Student Leaders Reflect on Transformative Trip to Historic Civil Rights Sites in Alabama

Student leaders from across City Colleges of Chicago came together to reflect on their trip to Alabama earlier this summer. They shared their thoughts about the trip and the impact it made-not only on their studies, but on their own community activism-with community members whose support enabled them to take such a transformative journey.

Many of the students who participated are ending their year in the inaugural Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship and Fellowship Program. The program is inspired by the late City Colleges professor Timuel Black's remarkable career, his lifelong commitment to equity and justice in Chicago, and his belief in the power of community history and activism. Students selected for the program spent the year strengthening their leadership skills and civic knowledge, improving their activism skills, building social and professional networks, and working to improve their community.

Guests at the luncheon heard directly from students. Student participant Joseph Rice said, "the Alabama trip evoked a lot of emotions…It played an important role in my future - for school and life. I plan on moving the work forward by actually asserting myself in my community and being the change we all aspire to see."

Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholars have been selected for the upcoming academic year. You can learn more and directly support these and future scholars here: Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship & Fellowship Program - CCC.

You can see photos from the reflection event below: