The young people of the Bay Area Urban Debate League work hard and shine bright; they are connecting with more people every day. Check out where we have been so far…

October 22, 2012 – NPR: Critiquing the Presidential Debates

Our mighty debaters were on national news – All Things Considered – letting Romney and Obama know what real debate should look like. The reporters visited a meeting of the Leading with Debate Fellowship, a space where youth use their skills for public good. If you’ve ever thought the presidential debates could be improved, you should experience this story! Click here for more.

February 16, 2012 – Oakland Tribune: Policy Roundtables

 In January 2012 the BAUDL began a series of Policy Roundtables, training our students to lead conversations with policymakers, business leaders, and more.  Our students did amazing work, and the Oakland Tribune covered it well. Plus, the picture of BAUDL alum and Program Assistant Mya Whitaker giving a fist bump to Oakland Councilmember Libby Schaaf may be one of our favorite pictures ever.

August 11, 2011 – SF Chronicle profiles BAUDL on the Front Page

In an excellent article entitled “Return of debate teams is helping urban students to find their voices,” the San Francisco Chronicle featured our work on its front page. Click here to read the full article, which features stories from the lives of debaters Greg Belvin, Annessa Lopez, and Rashid Campbell.

September 23, 2011 – NPR: California Report features BAUDL

The California Report on NPR profiles BAUDL superstar volunteer Andres Gannon, highlighting his work at the 2011 summer institute. Andres is a star among stars, representing for the many amazing people who have given their time to help us build youth voice. If you want to volunteer, click this link – and listen to the inspiring profile of Andres here:

August 8, 2011 – Oakland Tribune profiles three BAUDL debaters

The Oakland Tribune featured three of our amazing debaters on its website, giving them a space to reflect on the BAUDL summer institute and their hopes and dreams for the new year. Click here for the Oakland Tribune’s coverage of BAUDL youth.

May 17, 2009 – BAUDL Oakland City Champs in The Oakland Tribune

The Oakland Tribune ran a story about the Oakland City Championship Debate Tournament and the BAUDL’s continuing efforts to bring debate to Bay Area schools.  Read Katy Murphy’s report here.

February 27, 2009 – Street Academy on the Radio:

Emiliano Zapata Street Academy debater Jessica Winsey and teacher/debate coach Tracey Burns were featured on the KPFA program Education Today to talk about debate and education in Oakland. BAUDL Director Blake Johnson joined them by phone to answer a few questions about the BAUDL and our mission.

You can hear the 25 minute piece here:

February 22, 2009 – BAUDL on the Radio with STRONG:

On February 26th, BAUDL partnered with Standing to Represent our Next Generation (STRONG) to host a public debate at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in downtown Oakland. Connected with this event, BAUDL director Blake Johnson joined Jael Myrick, director of STRONG, and two of BAUDL’s brightest stars, Kayla Wheatfall and Natassija Jordan, on KPFA. You can hear them here. Fast forward to 3:00 to skip straight to the action.

December 27, 2009 – BAUDL on the Radio:

We were featured in a recent story by Cross Currents, a radio program on KALW in San Francisco. We were so excited at the quality of the piece and hope that as many people as possible hear our students in action – they truly are our most powerful advocates. To hear their testimonials, actual debates, and choice words on the importance of the activity, check out this five-minute feature: http://kalwnews.org/node/14633

February 22, 2010 – BAUDL’s success is recognized by OUSD:

Hard work pays off!

The Oakland Unified School District (OSUD) has recently recognized our students for their ability to be successful academically and on the debate circuit despite difficult circumstances. To learn more about BAUDL students and their accomplishments click here: