ALStar youth summit highlights success, leadership, serving
JACKSON, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin WestStar Leadership Program and BlueOval City hosted their fourth annual ALStar African American Youth Leadership Summit.
Over 20 schools in West Tennessee had the opportunity to hear from Black community leaders.
This event provided students with tips for success, helped them understand leadership qualities, and highlighted the importance of serving their community.
A past guest speaker shared how this is a networking opportunity for her students.
“I think it’s very important for our students, our African-American students, to see role models and successful people in the community. It will give them a pathway,” said Dr. Versie Hamlett, the Superintendent of Fayette County Schools.
During the summit, students were able to hear from different leaders who serve in the West Tennessee community.
These professions ranged from educators to US Marshal officials and more.
“I feel like it’s beneficial to me because most people, they don’t really see potential in everybody, like people like me. So I just feel like how the way they’re talking and what they’re teaching about, it’s helpful,” said Nakya Black, a future pediatrician.
Black is a student who wants to major in pre-med while attending college.
She believes that summits with more African-American leaders are important for students like her to strive for their dreams.
“I think it’s great what they’re doing, actually. I actually really enjoy it. I really wish there were more programs that are more involved with the Black community. I feel as though this is a great organization,” said Bryon Abbott, a future businessman.
Abbott also shared that summits like these are informative of the dreams he can achieve.
He also says it is influential to have successful Black city leaders to educate him and this is aspiring to further himself in business and law.
The students that were in attendance were current sophomores selected by staff to attend the summit.
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