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Summer Quarter '24

Learning to create a scene setter

As part of my schoolwork for my Honors 384 course called "Locating Racism and Resistance" with Sankofa Impact, I presented the place we were headed to visit and gave my colleagues context. As I presented, the bus was riding over bumpy roads, all my classmates and instructors were listening in, and I shared my research of the historic event that occurred in the 16th Street Baptist Church. I also gave an introduction to the survivor of the bombing, Dr. Carolyn McKinstry which we were headed to meet. Her life's work and advocacy was inspiration to us all. Through this experience I practiced intentional learning and advocacy.

My presentation was a success and I was honored to present for a place that had such significance to US' and Alabama's history. We met with Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, who had experienced the bombing first-hand and experienced the consequences of the racist hate crime by a KKK member. Her strength was admirable and her perspective was knowledgeable. It was impactful to hear her personal experience with the bombing and the aftermath on the community. Press on the button to the right to view my write-up and reflection of the presentation.

Creating a compilation zine about my newfound knowledge

My summer compilation zine was a summary of the study away expedition. It was a process intended to create a physical representation of my pilgrimage and the lessons from that month-long visit to the south. This assignment was for the Honors 233 course called "Abolition and Collective Liberation." It was a blessing to come home and teach my family about the history of slavery, segregation, and how minorities especially the Black community still experiences the effects of that social construct. I also got to share my pictures and videos that captured special places and moments.

In my individual zine, I included my vision for the future where ethnic minorities have access to education and we all live in a more equitable society. Change happens from accumulations of changes on the local level. Please press the button to the right to explore my zine. Overall, I practiced personal growth and intentional learning through the process of making my zine and reflecting on my month long experience.

Creating my individual zine from my summer experience

My individual zine was my articulation of abolition and collective libration. I wrote about the significance of reconciliation in communities. This assignment in particular was important for me because it required me to define my truth, my beliefs, and my hopes for the future. Additionally, my individual zine included the importance of communication, collaboration, and patience with time for change to occur. We as a society have to believe that what is seemingly impossible will become possible for our next generation. Our actions need to lead to a more prosperous, brighter future.

Through pilgrimages like the one with Sankofa Impact, students learn about the atrocities that are the foundation of our nation and our society. We are constantly shielded from this information through white lies, or underrepresentation in history classes. Although our national history is upsetting, it is vital to understand what has happened to avoid repeating the same horrendous actions at the hands of those in powerful positions. We can then apply these learnings to our actions in society and our field of work with intention. This particular assignment aided my personal growth and practiced interdisciplinarity.

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