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Southeast HBCUs “Walk Across the 1890s” to Support Underserved Communities

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2022 PHOTO GALLERY

2022 PHOTO GALLERY

By: Alethea Parker, USDA FNS Southeast

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Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and Tennessee State University (TSU) are two of Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Southeast regional USDA 1890 Land Grant Institutions and SNAPEd Implementing Agencies. The Historically Black College and Universities’ (HBCU) extension programs have collaborated with two other HBCU 1890s Land Grant institutions – the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to organize a multistate “Walk Across the 1890s” challenge.

The 10-week initiative involved individuals and teams to trek 1290 miles (the walking distance between the four universities) or as many miles as possible, to focus on building relationships, professional development opportunities, and food accessibility in underserved communities.

Shakeira Foster, a TSU 3rd year doctoral student, participated in the walking challenge daily along TSU’s greenway with her fiancé. “The walking challenge was a great way for me to stay active while pregnant,” said Foster. “It was fun to be engaged with other HBCUs to achieve a collective goal.”

Courtney Williams was proud to complete the Walk as a member of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) team. “I joined the UAPB Golden Steppers because I wanted to focus on participating in more physical activities throughout the week,” said Williams.

Team members checked on each other daily offering encouragement to reach the collective goal. Participants walked a total of 17,616 miles, surpassing the 1290mile goal. Those who completed an 840-mile walking challenge received a medal and a Certificate of Completion.

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