Somersfield Student attend Inaugural CURB Student Leadership Conference
Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB) marked a significant milestone with its inaugural Student Leadership Conference held on October 24th and 25th, 2023. Themed "Building Bridges, Empowering Change," the conference brought together almost 50 students from various institutions across the island for impactful discussions on racial equity. Hosted at Bermuda High School (BHS), the event was spearheaded by Stacey-Lee Williams, CURB's Executive Director, and Carol Swainson, Head of BHS, aiming to foster profound conversations on racial equity and community evolution among students.
Under the resonant theme of "Building Bridges, Empowering Change," nearly 50 students from institutions such as Somersfield Academy, Berkeley Institute, Bermuda High School, Bermuda Institute, Cedarbridge Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, and Warwick Academy gathered to courageously explore internalized biases and experiences with prejudice. The conference provided a safe haven for deep conversations among young minds who may not typically engage in such discussions.
Among the attendees were ten students from Somersfield Academy, namely Emma Allington ‘26, Rogan Cabral ‘27, Naomi Crofton ‘27, Dez Darrell ‘27, Aaliyah Haffar ‘26, Stephanie Hardy ‘25, Taylor Herzog ‘26, JitShuen Liew ‘27, Caiden Millet ‘24, and Zarah Siddiqi ‘26. Their presence added a unique perspective to the dialogue, showcasing the diversity of experiences and insights within the student body.
The conference featured esteemed American Keynote Speaker Mary Louise Patterson, a lifelong activist and editor of 'Letters by Langston Hughes.' Patterson's inspiring journey for justice captivated the audience, enriching the overall experience. Contributions from Corey Butterfield of Profiles of Bermuda and Ms. Nadia Khan further enhanced the event. Additionally, US Consul General Karen Grissette, a parent at Somersfield Academy, was graciously invited to join the conference.
The success of this transformative conference underscored the potency of collaboration and the students' fervent desire to be catalysts for change. Stacey-Lee Williams expressed enthusiasm about the event's outcomes, hinting at the possibility of similar impactful gatherings in the future. As these young minds continue to engage in these crucial conversations, the seeds for a more inclusive and equitable community are undeniably being sown.
To learn more visit: uprootingracism.info
