My name is Tahiya. I am currently an eighth grader at UBEM and will graduate next year. All of my family members are Jamaican. My favorite book is Twisted Games because it shows how hardships may stand in the way of your big desires, but you have to face these obstacles to achieve your dreams.

My grandparents and parents are my heroes because they have taught me lots of valuable lessons that made me who I am today. They reassure me just because you don’t succeed at first, you are not dumb and should just persevere. My parents are also my role models I am grateful for them because they taught me I don’t have to fit in to be liked. When I grow up, I want to be a neurosurgeon because I like helping people in need, especially those who don’t have the resources to survive. Also, my dad is a police officer. If he ever gets injured, then I will be the one to save him.

My favorite civil rights activist is Rosa Parks, who started the Montgomery Bus Boycott, because she taught us to fight injustice and oppression and that when we unite, our voices are strong enough to be heard.

BK2BAMA strives to develop confident, knowledgeable young leaders by exposing them to the rich modern history of the Civil Rights Movement during a trip to the South. BK2BAMA also helps us make a more equal, tolerant America and world. I joined BK2BAMA because I want to learn more about American history, especially because most of history is covered up. I want to go to Alabama and Georgia to visit historical places like Tuskegee University, founded by Booker T. Washington. I am also excited to meet with Dr. Viola Bradford, a voting rights activist, teacher, and journalist, and get his thoughts on Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois’ disagreement on how to challenge racism.