By Almendra Carrion
In its sixth year, The Buccaneer and the Barry University Department of Communication will host the highly anticipated Stay WOKE Speech and Debate Competition on November 4 at 5:30 p.m. in David Brinkley Studio, designed to empower students to engage in critical conversations surrounding social justice issues. This event provides a unique opportunity for participants to express their views on pressing topics that affect society today.
The event, which for five years aimed to foster awareness and encourage dialogue on a range of significant issues, was on hiatus in 2023. This fall, it relaunches with topics of discussion that are just as diverse and thought-provoking, reflecting the complexity of contemporary social justice concerns – including subjects surrounding a very important presidential election to be held the day after the competition.
Key Topics to Explore at the Debate
Topic #1: The rise of femicide indicates that there are inadequate legal protections for women around the world.
Topic #2: Social media platforms should be held legally accountable for the rise in harmful disorders among children and teens.
Topic #3: Artificial intelligence tools should be banned in primary and secondary education.
Topic #4: Financial literacy should be a required course at colleges and universities.
Spotlight on Our Competitors: Meet the Stay Woke Participants
This year’s event features a diverse group of students, each bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds to the competition:
Destiny Lamarre
Year: Sophomore
Major: Music
Hometown: Hollywood, Florida
Hobbies: Destiny loves listening to music, baking, light reading, and watching anime.
Ardens Homidas
Year: Freshman
Major: Exercise Physiology
Hometown: Dade City, Florida
Hobbies: Ardens is passionate about playing video games and running, which has inspired him to join the cross country and track team.
Jalen Waters
Year: Sophomore
Major: Business
Hometown: Miami Gardens, Florida
Hobbies: Jalen enjoys poetry and music and he loves cooking.
Michael Kronner
Year: Junior
Major: Finance
Hometown: Middle River, Maryland
Hobbies: Michael is dedicated to fitness and enjoys having conversations about various topics.
Paige White
Year: Senior
Major: Biology with a minor in Chemistry
Hometown: Surprise, Arizona
Hobbies: Paige is enthusiastic about workouts, including Pilates and hiking. She also enjoys shopping, cooking and playing softball.
Sean Chin Loy
Year: Senior
Major: Digital Media and Cyber Security
Hometown: Miramar, Florida
Hobbies: Sean likes to spend his free time playing video games and listening to music.
Kaitlin Allain
Year: Freshman
Major: Biology
Hometown: Born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in Trinidad
Hobbies: Kaitlin is a singer and songwriter, expressing her creativity through music.
Talia Shalom
Year: Freshman
Major: Criminology & Social Work
Hometown: Jackson Heights, Queens, New York
Hobbies: Talia has been dancing for 16 years and competes in various styles. She also enjoys reading and playing video games.
Join us for an inspiring evening that will challenge your views and spark meaningful discussions about today’s social and political landscape.
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