My name is Jahmire Casseus, and I recently joined a program called BK2BAMA. I was born and raised in America, Bed-Stuy specifically. I live with my brother. His name is Jacquan. I also live with my mom, Khadijah Casseus. I like to play video games and hang out with my cat, Timberland, and brother. I like telling jokes and hope to make my YouTube channel soon. 

One thing I have learned in my life is that my family, especially my great-grandmother, played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, which I find very cool. Since learning about this, I’ve always wanted to see Alabama. My aunt is also an activist. She also has friends from Alabama, who I hope to meet. I want to ask them about growing up in Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement and how life has changed since then. 

My favorite civil rights quote is “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them” by Ida B. Wells, who was a muckraker that exposed the horrors of lynching and racism in general. This fall, I joined a program called BK2BAMA to learn more about Black history. On the weekend, we go on these cool trips around New York City. For example, we visited the MET and Apollo Theater. But in April, we’re going to travel to Alabama and Georgia. I’m most excited to visit Selma, where activists marched for voting rights. I especially can’t wait to meet Sam Walker, who was a kid in Selma during these marches. I’m also hoping to see some family while in Alabama and tell them I love them because my uncle died recently. He was a good man, and hopefully, I can carry on his legacy.