At DSST: Cedar, the Black Girl and Black Boy Brunches are far more than just gatherings—they are powerful, transformative experiences that give Black students the chance to feel seen, celebrated and uplifted in ways that are all too often missing from traditional school spaces. These brunches have quickly become a cornerstone that fosters a sense of belonging, providing both students and mentors with a shared opportunity to connect on a deeper level, celebrate their identities, and affirm their paths toward success.
Webster Johnson, a Dean at Cedar, started an adult male social group in 2020 out of a need for community with other Black men.
“When I moved to Denver, I realized how critical it was for me to have a community of people who looked like me,” Webster reflected. “As a Black educator and leader, I needed that space to heal and grow. And I knew our students needed it just as much.”
When he came to DSST in the 2023-24 school year, he wanted to create a similar sense of camaraderie, connection, mentorship and community among students so the Cedar Black Boys Brunch was born.
In its first year, the Black Boys Brunch had a profound impact, sparking a wave of change and connection. The success of the brunch quickly led to the creation of the Black Girls Brunch, bringing Black women from the community and DSST leaders to empower the young girls at Cedar by sharing their stories to empower and support each other in their journeys.
Aruai, a senior who helped plan and attend the Black Girls Brunch event, said the whole process was “worthwhile because of the women I met, the knowledge I gained and the support I felt from everyone there.”
For Aruai, the brunch was a chance to connect with mentors who not only offered advice but helped ease the challenges of navigating the college process.
“Being in the whole college application process is very difficult and draining,” she said. “But, I really felt encouraged and more prepared with the advice and resources I gained.”
For many students, the brunches are more than just an event—they’re a lifeline, an opportunity to pause, reflect and realize that they are part of something much bigger than themselves. Amaya Paul, a junior at Cedar, echoes this sentiment.
“Attending the inspiring black girls brunch was a transformative experience for me,” she said. “The room was filled with laughter, stories and shared dreams as we celebrated each other's successes and uplifted one another.”
The Black Girls Brunch was also a chance to hear from accomplished women who have already walked the path these students are on, offering guidance and inspiration to the next generation. “Black Girls Brunch was such an engaging experience, which allowed young Black girls to build relationships and connect with more experienced and influential black women, who used their lived experiences to help guide our future footsteps,” junior Hannah Rhodes said. “I would absolutely recommend this event to one of my peers.”
The Black Boys Brunch is now in its second year and has become an important tradition. For senior Obed, it’s much more than a gathering—it’s a movement, a call to action.
“Seeing all of us come together in this space breaking bread, sharing stories, and building bonds reminds me of the power of community. It’s a beautiful thing,” Obed said. “To me, Black Boys Brunch isn’t just an event. I see it as more than that; I see it as a movement. It’s a commitment to creating a space where we can uplift each other, support each other’s growth, and strengthen our community … We are stronger when we connect. When we pour into one another. When we invest in our collective success.”
The impact of the event encouraged Obed to help organize and run the event as part of his senior project.
“When I first heard about Black Boys Brunch over a year ago, I didn’t think much of it,” he said. “It sounded like just another event. But after some convincing from my friends, I decided to go and I’m so glad I did. The experience was more powerful than I expected, and it left a lasting impact on me. The sense of community and connectedness I felt that day was something I wanted others to experience too.”
For Obed, it is important that everyone who attends a brunch feels the same support he did.
“I realized how important it is to have spaces where we can uplift each other, share our experiences, and build each other up,” he said. “Black Boys Brunch isn’t just an event. It’s a movement that brings us together, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Each person leaves each brunch with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they’re not alone in their journey.
“These spaces show our students that they are worth fighting for,” Johnson said. “Representation matters—it always has and always will. I want every Black student who walks through these doors to know they are part of something bigger. This is just the beginning. These brunches are a foundation for something that will continue to grow, not just for us, but for the students who follow.”
As the Black Girl and Black Boy Brunches continue to thrive, they leave an indelible mark on the Cedar community, inspiring students to embrace their identities, connect with others, and know their limitless potential. These brunches are more than just events—they are a promise, a legacy and a celebration of Black excellence that will continue to impact generations to come.