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Annihilate Hate Through Student Involvement
Engage in the Dialogue
News on Annihihate and its Guests
March 7, 2024
Michi speaks with Ed Lee III, the Senior Director of Inclusivity at Emory University. They discuss political polarization, hate, and discrimination and how these issues can be remedied through productive discourse, like debate.
Ed Lee III - Reframes
February 27, 2024
Michi talks to Ugochi Obuba, a Nigerian-American high school senior in Atlanta. They discuss microaggressions in school settings, hate being perpetuated online, and student outreach as a tool for change.
February 5, 2024
Michi Synn's co-authored Op-Ed on ethnic studies is featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The San Diego Union-Tribune, February 5, 2024: Opinion: Ethnic Studies Should Incorporate Career Skills
January 26, 2024
Michi Synn was named the winner of the 2024 Melissa Maxcy Wade Social Justice Award for her work on Annihihate. Every year, the Barkley Forum of Emory University presents this prestigious award to one student in the nation for applying their forensics skills for the greater good of our society.
The Barkley Forum of Emory University Names Melinda "Michi" Synn the Winner of the 2024 Melissa Maxcy Wade Social Justice Award
Carmel Valley News, February 12, 2024: CCA student recognized for social justice work by Emory University
November 28, 2023
Michi interviews Yasmin Ibrahim, a Muslim high school student who is passionate and outspoken about the Israel/Palestine conflict. They discuss how hate and disinformation can spread rapidly on social media and how we can all be more respectful and empathetic towards one another in times of global conflict. Yasmin provides a document for Annihihate listeners who wish to learn more:
August 21, 2023
Michi interviews Gabe Rusk, Director of Debate at the Fairmont Preparatory Academy and winner of the 2010 High School Tournament of Champions in Public Forum Debate. Gabe's academic expertise is censorship against minority groups, which includes book bans and stopping Black Lives Matter marches and other forms of free expression. Michi and Gabe discuss combating censorship and engaging in dialogues on social justice.
July 27, 2023
Michi speaks with Benjamin Hagwood, Director of the Vancouver Debate Academy. Ben is one of the few Black head coaches, and he has served as Executive Director of the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) of Vancouver and on boards for the Cross Examination Debate Association, the Equity Committee for NSDA (US), the Harassment Committee for the National Debate Tournament and most recently as the Chair of the Association of Black Argumentation Professionals.
June 27, 2023
Michi interviews Marlene Scott, a retired teacher who is developing resources and curriculum for ethnic studies. In 2021, California Governor Newsom signed a bill to make ethnic studies a high school requirement.
AP News October 8, 2021: California Makes Ethnic Studies A High School Requirement
May 12, 2023
Michi Synn is interviewed today on Fox 5 News. The live interview focused on Annihihate and efforts to combat anti-Asian hate in the K-12 student population.
Michi Synn Fox 5 News Interview May 12 2023
April 8, 2023
Michi and Sammy interview Dr. Roy David, a community member and parent who recently spoke out against antisemitism in classroom settings, in response to a portrait of Hitler displayed in his son's 7th grade World History classroom. This incident made international news.
Jerusalem Post October 4, 2022: Hitler 'had strong leadership qualities' says teacher, photo placed with MLK, JFK
March 1, 2023
Sammy Synn is selected as a new 2023 Carson Scholar, and Michi Synn is recognized as a five-time Carson Scholar. The Carson Scholars Fund was founded by former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy. Each accredited K-12 school in the nation is only permitted to nominate one student to compete for a Carson Scholarship. Carson Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of academic achievement and humanitarian qualities through community service, without regard to financial need, ethnicity, creed or religion.
2023 Carson Scholar Awards
October 3, 2022
Michi Synn, a Canyon Crest Academy sophomore, has been named a National Speech and Debate Association's (NSDA) 2021-22 Speaking and Service Award recipient. The program recognizes students who have reached the maximum number of service points in the student Honor Society. Michi is one of only 184 students from more than 140,000 members to receive the recognition.
