UA Blackburn Fellows Travel to Shoals Area to Explore Creative Partnerships

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Blackburn Fellows at The University of Alabama are visiting the Shoals area to examine “Entrepreneurs and Creative Partners for Progressive Solutions” as part of the Burt Jones Community Travel Experience, through Jan. 10.

During their three-day visit, the student fellows are meeting with community and business leaders from Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. The quad cities focus on regionalism and asset-based economic development using music, art and entertainment industries. The fellows will participate in panel and table discussions to explore these concepts and the rewards and challenges involved.

The Burt Jones Community Travel Experience is named in honor of the residence hall coordinator responsible for the safety of James Hood, the first African-American male to attend UA, and is provided by an endowment from advisory board members Tom and Carol Patterson.

The Blackburn Institute was founded in 1995 through the UA division of student affairs and named for Dr. John L. Blackburn, a well-known campus leader and former dean of students. Blackburn’s dedication to progress and meticulous planning were credited as key elements in the integration of African-Americans into UA.

The purpose of the Institute is to create a network of leaders, the Blackburn Fellows, who have a clear understanding of the challenges that face the state of Alabama. The Institute provides its fellows opportunities to explore issues and identify strategic actions that will improve the quality of life for all Alabama citizens. As student fellows travel to rural and urban areas and participate in the legislative process, they become aware of the broad issues involved in civic responsibility.

Blackburn Fellows participate in some 20 learning opportunities throughout the academic year, most recently including the Frank A. Nix Lecture featuring U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.