Xavierite Rionne Clayton was named the recipient of the 431 Exchange Winter 2022 Scholarship. The 431 Exchange Scholarship was inspired by The Adult Education Center, a school operating during the 1960s-70s that provided innovative, vocational training to 431 inspirational students, mainly consisting of African American women. In the face of diversity, these women became the first Black secretaries to integrate multinational corporations and businesses in New Orleans. The Adult Education Center’s website details the center’s history as the most successful program of its kind in Louisiana during the War on Poverty.

The center became a model for facilities throughout the country, helping transform lives through education and pave the way for equal employment opportunities. Descendants of Alice Geoffray, the center’s director, created the 431 Exchange to advocate for adult education and social justice throughout the South. Clayton is honored to be awarded the 431 Exchange scholarship as the center helped create inclusivity in the workforce and increase opportunities for African Americans to advance academically.

Clayton, a Sociology major with a concentration in crime and social justice, has always been passionate about social justice and making a difference in the community. Now in her Junior year at Xavier, Clayton was drawn to XULA as she wanted the experience of attending a historically Black university.

“In high school, I didn’t feel like my voice was heard. I wanted to attend an HBCU because they’re known for togetherness and their sense of community,” shared Clayton. “One thing about Xavierities- we stick up for each other, and that’s the experience I wanted going into college.”

Clayton has cherished her time at Xavier as she has built connections and been exposed to new experiences, which helped her discover her passion for sociology.

“I enjoyed sociology because we covered many topics that interested me, such as understanding race, gender inequalities, ethnicities, sexual and mental health, as well as sociology within educational institutions,” expressed Clayton. “This made me realize I wanted a career in this field as I want to help people and to continue being hands-on in the community.”

Clayton learned of the 431 Exchange Scholarship through her grandmother, who encouraged her to apply. The 431 Exchange Scholarship is awarded to students during fall, winter, and spring sessions. If a student does not receive the scholarship after applying, their application is eligible for future opportunities to receive the scholarship. Although Clayton was not selected during her fall semester, she later received news she was a finalist, and the recipient, of the scholarship for her spring semester. This motivated Clayton to not give up and inspired her to be open to all of life’s possibilities.

“At the time, I felt defeated as scholarships are the main way I’m able to pay for school. Being selected meant a lot to me not only financially, but it gave me the reassurance that I needed,” shared Clayton. “We all need reassurance sometimes because there are moments where we feel like we’re not doing enough. The scholarship helped me realize that I don’t have to beat myself up and that my efforts are enough.”

Although Clayton was faced with obstacles and setbacks, she exemplifies perseverance. She also serves as an inspiration for children as assistant director at Youth Extreme Summer Camp (YES Camp), where she has been volunteering since she was 13 years old. YES Camp serves underprivileged children throughout the South, intending to provide an exciting camp experience that encourages them to foster positive relationships and treat others with kindness and respect.

Clayton plans to continue working with children, while also pursuing her path in sociology and social justice. Clayton also hopes to one day create her own non-profit organization to be of service to those who are underprivileged.

“I’ve always dreamed of creating my own non-profit organization because it can allow you to do so much for communities, such as working with underprivileged kids, helping those who have been wrongfully incarcerated, victims of violence and more,” asserts Clayton.

After discovering her true passion for sociology during her college years, Clayton stresses the importance of being open-minded as new opportunities can present themselves when you least expect it. She also encourages Xavierites not to allow themselves to be steered away from their dream career due to stigmas or societal pressure as everyone holds great power to succeed and make a difference, regardless of the chosen career path.