The 2018 Cohort included students Mohamadou Mbaye, Sara Jackson, and Yaritza Jimenez. These students discussed their motivations for becoming involved in the program in the context of current events, particularly the implications of the Trump administration’s putting an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Students expressed concern for their family and friends who might be affected by the change, and emphasized their wishes to learn about methods of resistance toward oppressive policies directed at non-white Americans. Another student discussed her desire to gain a better understanding of African-American history and contemporary freedom struggles, stating her belief that “being informed and aware are two things that can be a weapon and a shield in this unfair world.” All students emphasized wanting to take an in-depth look at the Civil Rights Movement, in a deeper and more meaningful way than they had previously been able to in their high school classrooms.
To read more about the students’ experiences, visit their blog.
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