Students gather for African American Youth Leadership Summit

JACKSON, Tenn. — An event hosted by University of Tennessee at Martin brings students together in person after being held virtually for the last two years.

“This is for African American students, letting them know that they are the leaders of the future, and that there’s nothing that can stop them,” said Civil Miller Watkins, M.C. of the African American Youth Leadership Summit.

“They had to be recommended by either a counselor or their principal,” said Yolanda Jones, President of the TN College of Applied Technology – Northwest. “So it’s not something that they selected themselves. It’s something that they have done in a way that made them stand out. And sometimes that’s what it takes, is somebody recognizing you as an individual.”

Over 100 students, from 14 counties and 18 schools throughout West Tennessee, mingled together at the African American Youth Leadership Summit, also known as ALStar, and gained an opportunity to remember.

“It’s amazing, not only to see this many students attending this conference, but it’s also amazing that the high schools felt that it was that important for them to send their students here,” Jones said. “So kudos to the students that were selected to attend. And I look forward to even a greater event next year.”

Students were able to engage through icebreakers, asking questions to speakers, and much more.

“One of the themes of today is just to be your best, you know, what’s better than best? So we just want them to be their best, be the leaders we know that they can be and make a mark in whatever way they want to here in West Tennessee,” said Miller-Watkins.

Among the presenters were representatives of local colleges, and businesses such as Blue Oval, to engage and encourage students on their individual path to success.

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