2006 Youth Activist Scholarship -- Shannon Baldon

Shannon Baldon is graduating from Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky. She was nominated by her state ACLU affiliate because of her growth into a leadership role. Shannon was instrumental in founding a student ACLU chapter at Central, a predominantly African-American school with a long tradition of creating leaders including elected officials, educators, physicians, and sports heroes such as Muhammad Ali. Shannon is well on her way to joining the notable list of Central graduates – she plans to attend Harvard University and then go on to law school so she can continue her fight for civil liberties.

Following is Shannon’s scholarship essay.

The day that Janessa, Beth, and Maria, from the American Civil Liberties Union, came into my classroom, my life began to change. When they were done explaining the ACLU, my Law and Government class unleashed all the issues and frustrations that plagued us at school. That was when my teacher, Ms. McElroy, had the idea of us pursuing a student chapter of the ACLU. I thought the idea of Central High School having anything to do with something that was so meaningful and powerful was bound to light a fire under all the students and shine a positive light on our school. It would give our class a place and a reason to discuss issues that dealt with the Bill of Rights that were present in our school. Ms. McElroy made sure that we got right to work in creating our organization.

When we arrived in class the following week, we began creating offices to be filled by the students in our class. Then the moment came for us to nominate the individuals. Initially, I was going to run for Treasurer. It was a position that held responsibility, but was still relatively low-key. However, my classmates had other plans for me, nominating me as the president! I was a bit taken a back by the nomination. I would have expected them to nominate a more outspoken person, like my friend Miah, but they chose me. Even more surprising than my nomination, was being elected. All of a sudden, I had a title and great responsibility. Everyone was looking to me to create cabinets and committees. It was a good thing that I had a very supportive cabinet and many talented individuals to choose from.

I never doubt my ability to do something, but at times I question how well I can do it. Becoming the President of the Student Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union was a blessing in disguise. I may not always be the most talkative person, but I am in a position to give a voice to those who do not. Having this position is going to help prepare me for the future and test my loyalty to my future career plans as an attorney. It is good that I start speaking up more for myself now, because I will be doing a whole lot more of it in the future. My plan is to become an assertive activist, but in a different way. I will help those who need help being heard and educate others on the rights and liberties that they have. It is a shame that even today many individuals, are forced to be ignorant to the rights that they have.

My class and I have worked very hard lately in setting guidelines and discussing the issues that are important at Central. We have tackled issues from teachers making students stand for the pledge to the problems that plague the black community. We plan to branch out into the community and assist those in other schools and neighborhoods that face problems and feel that their rights and liberties are being violated. I hope that this organization will continue once we graduate. We are aiding in planning the ACLU Youth Conference and plan to introduce the sophomores and juniors in the Law and Government program to the organization.

As I get deeper into my role as a leader of the student chapter of the ACLU, I am glad that I did not turn away from my position. It has brought so much importance and a fountain of information to my life. I am no longer the reluctant leader, but the reluctant follower.