Mungano members will have the opportunity to experience the history of diversity firsthand during spring break.

A trip that was meant to travel to Atlanta now has blossomed into something more including Tuskegee, Ala., Montgomery, Ala., Memphis, Tenn., and Little Rock, Ark. Students will visit historical sights imperative to the diverse culture of America at each destination.

Director of Multicultural Affairs Ron Holden said this spring break trip will be life changing.

“To a student, it is more significant to actually be there firsthand instead of just reading about Civil Rights in a textbook,” he said. “It is that much more powerful.”

President of Mungano Di-Tu Dissassa understands the importance of the trip.

“Students will gain a better sense of knowing their history as well as the history of America,” she said.

Originally Kurt Cooper, campus minister at Emporia State University, contacted Baker about a diversity trip he was organizing. Three to five slots were available for Baker students.

Holden brought up this information during a meeting in October that resulted in an overwhelming response from students. A trip that originally only housed the possibility of three to five participants had more than 15 students asking when they could place their deposit.

Because of the interest, Holden decided to provide alternate means of transportation. Mungano will be taking an independent spring break trip without having to worry about the constraints of scheduling with another university.

Mungano borrowed and expanded the ideas of ESU to encompass numerous fresh ideas. Instead of simply traveling to Atlanta, students will encounter other historical sights, Dissassa said.

“We decided not to just do one thing when there was the opportunity to do numerous things,” she said of the altered plans.

Freshman Rebecca Nolte said it’s an experience she can’t wait to be a part of.

“This spring break trip sounds like it will be a lot of fun,” she said. “Hopefully, it will work out so I can go.”

Holden is looking forward to the road trip aspect.

“Anytime students are on a road trip they become ‘slap-happy’ and have numerous inside jokes,” Holden said. “It is just a fun way to foster interactions between students.”

After the trip, students can come back and showcase how to live and interact with people of backgrounds different than their own.