Bending the Arc:

A Civil Rights Journey

Oct. 2024 – April 2025

The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., March 31, 1968

Uncover the Past, Ignite the Future

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Bending the Arc (BTA) is an exciting and immersive program just for high school students in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. In its inaugural year, the 2024-25 BTA program takes you deep into the history of the civil rights movement, with an inspiring journey to Alabama. Each year, BTA will offer a new theme and travel experience, exploring important historical and contemporary issues like social justice, cultural exploration, and more. Don’t miss out on this unique mix of learning and adventure that you won’t find anywhere else.


The Takeaways

Embark on an all-expenses-paid Spring Break adventure to Alabama. Visit iconic landmarks in Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, and stand in the very places where civil rights history was made. This isn’t just a trip—it’s an experience that will change how you see the world.

Earn the esteemed BDI Scholar Award and receive $500 when you successfully complete the program. This recognition sets you apart and acknowledges your commitment to making a difference as a future leader and changemaker.

Elevate your resume with a prestigious honor. Dive deep into thought-provoking topics for college essays and expand your network with connections that could open doors in the future.

Fulfill 30 hours of service required for Bright Futures and other scholarships, all while engaging in meaningful activities that leave a lasting impact on you and your community.

Unlock your potential with immersive learning experiences that foster personal growth. Develop leadership skills and emerge empowered to lead and inspire positive change in your world.

Forge strong, lasting friendships with like-minded peers who share your passion for making a difference. These are the connections that will last a lifetime.

Eligibility

Space in our 2024-25 Bending the Arc cohort is limited. Students will be selected through a competitive application process.

To be considered for this program, you must:

  • Reside in Sarasota County or Manatee County.

  • Be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior.

  • Submit your completed application, along with a teacher recommendation letter, by the Sept. 22 deadline.

Key Dates

Bending the Arc is completely free for participating students, thanks to generous funding by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

We are looking for students willing to commit their time and energy over six months. If selected for BTA, you will be required to attend and actively participate in meetings and events, complete assignments, and – the highlight! – spend a week exploring civil rights landmarks in Alabama during spring break.

Below are key dates:

      • Application deadline: Sept. 22, 2024
      • Notification of acceptance: Sept. 29, 2024
      • Program begins: Oct. 6, 2024
      • Meetings & activities*: Oct. 6, 2024-March 8, 2025
      • Alabama trip: March 14-20, 2025
      • Meetings & activities*: April 5-30, 2025
      • Program ends: April 30, 2025

* Download the full schedule of required meetings and activities here:

Program Highlights

Ready to dive into history and make a difference? Participating in BTA requires dedication and commitment. Be prepared to immerse yourself in learning activities and events. Here’s an overview of what’s required:

BTA Cohort Activities
What you’ll do: Meet 3-4 times a month for group discussions, readings, and hands-on activities.

Highlights:

  • Explore Sarasota’s civil rights history on a trolley tour.
  • Check out local museums dedicated to African American history.
  • Meet and learn from civil rights scholars and experts.
  • Get tips on historical research, writing college essays, and more.
  • Journal, sketch, and create videos to document your journey.

Public Discussion Series
What you’ll do: Attend at least 4 community events.

Highlights:

  • Join public talks by civil rights experts, authors, and activists.
  • Connect the dots on what you’re reading and discussing.
  • Prepare for your trip to Alabama, where the history you’re learning about will come alive.

Explore Civil Rights History in Alabama

Get Ready for a Life-Changing Spring Break

BTA students will take a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip during Spring Break to explore the heart of the civil rights movement in Alabama. You’ll travel in style on a charter bus and visit three historic cities: Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham. Led by a local civil rights historian and educator, you’ll stand in the places where history was made and even hear stories from those who lived through this pivotal era.

Here are just a few of the sites you will experience:

Montgomery

Kick off your journey in Montgomery, where powerful history comes alive.

  • Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church: Stand where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., preached and led the civil rights movement.
  • Rosa Parks Library and Museum: Dive into the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks’ courageous stand.
  • Equal Justice Initiative: The Legacy Sites: Experience powerful exhibits at three sites that reflect on America’s tumultuous history of racial injustice.
  • Southern Poverty Law Center: Discover the ongoing fight for civil rights and explore SPLC’s impactful work.

Selma

Next, travel to Selma, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of giants.

  • Edmund Pettus Bridge: Cross the iconic bridge where the Bloody Sunday march took place 60 years ago – in March 1965 – marking a turning point in the fight for voting rights.
  • National Voting Rights Museum: Learn about the struggle and triumphs of the voting rights movement.
  • Tabernacle Baptist Church: Visit the birthplace of the first mass meeting of the voting rights movement and hear inspiring stories.

Birmingham

Finally, immerse yourself in Birmingham’s past, from stories of tragedy to triumph.

  • 16th Street Baptist Church: Visit the site of a tragic bombing that shocked the nation and fueled the movement for justice.
  • Kelly Ingram Park: Reflect on the powerful sculptures that depict the struggles and victories of the civil rights era.
  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Gain a comprehensive understanding of key events and milestones of the movement.

What’s Included

Transportation

Roundtrip charter bus from Sarasota to Alabama. Transportation to sites in Montgomery, Selma & Birmingham.

Lodging

Hotel accommodations for 6 nights in Montgomery & Birmingham.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks for 7 days.

Cultural Attractions

Entry fees to museums and historical sites in Montgomery, Selma & Birmingham.

Guided Experience

A dedicated local tour guide, personalized visits with local civil rights experts, and other unique experiences.

Care & Safety Measures

24/7 supervision and support by an experienced team of certified teachers and chaperones.

Staff

Edna Sherrell, M.Ed., is excited to serve as Director of Learning & Lead Facilitator for Bending the Arc. An educator in Sarasota County Schools for more than 20 years, she believes students increase their ability to be responsible citizens when they use the past to inform the present and recognize the difference they can make in the world.

Ms. Sherrell earned Sarasota NAACP’s 2024 Educator Award for her efforts in educating youth in the community and the classroom and was selected as a 2022 TIME Fellow by Barancik Foundation. She currently teaches Social Studies at Booker High School, where she also serves as an advisor to the Student Government Association and the Booker Key Club.

“Students selected for Bending the Arc will have a premier experiential learning experience,” she says. “Their interactions with each other, analysis of excellent resources and engagement with outstanding speakers will combine for a high-impact educational event.” A mother of three adults, Ms. Sherrell enjoys music, family fun, watching sports and Marvel movies.

Julie Matus serves as Executive Director of the Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI). In addition to overseeing all aspects of BDI’s programs and operations, she works alongside Ms. Sherrell to shape and oversee Bending the Arc. She is thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with our inaugural cohort of BDI Scholars.

With more than 25 years of experience as an educator and administrator in the nonprofit sector, Ms. Matus has a record of leading initiatives in museums and cultural organizations, creating impactful learning experiences for people of all ages. A proud mom of two sons – a senior in high school and a junior in college – she balances her love for exploring museums, quirky coffee shops, and independent bookstores with a passion for cheering on the Tampa Bay Rays.
 
“I’m incredibly excited to see how Bending the Arc will inspire and empower our students. This journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to witness the growth and transformation in our inaugural cohort as they uncover the past and ignite their futures.”

Join Us!

The application period for the 2024-25 Bending the Arc program is now closed. Please check back for information about the 2025-26 program

If you have questions or need assistance, email [email protected]

Manasota ASALH Freedom School is delighted to be the curriculum partner for Bending the Arc. Freedom School opened in February 2023 as a free weekend program focused on the teaching of African American history to K-12 students in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Certified teachers explore contributions and events that pertain to African American culture and history through interactive, compelling, age-appropriate lessons. Sports, arts and crafts and the arts are integrated into lessons for maximum fun and impact. Manasota ASALH Freedom School is open to all students of all ages. For more information, visit https://asalh-manasotafl.org

 

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Bending the Arc is made possible by funding from these generous sponsors:

David R. Kotok