A Weekend of Connection: The 2024 Jean O’Connor Snyder Internship Program Retreat
To end the month of January, the David Mathews Center headed south to host the 2024 Jean O’Connor Snyder Internship Program Retreat! Joined by over 30 students and faculty mentors from six colleges and universities across the state, interns spent the weekend exploring their projects, discovering more about civil rights and small towns in Alabama, and forming connections with one another.
Beginning the weekend on Friday, January 26th with the Johnson Institute, attendees gathered at the Frank M. Johnson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse Complex in Montgomery where they were presented with their first activity - designing posters to highlight their programs. Although each internship experience is related through a focus on community engagement, the projects are unique in their own ways, which was clear when students shared their posters with one another. These posters were later used to create displays for the DMC’s 8th annual Civic Institute, where some of our Troy and Montevallo interns had the chance to present to attendees.
Following the poster session, the group received an enlightening tour of the courthouse from Caroline Harris, Education Coordinator at the Johnson Institute. Surrounded by history, students were immersed in the rich legacy of civil rights in Montgomery that would impact the state and nation. The tour concluded with a lively discussion with District Judge W. Keith Watkins in one of the courtrooms, the same one once occupied by Judge Johnson during his time as a U.S. District Judge from 1955 until 1979. Throughout this talk, students learned about Judge Watkins's journey to the bench, from his early life in a small farm town outside Troy to his involvement in law at the state level, as well as hearing personal stories about Judge Johnson.
Later heading to Prattville for dinner, interns and faculty were joined by local leaders, and longtime friends, Carrie Banks, DMC Board Chairwoman, and Jim Byard, Owner of Byard Associates & former Mayor of Prattville, for an engaging conversation on the significance of being involved and mindful citizens in Alabama. Banks emphasized to students the importance of staying "present and curious" during their youth and beyond, while Byard shared insights about small towns throughout the state, highlighting that hidden treasures can be found if you look hard enough.
The retreat concluded on Saturday, January 27th, with an early morning debrief and information session about the DMC, as well as a visit to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. During our discussion, many students found reassurance in the weekend's events, feeling affirmed in their commitment to civic work. Interns shared other insightful reflections from the weekend, such as:
“I enjoyed this weekend. It was refreshing to see others have that care and compassion for their communities.” - Emmeline Peña, University of Montevallo
“I really enjoyed being reminded of the assets and diversity of experience in Alabama. It reminded me that there are people passionate about improving this state and furthered my desire to be a part of that.” - Raegan Harris, University of Alabama
“I’ve enjoyed my experience. This weekend has definitely put my life in another perspective - in a way, reassured me that my life is in alignment.” - Melanie Montes, University of Montevallo
“We are Alabama, and we can do more!” - Nicole Shakespear, University of South Alabama
What an incredible weekend full of meaningful reflections, conversations, and new connections; Alabama has a bright future ahead with these emerging young leaders! The Mathews Center is so thankful to the commitment of our interns, faculty, and community partners across the state that make this program possible. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the amazing staff at the Johnson Institute, Judge W. Keith Watkins, and the courthouse staff for hosting us during the retreat, as well as Carrie Banks and Jim Byard for kindly joining us for dinner. We are immensely grateful for everyone's support, which made this enlightening and motivating weekend possible. We look forward to doing it again next year!