ERASE Racism convened nearly 70 high school students, representing 16 schools, to participate in youth leadership development workshops and frank discussions about the role of racism in the development of the Long Island suburb. The day included educational games, small group discussions, informative videos and an engaging theatrical performance.
ERASE Racism staff, volunteers, parents and school chaperones felt that the “Student Voices: Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow Conference” was extremely successful. The students' evaluations of the day were very positive, including comments like the following:
“I liked how we were able to freely talk, express our opinions, and share personal experiences. I feel more confident in my speaking and leading skills from the group work we’ve done. I’ve also been exposed to the reality of our society, and I think everyone should be more aware; in a way, I feel lucky for having the opportunity to come and have this experience.” - Keziah Joseph
“During this event, what I liked most was the interaction with other students and hearing other people’s perspective. In addition, I liked hearing about the awareness about racism and how we can solve it.” - Shanzeh Sadiq
“I loved the play, “Laundry City” because it was a funny way of learning about integration." - Danett Gil
Students participated in youth leadership development workshops and frank discussions about the role of racism in the development of the Long Island suburb. The conference included educational games, small group discussions, informative videos and an engaging theatrical performance.
ERASE Racism staff, volunteers, parents and school chaperones felt that the “Student Voices: Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow Conference” was extremely successful. The students' evaluations of the day were very positive, including comments like the following:
“I liked how we were able to freely talk, express our opinions, and share personal experiences. I feel more confident in my speaking and leading skills from the group work we’ve done. I’ve also been exposed to the reality of our society, and I think everyone should be more aware; in a way, I feel lucky for having the opportunity to come and have this experience.” - Keziah Joseph
“During this event, what I liked most was the interaction with other students and hearing other people’s perspective. In addition, I liked hearing about the awareness about racism and how we can solve it.” - Shanzeh Sadiq
“I loved the play, “Laundry City” because it was a funny way of learning about integration." - Danett Gil
Students participated in youth leadership development workshops and frank discussions about the role of racism in the development of the Long Island suburb. The conference included educational games, small group discussions, informative videos and an engaging theatrical performance.
Below are a few photos from the conference.
In keeping with conference objectives, to strengthen and uplift student voices, please look below for a few student perspectives on leadership and equity and to hear their voices about the conference.
Student Voices : Long Island Leadership Conference Reflections
"[I liked that] people from different ethnicities and races [were] focusing on the same issues."
- Amit Barzohar, Syosset High School
" I liked how we were able to have a lot of conversations with our peers as well as the "Laundry City" performance."
- Andrew Zabatta, Macarthur High School
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" I liked how this event started with the treasure hunt. It allowed students to open up more and be comfortable." - Annabelle Abelard, Half Hollows Hills
"I liked that everyone was openly able to share their views. An important part of creating change is to listen to the various perspectives of others.”
Mithuna Kumar, Hewlett-Woodmere High School
" [The thing I liked most was] the welcomeness and kindness. Secondly, I enjoyed "Laundry City".
- Shannon Lawrence, Roosevelt High School
" I loved the fact that there was a safe place and I was able to share my stories and hear the stories of others. "
- Melina Villa, Ross High School