The Barnes & Scott Youth Law Camp inaugural conference was held on Jan. 13 at the College Park City Hall, organized by Crossland High School students sophomore O’Marie Barnes and senior Nasir Scott. The event was a huge success, with a turnout of over 30 high school students from various schools in the Prince George’s County area.

This turnout was surprising, even for the organizers. 

“There were more people than we expected,” said Parkdale senior Laure Nzeni. “We had to find new seats for all the people attending. Luckily, we were able to find space for everyone.”

The conference featured a lineup of esteemed guests, including youth activist and published author Ayeme Owona as the master of ceremonies; mentor and published author Mr. Daion Johnson as the keynote speaker; and Mrs. Aisha Braveboy, the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, who gave the opening remarks.

The conference focused on discussions and workshops related to law school, law careers, and political careers. The panelists included moderator Mr. Dereck Blackwell, Mrs. Braveboy, Maryland Delegate and Parkdale alumnus Mr. Ashanti Martinez, Dean of the UDC David A. Clarke, School of Law Mrs. Twinette Johnson, former City Council member Mrs. Kate Kennedy, and municipal attorney Mrs. Suellen Ferguson. 

Unfortunately, Governor Wes Moore was unable to attend in person, but his pre-recorded video speech was played at the start of the conference, congratulating Barnes, Scott, and their team on their achievement.

Parkdale students also played a vital role in the conference, with some volunteering as photographers and others as general volunteers. Nzeni, who was the volunteer director, praised the students for their hard work and dedication, stating that they played a crucial role in the overall success of the event.

Barnes and Scott shared their motivation for starting the youth law camp. Scott, introduced by an art teacher, shared a conversation with Barnes about the absence of law resources, which led to the creation of a program for students interested in law careers. The two founders have been working on this project for eight months, and it has now become a reality.

Despite their busy schedules as high school students, Barnes and Scott managed to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal stress to ensure the successful completion of the organization and the conference. They also emphasized the importance of being goal-oriented and disciplined in achieving their goals.

The conference also focused on diversity and inclusivity, with Barnes stating, “Be a beacon for inclusivity.” 

The team received positive feedback from the participants, who were able to connect with lawmakers, public figures, and youth leaders, enhancing their leadership skills and fostering new friendships.

The conference also offered workshops, panels, and a membership program, with 18 events scheduled throughout the year. The founders encourage all youth interested in law and politics to take advantage of these opportunities and make a difference.

Scott shared that being young has its own challenges, as people often expect him to fail. However, this has only motivated him to prove himself and show that age is not a barrier to achieving success.

The Barnes & Scott Youth Law Camp has already made a significant impact on the community and its youth, providing them with the opportunity to explore their interests and learn from professionals in the legal field. The founders plan to continue supporting the organization even after graduation, and hope to see it grow and attract more students from their state.

The inaugural conference of the Barnes & Scott Youth Law Camp was a huge success, providing high school students with a platform to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals. 

The founders, along with their team, have shown that determination, hard work, and passion can lead to great achievements, and they hope to inspire other youth to be the change they want to see in the world. The Barnes and Scott Youth Law Camp has many more events coming up in the next month. For more information, please visit barnesandscott.ylc on Instagram.