SVUDL Kicks Off 2025-26 Competitive Season with Sojourner Truth Tournament
In a time period where Black people and women of all races were legally excluded from the US’s political community, Sojourner Truth (1797-1893) advocated for radical justice, equality, and truth. More than a century later, on the other side of the country, over 90 students from across San José and the Peninsula harnessed the strength and determination embodied by Truth’s advocacy at SVUDL’s 2025 Sojourner Truth Tournament.
Traditionally SVUDL’s first Speech and Debate tournament of the school year, the Sojourner Truth Tournament is held annually in honor of Truth’s legacy as an agent for abolition and equal rights for all races and genders. Last month, 93 students convened to honor that legacy at SVUDL partner school Latino College Prep Academy in East San José.
Hailing from 12 different schools and competing across eight distinct events, this year’s entries exemplify how SVUDL has expanded its reach into schools as well as the competitive offerings available to students. In addition, SVUDL welcomed new Teacher Coaches Patrick Hightower (Luis Valdez Leadership Academy) and Jordan Stone (Independence High School) as they experienced their first tournament as coaches and judges.
The SVUDL team was excited to see a diverse array of new and established teams earning top places across all divisions, with award winners representing entries from nine different schools.
We congratulate all competitors for their dedication, courage, and integrity shown throughout the tournament.
Whether this tournament was their first Speech and Debate competition ever or just the first of the season, SVUDL is grateful to all attendees for their participation. We look forward to welcoming them, their peers, and their coaches to the rest of our tournaments this season!
