YOUTH TABLE TALKS
WHAT ARE YOUTH TABLE TALKS?
Youth Table Talks are a program designed specifically for Black youth to come together in community and conversation. It is a series of guided dialogue sessions where young people are encouraged to share their lived experiences, explore important topics, and learn valuable life skills in a supportive environment. Each session is facilitated by trained mentors who use an Africentric and anti-oppressive approach, ensuring that discussions are not only safe but also affirming of culture and identity. Through storytelling, open dialogue, and interactive activities, youth gain both personal insight and practical tools to navigate school, relationships, mental health, and systemic barriers.
We Dive into The Topics That Matter Most:
Identity & Culture
Exploring who we are, where we come from, and what grounds us.
Anti-Black Racism
Naming injustice, challenging systems, and finding strength in resilience.
Relationships & Community
Learning how to communicate, set boundaries, and support one another
Leadership & Growth
Developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and vision for change.
Table Talks Help Youth To:
1. Build community – fostering connections between Black youth who may otherwise feel isolated.
2. Develop their voice – creating opportunities to practice self- advocacy and leadership.
3. Heal and Grow– providing space for youth to unpack experiences of anti-Black racism and learn coping strategies.
4. Celebrating identity – affirming the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black culture.
The program runs in group sessions, but its impact goes far beyond the table: youth walk away with greater confidence, self-awareness, and the belief that their voices and experiences matter.
Black youth gain the chance to be unapologetically themselves, learn skills not taught in the classroom, find healing in shared experiences, and build resilience and confidence for the future.
“I finally had a space where I could speak without code-switching. I felt understood, not judged.” — N.B.
"Hearing other Black youth share their experiences made me feel like I’m not alone. This space helped me heal.” — K.T.
"Youth Table Talks gave me the confidence to advocate for myself at school and speak up when things aren’t right.” — M.S.
“My identities and culture came together in a positive way. I felt safe and am so thankful for the Black Students for Success program.” — J.M.
'I never felt like school was made for me—but here, I feel seen and heard. This program reminded me that I matter.” — S.L.
“The way we talked about mental health and self-care helped me understand my feelings and how to cope better.” — A.K.