Miss Black America Visits Frederick Douglass Academy

A Motivational Visit from Ashley Marie Myatt

Students at Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA I) in Harlem, New York, were thrilled to host a motivational visit from Ashley Marie Myatt, the reigning Miss Black America. The event took place on September 16, 2024, in connection with the Mentoring in Medicine initiative. This partnership aimed to promote academic success, personal development, and mentorship among students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Fostering Student Leadership and Self-Confidence

Miss Black America’s visit was centered on fostering student leadership, self-confidence, and academic ambition in collaboration with Mentoring in Medicine, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting students in pursuing professions in medicine and healthcare. During her keynote speech, Myatt shared her own experience of overcoming setbacks and staying focused on her objectives. With over 10 years of experience as a skilled veterinarian technician, she emphasized the importance of determination, education, and support in achieving one’s goals.

A Keynote Speech and Interactive Session

Myatt’s speech resonated with the students, who were inspired by her message of resilience and empowerment. She encouraged them to believe in themselves, saying, “You have the power to change the world.” She also added, “With determination, education, and the right support, you can achieve anything – whether it’s becoming a veterinarian, an entrepreneur, or the next Miss Black America.”

Mentoring in Medicine’s Message

Speakers from Mentoring in Medicine discussed the value of pursuing careers in healthcare, particularly for students of color. They highlighted the need to address health disparities in marginalized areas and increase the number of Black and Latino professionals in the medical industry. The organization offers scholarships, internships, and mentoring programs to support students in their academic endeavors.

A Hands-on Lesson in Animal Care

Following the main presentation, Hershey Fullerton Douglass, a kind and beautiful bunny, was introduced to the kids by Miss Black America. She provided a practical lesson in animal care, demonstrating how to hold and tend to the bunny appropriately and stressing the importance of remaining composed and kind with little animals. Students gained knowledge on how to safely support the rabbit’s body while ensuring its comfort and safety.

The Rabbit’s New Home

In the end, the rabbit was given to the school, where Mr. Ma, the librarian, will be in charge of its maintenance. He expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s going to spark curiosity and give our students a hands-on experience with animal care. I think it’s a wonderful way to blend learning and nurturing, and I can already see how much joy it will bring to everyone who visits.”

Impact on the Students

Frederick Douglass Academy students were profoundly affected by the occasion. Many reported developing a better sense of purpose for their future and a renewed interest in the healthcare industry. One student mentioned, “I never thought about becoming a veterinarian before today, but hearing from both Miss Black America and the people from Mentoring in Medicine made me realize it’s possible.”

Conclusion

The visit from Miss Black America and Mentoring in Medicine had a lasting impact on the students, inspiring them to pursue excellence in their personal and academic endeavors with confidence. The event marked the beginning of a path to success, driven by the conviction that all is possible with education and mentorship.