Over all this trip has truly been amazing! Walking over the Edmund Pettis Bridge was a great experience! Imagining what the marchers went through gave me an inspiration! It inspired me to do what i think is right and to know that anyone could accomplish a goal if they put their mind to it. If it were up to me I probably would not have had the courage to do what they did. They knew the kind of violence they were facing but they never gave up. They had dogs, firehoses, and policemen turned on them. Facing that much amount if violence but not returning it was a huge task to do. Many people today could not even participate in the movement because they would not be able to restrain themselves from violence. They had a lot of pressure on them but they stood strong and stood up for what they believed in. Being in the south my whole life, I have had an experience where people would not speak to me because of the color of my skin. When I greet them with a big hello and a smile some often return it. There were often times where they didn't speak to me they would just ignore me and continue doing what they were doing. I think that today majority of the racism is in the elderly population. They have their minds made up on how things should be in society. Some still believe that whites and blacks should still be separate. I think the younger children of today won't judge people by the color of their skin but by their character. It's up to the younger generation to help change the way people think of each other by it judging them by the color of their skin.
-Kenisha Lindsey, Simmons High School
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Needing a cause.
So I am sorry for this but I needed to get it out. I went to my room early last night as some as might have noticed because I have issues eating. As soon as I got to my room and a while after I started to cry. This whole trip has been so much to intake and had been very overwhelming. As much as this trip is an amazing experience, this trip has made me realize how truely meaningless my life has been so far. The people ofthis movement were brutalized, tortured in a sense, and some even were killed. But they fought peacefully to change the world and inspire others. For those who do not know those are two of my goals in life along owning 7 cats. But yeah to change the world and inspire is what I dream to do everyday and honestly is is part of the only reason I am still here today. Anyway I realized last night that while this movement and these people did all of that. They fought peacefully, never giving up hope and changed the world while I am too worried about the boy I like thinking I was crazy because he catches me staring at him all the time. I have done nothing with my life and seeing what these people have done has made me realize how much I truely hate myself for not finding my cause as these people did.
Inspirational figures
I've learned many things since being on this trip, but I'd have to say that one of the most inspirational parts so far has been meeting Dr. Sybil Hampton
Sybil Hampton made me aware of all of the advantages that I take for granted and productive things I could be doing for the betterment of people other than just myself. I thought of all the things she went through as a teenager my age in Central High School and also outside of school such as being shunned, spat at, verbally abused and threatened on a daily basis and I compared that to the subliminal things that I go through everyday and how I over exaggerate situations that shouldn't really matter as much in life. At first I wasn't as grateful and aware of sacrifices that were made in order for me to live as I'm living today desegregated, and able to have freedoms that I wouldn't have today without her and others.
Mrs. Hampton challenged me to push limits and not just stop at Civil Rights for African Americans, she challenged me to truly forgive people and love them regardless because of the fact that she forgave individuals and actually developed relation after they had been so awful to her in the past compared to ludicrous situations I don't forgive people for.
-Sdhari B.
"But after a short while, it comes more & more to be realized that the seeds of war have not been destroyed but have become a thousand times more nourished & mighty" I was able to see a connection with the statement & civil rights movement. The civil rights movement started off small, but as days went on it became a group of thousands of people making a stand for equal rights.
Civil Rights Trip
We had dinner with dr Katherine Burk-Brooks, Cleopatra Goree and Barbra Mines. Cleopatra Goree was a teacher who turned her back while the children left to take part in the children crusade. They ditched school to go to go to jail. They wanted equal rights so they went to get them. I don't know if I would have the courage to participate in the children's crusade and risk my life. They knew that they could have died but they still protested because they could have died even if they didn't protest.
Taylor Majewski
Taylor Majewski
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Is it worth it?
Is life worth living for? Is it worth going through all the trials and tribulations?Is it worth crying and hurting for? Yes it is! It is most definitely worth it.
The Freedom Riders, little rock 9, MLK, Rosa Parks, John Lewis and all those that participated in the movement went through the hurt, the pain, the trials and the tribulations. If they can resist the violence then we can as well. They gave us something to live for. They made life worth it.
May 1,2013 I sat in the back of the bus by myself and I cried. I cried for like 15 minutes thinking about where my life was heading. I thought about if it really was worth it. But then I thought to myself about how much I feel sorry for myself. Rosa Parks didn't feel sorry for herself she did something, for herself and others. I begin to think about how blessed I am and the fact that I'm still alive. Emmit Till wasn't able to see the age 16. A lot of kids don't and it hurts to know that they didn't make it. But I think you should never give up on yourself. You should never doubt yourself because there is a purpose for your life and it is all worth it.
- Naomi Evans
The Freedom Riders, little rock 9, MLK, Rosa Parks, John Lewis and all those that participated in the movement went through the hurt, the pain, the trials and the tribulations. If they can resist the violence then we can as well. They gave us something to live for. They made life worth it.
May 1,2013 I sat in the back of the bus by myself and I cried. I cried for like 15 minutes thinking about where my life was heading. I thought about if it really was worth it. But then I thought to myself about how much I feel sorry for myself. Rosa Parks didn't feel sorry for herself she did something, for herself and others. I begin to think about how blessed I am and the fact that I'm still alive. Emmit Till wasn't able to see the age 16. A lot of kids don't and it hurts to know that they didn't make it. But I think you should never give up on yourself. You should never doubt yourself because there is a purpose for your life and it is all worth it.
- Naomi Evans
WHY DID HE
It doesn't matter who you are, it was so simple a feeling, buts its everything.
As I pack my bag's and get ready for this overwhelming trip, I only think I'm going to have. Good a good time and eat lots of food. Not the impact that I would have while I'm on this trip, not how lucky I am to be on the trip or to see the famous landmarks and enjoy the famous spots were many people took risk not that much long ago.
It is May 1, 10:31 and after all the places I have visited I think that the Loraine Hotel has just maid an impact on me and make me think and wonder "WoW". As I walk to get to the top of the balcony were MLK. Jr was actually shot and killed I wonder why, why did such a powerful man, a leader to many, a husband and father 2 others, and a hero to millions. Why does he haft to be gone. My generation today doesn't probably feel the presence, the emotions, and the feelings that Martin Luther King hit us with when he maid a legacy and had to drastically change so fast.
