Books and magazines tell tragic stories of black men incarcerated in such alarming numbers that some critics have challenged and speculated about the intent of America’s criminal justice system. The challenges are frequently accompanied by dismal statistics documenting low reading achievement usually leads to high drop-out rates and speculation that the deck of opportunity is stacked against black men. It’s especially difficult for those raised in single parent homes that battle the burdens of poverty. [...]

For anyone who was there, or watching the video online, it sure looked like Ryan Wash was in full grip of his moment in history.
The graduate of Kansas City’s Central High School had six minutes left in a two-hour debate to help his Emporia State University debate team do what had never been done before.
Two black men, bringing a fiercely personal style honed in urban debate leagues, were on the brink of winning the National Debate Tournament policy debate championship.