Makayla Sanford
Morgan State University
Baltimore, Maryland
Makayla Sanford, a senior political science major at Morgan State University, stood tall, a first-time attendee and a volunteer, driven by a fervent passion for education equity that refused to be silenced.
“When I see the attacks on our education system, when I witness the erasure of our history and the obstacles that Black students face, I can’t stand idly by,” Sanford shared. “I chose to be here because I believe education is the key to empowerment, and we cannot afford to let it be stripped away.”
As a student at Morgan State, a historically Black institution, Sanfordunderstood firsthand the power of education to uplift communities. Her own journey had been one of resilience and determination, a testament to the opportunities that education could provide. Yet, she recognized the uphill battle that many of her peers faced.
“I’ve seen the impact that the lack of representation in our curriculum can have on students,” Sanford said, her voice unwavering.
“When Black history is dismissed or distorted, it sends a message that our stories don’t matter. I’m marching for a future where our history is acknowledged, celebrated and integrated into every facet of education.”
– Alyssa Mark
