Social Stratification in the Deep South

This morning we got off to an early start. We began with a visit to the Civil Rights Memorial that was coordinated by the Southern Law Poverty Center. We learned the story of Michael Donald; whose story inspired the development of the center.

The following is a direct quote from a plaque that appear at the internal entrance to tell the story of Michael Donald.

“A landmark lawsuit prompted by the Southern Poverty Law Center to build a memorial to commemorate those who died during the Civil Rights Movement.

Michael Donald was walking to a store in Mobile, Alabama, in 1981 when two Klansmen abducted him. They beat him, cut his throat and hung his body from a tree. He was only 19.

In a groundbreaking lawsuit, the Center proved that the United Klans of America was responsible for Donald’s death. This same organization committed some of the worst hate violence during the civil rights era, including the church bombing that killed four girls in Birmingham in 1963 and the slaying of Viola Liuzzo during the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march in 1965.

In 1987, an all-white jury awarded Donald’s mother $7 million. The historic verdict put the United Klans out of business and forced the group to turn over the headquarters to Beulah Mae Donald, the victim’s mother.”

Morris Dees, the chief trial counsel of the Center was inspired to build the Memorial after he realized how many young people enjoy the benefits of the Civil Rights Movement; but lack the historical background knowledge.

I am unable to articulate how much this trip to the Memorial turned out to mean to me. I’m forever changed! I did not realize the extent of the issues that the Southern Law Poverty Center addresses each day. It is truly amazing. In fact, so amazing ………… that I may consider doing an internship at the center.

After our visit to the center, we drove to the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma. This is the bridge that countless marchers crossed as they marched from Salem to Montgomery to demand the right to vote.

Before, I precede any further I should say that one of my worst fears is bridges… and this experience was difficult. Especially, considering the fact that, we ended up walking across the bridge. {BTW: Pictures of this experience may be out there}

Our final destination today is Hancock County. And, we will begin our sociological experiences here bright and early Wednesday morning.

To be continued …..

Today was no different than other days; in that, it was filled with excitement and reflection. Nevertheless, the theme for today was the struggle to secure voting rights. And, we were able to see some of the path that countless people took as the traveled from Selma to Montgomery to demand the right to vote. We even had the distinct privilege to meet a man who walked the trail from Selma to Montgomery.

As I reflect upon all the things that I have seen today and thus far on the trip I became afraid. I grew up in an impoverished and drug infested environment. When I got to WFU I was initially considered myself extremely different. And, this continues to today.

However, this trip has taught me to not envy the differences but to embrace them, because a great price was paid for me to be able to do everything that I do today. I mean it is deep to consider the fact that someone had to pay a price or sacrifice their life for me to be able to enjoy privileges that range from attending Wake Forest University to being able to shop at Belk for a Polo Shirt.

Today confirms for me the proverbial statement which says: we were sent not to conform but to transform the world in which we live. And, this trip gives me the additional energy to chose to continue transforming environments despite the fact that conformity is always much easier.

To be continued …………

Today was another interesting day that was packed full of excitement.

We started out the day by worshipping with the congregation of 16^th Street Baptist Church. The worship experience contained elements that I was expecting; as well as other elements that I was not expecting. I was expecting the church to be more diverse, considering its significance in civil rights history. I was expecting for the church to be more conservative considering it serves as a tourist attraction. However, the church was contemporary with a touch of conservatism.

I really enjoyed a lot of the critiques that the pastor made; regardless of whether I found them funny or compelling. I was shocked to see how preserved it seems that they have kept the church. It must be difficult to actively occupy and preserve a building at the same time. It was also interesting to have such a large delegation of visitors on Memorial Day weekend; including the ambassador from Hungary.

Today’s official events ended in Montgomery Alabama at Embassy Suites. However, at the advisement of Dr. Hattery and Dr. Smith, Kendra, Jaymi, and I decided to explore the historical sites that are within walking distance of the hotel. We saw some beautiful sites which include:

• Court Square Fountain
• Supreme Court of Alabama
• Several Beautiful Canvasses
• Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

Nevertheless, the thing that prompted the most discussion within our small group was a monument that depicts the evolution of the confederate flag outside a government building. We discussed whether tax dollars, from both Caucasians and African Americans, should have been used to finance this monument. We also discussed the significance of Alabama’s lawmakers looking out their windows to immediately see this monument. We all found it ironic how the we argue about where the bible should be placed but not about whether we should be financing confederate flag monuments.

