Louisville, Kentucky — Rapper, entrepreneur, and filmmaker Jeremiah Wrong recently visited Simmons College of Kentucky in Louisville to show his support for the institution’s debate team during a competition against The Veritas Collective. His visit highlighted the importance of investing in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), encouraging student leadership, and preparing the next generation to participate in public service and civic leadership.
Wrong believes that supporting HBCU debate teams is about more than debating ideas in a classroom. It is about helping develop the voices that could one day influence the direction of the nation.
“It’s possible for Black men and women to be the President of the United States now,” Wrong emphasized, pointing to the potential for future leaders to serve in the U.S. Senate, become mayors of their communities, and hold other positions of public leadership. He believes that opportunities to research, articulate arguments, and challenge important issues can help students prepare for those possibilities.
The debate centered on the question, “Should the federal government shut down the Department of Education?” The topic challenged students to examine the role of the federal government in education and consider the potential effects of such a decision on students, families, and communities.
Leading the Simmons College of Kentucky Debate Team is Dr. Ron D. Robinson, who has been building the program since 2023. Reflecting on the team’s development, Robinson stated that he had taken the debate team “from nothing” and worked to establish a foundation for its growth.
“I’m training the team to be voices of character,” Robinson said, describing his approach to preparing students not only to debate but also to develop the principles and discipline necessary to become thoughtful leaders.
Robinson also shared a powerful statement about the role of awareness in creating change: “The greatest revolution is the awakening of the conscious.”
For Robinson, debate serves as an opportunity to cultivate critical thinking, encourage students to examine complex issues, and help them develop the confidence to express their positions with purpose.
The competition against The Veritas Collective also served as preparation for the team’s future matchup with Fisk University. Simmons College of Kentucky’s upcoming debate schedule includes competitions involving Spelman College, Tennessee State University, Norfolk State University, and Livingstone College. The team is also preparing for a competition against the University of Louisville in the coming months.
Among the students participating in the program is Nikira Jones, a sophomore at Simmons College of Kentucky majoring in Early Childhood Education. As a member of the debate team, Jones recognizes the connection between the issues discussed in competition and the communities she hopes to serve through her studies.
Reflecting on the debate about the possible removal of the Department of Education, Jones explained that debating provides a foundation for examining real-world issues and challenging the policies that affect everyday life.
She noted that decisions concerning education could have significant consequences for children, childcare, and the broader community. Her perspective illustrates how debate can extend beyond competition, giving students an opportunity to connect academic discussion with their future professional responsibilities.
The visit from Jeremiah Wrong brought additional attention to the work taking place within Simmons College of Kentucky’s debate program. His support reflected a broader message about the importance of recognizing HBCUs as places where future leaders can develop their voices, sharpen their reasoning, and prepare to engage with the issues shaping society.
As the Simmons College of Kentucky Debate Team continues preparing for upcoming competitions, its work represents an investment in the next generation of thinkers, advocates, educators, and potential public officials.
For Wrong, Robinson, and the students involved, the mission extends beyond winning a debate. It is about building the confidence, character, and awareness necessary for students to participate meaningfully in the conversations that shape their communities and their country.
