Senior Music Industry Studies major Jalia Payne recently completed her capstone project: a one-of-a-kind musical written for the stage and based on both prominent and lesser-known moments and perspectives from the civil rights movement. Jalia discusses the significance and process of creating this production— a collaboration between the Louisiana Tech Music and Theatre departments titled Rights of the Civil— as well as the importance of her musical premiering during Black History Month. She talks about her experience "accidentally" becoming an Orientation Student Leader and the changes she's witnessed on campus when it comes to representation and diversity.

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