Sixteen years after competing in ACT-SO, I returned—not as a contestant, but as a judge for the Baltimore Local Competition. Sitting on the other side of the table was a surreal experience, bringing back memories of the day I stood in the Newtown High School gymnasium, nervous as I prepared to meet the judges. I remember watching the other contestants, convinced I had no chance of winning. They seemed confident, prepared—everything I wasn’t sure I was at the time. But ACT-SO wasn’t just about competition; it was about mentorship, creativity, and preparing young artists for something beyond the moment.
Now, as a judge, I have the chance to witness new generations step into the same experience that shaped my journey. The impact of ACT-SO still runs deep. As I reflect on my path, I realize how much it influenced my confidence. It also impacted my career and creative voice. I want to share—from nervous competitor to mentor—and why I believe ACT-SO is an opportunity that should continue reaching young artists. I hope that more former participants reconnect, support the next wave of talent, and keep this legacy alive.
About NAACP ACT-SO
The NAACP ACT-SO is a nationwide program designed to nurture high school students’ talents in academics, culture, technology, and the arts. Over a year, participants collaborate with community mentors to develop visual arts, business, performing arts, and culinary arts projects. The journey culminates in local and national competitions where students showcase their work and compete for scholarships and awards.
Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition
Baltimore’s ACT-SO program follows the same mission, providing students with mentorship and opportunities to refine their skills. Participants compete in one of 33 categories across six disciplines at the local level, with top performers advancing to the national competition.
Why ACT-SO?
In 2009, I was a contestant in the local Baltimore ACT-SO competition. I also participated in the national ACT-SO competition. This experience became a pivotal turning point in my journey. Joining ACT-SO introduced me to entrepreneurship and inspired me to build my own publication and art business. It was through this competition that I gained the foundational skills and knowledge to craft a blueprint for what I had always envisioned. ACT-SO also gave me my first real taste of networking, allowing me to connect with artists beyond my school and neighborhood. For the first time, I saw myself as part of a vast, vibrant community of Black youth. We were shaping the future together. I felt like a small fish in a big pond of limitless creativity and ambition.
At the award ceremony, I learned that participation in this year’s local ACT-SO competition was low—a reality that feels disheartening considering the profound impact the program had on my life. I’d like to believe the issue isn’t a lack of interest, but rather a lack of awareness. In the age of social media, that shouldn’t be the case. ACT-SO deserves to be in the conversation, accessible to teenagers just as readily as the latest viral trend or their favorite TikTok influencer. So I’m here to talk about it.
One of the most valuable aspects of ACT-SO was the mentorship. I had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors whose advice still resonates with me today. They didn’t just guide me through the competition—they shaped how I approach my creative and professional journey. Whether it was insights on storytelling, the art of networking, or the importance of owning my voice, their wisdom provided a strong foundation for my growth. Their encouragement helped me see beyond my immediate surroundings and recognize my potential. ACT-SO wasn’t just about showcasing talent—it was about cultivating it with the right guidance.
Throughout the school year that I participated, I worked closely with my entrepreneurship teacher to develop a business plan—one that ultimately helped me win the local ACT-SO competition. After that, I was paired with a judge who took my plan to the next level. As a consultant for the Maryland District Office of the Small Business Administration, he provided expert guidance, helping me refine every detail. Looking back, all I remember is a whole lot of editing—but that process shaped my understanding of what it takes to build a strong foundation for a business.
Watch Doc Judges the Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition
How can you get involved?
ACT-SO continues to shape young artists, but it thrives on community support. If you’re a former participant, consider reconnecting. The Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition is looking for volunteers and support for the national competition in July 2025. If you’d like to contribute, visit the NAACP’s official Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition website to learn how you can help fund the next generation’s journey to the national competition in Charlotte, NC.
There are other major programs comparable to ACT-SO available for the youth in Baltimore City. Shout out some of your favorites in the comments. Let’s shed some light on that goodness.