Debaters receive national recognition
Kelley Kates
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: News
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Debaters Dashawnta Brunson, Sean Easterwood and Desmond Mason were featured in the clip, along with their coach, Professor Gabe Cook.
Easterwood said being recognized by Fox Sports was "cool" because it gave them exposure in different areas.
Brunson added that it was a good experience because they were able to talk to successful members of the Urban Debate League.
Although Brunson and Easterwood said they were extremely humbled by the national recognition, they affirmed this is not the first time the two of them have been recognized for their efforts in the urban community.
Both Brunson and Easterwood are graduates of Central High School and are native to the Kansas City area. They felt the conditions of their upbringing have had much to do with the paths they are forging.
Easterwood, who is in his fifth season of debate, said he was initially interested in debate because it offered a venue to let his voice be heard.
"I come from an area where you just don't matter," Easterwood said. "In debate people listen."
Brunson, who is in her fourth season of debate, said traveling to Florida and Virginia with her foster parent stirred her interest and made her want to travel beyond the United States by way of debating.
The Fox Sports interview focused on the ways Melvin Tolson, Debate Coach at Wiley College, had inspired them to push forward in debate and in life.
Tolson coached one of the first African-American debate teams to a National Championship against USC.
"Defeating USC in the 1935 National Championship Debate was a huge, wonderful thing considering the adversities at that time," Mason said in the video. "His light motivates me to try harder."
Brunson said Tolson's legacy encourages her to keep going.
An added inspiration and the most influential force in their growth as debaters is their mentor and debate coach, Jane Rhinehart.
Easterwood said Rhinehart took him in when he was homeless.
Rhinehart was also someone Brunson could turn to.
Brunson said she wants to be the same kind of person for inner-city students, to offer them a support system.
As for Easterwood, he wants to graduate from college and speak in urban schools.
"I want to give speeches to raise conscious levels of students in my community, kind of like an activist."
Both Easterwood and Brunson have been recognized by The Kansas City Star and received an award from the mayor for their success as students.
Brunson and Easterwood have completed at nationals in debate. Brunson also attended the Kansas City Teen Summit for the Kauffman Foundation and spoke on behalf of Central High to raise money for debate.
Easterwood said he is proud of their accomplishments.
"Black kids can be successful," Easterwood said.
kkates@unews.com
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