Charita Bush鈥檚 voice lights up when she talks about her experience on this year鈥檚 Civil Rights Tour, describing it as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” For Charita, the trip was more than just an educational experience鈥攊t was a personal journey that connected with her deeply, both professionally and personally.
When Charita 鈥� who goes by the nickname Charlie 鈥� first heard about the tour from her professor, she knew it was something she wanted to be part of. The idea of exploring the roots of the Civil Rights Movement resonated with her, especially as an African American woman. 鈥淚 wanted to go but didn鈥檛 know if I could afford it,鈥� she says. But she was able to get the funds together, knowing that this was a chance to expand her understanding of history 鈥� and of herself.
An annual tradition at Carlow 鈥� despite being preempted by Covid for the previous few years 鈥� the tour visits key historical sites and landmarks that have shaped the nation’s ongoing journey toward equality. 鈥淵ou never knew what to expect.鈥� Charlie recalls. 鈥淓verywhere we went, there was something that made you feel connected to the past. It was difficult content, but I was excited to hear firsthand accounts from people who were there.鈥�
One of the most moving moments for Charlie was walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, a site made infamous by the events of Bloody Sunday in 1965. The group were led by a woman, just a child at the time of the march, who had been there. 鈥淪he gave us a tour, took us through that day鈥� It was a powerful moment. She had us pick up a pebble from a playground, a place where civil rights leaders like John Lewis met to plan the march.鈥� The symbolism wasn鈥檛 lost on Charlie 鈥� holding the small stone, she felt a connection to the history that still reverberates today.
Selma, however, left her with mixed emotions. The town, once a battleground for civil rights, now seemed forgotten in many ways. 鈥淚 feel like even in today鈥檚 climate, they鈥檙e still being punished for their participation in that march,鈥� Charlie reflects. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no economy, but people are proud of it. It鈥檚 their home.鈥� Despite the hardships the town faces, the sense of resilience was palpable.
This deep sense of history has played a pivotal role in Charlie鈥檚 academic and professional development. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at 麻豆精品, where she鈥檚 been empowered to follow her passion for working with children. 鈥淐arlow has always been close to my heart,鈥� she shares. 鈥淚 attended a Catholic school near the university as a child, and when this opportunity came up to study here, I knew it was right.鈥�
Carlow鈥檚 emphasis on leadership and service has been a perfect match for Charlie鈥檚 goals. She has run a childcare facility from her home for years and is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. “As a teenager, I would go on campus to watch basketball games at a Carlow gym, loaned to my school because of space,” she said. “Carlow has always demonstrated a commitment to the community.”
Carlow has supported her as she balances her business with classwork. The university鈥檚 commitment to providing a nurturing and accessible learning environment has allowed Charlie to thrive, especially with the flexibility of online courses. 鈥淭he professors are responsive, and the support I receive is incredible,鈥� she says. 鈥淓ven though I鈥檓 taking classes online, I still feel like I鈥檓 part of a community.鈥�
Charlie鈥檚 experience on the Civil Rights Tour also reinforced her belief in the importance of education 鈥� not just for children, but for society as a whole. 鈥淚 met so many people on that tour who are still working to preserve history, still fighting for progress. It gives me hope,鈥� she says. One such encounter was with a Freedom Rider, who, despite being in his 80s, continues to share his story and educate future generations. 鈥淚t was inspiring to see someone who chose to fight for equality.鈥�
Her time at Carlow has only strengthened her resolve to make a difference. 鈥淐arlow鈥檚 mission is something I see reflected in my own life,鈥� Charita explains. 鈥淭hey focus on creating leaders, and that鈥檚 exactly what I want to be.鈥�
As Charita continues her studies and her work with children, she holds close the lessons learned from the Civil Rights Tour 鈥� the power of history, the importance of community, and the belief that change is always possible. As she says, 鈥淚 had to seize this opportunity. And I know I鈥檓 better for it.鈥