Track and Field

My Journey from Selma to Montgomery

N Our Voice

With the culmination of multiple black murders, protests sparked across the country and changed America forever. 

As a black student-athlete, I felt very connected to these protests and couldn't just stand by and do nothing. This was my generation having to come to grips with the world's injustices and how we would address them. 

The MSAC (Minority Student-Athlete Committee) was born through that reflection and conversation. 

As student-athletes at Nebraska, we understood that we had a platform and wanted to use it to speak up and voice our opinions on the issues that affect all of us. 

We wanted to push for equality, equity, and justice for all people here at the University. That meant having tough conversations, being inclusive, and looking into opportunities to educate ourselves on the issues that impact us. 

It was the start of my own journey to fight for what I believe in.

Big Life Series

 

When I heard about the 'Big Life Series: Selma to Montgomery' trip, hosted by the Big Ten Equality Coalition, I knew I had to go. It was advertised as a powerful and immersive learning experience at a key center of the civil rights movement.

Hundreds of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators across the Big Ten, Pac12, and ACC participated. As one of three Husker athletes, I knew my going would not only help educate myself, but I could bring that education back to the University of Nebraska.

I was really excited to go, but in retrospect, I had no idea what was really in store for me. 

In the footsteps of slaves and prisoners

 

We attended a lot of different museums and exhibits during the trip, but the one that really resonated with me was the Equal Justice Initiative Museum. 

The museum used holograms to really take you on the journey of what it was like to be a slave back in the day. You started on a boat heading towards America, saw slaves locked in cages, and even talked face to face with some of the slaves. 

Mothers were pleading for help finding their kids, children crying out for help asking for their mothers; it was really eye-opening and powerful.

The next phase of the exhibit demonstrated the transition from enslavement in America to imprisonment in America and how it disproportionately affects African-Americans more so than any other group of people. 

In that room, you're in a jail cell talking to inmates through plexiglass. You literally pick up the phone on your end and speak with them. Hearing their stories and experiences and feeling a similar desperation and fear you heard from slaves hundreds of years ago. 

This immersion was something I wasn't expecting, and it stays with you long after you leave the museum. 

Experiencing that kind of pain and cruelty, even via holographic images and other learning tools, is uncomfortable but important. 

Sometimes, we have to deal with uncomfortable truths to feel the pain and sorrow that exists for others; it allows us to be empathetic and grow. 

The trip really inspired me to do more.

Putting the human back in humanity

 

I took a lot of powerful things away from the trip.

One of my favorite quotes from the experience came from a lady that was part of Bloody Sunday. She said that it was her generation's job to "put the unity back in community", and that it is our generation's job to "put the human back in humanity."

I love this.

We must be kind to one another and work together to combat racism and inequality in all forms. This affects everyone regardless of skin tone, race, nationality, or sexual orientation. We are all people trying to live a good life, and we all have a right to do so peacefully. But to do that, we have a lot of work ahead of us. 

The 'Big Life Series: Selma to Montgomery' trip left me motivated and inspired. I'll do whatever I can to hopefully have an impact in any community I am a part of.

Currently, I'm also working on becoming a physician. I'll be taking the MCAT next summer and start applying to medical school. 

As an African-American, I understand how impactful just having this career can be. 

To this date, I've never had an African-American doctor, so simply by following this path, I hope to inspire other individuals to pursue their professional dreams, too — regardless of what they look like.

Making Nebraska a better place

 

I'm so proud of what we have done in collaboration with the Huskers. The school is taking the initiative to make this the most inclusive environment possible for a well-rounded education. 

I'm proud to be a Husker and so grateful for the opportunity to attend this powerful event. 

Thank you, Nebraska!