A Speech to Remember

Denzel — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:48:15 +0000

I was honored to have been chosen to make a speech on be half of The Maryland Association of Blind Students. “Why,” you ask? The Baltimore public school system is not giving blind students the materials we need in order to be successful in school. MABS is therefore working with the NFB of Maryland to ensure that the next generation of blind students will have proper Braille and cane training, effective assessments to determine appropriate services, and functional assistive technology. I strongly encourage each and every one of you to make sure you and your peers are getting what you need.
While on stage, I was thinking, “God, how am I going to top these two great leaders? Is my hair okay? Are my pants zipped? Oh no! I forgot my speech.” When my name was introduced, I made my way up to the mic telling myself, “Alright Denzel. Remember just like we practiced.” As I began to speak I got extremely nervous, and some of my friends told me I sounded like I was about to cry. But by the time I realized that I was nervous, I was done speaking. I got through it because my pride took over. As I walked off the stage, Ms. Rosy congratulated me, and it was on to the interviews. I felt like my favorite football player, Derrick Mason. The reporter asked me a series of questions, and I did my best to answer them.
I would like to thank my NFB family and all who support me and other blind students. Without your support, blind students in Maryland and all over the United States would have no hope for an education equal to that provided to our sighted peers.

NFB Youth Slam! » speech

A Speech to Remember