This week, Brooklyn College’s Haitian Studies Institute (HSI) played host to a political figure that recently made U.S. history.
Paying a visit to the educational institution was Jaylen Smith, who became one of the youngest mayors in the country’s long history when he was elected as the mayor of Earle, Arkansas at the age of 18.
Smith shared his story with numerous participants of HSI’s Young Scholars Civics Institute, as part of the academic unit’s “NextGen Transformational Leadership Program” event.
The Young Scholars Civics Institute is an educational summer program that teaches young people between the ages of 18 to 24 about the fundamentals of civic engagement and leadership.
Established in summer 2022, the three-week program offers its pupils the opportunity to engage in dialogue with a number of guest speakers from various backgrounds and age groups, including local community and political leaders.
Michelle J. Anderson, the president of Brooklyn College, says that having the chance to bring Smith in to speak with the students and “help inspire future leaders” aligned with the college’s mentorship efforts.
“Mayor Jaylen Smith has achieved an historic accomplishment and we are proud to host him on our diverse and vibrant campus,” said Anderson. “We hope the wisdom he shares from his journey to politics helps this group of young people become engaged in issues that matter so that they can make their own positive impact in their communities.”
Joining Smith in speaking with the students at the event was B. Howard, an American songwriter and producer that has worked with such musical talents as Ne-Yo, Bow Wow, and Lupe Fiasco, to name a few.
Also in-attendance to provide support to the program was Alix Desulme, the mayor of North Miami; Linda Julien, a councilmember from Miami Gardens, Florida; and Pierre Frantz Charles, a councilmember from North Miami, Florida.
“Having these young leaders inspire our program participants is invaluable,” said Marie Lily Cerat, director of HSI. “Our goal is to show these young people how to become the leaders and change agents of tomorrow and we thank everyone for their support as we continue this journey with this group of impressive young people.”
