As the first Black female team to ever win the prestigious international debate tournament at Harvard University, Jayla Jackson and Emani Stanton have made history. And they accomplished it while remaining unbeaten!
Despite the competition being tougher with each round, the pair defeated more than a hundred other debaters from around the globe.
According to Stanton, who spoke to WSBTV, “We saw it more as a blessing and not a burden, and having that mindset allowed us to do so well.”
Students at Holy Innocents Episcopal and North Atlanta High, Stanton and Jackson, are 16 and 17 years old. They both participate in the Harvard Diversity Project, which prepares young debaters for worldwide competition. The pair’s most recent victory gave their undefeated 10-0 team its fourth straight victory in the yearly competition.
The Harvard Diversity Project and its originator, distinguished debate coach Brandon P. Fleming, are both honoured by the two teenage debaters as they pledge their triumph to one another.
Additionally, many claimed that the discussion had improved their attitude toward life and given them more confidence.
“I question everything, and doing that has allowed me to create unique and diverse perspectives about the world,” Jackson said.
