My name is Jasmine Walker, and I am from Aberdeen, MS. I graduated from Aberdeen High School in 2014 and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in 2017 from Itawamba Community College. I then completed my Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees at the University of Mississippi in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student at Mississippi State University.

During my junior year of undergraduate studies, I decided to switch my major from English to History, thinking it would involve less writing and more exams. However, I quickly discovered that History required even more writing than English. Despite this, I became more engaged in my work as a History major. It sparked something within me that I couldn't ignore. I saw how historical figures found their voices and shared their stories, and I wanted to do the same. I aspire for other young Black girls like me to recognize the bravery of women throughout history.

Alice Walker once said, “How simple a thing it seems to me that to know ourselves as we are, we must know our mother’s name.” I want us to connect with our roots, understand our families and their stories, and advocate for ourselves and others. That’s why History has become my closest companion. Through History, I feel seen and heard.

I wish everyone could experience the same joy I feel when I tell my stories and share others' experiences through my work. Anyone can recite facts from a book, but the sensation of seeing yourself in your research is indescribable. Learning about my history and those who came before me has become my life’s passion and purpose. To me, this isn’t just History; it’s my life—it’s my joy.

I set out to find a unique story to present for programs, only to discover that I was the story I had been seeking. I related deeply to the research I encountered; I was the one who had a story to tell. I realized I needed to understand myself. Discovering my history and my identity became the special story I wanted and needed to share.