More than 600 high school students from across Tucson Unified School District came together at Santa Rita High School for the inaugural EDI Student Summit on October 20. 

The extensive event was organized by the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness Department, and is an experience the department hopes to continue providing for TUSD students for years to come. 


The day kicked off with performances by DJ Jahmar Francis, 2 Real Boys and Francisco Elias (aka Sensei Sai Music), who got the students involved in a dance-off. The performers even had prizes for some students, including T-shirts, wireless Bluetooth headphones and a laptop.

Students then broke off to attend pre-assigned sessions throughout campus. Presenters came in from across Arizona and all over the country to discuss subjects such as equity, allyship, challenging stereotypes, leadership, safe spaces, mental health and more. Local educators Dr. Cindy Trejo and Yahaira Leon provided testimonies from successful Latinx scholars. Francisco Elias, a Native American hip hop artist from Tucson, shared inspiring messages about overcoming adversity, following dreams and goal-setting. Attorney Johnathan F. Austin traveled from Alabama to discuss legal and ethical issues for 21st century teens and young adults. 

To wrap up the day, students were treated to a concert by Jake Miller – who uses his music and social media platforms to talk honestly about his struggles. 

Students weren't ready for the day to end and even asked for the summit to continue the following day. All in all, it proved to be an educational and entertaining day for TUSD high schoolers.