Emma Davis
University of Central ArkansasEmma Davis, a transfer student at the University of Central Arkansas, is a leader for gender and racial equity on our campus and in our state. She has been integral to the civic engagement of her fellow students in expanding voter registration initiatives, voter education events, and demonstrations of advocacy and activism. She is currently serving on a statewide task force to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and communities and continuing to lead civic engagement efforts through campus organizations and coalitions.
Personal Statement
I was 10 years old when Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman. I was 13 when the protests following the death of Michael Brown began. Tamir Rice was only a year younger than I was when he was shot and killed by a police officer for holding a toy. Throughout my youth, I watched children my age and older be brutalized by the same people who swore an oath to protect them. In 2020, after the horrendous and violent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Amaud Arbery, and George Floyd I knew that in order for change to be made, I had to do my part in speaking out against systemic racism and the thousands of deaths it results in. By using social media, I was able to share information regarding racism and police brutality as well as organize a protest with my friend. I would be honored to be a recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship because I know that in order to end the systemic oppression of Black and Brown people racism must be confronted and justice must be for all people.