ACC immersive learning experience: #ACCUnite

I am very grateful to have been blessed with a transformational opportunity in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. The weekend was dedicated to bringing multiple student athletes together from different conferences and engaging them in an immersive educational experience in which we visit key sites of the civil rights movement. Instead of having expectations for the weekend, I went in with an open mind and a big smile. I learned so much from the historical museums and memorials we visited, from the various speakers and organization leaders, and certainly from my fellow student athletes of the ACC, PAC-12, and BIG TEN conferences. I felt truly immersed in the history of civil rights, especially when marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. I came back absolutely enlightened after a weekend of many emotions. I am ready and excited to share what I have learned. I look forward to assisting my university and community to grow, as I simultaneously continue to grow as an individual.

Some of the places we visited include the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Alabama Archive Museum, the Alabama State Interpretive Center, and the Civil Rights Memorial Center. We also were able to visit the Equal Justice Initiative Museum, which is by far the best museum I have ever been to. We visited all these historically educational places in one day, which gave me quite an overwhelming feeling. I learned so much in such a short amount of time and developed so many different emotions throughout the entirety of the day. This was definitely the most surprising part of the experience. I was not ready for all those feelings and did not know how to react. Some facts made me want to cry, and others made me feel proud of those who came before me. I had to remember that the individuals who made sacrifices would not want me to be sad and upset. I am forever grateful for if it were not for them, I would not be where I am today; especially being a young black woman playing a predominantly white sport.

The group went to the First Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama, and I witnessed the ACC commissioner, Jim Philips, be given a key to the city of Selma. The individuals of the church were so proud of every single student-athlete in the building for being so eager to learn more about the history of their town. While at the church, we were blessed with hearing a speech from a very strong individual. Although the whole weekend was very impactful, there is one speaker in particular that impacted me the most, and her name is Lynda Blackmon Lowry. She was the youngest person to complete the march from Selma to Montgomery at the age of 15. While telling her story, she began to cry as she explained what had happened to her during Bloody Sunday. There was so much emotion in her voice, and I felt as if I could feel her pain. No one can understand what Lowery went through except for the marchers that were present on that Sunday in 1965. This beautiful woman's story brought so many emotions out of me, and I feel so grateful to have been able to listen to her story firsthand. Yes, reading articles and watching videos provoked various sentiments throughout the experience, but listening to an individual who lived through such a critical part of civil rights history was just indescribable. She taught me how much a single individual can inspire others.

Along with being inspired by Lynda Blackmon Lowry, every single student-athlete and administrator in attendance inspired me. They were all so passionate about the civil rights movement and wanting to better our community. We agreed that we have come so far as a country in terms of this movement; however, we have so much more to do. I was surrounded by leaders, and they motivated me to want to create positive change. I am extremely honored to have met such ambitious individuals. We learned that most of those who marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge were our age, young adults. We have a platform in society that can promote positive change in our communities, and these amazing student-athletes allowed me to realize that being such a leader is who I want to be.

I personally believe this was an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget and forever cherish. My mindset has changed. I understand more about what it takes to be a leader and how I can better my community. I have a greater appreciation for those who came before me and sacrificed for what they believed in to give me, and my brothers and sisters, a better life. After this enlightening weekend, I know that I want to educate others, and I want to bring more positive change, just like all the individuals who have participated, and continue to participate, in this movement for civil rights.

I would like to thank ACC commissioner Jim Philips and Associate AD for Diversity, Culture, and Climate Salatha Willis for the opportunity of a lifetime. This experience was truly unforgettable, and it has positively changed my life.

#ACCUnite

Rayla Clemons

Syracuse University Athletics

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