielle Mitchell, Charlye Jackson, and Julian Szyszka—share their insights on being part of this dynamic community.

Brielle Mitchell: Redefining Voice and Identity

For Brielle Mitchell, a senior from Texas, joining Speech and Debate was a journey of self-discovery and the empowerment of her voice. As a freshman in high school, she entered a world dominated by whiteness, feeling her voice drowned out in White-dominated circuits. However, her perspective underwent a profound transformation upon entering Howard University. “Being Black in the realm of Debate is no longer a hindrance but the foundation of which I approach every case,” she asserts.

At Howard, Brielle found a platform to speak her truth, tackling topics like “Social Justice movements should make police abolition their top priority.” She emphasizes that debating at an HBCU empowered her to create space not only for herself but for others, challenging the traditional debate culture that often sacrifices individual voices.

Charlye Jackson: Nurturing Voices and History

Charlye Jackson, another senior from Texas, sheds light on Howard University’s rich Speech and Debate history. Dating back to the early 1940s, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Forensics Society, founded by Dr. Laura A. Fleet in 1973, has become a thriving program preparing students to be leaders through speech, debate, and mock trial competitions.

Charlye dispels common misconceptions about Speech and Debate, emphasizing its power of advocacy beyond mere arguing. She shares the impact of her favorite match, the Great Debate against Yale, where the team’s performance inspired high school students to join debate teams and consider attending HBCUs.

Julian Szyszka: Advocacy and Legacy

Julian Szyszka, a from Chicago, serves as the President of HUSDT. His journey began with a natural inclination for curiosity and advocacy. Drawn to debate in high school, Julian’s competitive and inquisitive nature found a perfect outlet in Speech and Debate. Witnessing Howard’s prowess in The Great Debates solidified his decision to attend the university.

Julian highlights the often-underestimated potential of Speech and Debate students, asserting that they are the future leaders in politics, law, poetry, and intellectual realms. As the leader of HUSDT, he strives to bring more awareness and resources to underfunded programs, recognizing the transformative impact of Speech and Debate.

The Power of Preparation and Representation

Preparation is critical for the HUSDT members, involving rigorous research, analysis, and performance. From researching topics and writing compelling arguments to practicing in mock debates, each step contributes to their success. The team competes not only against other HBCUs but also against predominantly white institutions (PWIs), showcasing the strength and competitive spirit within the HBCU debate community.

Uniforms as Symbols of Legacy

The HUSDT uniform, introduced by Coach Angela Minor in 2010, reflects the team’s identity and tradition. The dark navy Howard blazer, gray pants, and a red and blue tie symbolize the unity and pride of the team. This uniform, though consistent over the years, underwent a thoughtful adjustment to include the school’s entire colors, creating a visual representation of Howard University as “THE REAL HU.”

 The Howard University Speech and Debate Team emerges not just as a competitive force but as a platform for personal growth, advocacy, and the celebration of diverse voices. As these seniors and leaders continue to shape the legacy of HUSDT, they inspire a new generation of debaters to find their voices and advocate for change.