Marengo County’s Briana Johnson, J’Cedric Haywood and Robin Harris Jr. was among the 45 participants during the fourth Black Belt Legacy Summer Camp, hosted by the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) and The Auburn University’s Office of University Outreach Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement (CEOE). 

Public and private high school students spent six days on Auburn University’s campus after having submitted an essay on “What is Your Legacy?”  The Black Belt Legacy Camp took place June 11 – 26, 2017 and included participants from Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter and Wilcox Counties. 

This camp was a unique and exceptional way for students to engage in activities on the campus of Auburn University. Throughout the camp, students discussed the issues and assets in their communities, and they generated ideas for positive change.  Students participated in a variety of activities that focused on Leadership, Team Building, Community Engagement, Career Exploration and financial accountability.

Additionally, students were welcomed to Auburn University by the director of the Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement Dr. Stacey Nickson.  Participants experienced presentations on the history and significance of the Black Belt and the Black Belt Community Foundation from Program Officer Christopher Spencer, Black Belt Community Foundation; toured the KIA Motors Manufacturing in West Point, Georgia, etiquette training with Nancy Bernard; Be Your Best with Denise Cole; elocution training with  award winning author and renowned public speaker A. Faye Boykin-Calhoun; a session on Auburn’s admissions process; a reality check training with Cynthia White; successfully participated in the Ropes Course; and, shared ideas and concerns with BBCF staff about current community development and enrichment initiatives. The 2017 Summer Camp enables students to create a network of young leaders committed to giving back to the Black Belt.

At week’s end, parents and community members participated in a Moving the Legacy Forward celebratory reception honoring the student’s and their work. During the reception, students made individual or group presentations about their camp experience.   

“The success of the Belt Legacy Camp has BBCF’s staff and partners excited about what the future holds,” stated Felecia Lucky, BBCF President.  “What an amazing opportunity for the students and the entire Black Belt region.”

To learn more about the Black Belt Legacy Camp or the Black Belt Community Foundation, contact Erica Crenshaw at 334-874-1126 or ecrenshaw@blackbeltfound.org.

(This article originally appeared in the Saturday, July 1, print edition of the Demopolis Times.)