DC International School (DCI) hosted “A Night of Black Excellence,” a powerful evening celebrating leadership, culture, and the boundless potential of young Black men.
The event was organized by The Black Boys Excellence Collective (BBEC), a student-led DCI club co-founded by Nash Pittman and Destin Badger-Allen. The Collective was created to build a brotherhood that uplifts, inspires, and empowers young Black men to recognize and reach their full potential.
The evening featured a dynamic fireside chat with Grammy-nominated artist Brent Faiyaz, moderated by Pittman and Badger-Allen, alongside impactful remarks from award-winning “Miles Morales” and “Long Way Down” author Jason Reynolds. Both speakers shared candid reflections on creativity, identity, resilience, and following your passion.
Speaking on the motivation behind founding the Collective, Nash Pittman said: “I started the Black Boys Excellence Collective to create a space where Black boys feel supported, respected, and pushed to be their best. Too often, our hard work and talent are overlooked. This club is about brotherhood, holding each other accountable, and reminding ourselves that we belong in every room we walk into.”
The program also featured remarks from Remmington Belford, national director of communications at UNCF, who spoke about the importance of pursuing higher education and support available to students who may face barriers to college access.
A highlight of the evening came when DC Council member Kenyan McDuffie presented the club’s officers with certificates recognizing their leadership and impact. McDuffie also announced that the Black Boys Excellence Collective will expand citywide across the D.C. Public Schools system next year, marking a major milestone for the student-founded club.
Beyond celebration, A Night of Black Excellence served a critical purpose: raising funds for DC International School’s first-ever overnight HBCU Tour. The tour will provide students with the opportunity to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities, exposing them to the legacy, culture, and academic opportunities that HBCUs offer.
The Black Boys Excellence Collective continues to create meaningful pathways for students to develop confidence, leadership skills, academic excellence, and a commitment to service, demonstrating what is possible when young people are empowered to lead.
Donations to support the HBCU Tour are still being accepted: https://square.link/u/f4oICZ0J