DIVERSITYINITIATIVES
Teens Talk About Racism Conference
Dwight-Englewood School
C
reating inclusive small-group conversations and not being afraid to voice opinions—even if they cause discord or controversy—were among the topics raised by students at the Teens Talk About Racism (TTAR) leadership conference held at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Hackensack Campus on May 28. D-E students were participants and group leaders at the event, which was attended by more than 100 high school students from nine area schools—both public and independent— and which featured a keynote address, a panel discussion, student presentations, and group sessions led by student facilitators.
Five D-E students served as student leaders in the group sessions: Joel Lee ’17, Gregory McDowell ’16, Arlene Mendez ’17, Leslie Moreaux ’16, and Isaiah Pean ’17. The other members of D-E’s student delegation were Nicholas Daniel ’17, Rachel Kim ’17, Seon Layne ’16, Nasrin Lin ’16, Estella Muro ’16, Nevien Swailmyeen ’16, Antonios Tsougarakis ’16, Christopher Victor ’17, and Naseer Wilson ’18. The group was chaperoned by Tasha Toran, director of College Counseling, and Terecille Basa-Ong ’03, communications associate. Joseph Murphy, chair of the D-E Ethics Department, also attended and facilitated the group sessions for the teachers, while his wife,
Maryann Woods-Murphy, served as co-chair of the event. Debbie Rivera ’11 also helped to coordinate the event. The keynote address was given by Joiselle Cunningham of the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Education, and the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. The Teaneck native told the audience told the audience, “Anti-racism is dismantling racism.” She offered five pieces of advice:
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Nine D-E Upper School students were attendees while five students were facilitators at the 12th annual Teens Talk Racism conference held at Fairleigh Dickinson University.