From left to right stand: Antonio Jenkins, of Martinsburg High School; Kamryn Savoy, of Martinsburg High School; Alana Kidrick, of Hedgesville High School; Sydney Bostic, of Springs Mill High School; and Aicha Sy, of Springs Mill High School stand by Boots on the Ground Leadership Academy Founder Teresa L. Holmes in the War Memorial Building. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — On Feb. 7, hundreds of people, including 300 students, gathered for Black Policy Day at the state capitol in Charleston, to advocate for and educate state lawmakers about communities of color. Thirty of these students represented high schools throughout Berkeley and Jefferson counties. The students were granted the opportunity to meet as a group with State Senator Patricia Rucker and some of the other politicians, to express some of their concerns. Sydney Bostic and Aicha Sy, students at Spring Mills High School, both spoke on the Senate floor.

Black Policy Day was established in 2022 by Crystal Good (Black by God), Shanequa Smith (West Virginia Black Voter Impact Initiative) and Katonya Hart (Call to Action for Racial Equality). They each share a vision of creating space for historically oppressed and ignored groups to amplify their stories and become involved in the policymaking process.

“To have every local high school represented at Black Policy Day was nothing short of amazing” said Teresa L. Holmes, founder of Boots on the Ground Youth Leadership Academy. “We worked under a very short timeframe to make this happen. When I was asked for my organization to take leadership over raising funds and getting the local students to Charleston, we had a little over three weeks to make it happen. However, we knew it had to be done.”

The community rallied together in support of this endeavor and made it possible for the students and designated chaperones to make the trip.

“I cannot say enough about the support we were given. From individuals to sororities, to advocates and local businesses, they made it happen for us,” Holmes said. “West Virginia Center for Budget and Policy also gave a generous donation. We are deeply grateful to everyone who chose to get involved.”

As a follow-up to Black Policy Day, a celebration was held on March 3, where students shared their Black Policy Day experiences with local community members. They also expressed their need for additional support as they continue to tackle issues in the Black communities. One common disappointment among each student who shared on this day was the non-passing of the Crown Act, which bans hair discrimination, including discrimination against natural black hair.

“It was really exciting to meet students from different schools, including Jefferson County. It was an overall fun experience,” said Sydney Bostic, student at Spring Mills High School. “While we were there, we were able to meet with different politicians. Thank you so much for giving us this experience, this chance to go to Charleston to meet these different people. We were able to make a lot of connections together and we plan to do something with them. Thank you for supporting us.’

Also attending was Aicha Sy, another student at Spring Mills High School.

“We were able to collaborate and share experiences about what we have been seeing in our school districts, our communities and what we would ultimately like be fixed by our legislatures. We also got to see which senators and delegates were supportive of youth and their upbringing in the government of West Virginia,” Sy said. “It was also good to be able to advocate for the larger student body. It was a really great trip, and I would love to see other students have the opportunity to do something similar.

“Our fight is far from over,” Holmes asserts. “Currently, we are disappointed that the Crown Act was shot down in West Virginia, but we are not defeated. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to support our young leaders, and to protect our rights to exist as our authentic selves. We will push on until we get the victory.”

Plans are already under way and preparation has started for even more students to attend Black Policy Day 2025, to be held at the state capitol on Feb. 25.

Those who are interested in helping with fundraising initiatives and any of the upcoming events being held by Boots on the Ground Youth Leadership Academy should contact Holmes at 304-279-4431 or at teresalholmes@fullsteemahead.com.