I ask many and think to myself why, why did James Earl Ray take a beautiful life. The shame and the feelings that we all had toward him was a hate and anger like no other. I have never hated a person so much that's wanted to kill them, that I wanted to END them forever so Why Did He.
KEVON D
As I pack my bag's and get ready for this overwhelming trip, I only think I'm going to have. Good a good time and eat lots of food. Not the impact that I would have while I'm on this trip, not how lucky I am to be on the trip or to see the famous landmarks and enjoy the famous spots were many people took risk not that much long ago.
It is May 1, 10:31 and after all the places I have visited I think that the Loraine Hotel has just maid an impact on me and make me think and wonder "WoW". As I walk to get to the top of the balcony were MLK. Jr was actually shot and killed I wonder why, why did such a powerful man, a leader to many, a husband and father 2 others, and a hero to millions. Why does he haft to be gone. My generation today doesn't probably feel the presence, the emotions, and the feelings that Martin Luther King hit us with when he maid a legacy and had to drastically change so fast.
I ask many and think to myself why, why did James Earl Ray take a beautiful life. The shame and the feelings that we all had toward him was a hate and anger like no other. I have never hated a person so much that's wanted to kill them, that I wanted to END them forever so Why Did He.
KEVON D
It Was Inevitable...
I've been waiting for it to happen. The moment on the trip that strikes a nerve and my emotions completely takeover. When I start crying and can't stop.
When I heard others tell me about their experiences on the trip, I was certain I would start bawling on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel and at the window that people suspect the shot was fired that killed MLK Jr.
But, I didn't.
Then I thought I was going to cry at the grocery store that Emmett Till supposedly flirted with a white woman inside.
I didn't cry there either.
After not crying at these monumental landmarks that made me feel really straightforward emotions, I began to think that the trip wasn't having the impact on my life like the others before me. I started to believe that I didn't deserve to go on this trip and that it was wasted on me, I began to think there were other people who would appreciate it much more.
I'm not trying to insinuate that I didn't appreciate these places. I'll never forget them and the information I have accumulated has really made me think critically and has left me in wonder. But, I was just waiting for that moment. The moment that struck a nerve, you know?
When I stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel I felt empty and disappointed that the motel isn't being used for anything other than a spot to stand on and look into a window. Then, at the window across the street where people believe the bullet was shot that killed Dr. King, I didn't feel anything. I was sad at the event that took place, but it only felt like a tourist attraction. Someplace for people to say they saw the poorly replicated window and a bathroom that is also poorly replicated in comparison to the pictures that were taken from the crime scene (although, that's probably just my OCD being picky and annoying). Oh, and let me not forget the floor to ceiling plexiglas with writing on it that kept you away from the replicated bathroom.
Then as we researched Emmett Till on the bus before we reached the landmark, a lot of people felt anger. I believe that was because Till was so young and innocent. What's wrong with flirting? Do we really believe that he flirted with the white women (who was also the wife of the man that owned the store)? Or was that just a lie so that the store owner/husband and another man had an excuse to kill Till?
I think everyone asked those questions and were angered (you'll notice this in previous posts), even though I was upset - I didn't have the severity of the anger that others on the trip did.
I had a lot of admiration. Admiration for Till's uncle who was brave enough to get in front of a white jury and accuse two white men of kidnapping his nephew and torturing him so much that when his body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, Till's face was beyond recognition. Till's uncle did this knowing the dangerous repercussions of testifying in court.
I also have the utmost respect for Till's mother who was strong enough to have an open casket viewing for her son and allowed thousands of people come and see his face on display. I can only hope to be that strong one day.
So, when we arrived at the grocery store where Emmett Till was accused of flirting with a white woman, I was surprised. The bus had pulled over and I'm looking around wondering why we pulled to the side of a country road with nothing but farmland surrounding us. I was then told that we were at the grocery store. What does it look like? Your everyday, run-of-the-mill, dilapidated structure that used to be a building. It had no roof, a lot of walls that were falling down and nature was growing around and into this structure. The only thing that made you realize that this was an important part of a history was a double-sided plaque that gave a brief description. I only felt disgust because in ten years, I know, the structure won't be standing any longer.
I'm surprised I didn't cry. I thought it wasn't going to happen on the trip now (which is surprising because I, "cry at the drop of a hat" as my me-mom told me).
Then, yesterday we went to the Southern Poverty Law Center. And everything suddenly hit me. I realized how many people we didn't know about that had been killed, and are continued to be killed, in hate crimes. How many voices had been lost and the suffering of the families.
I realized that it was time for me to step up and fight for what's right. I did not hesitate to sign the Wall of Tolerance knowing that I can't let injustice pass in society. Our tour guide said a quote by Elie Wiesel, "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." It made sense to me instantly and I knew that I didn't want to have any part in helping the oppressor any longer.
After that I stayed to myself for a little while because I knew if I talked, I would have cried from the overwhelming rush of emotions coursing through my veins. It was inevitable.
Of course, as I'm trying to hold back the floodgates my me-mom calls to see how the trip is going as we're about to walk towards the Rosa Parks Museum and Library.
I rush her off the phone before she hears me crying and I set off with the group, staying in the back so they wouldn't see me crying. Of course my friend, Kevon, sees me with tears streaming down my face and stays by side.
Later that night we had dinner with Civil Rights activists: Cleopatra Goree, Dr. Catherine Burks-Brooks, and Barbara Mines. The three women talked about their involvement in the movement after we ate dinner.
I was fine all throughout dinner until we all stood up in a giant oval and held hands, right over left, and started singing, "We Shall Overcome."
Three verses:
"We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
We shall overcome someday,
Oh deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome someday!
We are not afraid, we are not afraid,
We are not afraid today,
Oh deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome someday!
Black and white together, black and white together,
Black and white together today,
Oh deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome today!"
The third verse hit me as we were singing the last couple of lines. As I looked around the room I saw over forty smiling people, holding hands, swaying side to side. I felt the difference that was made with the help of the activists in the room. At that moment in time, black and white were together. I was in between two black people, holding their hands, and singing. I couldn't help but cry because at that moment in time, we represented overcoming the obstacles that others faced before us and fought for so many years.
