Trinity Wilson, a senior psychology major from Hattiesburg, Miss., proudly represented Alcorn State University during the seventh annual Delta Scholars Summer Program. Hosted by Mississippi State University’s Shackouls Honors College, this program brings together a multi-institution cohort of 16 students to identify and study critical issues at the intersection of public policy, food security, public health, and community development in the seven-state Delta region. As a first-generation college student and the only representative from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to attend, Trinity’s research project is titled “The Land Don’t Know Color: Generational Trauma and the Effect on Black Landowners and Farmers.”
Trinity was selected from over 60 applicants for this opportunity in collaboration with Mississippi State University. Additionally, she was named one of four finalists for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Scholar position. Reflecting on her journey, Trinity shared, “I was first presented with the opportunity through the [Alcorn State University] Honors Program. Being a psychology major dealing with something that was more agriculture-focused made me a bit nervous, but I prayed and hoped for the best. When I first got the news that I had been accepted, I originally wasn’t going to go, but I am grateful I did!”
Dr. Wandra Arrington, director of the Myrlie Evers- Williams Honors Program, praised Trinity’s dedication. She shared that Trinity distinguished herself at The Mississippi Power UPLIFT Leadership Program, which invited students from Alcorn State, Jackson State, and Mississippi Valley State Universities, as well as Tougaloo College, to focus on topics such as effective relationships, self-discovery, presentation skills, business acumen, personal branding, and effective networking. Expressing her pride, Dr. Arrington shared, “Trinity is a very hardworking young lady, and her determination to succeed is evident! I knew that she would do well.”
During the Delta Scholars program, Trinity and her cohort broadened their networks in the Delta and their understanding of the region’s challenges and opportunities through an innovation tour. This tour provided them with an opportunity to interact with and learn from Delta stakeholders, including researchers, nonprofit leaders, and community members.
Trinity’s interest in her research topic was ignited by an alum steeped in the rich agricultural history and tradition of Alcorn State University. Trinity shared, “At first, I had no idea what I was going to do my project on. It wasn’t until I listened to Alcorn alum Dr. Destiney Crockett speak on her research ‘We Built This Country for Free’ that I decided to explore intergenerational trauma through the lens of Black farmers.”
Trinity also received invaluable mentorship throughout her research process from Ken Ong, Ph.D., MHS, a Teaching Fellow in the Mississippi Delta Partnership in Public Health Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She shared, “Dr. Ong encouraged me to write all my ideas down, research, and to ‘find the gap.’ He saw something in me that I did not see in myself, and I would like to thank him for always encouraging me and connecting me with the right people.”
Trinity’s cohorts included talented students from seven universities across Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Reflecting on her experience, Trinity stated, “The people I met were some of the most amazing souls I have encountered. One of my highlights included the time we spent in the Delta. We met a very special lady named Ms. Amanda, who served us a home-cooked meal and shared stories about her life, then prayed over us.”
In the fall, the cohort will reconvene in Boston, reflecting on their experiences in Mississippi, sharing updates on their capstone projects, receiving feedback, and discussing how the lessons learned can be applied to address challenges in diverse settings. “I look forward to seeing the rest of my cohort when we go to Harvard in November,” Trinity said. She is currently working steadfastly on her research with the goal of having it published.
Before attending Alcorn, Trinity was a student at Hattiesburg High School and Pearl River Community College, where she earned her associate degree and high school diploma concurrently. At Alcorn State University, she is involved in various activities. She is a member of the Psychology Society, a Brave Ambassador, a President’s List Scholar, and the president of Impact, a community service organization.
Dr. LaShundia Carson, dean of the School of Education and Psychology, expressed her pride in Trinity’s accomplishments. She shared, “Trinity’s achievements are a testament to her outstanding dedication and exemplary scholarly commitment, which serves as a shining example of the caliber of our student body.”
While undecided between pursuing a master’s in public health or psychology, Trinity remains committed to following her faith and continuing her academic journey. She stated, “Before participating in this program I thought I had my life figured out. But then I saw that there was so much that I could be doing. I realized that I truly have a passion for helping others and love research! My mentors have mentioned possibly going into public health, research, agriculture, or law school. I don’t know where my story may end, but I trust God is the author.”
Trinity credits many mentors and loved ones as attributes to her success.
“My mother, Anita Wilson, is the best mother in the entire world. I know a lot of people say that about their parents, but I truly mean it. She has been my rock through this entire process.”
Dr. Delores McNair, assistant dean for Student Outreach and Support at the University of Southern Mississippi, also serves as a mentor for Trinity. “Often, I felt like I was out of my league and didn’t belong. I had never done a project of this magnitude. Most of my cohort had completed research before and hit the ground running. Dr. McNair reminded me I had something valuable to contribute and that I needed to be in the room. This means a lot to me, a little black girl from Hattiesburg, Miss. going to Harvard to present her research on Intergenerational Trauma and the Effect on Black Farmers and Landowners. I could never have dreamed I would be doing something of this nature. I hope and pray that someone reads this, and it encourages them to keep going and praying because I am living proof of the power of God.”
The 2024 Delta Scholars cohort includes Keola Asing, Brandeis University; Kashish Bastola, Harvard University; Cooper Word, Mississippi State University; Andrea Rivera, Rutgers University; Dominic Chavez, Mississippi State University; Luke Blades, Mississippi State University; Victoria Grisby, Middle Tennessee State University; Bowen Mansell, Mississippi State University; Bre’Anna Coleman, University of Mississippi; Payton Davis, Mississippi State University; Kyla Clothier, the University of Arkansas; Yasmine Ware, University of Mississippi; McKensie Cox, University of Mississippi; Mackenzie Knighten, University of Mississippi; and Hannah Daniels, Mississippi State University.
