WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. — Two high school graduates from White Bear Lake High School just did something that's never been done before.
Sanyu Mwassa and Mariam Elias Danjuma took home a top prize at this year's National Speech & Debate Tournament. They are the first Black women to win the duo category in the tournament's 124-year history.
It's recognized as the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization serving middle and high school students in the United States. It is also the national authority on public speaking and debate.
"We're two peas in a pod," said Mwassa about Elias Danjuma. The two have also been best friends since about second grade. "We're so grateful for our connection."
They spent a month practicing their performance of 2020's "The 40-year-old Version," a film about a down-on-her-luck playwright salvaging her voice by starting to rap instead at 40 years old. The film is written, directed and produced by Radha Blank.
"I'm happy that we're making those strides, but at the same time, I know there are so many other women who came before me," said Elias Danjuma.
The tournament rules are strict - their act can only be 10 minutes and the performers can't look at or touch one another. There are thousands of spectators and hundreds of other competitors.
"There is beauty in telling stories of our people, but also telling our own stories and being able to celebrate Black joy," said Mwassa.
The two admit their choice was a unique one and admit taking a chance. Mwassa says you have to dare to be bold.
"To truly just be ourselves and tell a story that's a little bit outlandish and had some things that were like, oh my gosh, they can do that," she said laughing.
The two recent graduates also left a mark at their former high school. Their achievement makes the school the only one this year to win a national championship in a state known for its speech and debate success.
Their coach, Traci Bowermaster, was all but certain they would come out on top.
"I almost fainted I was so excited for that moment," said Bowermaster. "Their passion, their drive, how much they want to give a voice to others and they just have it all."
The win earned both girls $1,000 college scholarships. Mwassa is attending George Mason University in Virginia and Elias Danjuma will attend Temple University in Pennsylvania.
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