The street that led up to the state’s capital building that capstoned the March from Selma originated from the town square that was the site of Montgomery’s trade of enslaved persons and where Mrs. Rosa Parks stood up for justice and equality by sitting down.  As I stood in the deserted space across from Dexter Avenue King Baptist Church which is nestled between numerous government buildings (the capital, SPLC, safety building, courts, etc.), the occupied police car did not move.

As I contemplate what message my “afro-d” presence might have sent then, memories flood my mind of averted and astonished glances along this journey that have made for solid reflection conversations and noticeable discomfort.  I find it appropriate that we are lodging at a casino/hotel for the next few days where I’ve seen a young girl emerge from a pool to wrap herself in the “stars and bars” of the Confederacy, giving voice to the awkward looks and attempts at discrete conversations that happen as people move to the slot machines.

Perhaps the whole of our group’s presence here in the American South is a gamble…

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!!