Erica Lafayette, Student-Athlete, Rutgers Women's Basketball Junior
Walks us through the trip. Erica feels that this was one of the best experiences she has ever had. Knew what the trip was about but didn't know what to expect. The journey took the student-athletes back to what folks went through in Alabama. The experience has led Erica to not complain about trivial matters some folks may complain about today. She feels blessed about all she has. Social Justice lawyer Bryan Stevenson addressed the group and his comments really resonated. When voting comes around people need to vote because voting matters. Additionally, people should give back to the community.

Sadio Fenner, Student-Athlete, Nebraska Track & Field

This was a very heavy trip that he will never ever forget. One of the things that stood out was a speaker who said, her generation had to put the unity in community, and she would like to see this generation put human, in humanity. It was an emotional trip and you had to feel something, especially as a black male. Everything was put out for us to see. History books really watered down what happened. It was hard to see that one group of people treated another group of people so poorly, and enjoyed it. The conversation is about how to fix these injustices and inequalities and not relapse. It was an eye-opening experience to share this space with so many others from the other conferences. Hearing other folks' stories, made Sadio empathize with them. We have a network with others from around the country where we can communicate and make a change.

Teresa Gould, PAC 12 Deputy Commissioner Sports Management & Institutional Services

The trip was a once in a lifetime experience. To share the experience with and see the reactions of the student-athletes was intense, emotional, and inspirational al at the same time. What inspired her the most was seeing the student-athletes take in, reconcile and understand the history, but then pivot to a place of inspiration, motivation, and responsibility. A combination of all the different activities on the trip has positioned the student-athletes to be a beacon for change. It was difficult to put words to a lot of what was seen. It was that intense. It was also life-changing. It was great seeing the shared commitment with the student-athletes from all the schools. The PAC-12 Impact initiative is the social outreach initiative of the PAC 12 Conference. It's committed to using the power of sport to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion. The Impact Initiative has been around the PAC 12 for over a decade. It has grown considerably over the last few years and the conference is very proud of it. What's next? In the short term, it's to capture the richness and impact of the experience and share it with those who didn't go on the trip. In the long term, this can be a more regular excursion for staff and student-athletes.