Huskies Reflect On Educational Journey To Historic Civil Rights Sites
September 04, 2025 | Football, Men's Basketball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — This summer, the University of Washington Athletics Department had the powerful opportunity to travel to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, alongside fellow institutions from the Big Ten Conference. The trip was a part of the Big Life Series: Selma to Montgomery — an immersive educational experience exploring the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.
Four UW student-athletes – Leroy Bryant, Zoria Heard, Deiah Moody and Armon Parker – and two administrators had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history. From standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where peaceful marchers were once met with violence during "Bloody Sunday," to sitting in the First Baptist Church, where influential Civil Rights leaders gathered for strategic meetings, to visiting the Legacy Museum, the experience was deeply emotional and transformative.
Gymnastics student-athlete, Deiah Moody, shared, "I was in disbelief that so much of what we saw and learned happened less than 100 years ago. We often think of the Civil Rights Movement as distant history, but it's really not that far removed from where we are today."
Leroy Bryant, football student-athlete, said, "I felt upset learning more about the injustices, but also proud. Proud of the resilience of my culture and everything we've overcome to be where we are today."
Alongside historical education, the trip created meaningful space for connection. The group had the chance to engage with one another in new ways, having deep conversations and building relationships beyond the playing field.
Men's Basketball Director of Player Development, Abdul Gaddy, shared, "We came to learn about our history, but the relationships we built between each other may have been the most rewarding aspect of the trip."
Participants return to campus not only with a deeper understanding of history, but also deeper connections across the UW community. These experiences are shaping how we approach inclusion within our teams, and how we show up for one another.
The Big Life Series reminds us that this work isn't just about looking back, but about how we move forward. We're committed to continuing these conversations, taking action, and creating environments where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Four UW student-athletes – Leroy Bryant, Zoria Heard, Deiah Moody and Armon Parker – and two administrators had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history. From standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where peaceful marchers were once met with violence during "Bloody Sunday," to sitting in the First Baptist Church, where influential Civil Rights leaders gathered for strategic meetings, to visiting the Legacy Museum, the experience was deeply emotional and transformative.
Gymnastics student-athlete, Deiah Moody, shared, "I was in disbelief that so much of what we saw and learned happened less than 100 years ago. We often think of the Civil Rights Movement as distant history, but it's really not that far removed from where we are today."
Leroy Bryant, football student-athlete, said, "I felt upset learning more about the injustices, but also proud. Proud of the resilience of my culture and everything we've overcome to be where we are today."
Alongside historical education, the trip created meaningful space for connection. The group had the chance to engage with one another in new ways, having deep conversations and building relationships beyond the playing field.
Men's Basketball Director of Player Development, Abdul Gaddy, shared, "We came to learn about our history, but the relationships we built between each other may have been the most rewarding aspect of the trip."
Participants return to campus not only with a deeper understanding of history, but also deeper connections across the UW community. These experiences are shaping how we approach inclusion within our teams, and how we show up for one another.
The Big Life Series reminds us that this work isn't just about looking back, but about how we move forward. We're committed to continuing these conversations, taking action, and creating environments where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Players Mentioned
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