Young McClymonds Warriors Tour South Africa

Posted in Community, Education/Schools/Youth

McClymonds High School’s “Culture Keepers” left Monday on a flight to Johannesburg to tour South Africa. Photo by Jumoke Hinton.

By Post Staff

A group of young women from McClymonds, their mentors, and teachers – known as “Culture Keepers” – left Monday from the San Francisco International Airport for a tour of South Arica.

The travel program is designed to help students “collectively gain a better understanding of who African American women are culturally; expand our roles as global citizens, and to build an intergenerational, transnational understanding of what it means to be Black women and girls,” according to Kharyshi Wiginton, the primary organizer of the trip.

“We plan to use our knowledge and experiences to educate our families and communities. In short, the ultimate goal of this project is community transformation,” she said.

Many community supporters have stepped forward ensure the young women have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience South African culture.

“Exposure to foreign culture can help youth challenge their thoughts, beliefs, and personal comfort zones, which is a catalyst for growth,” said educator and organizer Carroll Fife.

Participants in the tour include: Kierra Bassette-Cotton, Jonae Scott, Dana Nicole Williams, Reginae Hightower, Axia Fuller, Leahnna Smith, Fanae Clark, Nakaya Laforte, Alexis Hill and Cierra Marzette.