National Speech & Debate Association Announces 2021-2022 Speaking and Service Award Winners
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August 18, 2022
Michi interviews August Ballou, a recent transmasc graduate of Canyon Crest Academy in the San Diego Union High School District (SDUHSD). August has served as a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ students in the district.
July 30, 2022
Michi speaks with Krista Kshatriya, a human rights attorney, lecturer at UCSD, and a parent of two kids in the younger school district. Krista focuses on outreach to combat hate and xenophobia directed against refugees and immigrants.
May 31, 2022
Michi interviews Joy Ruppert about her fight for ethnic diversity classes at San Dieguito Academy (SDA). Joy is a junior at SDA, Associated Student Body (ASB) President and co-founder of the Multicultural Anti-Racism Coalition. Last year, Joy was selected for a Women of Impact award for being a Young Leader.
Encinitas Advocate, April 27, 2021: Encinitas teen picked for Women of Impact award
May 13, 2022
Michi Synn and Annihihate are featured today on CCA UNITE Speak Event: Harmony.
CCA UNITE Speak Event and Michi Synn 2022 Harmony Presentation
April 10, 2022
Michi speaks with Aaron Combs, high school sophomore and founder of Students for Attention (SFA). Aaron shares his insightful and highly personal perspectives on neurodiversity and racial diversity.
February 15, 2022
Michi speaks with U.S. Congressman Scott Peters about his commitment to education and how equal opportunities and access in education are significant factors in combatting hate. Congressman Peters continues to oppose policies fueled by hateful rhetoric that marginalize Americans. Moreover, he stands up for women in schools as well as for our LGBT and minority communities.
February 11, 2022
Sammy interviews Solana Beach School District Superintendent Jodee Brentlinger and Assistant Superintendent Sabrina Lee. Solana Beach School District (SBSD) is a public elementary school district serving grades kindergarten - 6th grade, and it is one of the "feeder" districts to San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD). Sammy examines SBSD's commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and empathy in the youngest public school students, a culture that will guide students as they continue their educational journey.
February 8, 2022
Annihihate and Michi Synn are featured today on CBS8 news program The Four.
CBS 8, February 8, 2022: Students Stopping Hate with Annihihate Podcast
January 26, 2022
Annihihate and Michi Synn are featured in several digital and print newspapers, including Del Mar Times, Carmel Valley News, and Solana Beach Sun.
Del Mar Times, January 26, 2022: Canyon Crest Academy student launches anti-hate podcast
January 22, 2022
Joyce and Steven interview Ron Kim, Head of School for The Bishop's School, to understand how the issue of student hate is addressed in a private school setting.
January 17, 2022
Michi continues the dialogue on student hate in the 13,000+ student San Dieguito Union High School District, following her January 6 interview of Superintendent Cheryl James-Ward. In this episode, Michi interviews SDUHSD Trustee Michael Allman. Trustee Allman proposed two resolutions in November to address antisemitism as well as the overall protection of students from discrimination, hate and racism. Both of these resolutions passed.
Rancho Santa Fe Review, November 23, 2021: San Dieguito board passes resolutions denouncing antisemitism, discrimination
January 6, 2022
Michi interviews Dr. Cheryl James-Ward, superintendent of the 13,000+ student San Dieguito Union High School District. Dr. Ward is an accomplished woman of color who is deeply committed to addressing student hate and is launching many district-wide initiatives, including No Place for Hate.
Encinitas Advocate, October 18, 2021: ‘Together we move forward’: San Dieguito appoints new superintendent
Del Mar Times, January 12, 2022: Education Matters: Fearing the "Other"
December 12, 2021
Annihihate's first podcast features an extensive interview with Christina Lu, who inspires us all with her courage to protect fellow students from bullying and hate.
NBC News, November 30, 2021: Philly teenager, victim of brutal, racially-motivated train attack, speaks out
The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 30, 2021: Central High student beaten on SEPTA rallies with hundreds against Asian hate in Philly
I think we all have empathy.
We may not have enough courage to display it.
Maya Angelou
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