Dallas County’s Arianna Quiala, Maximus Jones, Sara Matthews and Wyn’Zeldric Rudolph were among 45 participants during the fourth Black Belt Legacy Summer Camp, hosted by the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) and 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 and included participants from Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter and Wilcox Counties.

This camp was a unique 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 Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement Dr. Stacey Nickson for University Outreach.

Participants experienced exciting 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; and elocution training with  award winning author and renowned public speaker A. Faye Boykin-Calhoun.