Groundbreaking Achievement at National Catholic Forensic League Tournament
Nevaeh Rita Sencion and Saidah Ervin, students at Baltimore City College High School, etched their names in history as the first African American women’s team to win the prestigious National Catholic Forensic League’s policy debate tournament held in Chicago. Their triumph shattered long-standing barriers and serves as an inspiration for aspiring debaters everywhere.
“They announced second place first, and we heard the other team. We were both just like in shock,” Ervin recalled. “Like we knew we had it in us, but like being able to hear in front of a room that big and hearing all the cheers for us is a really, really big feeling.”
Unwavering Determination and Skill
Over the Memorial Day weekend, the dynamic duo faced off against some of the nation’s most esteemed speech and debate teams. Participating in a grueling five debates over two days, each lasting two hours, Sencion and Ervin showcased their unwavering determination and exceptional debating skills.
In a remarkable feat, they knocked out the top-ranked high school policy debate team in the country by a single vote. Their debate topic centered around fiscal redistribution, including a federal jobs guarantee, increasing social security, and providing a basic income.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Future Generations
Sencion and Ervin’s historic achievement carries immense significance, not only for Baltimore City but also for the broader debate community. Their victory challenges the traditional perception of debate as an activity dominated by white males.
“We have the very unique responsibility – and almost indebtedness – to other Black debaters, other Black programs, the legacy of Black debate that’s come before us that has opened the doors for us to be able to continue to advocate for ourselves, for our communities,” Sencion said.
A Passion for Debate Since Middle School
Both students have been honing their debating skills since middle school, fueled by a passion for research, analysis, and advocacy. Their journey has been guided by Patrick Daniels, the director of speech and debate at City College, who has led the school’s Speech and Debate Society for over two decades.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Daniels said. “Not only for the city of Baltimore but for the debate community to offer change and have a vision for the future beyond the traditional vision of debate being an all-white, all-male activity.”
Bright Futures Ahead
As Sencion and Ervin prepare to graduate high school, their accomplishments have paved the way for promising futures. Sencion will attend Wake Forest University on a full debate scholarship, while Ervin will head to the University of Kentucky as a leadership scholar.
However, their ultimate goal is to return to their roots and serve as coaches and judges for the Baltimore City College Speech and Debate Society, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of debaters.
