A Partnership That Amplifies Youth Voices: SUSD and Community Celebrating Diversity Celebrate Leadership and Legacy

The power of partnership, and the promise of student leadership, was on full display on January 15 as Scottsdale Unified School District and Community Celebrating Diversity came together to host the 26th annual Youth Voices Event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The long-standing tradition continues to grow each year thanks to the shared commitment of both organizations to elevate student voices, foster inclusion, and build meaningful connections between schools and the broader community. This year’s event was held at Saguaro High School. 

The morning opened with a powerful reminder of unity, as students from Saguaro’s elementary feeder schools led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Saguaro High School orchestra followed with moving performances of the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” setting a reflective and inspiring tone for a day centered on courage, identity, and hope.

At the heart of the event were SUSD students, whose voices brought Dr. King’s legacy into the present. Student speaker Erevelia Freeman delivered a message rooted in confidence and perseverance, encouraging peers to believe in their worth and potential even in the face of adversity. “If you go into a situation feeling defeated, you already are,” Freeman shared. “Don’t think that you don’t have every opportunity as anyone else because of your race, because you do.” Her words underscored the importance of self-belief as both empowerment and resistance.

Fellow student speaker Makenna Douglas offered a deeply personal reflection that bridged generations through culture and tradition. She shared her experience learning basket weaving from her so’oh, or grandmother, and spoke about preserving history through storytelling and art. As Douglas described imagining her ancestors weaving under unimaginable circumstances, her words illustrated how resilience, memory, and identity are carried forward. “I wove every story I’ve ever been told into a simple diamond pattern,” Douglas said, connecting past struggles to present strength.

The event concluded with a keynote address from acclaimed civil rights leader and historian Dr. Mary Frances Berry. A former Chair of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission and founder of the Free South Africa Movement, Dr. Berry praised the students for their passion and leadership. “I came here with something on my mind to talk about with this community,” she said, “I’ve changed my mind completely by what I’ve found here… I am just overwhelmed by the warmth, by the commitment, the spirit.” Her remarks were followed by a lively Q&A session and a standing ovation, signaling the impact of the day and the readiness of the next generation to lead.

The celebration of youth voices did not end there. That evening, Community Celebrating Diversity hosted its own community event, continuing the dialogue and reinforcing the strength of the partnership. One of the SUSD student speakers took the stage once again, representing the district with poise and passion. The event was well attended by SUSD staff, members of the Student Advisory Board, and SUSD Governing Board Members. Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel was one of the hosts of the event, as he serves as the Community Celebrating Diversity Board President, highlighting the district’s deep support for student leadership and community collaboration.

Together, the Youth Voices Event and the evening celebration reflected what is possible when schools and community partners work hand in hand. Through its ongoing partnership with Community Celebrating Diversity, SUSD continues to provide meaningful platforms for students to share their stories, develop their leadership, and help shape a more inclusive future. 

 Learn More at the Source