By Joyce Tucker, Assistant Director of Admissions
The People of Color Conference/Student Diversity Leadership Conference (POCC/SDLC) was held in Anaheim California, November 30 - December 2, 2017. Park Tudor students attending were Alexia Coble, Eda Devletsah, Dia Moore-Freeman, Vanessa Longe. Elijah Sutton and Zakwon Williams. I accompanied them, along with Spencer Summerville, Upper School math teacher. Sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), POCC/SDLC is a national convention for faculty/staff and Upper School students from independent schools designed to provide opportunities for leadership, professional development and networking for people of colors and allies from all backgrounds in independent schools.
Once again everyone returned energized and excited about the opportunity to educate the PT community. This was a completely new experience for all the students; none of the six had ever attended SDLC previously.
Upon arrival Wednesday afternoon, the group boarded a van and traveled to Venice Beach - the location of Snapchat HQ - for an awesome experience. PT alum Sterling Summerville (Spencer Summerville's brother) works at Snapchat and arranged a tour. Sterling also put together a panel discussion titled, "Where is Social Media Going and Diversity in the Tech World."
After this amazing opportunity, the group returned to Anaheim to prepare for the next day's POCC/SDLC opening ceremonies.
The student attendance is what creates change. SDLC's theme this year is "Making your Voices Matter/Leading The March To Common Ground." This theme speaks to the spirit of activism that today's youth have revived; there were 1600 young minds and hearts gathered at SDLC to form growth and change: "SDLC stands in strong partnership with our Independent Schools and their common mission to educate students for global citizenship and ethical leadership."
We asked the students three key questions once they returned, while the conference excitement was fresh.
What are two words that describe your 2 day experience?
- Enlightening, eye-opening, exciting, refreshing
What was your "woke" moment?
- My woke moment was when I realized how unique, safe and accepting SDLC was and how it is beautiful to be in a group of people who all have the same common ground.
- During the affinity group when the leader told us that it is up to your generation to change the world for everyone.
- Bonding with my peers in the affinity group.
- Being able to share my own thoughts.
- The energy that was created in that space was indescribable.
What are you bringing back to the US and your peers?
- Determination to change the dynamics of diversity and inclusion at this school.
- Continue to educate my peers about social injustice.
- Useful tools to educate people on diversity and also an open mind on how the world works.
- Try to emulate the activities that we learned.
- Use the methods that were used to facilitate discussions with the family groups.
As you can see, this group of students are energized and armed for the work ahead of them. I believe we as a community will support their words, actions and passions as change agents.