-Sabrina L. Donnick, 17, City Neighbors High School, Class of 2014
When I heard others tell me about their experiences on the trip, I was certain I would start bawling on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel and at the window that people suspect the shot was fired that killed MLK Jr.
But, I didn't.
Then I thought I was going to cry at the grocery store that Emmett Till supposedly flirted with a white woman inside.
I didn't cry there either.
After not crying at these monumental landmarks that made me feel really straightforward emotions, I began to think that the trip wasn't having the impact on my life like the others before me. I started to believe that I didn't deserve to go on this trip and that it was wasted on me, I began to think there were other people who would appreciate it much more.
I'm not trying to insinuate that I didn't appreciate these places. I'll never forget them and the information I have accumulated has really made me think critically and has left me in wonder. But, I was just waiting for that moment. The moment that struck a nerve, you know?
When I stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel I felt empty and disappointed that the motel isn't being used for anything other than a spot to stand on and look into a window. Then, at the window across the street where people believe the bullet was shot that killed Dr. King, I didn't feel anything. I was sad at the event that took place, but it only felt like a tourist attraction. Someplace for people to say they saw the poorly replicated window and a bathroom that is also poorly replicated in comparison to the pictures that were taken from the crime scene (although, that's probably just my OCD being picky and annoying). Oh, and let me not forget the floor to ceiling plexiglas with writing on it that kept you away from the replicated bathroom.
Then as we researched Emmett Till on the bus before we reached the landmark, a lot of people felt anger. I believe that was because Till was so young and innocent. What's wrong with flirting? Do we really believe that he flirted with the white women (who was also the wife of the man that owned the store)? Or was that just a lie so that the store owner/husband and another man had an excuse to kill Till?
I think everyone asked those questions and were angered (you'll notice this in previous posts), even though I was upset - I didn't have the severity of the anger that others on the trip did.
I had a lot of admiration. Admiration for Till's uncle who was brave enough to get in front of a white jury and accuse two white men of kidnapping his nephew and torturing him so much that when his body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, Till's face was beyond recognition. Till's uncle did this knowing the dangerous repercussions of testifying in court.
I also have the utmost respect for Till's mother who was strong enough to have an open casket viewing for her son and allowed thousands of people come and see his face on display. I can only hope to be that strong one day.
So, when we arrived at the grocery store where Emmett Till was accused of flirting with a white woman, I was surprised. The bus had pulled over and I'm looking around wondering why we pulled to the side of a country road with nothing but farmland surrounding us. I was then told that we were at the grocery store. What does it look like? Your everyday, run-of-the-mill, dilapidated structure that used to be a building. It had no roof, a lot of walls that were falling down and nature was growing around and into this structure. The only thing that made you realize that this was an important part of a history was a double-sided plaque that gave a brief description. I only felt disgust because in ten years, I know, the structure won't be standing any longer.
I'm surprised I didn't cry. I thought it wasn't going to happen on the trip now (which is surprising because I, "cry at the drop of a hat" as my me-mom told me).
Then, yesterday we went to the Southern Poverty Law Center. And everything suddenly hit me. I realized how many people we didn't know about that had been killed, and are continued to be killed, in hate crimes. How many voices had been lost and the suffering of the families.
I realized that it was time for me to step up and fight for what's right. I did not hesitate to sign the Wall of Tolerance knowing that I can't let injustice pass in society. Our tour guide said a quote by Elie Wiesel, "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." It made sense to me instantly and I knew that I didn't want to have any part in helping the oppressor any longer.
After that I stayed to myself for a little while because I knew if I talked, I would have cried from the overwhelming rush of emotions coursing through my veins. It was inevitable.
Of course, as I'm trying to hold back the floodgates my me-mom calls to see how the trip is going as we're about to walk towards the Rosa Parks Museum and Library.
I rush her off the phone before she hears me crying and I set off with the group, staying in the back so they wouldn't see me crying. Of course my friend, Kevon, sees me with tears streaming down my face and stays by side.
Later that night we had dinner with Civil Rights activists: Cleopatra Goree, Dr. Catherine Burks-Brooks, and Barbara Mines. The three women talked about their involvement in the movement after we ate dinner.
I was fine all throughout dinner until we all stood up in a giant oval and held hands, right over left, and started singing, "We Shall Overcome."
Three verses:
"We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
We shall overcome someday,
Oh deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome someday!
We are not afraid, we are not afraid,
We are not afraid today,
Oh deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome someday!
Black and white together, black and white together,
Black and white together today,
Oh deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome today!"
The third verse hit me as we were singing the last couple of lines. As I looked around the room I saw over forty smiling people, holding hands, swaying side to side. I felt the difference that was made with the help of the activists in the room. At that moment in time, black and white were together. I was in between two black people, holding their hands, and singing. I couldn't help but cry because at that moment in time, we represented overcoming the obstacles that others faced before us and fought for so many years.
-Sabrina L. Donnick, 17, City Neighbors High School, Class of 2014
MLK
Today we went to Martin Luther King Jr's home town in Atlanta Georgia. As I left the museum to go into the ebenezer church I honestly didn't think much of it, but knowing that right across from it was MLK's body sent me into the church with my heart racing. When I walked up the stairs and into the chapel I felt the breath go out of me, and suddenly I felt this presence. I sat in a row separated from my peers and just stared at the front of the chapel. Martin Luther King jr had been here, and it was prevalent. The richness in the sermon being played in the chapel made everything even better. I could have sat there all day.
-CBK
-CBK
3 Wise Activists
Yesterday we had dinner with three women activists. They spoke words of power, struggle, courage and success. They went through difficult hardship, pain, and gave up much of their safety and selves to make it better for our generation. They had once again told us that we could make a difference by standing up for what you believe in. Their names are Catherine Brookes , Barbara Mines, and Cleopatra Gloree. How moving they were. They deserve to go down in African American history.
Martin had a DREAM!
