BROWARD COUNTY, FL —The Broward County Radiance Chapter of Top Teens of America under the leadership of Jennifer A. Davis, Top Teen Advisor, and Top Teen President Klassik Wright, held a powerful and engaging October meeting that blended three of the organization’s national programmatic thrusts — Legislative Awareness, Literacy, and Community Partnerships — into one impactful civic engagement experience for local teens.
The meeting’s theme, “Freedom of Speech: The Power of Your Voice,” encouraged teens to explore the importance of self-expression, literacy, and civic participation. The teens were
joined by two distinguished guest speakers: Bacardi Jackson, Director of the Florida ACLU, and Florida State Senator Rosalind Osgood.
In a discussion led entirely by the teens, participants engaged in open and candid dialogue surrounding censorship, banned books, and free expression. The teens asked thoughtful questions and shared perspectives on how these issues directly affect their generation.
Bacardi Jackson emphasized the importance of youth civic voice, stating, “Freedom of speech is only as powerful as the people who are willing to use it. You are never too young to speak
up, challenge injustice, and demand change.”
Senator Osgood, who is also a member of the Broward County Radiance Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., welcomed the opportunity to speak with the teens, stating that she “always welcomes the chance to enlighten the minds of teens and future voters.” She encouraged the teens to view themselves as future leaders and changemakers, explaining how they can impact policy by running for positions such as school board seats — a position she held for many years. The discussion also included creative advocacy ideas, including the vision of placing Little Free Libraries stocked with banned books across the street from schools where such books have been restricted.
As part of the chapter’s literacy thrust, each teen received a copy of “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas — a nationally recognized novel frequently found on banned book lists — gifted by their Top Lady mentors to encourage awareness, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Further reinforcing civic responsibility, representatives from the Broward County Board of Elections were on-site to pre-register teens ages 16 and older to vote. Many teens eagerly
completed the process, marking their first official step into the democratic process.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Top Ladies Area IV’s “Pink Out” initiative, the teens proudly wore pink attire in solidarity and support of breast cancer survivors and continued research efforts.
The Broward County Radiance Chapter of Top Teens of America falls under the leadership of the chapter’s Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., whose Chapter President is Keisa Heard. Jennifer
Davis, also a member currently serves as the Top Teen Advisor for the 2025–2027 programming years. Under her leadership and the guidance of the Top Ladies, the chapter continues to prepare youth for leadership, service, and civic engagement. Top Teens of America seeks to create leaders in the communities we serve by empowering teens with confidence, knowledge, and purpose.
