UA Graduate Named Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellow

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Sean Coffman Atchison, a May 2024 graduate of The University of Alabama, has been named a Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellow.

Atchison, a native of Chatom, was one of 29 awardees from around the nation selected to receive the fellowship that is a new part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. This new fellowship provides access to activities such as a dedicated lecture series, leadership training and other professional development activities, as well as a capstone seminar after the completion of each awardee's Fulbright Program. These activities are in addition to, and complement, the fellows' Fulbright projects.

Through the Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship, Atchison will continue his research project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that focuses on civil rights movements abroad by seeking to understand the modern landscape for aspiring political and social leaders in Brazil.

"Growing up in Alabama, we learn early on the legacy of John Lewis and the other civil rights icons who have bled for us to have a more perfect country," Atchison said. "John Lewis is an American hero and to be a part of this fellowship recognizing his legacy is a deep honor.

"This fellowship will help facilitate this research through greater networking opportunities, resources and a deeper understanding of the history and tenets of nonviolent civil rights movements."

Established through bipartisan legislation in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs created the Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship in 2024 to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives John Lewis. The fellowship is designed to inspire future generations to carry on his vision of nonviolent civil rights work and provides expanded learning opportunities to Fulbright U.S. Students to promote studies, research and international exchange on nonviolent movements that establish and protect civil rights around the world.

Atchison is a summa cum laude graduate in Latin American studies through UA's New College. He received a Fulbright Student Research Award earlier this year. Atchison plans to attend Georgetown University to pursue a master's degree in Latin American studies following his fellowship.