African American Youth Empowerment Summit an Opportunity to Learn and Celebrate

Video captures powerful messages shared during event.

High School students from throughout Albuquerque Public Schools took part in the African American Youth Empowerment Summit earlier this month. The day-long event was a celebration of culture and an opportunity to learn and network.

“We created this event as a way to be able to empower our students, our African American students throughout the district, but also to empower students who want to be allies to the African American community and learn about culture, learn about leadership, and learn how to be advocates,” Arlen Nelson, the emcee and summit co-founder told attendees.

Jeremiah, a student at Manzano High School, urged attendees to embrace who they are and to be proud of it.

“Let your voice out, let it be heard,” he said. “Don’t let anyone ever tell you different. Don’t let anybody judge you about how you guys are because you all are perfect the way you are.”