My name is Mike Morales. I am Ecuadorian and love fun books, especially graphic novels. My favorite is the Dogman series because I read it when I was younger. For example, from first to fourth grade, Dogman was my hero because of the silly yet fun adventures he has and universal lessons that were implanted in my head.

I also admire my mom because of all she sacrifices to help me. My favorite civil rights figure is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who famously said, “The time is always right to do what’s right.” This powerful quote exemplifies why King was a strong leader.

BK2BAMA is a way for young leaders to uncover history and make a difference today. We go on fun field trips, like to the African Burial Ground, and dive deeper into Black history with lectures and debates. I joined BK2BAMA to seek historical knowledge, learn about inspiring figures from the past, and see what has changed (and hasn’t) and why. I want to go to Alabama and Georgia with BK2BAMA because I’m curious about what these states are like today as compared to the past.

I’m most excited to meet historical figures like Dr. Viola Bradford, a voting rights activist, journalist, and teacher, and to learn about the organizations she has worked with, including the original Black Panther Party. I also can’t wait to meet Lynda Blackmon Lowery, who was the youngest activist to complete the entire Selma to Montgomery March.