Be a history maker

Last month I was privileged to meet Mary Wilson, former member of the Supremes, at a US Embassy event celebrating American Black History Month. Wilson, now 70, spoke about when she was young and how the world was still one where black communities were separated from white communities.

Wilson, like everyone else in her generation, experienced segregation in the United States and unlike figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, she has lived to see both the emergence of the civil rights movement and the changes that the passion and determination that this movement ushered in.

Today’s society is much more inclusive than it was fifty years ago because of the work of these individuals and many more; however, complete inclusion of Black Minority Ethnic (BME) populations and equality of opportunities for all are still ideals we must continue to fight for.

Inspired by the achievements of the civil rights movement and in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of Dr King’s iconic ‘I have a dream speech’, the US Embassy is offering an expenses paid programme to ten UK students providing the opportunity to spend fourteen days in various cities of the US, where they will see the social and political context in which the civil rights movement was born, while reflecting on its ongoing accomplishments.

There are a series of three programme which will take place between July and August 2014 and will allow students aged 13-20 to spend time in Washington, DC; Birmingham, Alabama and New York City, plus take part in a home stay of three days during segments of the trip.

They will visit key historical sites, meet with influential groups, participate in electoral events, and visit university campuses and high schools to network with politically active students as well. They will learn about the American political system, the workings of civil society, and how they both interact to create a cohesive national community. Moreover, they will also learn about the role that minority and youth participation plays in the political process and the importance that this participation has creating an inclusive society.

Beyond this, the programme will allow those admitted to be immersed into American society through interactions with Americans of all ages and from all backgrounds. The participants will finish the programme with a deeper understanding of the importance of the civil rights movement and its legacies for other minority rights campaigns. More importantly, they will graduate from the programme having the tools and the knowledge to stand up for what they believe is right and become activists within their communities.

The programme is open to any UK student aged 13-20. If you are interested, please fill out the application and return it by 1st May 2014. The applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s writing ability, their prior experience, creativity, and teacher’s recommendation. Successful candidates will be notified of the selection by 31 May 2014.

Good luck!

Angelica Encinales