Coming home, I look at the world through different eyes thanks to our tour. Touching down at SFO, I felt so blessed to have the freedom I enjoy to live with enough food in my belly, with safety, with privilege. I remember my brothers and sisters who have suffered so under Jim Crow and slavery. I think of the many in the USA and the world who still suffer. As a woman and a disabled person, I am grateful to the heroes and “sheroes” who made the rights and accommodations I enjoy today possible. I vow today to continue the work of human rights and justice for all.
Our bus rolled into Rockville late last night. 12:15 AM. Cold! Sleepy and eager to get home, we said quick goodbyes. And now this morning I think: how did you all sleep? What are you having for breakfast? Are you hot or cold? What meaningful experience will we have today? But you are not here! I am so grateful for our caring and respectful group. How are you this morning?
To Lorraine Motel. On the bus. Dramatic storm last night.
“They really have a great movement here in Memphis “. MLKING
Wow. We arrive at the Lorraine Hotel and it is bustling. Tomorrow they have their rededication ceremony for a major upgrade to the National Civil Rights Museum which is housed on site.
We tour the 2 buildings. We appreciate the state of art exhibits on civil rights.
For me, viewing the hotel room King stayed In before his death was most powerful. Both in first building, site of Lorraine Motel. James Earl Ray exhibit in 2nd building, site of shooting. Also for me: I couldn’t stay long in assassin’s territory amongst his personal items and evidence.
We leave Montgomery and head to Birmingham, AL. We drive through the countryside where fruit trees and dogwood are blossoming. Woods and fields are side by side and we share the road with many trucks. I cannot help but think about the Freedom Riders, marchers and voting rights activists driving these roads in the 1950s and 60s…how lonely and frightening at times that must have felt.
We spend several hours within a couple blocks of Birmingham- Kelly Ingram Park with it’s interesting, moving (and controversial) memorials to those who were injured and killed during the struggles in Birmingham. We were honored to spend some time in the 16th St. Baptist Church where 4 girls lost their lives in 1963. The church guide was appropriately guarded and serious– directing us not to take photos and movies of any kind in the sanctuary once he began talking. Appreciated. Spent another hour in Civil Rights Memorial across the street. We learned of the incredible role children and teens played in this movement, here in Birmingham.
Our group at Dr. King statue in park, with church in background.
Incredible soul food lunch at Niki West restaurant. My catfish and peach cobbler– simply the best.
Then we travel several hours to Memphis. Did someone say Beale St., music, ribs and dancing? We are so there. Grateful to be together.
Our director Jim calls day 3 a “day of perspective”. Starting at the “First White House of the Confederacy”, our group spends an hour touring this historic structure in downtown Montgomery. Azaleas, dogwood and cherry trees are blooming. Once back on the bus, a member shares his experience in the gift shop. Concerned about the symbols of “Southern pride” and the confederacy items for sale, he approached the gift shop worker about her feelings working in that environment. This sparks some interesting discussion on our bus. What role does remembering, not denying, history play? When do items for sale glamorize the past, or perpetuate old ways of thinking and behaving?
Our next stop is the respected and very active Southern Poverty Law Center. We go through metal detectors due to a bombing in 1983 and Klan rallies near the Center as recently as 2001. We are reminded how hate and violence are still present in our communities and country. Our guide told the story and remembered Michael McDonald. SPLC also maintains an active data base of hate groups, with interactive map that can be found on their website. See http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/hate-map We felt proud and excited to add our names to the Wall of Tolerance. See http://www.splcenter.org/civil-rights-memorial/wall-tolerance Thanks to one of our members and leader Jim, we meet Richard Cohen. See http://www.splcenter.org/who-we-are/leadership/richard-cohen
Our group toured the State Capital Building. Leader Jim reminds us how close this building is and was, back in the day, to Dexter Ave Baptist Church, a historic fountain which also served as a location for slave auctions, the Greyhound Bus Depot where Freedom Riders were assaulted, the bus stop where Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat.
Believe it or not our day is not even half over when we head to the Rosa Parks Museum, at the intersection of her arrest. We were given a personal tour by the museum director who reminded us to always view events from the past in context, and to apply what were learn to today. Very powerful to view, via a video reenactment, Rosa Parks’ “no” to giving up her seat and the arrest. Also on display were original documents such as her arrest report and a letter to J. Edgar Hoover from the Montgomery Police Dept. regarding surveillance of Dr. King.
Weather treats us well! It is warm and the air is soft and fragrant with blossoms.
Last but not least, our time in Selma was full of history. Our guide, Joanne Bland, grew up there and has been a civil rights activist all her life. She is a truly a national treasure. She gave us a walking and bus tour of Selma, detailing life there during and after segregation. She hugged us goodbye and made sure we had walking partners as she left us at Edmund Pettus Bridge. Very moving to walk in the steps of the brave men, women and children who came before us. We honor and remember them. The “foot soldiers”.
Civil Rights Educational Freedom Tour 2014 