For Avery Simpson, C’2027, her trip to Seville, Spain, in May was an enlightening experience that helped shape her understanding of Black communities abroad. While in Spain, Simpson explored many different communities in Seville including Triana, Santa Cruz, Polígano Sur and Viapol.
Simpson, a psychology major from Washington D.C., said one of the most memorable parts of her stay in Spain was the Sevilla Negra tour, which focused on the rich yet often overlooked history of the city’s Black population. “This tour shed light on the African influences in Seville, from its architecture to its history, and highlighted how globalization has shaped the city’s identity,” said Simpson. “Walking through the streets, I reflected on how much of this history has been erased or forgotten and how important it is to recognize the contributions of African communities in Spain.” 
Simpson also attended a panel discussion hosted by Black Ladies in Seville, Spain (BLISS). The women shared the highs and lows of navigating Spain as Black women, touching on everything from racism to celebrating African influences in Spanish culture. Simpson said the women’s stories allowed her to deeply reflect on how race and identity are experienced abroad.
Simpson recognized many differences between the country and the U.S., including Spain’s focus on sustainability and the immense sense of security she felt at night compared to Atlanta or D.C. However, she said she recognized a few similarities as well. 
“Despite the differences, I found common ground in how people advocate for their rights. I saw university students actively protesting for Palestinian rights, mirroring activism I've witnessed back at Spelman,” said Simpson. “These experiences highlighted the universality of fighting for justice and human rights, reflecting what we discussed in the classroom about globalization and the interconnectedness of our world.”
Simpson said her time in Spain deepened her understanding of the Spanish language and connected her to the local culture. Following her experience abroad, Simpson was nominated and selected as a Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) Alumni Ambassador. As an ambassador, she will represent Spelman and help connect other students to the program’s opportunities. 
“Bodies of water should never be a barrier to exploring and celebrating global cultures. The world is interconnected, and there is so much value in immersing oneself in new experiences,” said Simpson. “Studying the globalization of the city allowed me to reflect on my identity as a Black woman while learning about different communities and cultures. This experience has further fueled my passion to study diverse populations through the interconnected lenses of psychology and public health, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive, and laying the groundwork for my future impact and international network.”