What Happens When 800 Young, Black Leaders Come Together

Earlier this month, more than 800 young, Black student leaders from dozens of campuses nationwide came together for the 22nd annual Black Solidarity Conference (BSC) at Yale University. Each day was packed with insightful conversations — both in the form of formal workshops and networking events with recruiters and CEOs and in the hallways and bathrooms. My peers and I all have so many opinions regarding what it means to be a young person of color in this rapidly changing political, economic, and technological landscape; we were feeding off of each other’s fervor. We exchanged stories, advice, and of course, social media handles.

In true college-student fashion, I took notes on some of the most inspiring things I heard. I’ve bookmarked them for whenever I’m in need for a boost, and I hope you’ll do the same. Because, let’s be honest, it can be empowering to know that you are not alone.

Overheard at #BSC2017:

“Sometimes you just need an opening to have courageous conversations.”
– Opal Tometi, cofounder of Black Lives Matter

"Do incredibly deep research on any career path you're interested in – that’s going to set you apart."
– Adrian Hopkins, Business Development Strategist, The New York Times

“I wasn’t willing to stand up for myself at my primarily White high school, but hanging with all of my Black friends at Georgetown has empowered me.”
– Jerome Smalls, Georgetown class of 2018

“Ask for what you want. A lot of students wait for opportunities to come their way. You really have to ask."
– Stacey Olive, Executive Director of Talent Acquisition, The New York Times

"If there's one thing I wish I'd known [earlier in my career], it would be that it's okay to make mistakes and to take risks." — Liza Landsman, President and Chief Customer Officer, Jet.com

Favorite #BSC Tweets

"When Black women are quiet, the world goes to hell" - @FeministaJones #BSC2017

— BSC 2017 (@BSC_2017) February 18, 2017

"Justice is not inevitable -- we have to ensure it" -- @opalayo

— BSC 2017 (@BSC_2017) February 19, 2017

"God, why are black genes so dominant ? They were recessive 200 years ago." #BSC2017 #TalentShow #SpokenWord

— malia kennedy (@maliaken_) February 18, 2017

"I am Black. You are Black, we just got dropped off at different ports." - @FeministaJones with the 🔥🔥🔥

— liik (@MG_2016) February 18, 2017

Ideas are so precious. Seriously, the power of thought is amazing.

— Johnetta Elzie (@Nettaaaaaaaa) February 18, 2017

Talking at @bsc_2017 has energized my commitment to do more to educate young ppl about the role of journalists in a democracy. #NotTheEnemy

— Soraya N. McDonald (@SorayaMcDonald) February 18, 2017

really tho, the black solidarity conference was a ray of sunshine during my v cold dartmouth years so i'm esp honored to join @BSC_2017 ✊🏾❤

— Hannah Giorgis (@ethiopienne) February 17, 2017

Images courtesy of Lydia Anglin