Sewanee University students visit Selma

Published 4:07 am Monday, March 18, 2024

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Eleven students from Sewanee: The University of the South spent their spring break in Selma this week.

Sewanee students Cherry Nagy, Eleora Ephrem, Trinity Reddic, Yazmine Ali, Tom Walker Daphne Nwohike, Erick Algeria, Giloy Dada and Kimberly Mackrella spent the week in Selma along with Rev. Kris Paul and advisor Travis Parker The group volunteered in the city and attended several events. The University of South is located in Sewanee, Tennessee.

The students said they enjoyed visiting Selma, known throughout the world for “Bloody Sunday” and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Some students were seen across the area wearing Selma t-shirts.

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“To me, the trip meant we got to see a historic town rather than read about it in the history books,” Ephrem said. 

Ali said the four-hour trip from Sewanee was worthwhile.

“It felt great to learn about the history of Selma and its struggles for racial injustice,” Ali said. “

Paul said the University of the South prides itself on doing charity work throughout the country.

“The University puts together programs where students can serve community outreach,” Paul said. 

Travis Parker, an advisor to the University of South students, said visiting Selma was also a learning experience for him. 

“I’m from Alabama and I read about Selma, but never visited,” Walker said. “Selma is a  beautiful city and meaningful.”