In a practicum study, 21 students in a speech and debate class were encouraged to discuss openly the roles of Black English (BE) and Standard English (SE), use both freely in the classroom, and engage in speaking situations in the classroom and forensic tournaments to develop confidence and proficiency in their speaking abilities. The objective was to acknowledge the validity of the students' home dialect (BE) while promoting proficiency in SE, empowering them for full freedom of expression in both. Results indicate increased use of SE in code-switching situations and notable growth in self-esteem. Exercises were developed for use in both the speech and debate class and the English curriculum, which is often literature- and writing-centered. Appended materials include a form used to survey English teachers, student self-critique form, a list of topics for improvisational accent or dialect skits, and results of a student survey in speaking confidence. Contains 24 references. (MSE)