Today we visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia, and while I was walking around the exhibit I saw a video. The video was about Dr. King's last days and the speech he gave right before the night he died. I payed close attention to him when he was giving the speech the day before he was assassinated and he could barely give the speech. You could tell he was crying even though it almost blended with the sweat, and during the speech he was all choked up. Then after he finished the speech he kind of fell off the stage into the arms of his companions and dear friends. Then there's the recording they played at his funeral, and they played a recording that Dr. King had already recorded before his death. In the recording Dr. King spoke about what he wanted to be remembered for, and how he hoped he would be remembered for the equality he fought for and that he tried to love all people; no matter their differences. I don't think Dr. King knew when exactly he was gonna die, but I think that he knew he was going to die sometime soon. I don't know what to think about this, that this man (and this is all my opinion) knew his time was running short and he tried everything he could so that he could blaze a trail for the rest of the activists to follow. Dr. King said "he feared no man" and I think in the latter of his life that this was true. He had spent so much of his time being intimidated by death threats and the violence of the whites, and it wasn't doing him any good. He stepped up and stopped caring about that and stopped fearing death, I think he began to embrace it a little. That's another thing that astonishes me about Dr. King, he faced the most impossible challenges/obstacles and always found a way to overcome them. He was truly a one-time person, meaning that I don't think there will ever be another person like him. He fought for civil rights, but he also was involved in human rights and everyone being equal. That's why we should continue his dream and try to get everyone to be accepted and equal, and get rid of discrimination against people just because they're different from us. This is something I've really found myself to care deeply about over the course of this trip, and something I want to advocate for in my life. My generation needs to set the example and pave the way for the generation after us like Dr. King and all other activists back then did. #continuethedream
-Justin
-Justin
The Ongoing Struggle
While on this trip we all have gotten an amount of information that is not only overwhelming but awesome in a horrible sort of way. I am in awe of how much hate existed in the South in the past and currently. Last night we all had the privilege of meeting Cleopatra Goree, Catherine Burks-Brooks, and Barbara Mines. These courageous women opened up to us and shared their tear-jerking tales. Each of them was involved in the Civil Rights Movement. They spoke to us about their experiences, thoughts and feeling about the movement and about their own contributions. I felt very fortunate that they were willing to give us a more personal understanding of the movement. In particular I enjoyed hearing Ms. Burks-Brooks speak about how racism effected her childhood. She shared a story with us about spending Mondays with her mother and wanting to go to a carnival that was in town that week on a Monday. As a child she didn't understand why the carnival was open through the week but she was only allowed to go the last day of the carnival; Saturday. On that Saturday, when Ms. Burks-Brooks was allowed to go to the carnival, the rides were being taken down. This may seem like a small loss compared to the incredible amount of inequality of this time but I was affected by this story greatly. I think that the seemingly small degrading acts, the effort to make blacks feel less than human, truly show the evil that was instilled into this country. This evil still lives within some Americans today which you can read in the blogs posted by my peers. I have been unaware of the hate that still exists in the United States and have been regarding the majority of racism as history for far too long. I am disappointed to realize how alive racism is currently. The activists of the 50's and 60's have done so much to better this country but we can not regard The Civil Rights Movement as the past; we all must continue the journey to equality and finish what past generations have started.
-Lucy B.
-Lucy B.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
My Experience in Selma,Alabama so far!!
Today while in Selma,Alabama my experience was sort of wierd ,because I never really experienced racism like today. As Lucy,Kyla, Kenisha, and I walked into Wal-Mart this morning a white man gave us such a nasty look. I could read the look on his face, and it was"What are they doing together!" My mood instantly changed. So as we continued to walk down aisle one of the workers which was black just stared giving us the same look that the man gave us. I was really disturbed by there actions and sort of angered ,because I wanted to do something about it.
While on the bus they asked us a question "What do we feel we should stand for?" I had to think long and hard about that one,but I thought back to this morning and then my brain clicked "EQUALITY!" I want to stand for equality ,because we should be able to go into a store,walk down the street, and do things together period with people of a different race. We should never have to feel uncomfortable because others don't want to accept equality. So from now on I want to take stand for "EQUALITY" because I have 6 younger siblings and I want them to accept others for who they are not for how they look.
Aurelia S. Dillard
While on the bus they asked us a question "What do we feel we should stand for?" I had to think long and hard about that one,but I thought back to this morning and then my brain clicked "EQUALITY!" I want to stand for equality ,because we should be able to go into a store,walk down the street, and do things together period with people of a different race. We should never have to feel uncomfortable because others don't want to accept equality. So from now on I want to take stand for "EQUALITY" because I have 6 younger siblings and I want them to accept others for who they are not for how they look.
Aurelia S. Dillard
Needing a cause.
So I am sorry for this but I needed to get it out. I went to my room early last night as some as might have noticed because I have issues eating. As soon as I got to my room and a while after I started to cry. This whole trip has been so much to intake and had been very overwhelming. As much as this trip is an amazing experience, this trip has made me realize how truely meaningless my life has been so far. The people ofthis movement were brutalized, tortured in a sense, and some even were killed. But they fought peacefully to change the world and inspire others. For those who do not know those are two of my goals in life along owning 7 cats. But yeah to change the world and inspire is what I dream to do everyday and honestly is is part of the only reason I am still here today. Anyway I realized last night that this movement and these people did all of that. They fought peacefully, never giving up hope and changed the world while I am too worried about the boy I like thinking I was crazy because he catches me staring at him all the time. I have done nothing with my life and seeing what these people have done has made me realize how much I truely hate myself for not finding my cause as these people did.
