This past weekend, the Spelman College Speech and Debate Team made history at the HBCU National Speech and Debate Championship in Washington, D.C. With a record-breaking 12 competitors in attendance, the team left a lasting impression, securing 12 awards across multiple categories. Among their achievements were national championships in Team Debate, Slam Poetry, and Extemporaneous Speaking. This victory marks a significant milestone for Spelman, showcasing the team’s exceptional talent and hard work in the world of competitive speech and debate.
Among the many accolades, Jocelyn Baker and Laila R. Johnson claimed the title of HBCU National Team Debate Champions, while Winter Jones emerged as the National Slam Poetry Champion. Ryley Anthony also brought home the HBCU National Extemporaneous Speaking title. The team’s success didn’t stop there—Spelman College placed third in the Overall Debate Sweepstakes and saw multiple semifinalist finishes across several events. This triumph highlights Spelman’s continued excellence and commitment to fostering strong voices and leaders in competitive speech and debate.
The preparation for the HBCU Nationals began long before the Spelman College Speech and Debate Team (SCSD) set foot on Howard University’s campus. Jocelyn Baker, the 2024-2025 President, and Laila R. Johnson, the 2024-2025 Debate Captain, led the team with unwavering dedication. Both students invested countless hours ensuring that each team member was emotionally and intellectually prepared to perform authentically in the competitive arena. For Baker and Johnson, psychological preparation was about more than just winning—it was about supporting their Spelman sisters and reinforcing what SCSD prioritizes: the art and upliftment of Black womanhood.
Baker reflected on her leadership: “I see leading as support. I feel like one of the most beautiful parts of our space is that we don’t equate success to victory or first-place wins. For us, success is simply showing our art in advocacy. Having the strength and confidence to perform and stand by our beliefs in every speech or debate—that was leading.”
Johnson, too, emphasized the importance of centering Black womanhood. “As Debate Captain, it was really important for preparation to not only focus on debating resolutions but also bridge that with complex Black intellectual research. It is my priority that this space always centers Black womanhood and the experiences of Black women. That was apparent throughout our art and throughout the entire competition.”
Freshman speech competitors Anaya Northern, Bryanna Hightower, and Shelah Boyd reflected on the transformative power of storytelling through public speaking at HBCU Nationals. The competition served as a platform for them to grow not only as public speakers but also as young women, liberated by what they had to say rather than how others received it. “I’ve learned that it’s more important to put out your best work and be proud of it, rather than focusing on the score or ranking,” said Northern.
“I take pride in my piece ‘Procrastination’ because it captures the anxiety of procrastination and its impact on self-worth and achievement,” said Hightower.
“Feminism has historically overlooked Black women, and I explored this in my piece, staying true to myself and giving my all,” said Boyd.
Debate partners Aislynn Brew and Sophia Wade worked diligently to understand each other’s research techniques and speaking styles, ensuring they could effectively build and defend their arguments.
“It definitely helps when you have a partner who you feel is on the same wavelength. Aislynn and I came into this trying to figure out our dynamic. The way we feed off each other in the debate is by sharing resources and making sure we’re on the same page regarding the resolution,” said Wade.
Outside the competition, SCSD connected as Spelman sisters and friends, not just teammates. For Makayla Rivera and Kafi Rosenbaum, their fondest memories were formed on the van rides, where they grew closer and shared their experiences.
“On the van ride home, we were all reflecting on our experiences. We got pretty intimate and emotional about the community we built here full of positive energy and unconditional support,” said Rivera.
“This is the first time I have been on a team where I felt so connected with others. It was beautiful to witness others showing up to my performances and hyping me up. I feel so seen and heard in this space,” said Rosenbaum.
The growth of the Spelman College Speech and Debate Team over the past few years speaks volumes about the young women who have poured intellectual resources, emotional support, time, and effort into this team. Senior Winter Jones has witnessed firsthand how far the team has come and is beyond proud to be a part of such a unique and powerful legacy. “My biggest takeaway from this weekend was watching the team grow. When I first competed at HBCU Nats, it was just me and two other team members. So to go with a team of 12 and bring home so many awards meant everything to me. I know this legacy will continue to grow and blossom as we put out our art and let it speak for itself,” said Jones.
Spelman College Speech and Debate Team Achievements at the 2025 HBCU National Championship
1. HBCU National Team Debate Champions: Jocelyn Baker and Laila R. Johnson
2. HBCU National Slam Poetry Champion: Winter Jones
3. HBCU National Extemporaneous Speaking Champion: Ryley Anthony
4. 2nd Place, Top Team Debate Speaker: Laila R. Johnson
5. 3rd Place, Informational Speaking: Ryley Anthony
6. 3rd Place, Overall Debate Sweepstakes: Spelman College
7. 4th Place, Extemporaneous Speaking: Laila R. Johnson
8. 4th Place, Slam Poetry: Bryanna Hightower
9. 5th Place, Top Team Debate Speaker: Jocelyn Baker
10. 5th Place, Poetry Interpretation: Shelah Boyd
11. 6th Place, After Dinner Speaking: Anaya Northern
12. 6th Place, Extemporaneous Speaking: Anaya Northern
