By Necole Johnson | April 4, 2024
Selma, Alabama – In a powerful and educational expedition, the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) of the Iota Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® located in Clarksdale, MS, recently embarked on a soul-stirring journey to Selma, Alabama, to partake in the 59th Bridge Crossing Jubilee on the weekend of March 2-3, 2024. This transformative experience was marked by warm welcomes, insightful conversations, and encounters with distinguished leaders that left an indelible mark on young minds.
The journey began with a heartwarming meet-and-greet at the Pearl Center of the Omicron Omega Chapter in Birmingham, Alabama. YLI members and chapter affiliates engaged in conversations about leadership and personal growth. The Omicron Omega chapter extended a gracious welcome, providing the group with goodie bags and a delightful continental breakfast, setting the tone for an enlightening adventure. The gathering provided a platform for young leaders to introduce themselves and discuss leadership and was complemented by thoughtful gestures.
After the memorable start in Birmingham, the group proceeded to Montgomery, Alabama, where they visited the Legacy Museum, exploring the profound history of slavery and the civil rights movement. The Beta Nu Omega and Omega Chi Omega chapters welcomed the group with informational packets and thoughtful goodie bags, enhancing the educational aspect of the trip.
The day culminated with the black coat ceremony, where Congresswoman Terri Sewell graced the event as the guest speaker. She offered a formative conversation about leadership, resilience, and the importance of civic engagement. Her presence added a layer of significance to the evening, leaving a lasting impact on the aspiring minds of the YLI participants.
Sunday morning brought a solemn pause at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, allowing the youth to pay homage, show respect, and pray before departing for Selma.
In Selma, the youth immersed themselves in the festivities surrounding the anticipated march at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as they enjoyed the historic event. Notably, some had the privilege of meeting prominent figures, including Attorney Ben Crump, John Lewis’s younger brother, and the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris.
The Youth Leadership Institute’s journey to Selma was a physical exploration and a profound educational experience. The generosity of the Omicron Omega, Beta Nu Omega, and Omega Chi Omega chapters, coupled with the enlightening conversations and encounters, has undoubtedly left an enduring impact on the young leaders, inspiring them to carry the torch of leadership and social responsibility into the future.
The Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) is a youth-led and highly interactive leadership development program designed to empower and engage youth ages 10-13. It is a signature program initiative for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, where youth participate in monthly youth-led activities that focus on the leadership quality of self-awareness through a growth mindset.
The Youth Leadership Institute of the Iota Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® is led by Necole D. Johnson, chairman and co-chairs Amanda Dear-Jones and Lula J. Walton.
Pictured from Left to Right
1st Row – Robert Long, III (Harding Academy, Memphis, TN), Kash Maiden (Kirkpatrick Elementary School), A’Kevia Jones (Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School), Mikai K. Bailey (St. Elizabeth Catholic School), Triston Thomas (Lewisburg Intermediate, Olive Branch, MS), Shawn Robinson (Oakhurst Intermediate School), Kaden Williams (Oakhurst Intermediate School)
2nd Row – Ivan Cousin-Hall (Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School), Ari’Elle Winters (Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School), Khristian Cousin-Hall (Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School), Cailyn Greer (W. A. Higgins Middle School), Matthew Ryan McGregory (Clarksdale Collegiate Charter School), Mhyia Hilson (West Tallahatchie High School, Webb, MS), Addyson Kelly (Horn Lake Intermediate, Horn Lake, MS) Emanual Monroe (W. A. Higgins Middle School), Xavian Lee-Van (Hamilton Oakhurst Intermediate School). Ashanti Winters (Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School)
3rd Row – Amiyah Burks (Coahoma County Junior High School), Amanda Dear-Jones, Co-Chair (YLI), Necole D. Johnson, Chair (YLI), and Lula J. Walton, Co-Chair (YLI).
