300 San Diego Students Rise at Black Leadership Summit

Nearly 300 middle school students gathered in San Diego for a day that could change how they see their futures. The fourth annual Black Student Summit brought together sixth through eighth graders from across the county for workshops on leadership, empowerment, and building confidence.

The event, hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education, focuses on a crucial time in students' lives. Starting in middle school, not high school, gives students a jumpstart on college preparation and career planning.

"The reality is, going to college starts at middle school; it doesn't start at 9th grade," said Dr. Leilah Kirkendoll, director at SDCOE and co-coordinator of the summit. "So this is our opportunity to get to them start thinking now about their future."

The day kicked off with keynote speaker Julian Frederick, a high school senior known as the Step Stool Chef. He taught leadership through something unexpected: building a burger.

Each layer represented a key leadership trait. The bottom bun symbolized showing up, energy was the sauce, responsibility was the patty, and toppings represented initiative and courage. The top bun reminded students about impact and how they treat others.

"I learned that I could do anything, even starting at a young age," said Ty, a student from Lewis Middle School in Allied Gardens. His classmate Jihvon agreed, especially enjoying the interactive team-building activities that followed.

After Frederick's presentation, students rotated through breakout sessions covering topics like developing leadership potential and strengthening school communities. One session hosted by the ANEW Project had students throwing balls and jumping around, learning teamwork through active play.

Rayna Martinez, a teacher at Lewis Middle School, brought her students because representation matters. She wanted her small population of Black students to be surrounded by community and hear inspiring messages from leaders who look like them.

The Ripple Effect

The summit does more than inspire for a day. It connects students to resources, mentors, and peers across 14 different schools throughout San Diego County. From San Diego Unified to Oceanside to Sweetwater Union, students who might otherwise feel isolated in their schools found a larger community.

The Young and Prosperous Foundation, LKW STEM Foundation, and other organizations provided workshops that extended beyond motivational speeches. They offered practical tools for academic achievement and celebrated the richness of the Black diaspora experience.

"At SDCOE, we are committed to creating learning environments where every student feels they are seen, heard, and valued," said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools. The summit demonstrates that commitment in action.

Starting this conversation in middle school plants seeds that can grow throughout high school and beyond. When students like Ty and Jihvon learn they can lead at any age, they carry that confidence into every classroom and every challenge ahead.