Reliving Yesterday's History to Impact a Better Tomorrow

Through the learning moments and pure fun, traveling with New York Times Student Journeys was simply one of the best decisions of my life. While taking part in an overflow of compelling pursuits and in-depth discussions about the rooted complexities of the American South alongside my phenomenal new friends, every aspect of this trip allowed me to sharpen my perspective of America’s physique, and embrace my potent curiosity through knowledge I would not have attained within classroom walls. Walking the grounds of historic landmarks such as the Whitney Plantation and the National Civil Rights Museum, listening to the pivotal messages from Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion consultant Jabari Carmichael and poet-activist A Scribe Called Quess? and taking in the heavy auras of the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice all taught me plenty in more ways than any textbook ever could. Particularly participating in a slavery reenactment at By the River Center for Humanity and later standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge just a few blocks farther in Selma, Alabama were my most powerful and heart-grabbing experiences that I am simply grateful to have had. The intensely deep connection I shared with African American culture— my culture— was truly surreal, and will forever make me cry, laugh and reminisce everything in between as I continue to do my part in making change.