Students from across District 214 came together at Forest View Educational Center for the 11th Black Teen Empowerment Summit, a districtwide event centered on leadership, culture, connection and empowerment.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Rise Up! Lift Up! Level Up!,” students participated in breakout sessions, activities and conversations designed to encourage self-confidence, community and personal growth.
The event featured keynote speaker Allen J. Bryson, who encouraged students to embrace their individuality and focus on making a meaningful impact.
“We live in a world where everybody is so quick to mimic other people who they think are popular,” Bryson said. “I want them to know it’s not about being popular, it’s about being powerful. It’s not about being seen, it’s about being significant.”
Bryson also spoke directly to students about embracing who they are and recognizing their own value and potential.
“Try to be great in your own sense,” he said. “Everybody can cook a certain dish, but the seasoning you put in it is what makes it stand out.”
Throughout the day, students connected with peers from across the District while reflecting on identity, leadership and future goals.
Rolling Meadows High School junior Sharon Ajibulu, attending her third summit, said the event creates an important space for students to come together and support one another.
“There’s not a lot of us at school around here, so all of us coming together is just so inspirational,” Ajibulu said. “We can truly be ourselves.”
For Buffalo Grove High School senior Katlyne Arzu, the summit reinforced the importance of celebrating identity and striving for growth.
“We as Black teenagers need to learn how to celebrate our identity and celebrate who we are,” Arzu said. “When I hear ‘Rise Up! Lift Up! Level Up!,’ I think of constant elevation — always striving toward the next step.”
Students also highlighted the strong sense of community the summit creates. Buffalo Grove High School sophomore Jonah Summers described the event as an opportunity to “lift each other up as a community” while connecting through shared experiences and culture.
Ami Relf, Buffalo Grove High School English teacher and one of the event organizers, said the summit is especially meaningful because it creates an affinity space where students feel recognized and supported.
“Our students are a small percentage in this District,” Relf said. “This shows them that they are seen, and even if it’s just for one day, it makes them feel special.”
The summit also included a recognition of Rev. Clyde Brooks, founder, chairman and CEO of the Illinois Commission on Diversity & Human Relations, for his continued contributions to the community.
As the event concluded, students left with messages of confidence, leadership and self-worth — reminders to continue rising up, lifting others up and leveling up in every part of their lives.