By Damareus Jackson-Martin, 2026 Emerging Leaders Committee Member
Hello to you reading this. My name is Damareus Jackson-Martin, and I am a member of the Emerging Leaders Committee for the Coalition of Juvenile Justice representing the state of Kentucky. Currently, I do advocacy work for youth and families in Kentucky and nationally. I am also pursuing my bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Louisville. I plan to not only use my knowledge but my lived experience to help families and systems see and reach the change needed to improve the well-being and adjust the things that have been in place that do not quite fit in the times we are in.
While on my journey, one word that has crossed my path many times is the word “articulate.” The definition of articulate is to have or show the ability to speak fluently and coherently. I think to myself, wow me being articulate must really be helping people see the bigger picture. Maybe being articulate is helping me get in rooms to help folks back in the community. Maybe being articulate will help me get the resources I need. Hearing people tell me that I am articulated so many times had me thinking that my articulation had power behind it, then it hit. I never heard those words be used on anyone else in rooms and places I am in.
The thing about me being articulate was not that it had power behind it, but rather the history of our country and the lack of people of color representing their community which they either reside in or identify with in places where people can promote policy change and innovative ideas to help their neighborhood or community. I am not here to point fingers or blame anyone for anything, but to simply clear the air that being articulated is not a superpower. I made this blog to bring awareness so that we can adjust the way we communicate, so that it does not come off as condescending to the person being talked to. Being complimented on what may seem like basic speaking skills to another can also be confusing. While I understand the reason behind why one may use the word “articulate,” I also want to help people understand the unintentional harm that can potentially be caused, especially if they are wanting to build a relationship with a youth or young adult. There are many flaws in the system we can fix, but the small things matter just as well, and the way we communicate plays a big part in how we function as a society.
I did not write this blog for you to only seek to change your use of the word “articulate,” but also to help promote mindfulness behind it before it is said. The foundation of the word “articulate” being used for people who look like me and come from where I come from did not derive from a standard but lack of. There are many people and families involved in the judicial and/or child welfare system, and even those who are not, can still be articulate. It is not healthy to shine a light on someone for possessing a speaking skill. While bigger issues are important and usually take priority, we still need to focus on the small things, and that can be as simple as how we see and talk to one another. Until next time, continue growing and helping those who are impacted by these systems I mentioned earlier, and let me know what you think: Is being articulate a superpower?