The Real Talk Black Youth Summit will take place Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Below are the biographies of the panelists.
Youth-led Protests
11 am – 12:30 pm
Brooklyn Dobe. Brooklyn is from Madison, WI, and she is a 2020 graduate from Edgewood College with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy. Recently, she was one of the artists to participate in the state street murals in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Alex Booker. Alex is a 24 year-old Madison native, that is passionate about empowering The Black community through horticulture and urban agriculture. Highlighting sustainable practices from the long history of Black farmers and indigenous people working in conjunction with nature.
Zenab Nafid. Zenab is the daughter of First Generation immigrants and a Junior at Edgewood College studying Pre Law. She aims to help fight Mass Incarceration in the United States and enjoys volunteering for new Refugees resettling.
Jaleah Hunt.
Noah Anderson.
Kawon Ragland. Kawon has lived in Madison for 21 years. He graduated from Sun Prairie High School, and now has joined the Marines.
The Black Youth Experience in Madison
12:45 – 2:15 pm
Shaquella Johnson. Shaquella is a 24 year-old psychology graduate from Edgewood, who works as an advocate for sexual violence survivors in Dane County. She is passionate about advocating and empowering the black community through creating spaces for self and community healing and care.
Timeya Smith. Timeya is an 18 year-old from Madison, WI. She is a Pre-Health major at Madison College Transfer Program.
Keyiona Johnson. Keyiona works at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. She is a recent Madison College Graduate and works with youth at the Faith Place Church in Sun Prairie.
Savannah Montgomery. Savannah Montgomery is the former Wisconsin State Youth of the Year. She’s currently pursuing her education as a Chemistry Pre-Med student at Xavier University of Louisiana. Savannah is an inspiring pediatrician who wishes to focus on Mental health, especially in communities of color.
Awa Phatty. Awa is an incoming junior at James Madison Memorial High school. She aspires to one day become a Neurologist. She is currently part of People program with extracurriculars including: MSA (Muslim Student Assc.), Memorial BSU (Black Student Union), Mock trial, Debate, SYS (Spartan Youth Service), Memorial Girls Basketball, Muslim youth group and participated in Muslim Interscholastic Tournament.
Terjuan Short. Terjuan is a rising Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Finance and Spanish. Terjuan Graduated from Madison West and was the 2018 Dane County Youth of the Year recipient. Terjuan currently serves at the Vice-President of Wisconsin Association of Black Men and active in other social impact organizations.
Resolutions and Moving Forward for Black Youth
2:30 – 4 pm
Demond Hill.
Nanceny Fanny.
Terjuan Short. Terjuan is a rising Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Finance and Spanish. Terjuan Graduated from Madison West and was the 2018 Dane County Youth of the Year recipient. Terjuan currently serves at the Vice-President of Wisconsin Association of Black Men and active in other social impact organizations.
Riyaaq Ahmed. Riyaaq was the 2017 Boys & Girls Club State Youth of the Year. She is a rising senior at Edgewood College and is currently pursuing Nursing.
Asma Sulieman. Asma is a Senior at Verona Area High school and an active member of multiple clubs at her school, since freshman year. These clubs include; BSU, MSAN, MCLC, SSS and more. Also, Asma is part of Muslim youth group in Madison and participated in Muslim Interscholastic tournament. She is excited to share her experience as a Young Black Somali Muslim Woman.
Sirena Flores. Sirena is 22 years old and currently a Senior at UW-Madison studying Political Science as well as a Sociology with a minor in African-studies. She is also interested in public health. Her life and career goals are centered around fighting for racial injustice. Sirena is an artist, activist and leader in her community.