Rashid Campbell of Skyline High School represents BAUDL and the power of debate in H.Y.P.E. Magazine
The Bay Area Urban Debate League hands out trophies at every tournament — yet the rewards are far greater than that. Through research, argumentation, and the debate rounds themselves, BAUDL debaters become a participants in political dialogue and are given a forum to contribute their personal narratives (and quirks) to the community. One prime example is Rashid Campbell, a senior, Varsity debater from Oakland’s Skyline High School who was recently featured in H.Y.P.E. Magazine in a feature written by BAUDL Summer Institute Instructor (as well as Writer and Artist), Shauntrice Martin. The full article can be viewed on H.Y.P.E.’s blog.
Martin profile about Campbell captures many things. Of them, the article describes the spirit and multi-talented nature of a BAUDL debater:
On any given day, you can find Rashid at debate practice, in the studio, practicing martial arts, participating in African dance, or politicking on some Oakland block. He swings his dreads like a modern day prophet and discusses the current conditions in his city…[talking] about this year’s debate topic, Rashid explains his definition of poverty saying, “the definition of poverty to me is the lower class which are needed to support the higher class.”
Furthermore, Campbell embodies how debate becomes not just an activity, but a way to see the world in relation to ourselves and as a positive outlet for individual expression:
A few months ago, Rashid was one of the alarmingly large numbers of homeless youth in the Bay area, so he’s had hands on experience with this year’s debate topic: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase social services to persons living in poverty in the United States. Its crazy how this society preps young men and women of color to be cast away like trash that can’t be recycled.
Many of us can’t relate to having to sue our parents for independence, but even more of us are acutely aware that we may have grown up too fast. Rashid’s definition of politics is shaped by having to dodge “boosie” people and living off the idea that failure is not an option. His swag seems to penetrate the unfortunate reality of his environment. Most wouldn’t expect his cool amp; positive demeanor.
Click here to view the full profile of an exceptional BAUDL debater. You can also see Rashid in action at many future BAUDL events — the Balboa High School Tournament (1000 Cayuga) in San Francisco on Saturday March 6 beginning at 9 AM and as the first affirmative speech on Healthcare reform at BAUDL and STRONG Presents: Part II, The Strength of Debate Series at the Oakland Unified School District Board Room (1025 2nd Avenue in Downtown Oakland) from 7 to 9 PM.
