Ashley Gordon is a senior at Fisk University majoring in Criminal Justice. She is originally from Indianola, MS. She attended the Sunflower County Freedom Project as a student throughout middle and high school. She is an alumna and went on to work at the Sunflower County Freedom Project for two summers as a math and reading teaching assistant. Through her time as a Freedom Fellow, Ashley discovered her full potential and gained valuable experiences that have shaped her both personally and academically. She continues to be involved with the Freedom Project as a member of the Alumni College Success Program, which offers ongoing assistance to alumni in college.
Ezra McWilliams is a current graduate student at Mississippi State University pursuing a Master's degree in statistics with interests in data science, demography, and econometrics. Originally from Ruleville, Mississippi, Ezra first joined the Sunflower County Freedom Project in 7th grade, and continued with the program as a fellow until graduating into the ACSP. At the Freedom Project, he enjoyed reading books that tackled a variety of issues including finding one's identity, effects of war on the minds of the youth, and the power of propaganda. Some of Ezra’s other favorite parts of being a fellow were tilling the garden, creating the yearly literary magazine, novel study discussions, and ending the day with a freedom song.
This past summer, Ezra returned to the SCFP for his second summer as a math teacher for rising 5th and 6th graders. His favorite thing that he taught this summer was fraction equivalence, because it was an opportunity to see what students know and how they can apply to their lives in unique ways. Reflecting on his time as a summer instructor, Ezra said, “I truly enjoyed seeing my students think critically and give their best attempt to understand mathematical concepts that are applicable to everyday life. Their growth inspires me to grow and thus accumulate knowledge and wisdom to share with others along my journey.”
Kaitara Baker
Mari Lampkin is an alumnus of the Sunflower County Freedom Project and Alumni College Success Program. Mari attended the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in 2017, earning her associate degree from Hinds Community College. She would finish her undergraduate journey at Mississippi State University, graduating with a triple major in Business Administration, Marketing, and Fashion Merchandising in 2022. Her academic success launched her professional career in Corporate America and education, working as an inventory analyst at Kohl’s Inc. and returning to her high school alma mater, MSMS, as an assistant hall director. She segued her professional career into the Disney College Program, working as a Merchandising Cast Member at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Since completing her program, Mari has relocated to New Orleans, LA, where she will start the next chapter of her life with her fiance and pursue a postgraduate education. She largely credits the SCFP and ACSP for the woman she has grown to become and thanks all of the people involved who have played a part in her life over the years.