-Alyce
Civil Rights Trip Simmons High School A long Time's Journey
April 29-May 1
This experience for our school is amazing..us being a group of young adults experiencing and being with different cultures as really brought us together...sometimes you make think as what we call "not fitting in" a problem, but when you really look at it as soon as you say hi to a person you have already become friends.. Traveling with the children from Baltimore was a first time experience for the 10 seniors that came..As we traveled to Alabama we came across different scenarios dealing with different people.. We as a group of young teens never thought we would be in different situations where we would be stared at or was thought about in someone's head...one thing I thought about today was voicing your opinion, back then blacks didn't really have a option to voice out there opinion. That's why much didn't get done because they tossed out the intelligence of blacks and listened to what the opposite race had to say..if they listened to blacks back then I think that a lot of stuff that happen wouldn't have happen because the different opinions would be in the newspaper and everyone could read it and make a decision on it...another problem is people back then didn't have love for each other they had so much hatred in Psalms 45:7 it says thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows..if everyone got along the way we do now we could've worked together to accomplish some things back then..instead they wanted to be violent and cause lots of damage...one thing I don't get today is back then the whites fought us because they didn't like us, and today we fight our own color whereabout we are suppose to help one another but instead we talk about each other and we judge each other..some people may not care about what happen because they may say "we'll I wasn't in it so why should i care" even though you may not care you should be concerned about the people that brought you here today..
Grace Lowery- Senior of 2013 Simmons High
This experience for our school is amazing..us being a group of young adults experiencing and being with different cultures as really brought us together...sometimes you make think as what we call "not fitting in" a problem, but when you really look at it as soon as you say hi to a person you have already become friends.. Traveling with the children from Baltimore was a first time experience for the 10 seniors that came..As we traveled to Alabama we came across different scenarios dealing with different people.. We as a group of young teens never thought we would be in different situations where we would be stared at or was thought about in someone's head...one thing I thought about today was voicing your opinion, back then blacks didn't really have a option to voice out there opinion. That's why much didn't get done because they tossed out the intelligence of blacks and listened to what the opposite race had to say..if they listened to blacks back then I think that a lot of stuff that happen wouldn't have happen because the different opinions would be in the newspaper and everyone could read it and make a decision on it...another problem is people back then didn't have love for each other they had so much hatred in Psalms 45:7 it says thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows..if everyone got along the way we do now we could've worked together to accomplish some things back then..instead they wanted to be violent and cause lots of damage...one thing I don't get today is back then the whites fought us because they didn't like us, and today we fight our own color whereabout we are suppose to help one another but instead we talk about each other and we judge each other..some people may not care about what happen because they may say "we'll I wasn't in it so why should i care" even though you may not care you should be concerned about the people that brought you here today..
Grace Lowery- Senior of 2013 Simmons High
Where there is unity there is strength.
Coming from the south has truly been a blessing to my life. Thanks to pass black activist, leaders, and councils in the struggle for civil rights. We can now unite the world back to The United States. Despite all the things we struggle for now in the world, a bad economy, poor government, and war in Korea. Being The United States we can now be that force to drill out the odds and and overcome the trials of life together.
Terrance
Terrance
Unity and Dreams
Growing up in the south you'd always hear about blacks and white together in unity but never really saw it. I would speak to white people and very few would give me a greeting. So after awhile I never knew we could ever be together but look at us today. I feel shy and think I will not be accepted because of where I grew up but I'm changing those shy ways because voices are like puzzle pieces they come in different shape sizes and colors but when you put them all together you get an amazing picture.
Jaylon Porter
Jaylon Porter
Monday, April 29, 2013
I Hate the South and, to Some Degree, America
Today, we went to Mississippi: Hollandale and Money. The former is where we met kids from Simmons High School. I went in thinking they would have subpar facilities and be impoverished. I was absolutely wrong, as far as I can see, the kids were all joyous and just like normal high school kids. Something I don't necessarily agree with, religion, facilitated their interconnected, loving community. It was admirable to see that all of the kids held the utmost respect for their teachers, counselors and administrators. I was very nervous of meeting new people, but as I ride on the bus with them now, though they are not very vocal, they are here among us and I don't feel the same reproach anymore. Not to say I am completely comfortable with them yet, but they are all very nice and approachable. I love their accents.
After touring the school facilities we left and grabbed lunch on the way to somewhere where disgusting things have occurred, somewhere I despise, only after today. I will have to separate this paragraph from the next, despite its short length, because food and the following topic should not be written about in the same stroke of the pen or typing of a keyboard.
Emmett Till. A boy who was brutalized for allegedly crossing a color barrier in 1955 by flirting with a white women. I shan't go into his life story, go experience it for yourself, but I will describe my feelings after researching it for myself and visiting the place that pushed the stroller holding human morality downhill: Money, Mississippi. I researched Till and his story, starting with his background, ending with the trial for his untimely murder. I read and I read and I read, and it only took me twenty seconds to read about the horrible events that occurred and, subsequently, become horrified and distraught and hateful and disgusted and so, so much more. Thoughts such as, "I hope they [racist people] all die" and "That's abhorrently disgusting" rang though my head. I hated the story, I was disgusted of the people and their actions. "How could someone stand to defend such reprehensible human beings, such filth?" I asked myself. As I write this my feelings have subside and my writer's voice has come out, and I find it harder and harder to express the disgust and internal rage I felt. I was lost for words.
As we stood in Money at the Bryant's store, I watched others laugh and socialize happily, not fully realizing the terrible things which had occurred at that place, while I found it difficult to exit the bus, to even rise from my seat. I resented their happiness and their blind disregard to the history which had began there. I teared up so much on the bus and was still tearing up on the ground of the dilapidated store. I may as well have been in Dachau, Auschwitz, Belsen: Tills murder, though not at as large of a scale, was holocaustic. I went back on the bus afterwards and remained silent for some time. Disgusted and harboring pent up ire, I held my words until they became too painful to withhold. I was angered at the persistence of some of the students to disregard the moment and the privilege which they'd just had in experiencing such history. I had to speak. No, I didn't denounce them for their ignorance, but I did express my disgust and hatred of the Bryant's and all their supporters and all of the racist people, and frankly, though it didn't say it, the South.
That's all I have to say for now: this day is just one more reason for me to hate the world, it is such a horrible place in which the racism is still abundant.
-Antonio Lunn
After touring the school facilities we left and grabbed lunch on the way to somewhere where disgusting things have occurred, somewhere I despise, only after today. I will have to separate this paragraph from the next, despite its short length, because food and the following topic should not be written about in the same stroke of the pen or typing of a keyboard.
