This summer, I’ve been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to The Gambia to teach, learn, and conduct research at the Gambia Academy- a revolutionary school founded by Dr. Sona Jobarteh that merges academic excellence with cultural preservation. As the first student to major in Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music, this trip is deeply aligned with both my personal heritage and academic mission. Unfortunately, due to unexpected funding challenges, I’m at risk of not being able to go. I’m asking for your support to help me cover the remaining costs of the trip- every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to making this vision a reality. Thank you so much for believing in me and in the power of education, music, and cultural exchange.