A full-day gathering to connect and uplift members of Black Student Unions & Associations, Advisors, School administrators and allies that support them as they fight for equity and justice. The 3rd annual summit is scheduled for March 23, 2024. All races/ethnicities are encouraged to attend.
Registration is closed!
March 23, 2024
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Appoquinimink High School - Middletown, DE
A full-day gathering to connect and uplift members of Black Student Unions & Associations, Advisors, School administrators and allies that support them as they fight for equity and justice. The 3rd annual summit is scheduled for March 23, 2024. Registration is closed!
March 23, 2024
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Appoquinimink High School - Middletown, DE
SPONSORED BY
Amplify Black Youth Voices Across Delaware.
What is the Black Student Summit?
The Delaware Black Student Summit is by and for students who want to turn up the volume and activism of Black Student Unions/Associations. Whether your school’s Black Student Union/Association is in development, active or re-emerging, the Delaware Black Student Summit is for you.
The Summit is meant to prepare, train, re-fuel and uplift students and the adults that support them. During the Summit, you will learn why it’s important to use your voice and how to do it in a way that powers up change for the better where you learn.
Enter the
Black Student Summit Challenge
The Top 3 schools with the most students at the Delaware Black Student Summit will win a cash prize!
Help your school win a cash prize for having the most students in attendance at the Summit! Show support by sharing Summit information and encouraging your friends to register and attend our March 23rd event.
How Your School Can Win $500!
Register for the Summit
Complete the registration form on this page to secure your spot at this year’s summit.
Spread the Word
Send a text or DM to encourage your friends to attend the summit. Be creative and share why amplifying Black student voices in our state is important. Share it on TikTok, Instagram, and/or Facebook. Don’t forget to tag @unitedwayde & use #AmplifyBlackVoicesDE.
Attend the Summit
Your school must have a minimum of 10 attendees at the event to qualify. The top 3 schools with the most students in attendance will win a cash prize.
Learn More About the Challenge
Prizes:
- First Place (Most attendees) : $500
- Second Place (2nd most) : $250
- Third Place (3rd most) : $150
Contest Rules and Details:
- All event attendees must register to attend. Only one registration per person.
- Registration closes March 22nd, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.
- To qualify for prize entry – each school must have a minimum of 10 students registered and in attendance the day of the event (March 23rd, 2024).
- Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 schools with the most students in attendance; first prize $500, second prize $250; third prize $150.
- Prizes will be distributed by the United Way of Delaware to each school’s BSU/BSA Administrator or staff member for appropriate tracking. Cash prizes will not be distributed directly to students.
- Participation is open to any student, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, nationality origin or membership in any other protected category.
Event Details
Summit Schedule
There are targeted trainings for students, advisors & teachers, and school administrators. Registration is closed.
March 23, 2024
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Appoquinimink High School
Volunteer Opportunities
We are actively looking for trusted adults to help us out the day of the summit. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to help out during the event, please click here to learn more and sign up.
Doors Open
Doors open at 9:00 am with vendors, spoken word, and a DJ.
Welcome & Performance
United Way of Delaware / DRJC leaders & student leaders will kickoff the event with the singing of “Lift Every Voice,” performed by Cab Calloway students, and a dance performed by Miss Juneteenth.
Keynote Speaker
Aa’Khai Hollis
Student Activist, Bowie State University
Workshop #1
Lunch
Enjoy a catered lunch and get a chance to connect with other students, and take the 360 CAMERA for a spin as a way to capture your time at the summit.
BSU Showcase
We’ll kick off the afternoon with a session highlighting the work Black Student Unions (BSUs) are doing around the state.
Workshop #2
STRIVE Icebreaker
Meeting with your BSU
Closing Remarks & Prizes
Buses Depart
Breakout Sessions & Panels
The below details are from the 2024 Black Student Summit. This section will be updated when more information is available for the 2025 summit.
For Students
Mental Health Matters
Financial Education - Make it Make Cents
Come learn how to save, manage and invest your money with Stand By Me.
Speakers: Laura Gendreau & team
Life After High School- Profitable STEM Careers
Speaker: Leone Jackson & guests
Voting
Speaker: Cerron Cade & Eugene Young
Importance of HBCU - Unique position and why they're important
Speakers: Pia Stokes
Speak Loud and Proud: Finding Confidence in Your Blackness (in predominantly white spaces)
Speaker: Cliffvon Howell (am) & Jacques Bowe (pm)
Black History Before Slavery
Come learn about Black history before slavery.