Emmett Till. A boy who was brutalized for allegedly crossing a color barrier in 1955 by flirting with a white women. I shan't go into his life story, go experience it for yourself, but I will describe my feelings after researching it for myself and visiting the place that pushed the stroller holding human morality downhill: Money, Mississippi. I researched Till and his story, starting with his background, ending with the trial for his untimely murder. I read and I read and I read, and it only took me twenty seconds to read about the horrible events that occurred and, subsequently, become horrified and distraught and hateful and disgusted and so, so much more. Thoughts such as, "I hope they [racist people] all die" and "That's abhorrently disgusting" rang though my head. I hated the story, I was disgusted of the people and their actions. "How could someone stand to defend such reprehensible human beings, such filth?" I asked myself. As I write this my feelings have subside and my writer's voice has come out, and I find it harder and harder to express the disgust and internal rage I felt. I was lost for words.
As we stood in Money at the Bryant's store, I watched others laugh and socialize happily, not fully realizing the terrible things which had occurred at that place, while I found it difficult to exit the bus, to even rise from my seat. I resented their happiness and their blind disregard to the history which had began there. I teared up so much on the bus and was still tearing up on the ground of the dilapidated store. I may as well have been in Dachau, Auschwitz, Belsen: Tills murder, though not at as large of a scale, was holocaustic. I went back on the bus afterwards and remained silent for some time. Disgusted and harboring pent up ire, I held my words until they became too painful to withhold. I was angered at the persistence of some of the students to disregard the moment and the privilege which they'd just had in experiencing such history. I had to speak. No, I didn't denounce them for their ignorance, but I did express my disgust and hatred of the Bryant's and all their supporters and all of the racist people, and frankly, though it didn't say it, the South.
That's all I have to say for now: this day is just one more reason for me to hate the world, it is such a horrible place in which the racism is still abundant.
-Antonio Lunn
To White for Blacks. To Black for Whites
To hear the Simmons kids and chaperones say they still experience racism really mind boggles me because I honestly never experienced it. Then to top this whole experience we stop at the store that Emmett Till supposedly whistled at the white lady. History is taught and we read about it but we never actually go see it in person. It was kind surreal because I never really thought of it as real, just was history but to be less than 5 feet from inside the place where the beginning of the end of Emmett's life was makes me ache. The thought of the situation makes my stomach hurts. To take the color of my skin and the accomplishments my people have created for granted makes me ashamed. Writing this almost brings me to tears because to know its happened and is still happening, gosh it's ridiculous. I honestly don't know what else to say I'm speechless and amazed.
-ERW
-ERW
A day I'll never forget
It was an honor to have Dr. Sybil Hampton speak to us. She shared her experiences and how she was exiled at Little Rock Central High School because she was African American. That didn't stop her from being successful. Her success lead to unbearable guilt for the people who had wronged her and they apologized... Years later. We learned that we need to forgive people who have wronged us or else we will be carrying around heavy pain until it drags us down. She taught us that our generation can change things by first changing ourselves. Our generation must stop "chasing celebrity" and treat everyone with respect no matter what or who they are. We must care more than just ourselves, but the people around us and the community and to fight for something that we really believe in. We visited the motel in which Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Some of my peers felt a strong presence or a strong feeling inside of them. I felt an abandoned feeling and a voice that said he was gone. It was still an outstanding experience jus to be able to visit where he died. The museum was a fountain of knowledge. Beale street was a once in a lifetime super fun experience with all of the restaurants and shops and lights. It was really fun.
Kyla Roberts
Kyla Roberts
Reflections on a long Sunday
After attending an uplifting church service, we went to the Little Rock Nine Central High School Museum, met the courageous Dr. Sybil Hampton, and then from there drove to Memphis to see the National Civil Rights Museum. We ended the day on the boisterous, beautiful Beale Street. It was a busy day, and each place exposed us to a different aspect of the movement. I found that every new location evoked a new emotion in me.
The most memorable moments for me were experienced in the two museums. In the Little Rock Museum, I felt extreme sadness while observing an exhibit on Emmett Till, the fourteen year old boy who had been murdered by two white store owners while traveling down south. At the top of the exhibit, a picture of Till and his mother smiling was featured. He looked like a kid I might have known today. Underneath was a picture of his mother weeping hysterically as her son's coffin arrived. These two images really broke my heart. I am not a mother, so I couldn't even begin imagine how terrible the pain of losing a child must have been.
In the Civil Rights Museum, I experienced two similar emotions. While standing on the balcony where MLK was assassinated, I felt extreme discomfort. Looking into his motel room, untouched since his untimely death, I felt a particular emptiness, like something invaluable had been stolen. In the museum, I watched on a screen a clip of one mother talking about teenagers who had gone down south to help with voting registration for black people. "They weren't expecting a bed of roses" I recall her saying. "But they also didn't expect to be killed." Once again I was heartbroken.
Seeing and hearing the voices of those who have experienced incredible loss in their lives, and being on the balcony where the world lost a great man, all at once I felt an intense hatred. Who was so evil that they would murder someone's child? Who was so evil that they would take the life of a man who wanted nothing but good for the world? I was disgusted. I wanted the pain Till's mother felt to be inflicted on her son's killers, and everyone else in the world like them.
But in that moment, I remembered what Dr. Sybil had told us. One of the only black students in the Central High school in Little Rock, she was harassed and shunned every day. When asked about whether or not she forgave her peers, she replied saying that she forgave from day one. That forgiveness had been crucial to ensuring her inner peace at that time.
I ended the day pondering. Did I have the strength to forgive?
JNC
The most memorable moments for me were experienced in the two museums. In the Little Rock Museum, I felt extreme sadness while observing an exhibit on Emmett Till, the fourteen year old boy who had been murdered by two white store owners while traveling down south. At the top of the exhibit, a picture of Till and his mother smiling was featured. He looked like a kid I might have known today. Underneath was a picture of his mother weeping hysterically as her son's coffin arrived. These two images really broke my heart. I am not a mother, so I couldn't even begin imagine how terrible the pain of losing a child must have been.
