UAW-Ford Hosts Collegiate Debate for 800 Metro Detroit Youth
Apr 20, 2017, 16:13 ET
DETROIT, April 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- UAW-Ford is hosting a collegiate-themed debate with student teams from two Georgia universities going up against teams from two Michigan universities. Award-winning debaters from Morehouse and Spelman in Atlanta will challenge teams from Central Michigan University and University of Michigan-Flint. Debate in the D takes place at Mumford High School, 17525 Wyoming, Detroit, on April 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Renowned Detroit artist Mike Ellison will emcee the event, with the Mumford marching band and Detroit-based DJ Invisible on hand to excite the audience. More than 800 local junior and high school students are expected to attend the interactive educational experience.
Debate in the D will follow the collegiate parliamentary debate format, with emphasis on persuasiveness, logic, and wit. Each team will be represented by two debaters, one team debating the affirmative and the other debating the opposition to the topic. Each exhibition match will consist of four constructive speeches and two rebuttal speeches.
Debate in the D is the first collegiate debate exhibition sponsored by UAW-Ford, and is part of the organizations community initiatives to provide educational opportunities for Detroit area youth in arts and critical thinking.
"UAW-Ford is proud to present Debate in the D, helping students learn critical thinking skills firsthand, as well as exposing youth to diverse career paths," said Jimmy Settles, UAW-Ford vice president. "We continuously aim to find unique approaches to uplift the communities in which our members live, work and play."
"Ford is known for building great products around the world; we also feel very strongly that it's our responsibility to be a good corporate citizen," said Bill Dirksen, vice president, labor affairs, Ford Motor Company. "And that includes doing our part to support the youth in our communities."
UAW-Ford conducts community service year-round through charitable donations to local schools and organizations in support of the arts, youth, veterans and the elderly, as well as helping to feed people in need nationwide. Sponsoring this event furthers the UAW-Ford mission to not only build strong cars and trucks, but strong communities as well.
About UAW-Ford
Established in 1941, UAW-Ford has a rich history of fighting for its members and the communities in which they live, work and play. Whether it is workers' rights, youth development, community giving, offering skilled trades and/or educational training, UAW-Ford is committed to providing opportunities that secure both economic and social stability for the American workers and their families. Improving the quality of life is among UAW-Ford's chief principles and serves as a benchmark for how labor rights are addressed in the 21st Century. Its members help to build the strong cars that drive America, which not only reinforces a solid economy and workforce, but also helps to build strong communities nationwide.
SOURCE UAW-Ford