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…

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!!