In the Civil Rights Museum, I experienced two similar emotions. While standing on the balcony where MLK was assassinated, I felt extreme discomfort. Looking into his motel room, untouched since his untimely death, I felt a particular emptiness, like something invaluable had been stolen. In the museum, I watched on a screen a clip of one mother talking about teenagers who had gone down south to help with voting registration for black people. "They weren't expecting a bed of roses" I recall her saying. "But they also didn't expect to be killed." Once again I was heartbroken.
Seeing and hearing the voices of those who have experienced incredible loss in their lives, and being on the balcony where the world lost a great man, all at once I felt an intense hatred. Who was so evil that they would murder someone's child? Who was so evil that they would take the life of a man who wanted nothing but good for the world? I was disgusted. I wanted the pain Till's mother felt to be inflicted on her son's killers, and everyone else in the world like them.
But in that moment, I remembered what Dr. Sybil had told us. One of the only black students in the Central High school in Little Rock, she was harassed and shunned every day. When asked about whether or not she forgave her peers, she replied saying that she forgave from day one. That forgiveness had been crucial to ensuring her inner peace at that time.
I ended the day pondering. Did I have the strength to forgive?
JNC
I.M.A.G.E is everything
On the morning on our third day we went to I.M.A.G.E is important church. Unlike all the churches I have gone to, this church welcomed our whole group with open arms. Part way through their preaching they had all the newcomers stand up and welcomed us to the church and wished us the best. The most interesting thing to me was that the preacher connected the saying that Jesus hears everyone to his own personal life. This made what he was saying more believable and captured my attention because it was so personal and emotional. The church experience also helped me understand how Martin Luther king Jr. got whole communities to fight for freedom. The singing and preaching made everyone become a whole group and get caught up in the moment and wanting more. This really helped me understand how all these extremely important movements worked and how connected the people were.
-Victoria
-Victoria
The immorality of poverty
"Which is better? Sending man to the moon or feeding him earth?" This quote, plastered on the wall behind the information desk in the National Civil Rights Museum, hit me when we first walked in.
As we continued through the museum, the exhibit mentioned that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was against the Vietnam War because he thought it was wasting much needed money. It detailed the concept of the immorality of poverty. We grow up knowing that poverty is horrible and to be grateful for all that we have, but the idea that poverty is actually immoral was new to me. Although it was new I realized its accuracy immediately. It is immoral to sit around and watch people starve when a lot could be done both by the government and us to fix that. The US spends more money on the military than any other country yet the poverty rate was 16% as of 2012. This means that 1 in 7 people still suffer from poverty.
As we continued through the museum, the exhibit mentioned that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was against the Vietnam War because he thought it was wasting much needed money. It detailed the concept of the immorality of poverty. We grow up knowing that poverty is horrible and to be grateful for all that we have, but the idea that poverty is actually immoral was new to me. Although it was new I realized its accuracy immediately. It is immoral to sit around and watch people starve when a lot could be done both by the government and us to fix that. The US spends more money on the military than any other country yet the poverty rate was 16% as of 2012. This means that 1 in 7 people still suffer from poverty.
Ole Sybil !
"Sybil Hampton,what an amazing person. Sybil really made think about how I'm living. She made me realize how I ignore shun and pick on people sometimes. She made me think about forgiveness. Forgiveness is a hard thing. She been through some much trials and tribulations and she still so kind to others when they did her wrong. She's a strong women and a great leader. I kind of understand how it feels to be shunned. It's hurts, and yet he she is now doing big things in life. I felt a connection with her. I sort of felt her pain. When your not being noticed by anything you do or ignored by everyone, it makes it hard for you to live your life when no one cares about what you think and how you feel. I guess one thing I can say is every that happens to you happens for a reason but understand that whatever happens makes you the person you are today"
-Naomi Evans
-Naomi Evans
Have you forgiven lately?
As I listened to the terrible situations Mrs. Sybil Hampton went through my biggest question was if she had forgiven the people who mistreated her. the reply she gave me really made me think about myself and the grudges hold against the people who upset me. Mrs. Hampton woke up every morning knowing she wasn't going to be spoken to and thats he wasn't wanted. She never let that hold her back, she kept going for three years straight without a single person talking to her. She was the first African American to graduate from Central High School completing all three years. She answered my question by saying "I never once didn't forgive the people for the things they have done to me." For her to be able to still be smile and help people shows that she used her experience at Central High as growth and not something to hold her back. I'm thankful that she took time out of her day to ell us her story with gusto and hope that today's youth might change.
-ERW
Attention to Detail
As we were on our journey through the national civil rights museum and Dr. Martin Luther King's memorial, i noticed that there were two different schools of thought integrated in and throughout the museum. Outside Dr. Kings memorial there was a quote that said 'kill a man and see what may become of his dreams'. To me this quote is trying to communicate that kings dream was never realized and that we seem to be stuck. But on the inside the museum there was a quote that exclaimed in big, proud print ' the dream will live long after the man'. This was shocking to me because it seemed as if the two quotes were contrasting ideas that illustrated the separate schools of thought that were and still are present. these quotes made me question about what i have been taught in school since i can remember,That Dr. kings dream was realized and accomplished. But was the dream really truly achieved, or was it forced to quell the unity of the people?
-Akiliah Radford BCC 2013
My experience so far
I really like how the trip is going so far. I get bond with the other kids in the van and showing them my personality. On the first day I learned about Buddhism and how the Buddha would act in a crisis and how he wouldn't act negative towards anyone was negative to him. I met Dr. Hampton yesterday. Dr. Hampton talked about how our generation isn't disciplined enough and I totally agree with her. For example, Kids today would cry if they don't get something like me when I was younger. When Sybil (Dr. Hampton ) told us our generation takes things for granted , I immediately thought how we took this for granted. I think our generation doesn't think about how we got our freedom and how much punishment it to get it. The last thing I want to talk about is church. I haven't been to church since I was a kid and it was great to get that feeling of joy again. I sang and enjoyed the reading of the bible and it made me feel so great because it brought back so many memories.