The trip is definitely getting better every day.

To be continued …………….

When we get a better internet connection, I will get the pictures uploaded!!

Today, we got up extremely early for a technology session that was very

The first assignment by “The Distinguished Sergeant Hattery,” was for the class to visit the 16^th St. Baptist Church, The Civil Rights Museum, and Kelly Ingram Park by 12pm. The bad news is I only had time to explore the park thoroughly. However, the good news is that the park was booming with excitement. In fact, today several organizations, government officials, and citizens came together for a “Stop the Violence Peace Rally.” I believe that this rally was very important because of its primary purpose; as well as its indirect purpose to bring together individuals of various ages to interact in a historical setting to gain valuable knowledge. (BTW1: I met this girl in the park named Stephanie Keahey.) (BTW2: I stepped across the street to the Civil Rights Museum for a few minutes and met a Tulane student, Alessandra)

I was really moved to know that the grounds on which I stood paved the way for me to attend Wake Forest University; to have the opportunity achieve the “American Dream”; and to have hope that my children would also enjoy the same privilege. It was in this very park that countless children sacrificed themselves; as they fled out of the 16^th St. Baptist Church into the park to be met with ragging dogs and highly pressurized water; and hauled off to local jails and fairground animal cages. The tangible sites were moving beyond what any collaboration of words could attempt to describe. I can truly say I was truly changed. I have always harbored a deep desire to serve the community because of the obstacles that I have overcome; but today taught me that the obligation to give back to the community and to raise awareness about ongoing issues in society run deeper than any pain that I have ever personally experienced in life.

Up to this point, the food has been phenomenal. And, today’s lunch was no exception. We stopped in at “Mrs. B’s.” The soul food that this restaurant served up was “finger lickin’ good.”

After lunch, we had the distinct privilege of meeting with Peggy Heidi, Barbara Shores, and the Honorable Judge Helen Shores Lee in the Civil Rights Museum. They told us stories of their childhood living on Center Street Hill (Dynamite Hill); which was divided into two sections for Caucasians (West Side) and African Americans (East Side). The Shores’ father was the attorney for the NAACP; which afforded them the opportunity to have many historical figures into their home such as Supreme Court Justice Marshall. (BTW3: Judge Shores Lee rode Justice Marshall’s back as a kid)

It was both funny and disturbing to hear the stories about how Judge Shores Lee, at a very early age, fought against segregation. She told us how she once moved the whites only board so that her and her mom could have a seat. Also, how she drunk from a whites only fountain. Despite the fact that these stories were funny the disturbing part was that these ladies and the kids in Kelly Ingram Park sacrificed their lives to fight against segregation, yet, today young people aren’t willing to engage in safe demonstrations against injustices that still persist.

I was captivated by the comments that were made by the ladies in regard to the work that is left to be done, and how they believe that society currently lacks “real leaders” that are committed to change. Nevertheless, the comment that I loved the most was concerning the church. Judge Shores Lee said the church can make an impact; but what she see’s is a church that is more concerned with making profits; as opposed to making a difference. This was very important to me because I firmly believe that Americans need to stand back and critically examine the role that we think the church should fulfill, and what is actually being done. 

We ended the day by meeting Cameron Cole for dinner at DreamLand BBQ.

To be continued ………………… 

Today was a long day. However, the day foreshadowed the fun that awaits the entire class during the 2-week trip. However, the thing that has fascinated me the most during the first day was how the leaders of the Civil Right Movement (ex. Dr. Martin Luther King) were able to see the interconnectedness of the events that were going on and how they affected everyone; because this is a very important component of sociology. This is important to sociology because one key to addressing any sociological problem is realizing that the problem is not just a personal issue; but affects a large number of people.

The Irondale Cafe was amazing for dinner. I had chicken, yams, mashed potatoes with gravy, and turnip greens. [The pit could really benefit from shadowing the cooks at this historical food establishment.] This restaurant has me really anticipating the food that I will be eating over the next two weeks.

Well ………. I need to get to sleep so I can get up for another day of enhanced learning.

Hey!