Destiny Sutton, a film and media studies major with a minor in music, was selected to perform a cappella at the Andrew Young Walk for Peace this past weekend. Though she sang several songs, she gained a deeper understanding of the history of this community from one leader, Andrew Young.  

“It felt truly inspiring to be in a space where I got to learn from a leader and a change maker like Andrew Young,” Sutton said.

Young is a former mayor of Atlanta and an early leader in the civil rights movement. He became active in politics, serving as a U.S. Congressman, and the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

The event was a gathering of Young’s friends, colleagues and community leaders. The walk through the Rodney Cook, Sr., Park, was where participants could reflect on the legacy of civil rights leaders and the importance of continuing their work.

Sutton performed songs as the participants walked, such as “Wade in the Water,” “A Change Gonna Come,” “Make me a Channel of your Peace,” and “Amazing Grace,” among others.

Throughout the walk, participants stopped at statues honoring civil rights leaders. At each location, Young shared personal stories about the leaders he worked alongside during the civil rights movement.

“At every stop, Mr. Young spoke about his personal experiences and relationships with each person,” Sutton said. “How once we set our differences aside that we are more alike than we think. He spoke about change and how Dr. King brought everyone together and things I never would have known without being present.”

For Sutton, hearing those first-hand accounts shifted the event from a performance opportunity into a meaningful learning experience.

“To be part of an event like this was beautiful and shifted my ever-changing perspective on the journey of life,” she said.

Sutton credits Oglethorpe’s music faculty with preparing her for this event, noting Andrew Schmidt, Ph.D.; Lilly Bateh, MFA; and Nico Guiterrez, Ph.D. for providing her with support and training in the lead up to this opportunity. 

“I’m very grateful for Oglethorpe and the entire Music Department,” Sutton said.

By sharing her voice at a walk dedicated to peace, Sutton not only represented Oglethorpe’s music program but also experienced firsthand the lessons of leadership, service, and community that continue to shape Atlanta’s story.