#over my circumstances, giving me another chance , he reins
-Jordan
#over my circumstances, giving me another chance , he reins
-Jordan
Lions and Tigers and Beale Street, Oh My! April 28,2013
Yesterday, after we went to church, Central High School, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center, and finally Memphis, we all went to Beale Street. I was terrified. The trip there was prefaced with a talk about safety: T.J. said that their were professional pickpockets and other shady people on Beale Street and that we should never be alone without a partner. Again, I was terrified. I tagged along with Sabrina, Alyce and Emmanuel and we headed down into the Black Forest. There were so many people and so many smells mixed into one, it was insane, but no smells were more prominent than the stenches of horse and pee. I walked with the group asking to hold hands and stay really close together; everyone was saying, "calm down" and "Antonio, it's going to be OK." I responded with "No guys, I'm seriously scared!" or something of the like. We all went down the street into this little jewelry section were everyone seemed to speak broken English, save for the few White people who we met back there. Alyce purchased some rings, Emmanuel bought a necklace, and so did I, but Sabrina bought nothing. We left there and made our way back up to find some food and on the way we fund Lucy and Kyla who then joined our group. We found the Blues City Cafe to eat at and were seated immediately. When we sat down I noticed that there was not a single non-white person in the place except for the workers and I was wary of that, my stomach even began to hurt a little. I ordered ribs, a half rack; Alyce ordered delicious cheese fries topped with green peppers, she didn't like that; Emmanuel ordered golden fried shrimp and cheese fries, Kyla ordered the same thing; Lucy ordered catfish; and Sabrina ordered chicken tenders. While we were eating I saw an older white couple across from us, and the male in the couple was giving us a look like "Are the coloreds and our good white girls sitting together?!" I was pretty sure he was a racist of some sort: earlier I'd seen a sign that said "no discrimination" and if that needed to be said then I figured that there must be some problem with it, I guess he was our problem. I was disgusted and even more terrified. So when we were all done eating and conversing, we left. As we walked down the stree,t we saw Akiliah getting a pastel drawing of her face. We all watched her and listened and danced to the karaoke music that could be heard near by; there was a lot of music that could be heard on Beale Street, from karaoke to Beyoncé to Rihanna to the Cupid Shuffle.
We went to a few more places and did a few more things, but, being that I was on edge already, nothing was more unnerving than the multiple discriminatory looks from different White people. I don't know if it is a bias within me, but as far as I could see there were no racist Black people. Yes, there were a few black people who were drunk and maybe suspicious, but not blatantly racist.
All in all, I guess Beale Street was a good adventure for me: it took me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to the many problems still present in the South.
-Antonio Lunn
We went to a few more places and did a few more things, but, being that I was on edge already, nothing was more unnerving than the multiple discriminatory looks from different White people. I don't know if it is a bias within me, but as far as I could see there were no racist Black people. Yes, there were a few black people who were drunk and maybe suspicious, but not blatantly racist.
All in all, I guess Beale Street was a good adventure for me: it took me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to the many problems still present in the South.
-Antonio Lunn
CHURCH...PREACH
On Sunday April 28th, 2013 we went to St. Mark's Baptist church in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was the first time I had been to church in a while and it was completely different from what I remember. I remember church being calmer and more strict, and people didn't talk much. But St. Mark's had a very welcoming and exciting environment about it. People were nice and generous and the songs were so lively (I can't get the songs out of my head) and everyone was involved, and both pastors there were extremely energetic. I was a visitor at the church for the time being but it felt as though I'd been going there forever. #mygodreignsourgodreigns
-Justin
-Justin
New friends
This trip has really opened my eyes to how easy it is to make friends when everyone is vulnerable and open. Some of the people that i have met here on this trip are people that I feel like I've known my whole life.... Corny yet so true.
Being Jewish I had never gone to church, and was nervous about how I would feel being there. As soon as i walked In, I already felt welcomed and even though I felt strange, it was a good strange. I didn't sing the songs or repeat the psalms but I still felt connected to everyone there in some spiritual and emotional way. The energy in that room was endless and it was possibly one of the best mornings of my life.
-CBK
Being Jewish I had never gone to church, and was nervous about how I would feel being there. As soon as i walked In, I already felt welcomed and even though I felt strange, it was a good strange. I didn't sing the songs or repeat the psalms but I still felt connected to everyone there in some spiritual and emotional way. The energy in that room was endless and it was possibly one of the best mornings of my life.
-CBK
Observation MLK'S Assassination.
Yesterday April 28,2013, we visited The National Civil Rights Museum. I got to see the equipment and objects that were used by James Earl Ray when he shot and killed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. When we walked into the room that displayed the gun, and saw the mug shots that he had to take it really made me fell like there had to have been a vengeance, that he had to have a reason to want to kill someone who never did anything to anyone, but kept the peace and took the non-violence rout through anything that came his way. I AM REALLY PUZZLED AT HOW A PERSON COULD EVER HAVE THE GUTS TO KILL SOMEONE. I had to think long and hard about why could someone have the heart and guts the assassinate someone. I guess I just feel like it may have been his time, but it never should have been in the way that Mr.Ray decided to take.
KEVON
KEVON
Our first day - Rhea & Frenchie
Meeting new people became easier as the days went by. During the overnight, games and food really brought us together. -Frenchie
Can you guys add and give more details in your post? What made it easier to meet new people as the days going? Being that people are together what makes the trip more valuable and memorable. How did the overnight bring you guys together?
The bus really gave us a chance to interact with people, and I was able to bond with new individuals over food. -Rhea
How???
Can you guys add and give more details in your post? What made it easier to meet new people as the days going? Being that people are together what makes the trip more valuable and memorable. How did the overnight bring you guys together?
The bus really gave us a chance to interact with people, and I was able to bond with new individuals over food. -Rhea
How???
The road trip
Well I should say that this road trip has been the best just in general especially just riding with other people that you can get along with and also have new friends. I personally would say that being on the bus is the best thing you can do when your on the bus with different people. Now this is a good way to get out of your comfort zone and just loosen up a bit you know. I will say that ever since we have been gone we learned new things we visited historical places and at the same time we enjoyed ourselves but so far that's all I have to say as far as the bus. The places we been were to some museum and church I will admit that a lot of people enjoyed church like you normally should but some don't go to church they are usually in a synagogue but there's nothing wrong with that. Overall the trip has been a really awesome experience and I would love to do this again.
Darius Alston
Darius Alston
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)