Speakers: Khayree Bey
Student Voice in Education System (Student and Educators Panel)
Speakers: Taria Prichett
How to express yourself through music and verse
Speakers: Kai Blackstone
Advocacy 101
Come learn the importance of what advocating in your community can do and the steps to bring the change you want to see in Delaware. Join fellow HB-198 bill makers to see what the process is like to create laws and programs.
Speakers: Rep. Sherry Dorsey-Walker
40 Assets Workshops
Speakers: Shaniqua Pierce-Johnson
How to Run a BSU
Speakers: Representatives from University of Delaware Black Student Union
Special Guests
The below details are from the 2024 Black Student Summit. This section will be updated when more information is available for the 2025 summit.
Khayree Bey
TEACHER
McCullough Middle School
Jacques Bowe
FOUNDER
The Gentlemen’s Society
Janet Clarke-Peterkin
FINANCIAL COACH
Stand By Me
Lisa Farrow
FINANCIAL COACH
Stand By Me
Dr. Monica Minor Gant
ASSOCIATE SECRETARY, Academic Support
Delaware Department of Education
Laura Gendreau
DIRECTOR, STAND BY ME
United Way of Delaware
Dr. Carlyn Harry
STUDENT ADVISOR
Baltz Elementary School
Cliffvon Howell
EQUITY & DIVERSITY COORDINATOR
Caesar Rodney School District
Leone A. Jackson
SENIOR SPECIALIST, Comm. & Corp. Affairs
Turner Construction Company
Dr. Shaniqua Johnson-Pierce
DIRECTOR, Student Success
United Way of Delaware
Angelina Perryman
VICE PRESIDENT, Administration
Perryman Construction
Taria Pritchett
BLACK STUDENT UNION ADVISOR
Mount Pleasant High School
Pia Z. Stokes
DIRECTOR, Grants Development & Management
Delaware State University
Sherry Dorsey Walker
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Delaware House Assembly
Daniel T. Walker
DEPUTY CABINET SECRETARY
DE Department of Health & Social Services
Eugene Young
DIRECTOR
Delaware State Housing Authority
Keynote Speaker
Aa‘Khai Hollis
Aa’Khai Hollis is a standout student at Bowie State University who’s making big waves in his community and beyond. From his high school days, Aa’Khai has been all about bringing people together and making sure everyone’s voice is heard. He started a group in high school to make sure students from all backgrounds felt included and respected. He also led a club for Black students, creating a space where they could be proud of who they are and learn how to achieve their dreams.
But Aa’Khai didn’t stop with just his school. He helped change the laws to make sure schools teach about the important roles Black Americans have played in our country’s history. This shows how much of a difference young people like him can make.
On top of all this, Aa’Khai has been recognized for his incredible work and potential. He was named one of the 2023 AT&T Rising Future Makers, shining a spotlight on young leaders who are shaping the future. And, he’s been honored as part of the 2023 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These honors show just how much Aa’Khai stands out for his leadership and dedication to making the world a better place.
Now, as the main speaker at the Black Student Summit, Aa’Khai is a perfect example of how young people can lead and make positive changes. He shows us that with hard work and a big heart, anyone can stand up for what’s right and help their community.
Need a Ride?
We Got You!
We don’t want transportation to keep you from attending the summit. That’s why we organized buses to get you there. Transportation from all three counties will be provided. More details will be available as we get closer to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is invited?
The Summit is open to students and advisors leading BIPOC organizations within their schools along with their allies. We are focusing on tough topics so the Summit is focused on high school students, however, mature 7th and 8th graders can attend.
All races/ethnicities are encouraged to attend.
Will this be fun?
Yes! We are going to have a lot of fun sprinkled throughout the learning. There will be a DJ and special guest performers throughout the conference.
What will the advisors be doing during the conference?
We will have special sessions for the advisors to attend. They will be able to learn and grow from other advisors attending. Our intent is to equip advisors with the skills they need to amplify their Black Student Association at their school.
How much does it cost to attend?
The event is absolutely free. There is no cost for students or their advisors thanks to the generous donations from our sponsors.
Will there be food?
Yes, we will have snacks in the morning and lunch for everyone in attendance at 12 pm (noon).
Can I invite friends?
Yes—all students interested in Racial equity and social justice can attend. You don’t have to identify as Black and you don’t have to have a Black Student Association at your school. You do have to be interested in racial equity, attending a Delaware high school, and ready to learn.
I’m not a part of a Black Student Union. Can I still come?
Yes, if you’re interested in racial equity and social justice, THIS IS FOR YOU!
All races/ethnicities are encouraged to attend!
I’m interested in the sponsoring the event. What do I do?
Contact Tierra Fair at tfair@uwde.org or call 302-494-5442 if you have questions.
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