Ingram Park in Birmingham, Alabama

This afternoon I stopped at Ingram Park; this park located right across from the 16th Street Baptist Church is the location of the confrontation between civil rights protestors and the Public Safety Commissioner Eugene "Bull" Connor during the month of May in 1963. Connor ordered police and firemen to confront the demonstrators, many whom were children some as young as seven, with fire hoses and police dogs. Images from these confrontations were broadcast nationally and brought attention to the civil rights movement. I also saw the memorial to the four young girls who were killed when the 16th Street Baptist Chuch was bombed by Klan members on Sunday, September 15, 1963. These marches and the bombing are credited with helping to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act. I have seen film footage from the marches at this park so it was amazing to stand here in person and think about the brave young people who made their stand for civil rights. 

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee, Alabama

This morning I visited Moton Field. This field was used for flight training for young African American men who trained to become pilots in the Army Air Corps. They later became known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 prohibited discrimination in training for military service. This legislation along with pressure from the black press, civil rights groups, and the support of Eleanor Roosevelt, led to the establishment of the 99th Pursuit Squadron in January of 1941. This squadron along with the 332nd Fighter Group soon served in North Africa and Europe. Their group became known as the "Red Tail Angels" because of their planes' distinctive red tail sections and their determination to never abandon the bombers in their care. By 1944 the airmen began flying the P-51, one of the best fighter planes of the war, and their primary duty was to escort bombers to oil refineries and other strategic targets in Europe. In addition to their military service the Tuskegee Airmen were fighting to overcome discrimination and segregation both at home and overseas. The superb performance of the fighter squadrons, helped convince President Truman to sign Executive Order 9981 in 1948 calling for the integration of all branches of the military. It was an honor to see the fields where these brave airmen learned to fly and served our country with such distinction.

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Rosa Parks Library and Museum

This afternoon was filled with two wonderful highlights. First, I visited the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Dr. King served this church from 1954-1960. The meeting in which the decision was made to launch the Montgomery Bus Boycott was held in the church's basement on December 2, 1955. Dr. King was later elected President of the Montgomery Improvement Association, and he directed activites for the boycott from his office located in the basement of this church. Still an active church, the first worship service was held in its basement in 1885 and four years later, on Thanksgiving Day in 1889, the first worship service was held in the upstairs sanctuary. Wanda, our tour guide, was so generous with her time and explained the history of the church including a beautiful mural in the basement, the office where Dr. King wrote his sermons, and the sanctuary. Her personal touch made this stop a highlight of my trip. My second stop was at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. This museum sponsored by Troy University is located on the site of the arrest, and it celebrates the legacy of Mrs. Parks who is considered the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. The museum opened on December 1, 2000, the 45th anniversary of Park's arrest. This interactive museum explains how Mrs. Park's decision to challenge the bus segregation laws in Montgomery began the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which eventually led to bus desegregation and the realization that non-violent civil disobedience could be a successful tool for social change. I admire Mrs. Park's quiet courage and grace in the face of such hatred. She is a true hero! It was such a wonderful afternoon to stand in the footsteps of two civil rights heroes. 

Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama

A visit to this memorial has been on my bucket list so I was so happy to visit this morning and be able to touch and explore the monument. This monument which is sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center was created by Maya Lin and is inspired by a line from Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, "...we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream..." The memorial was dedicated in 1989 and remembers 40 people who died in the struggle for civil rights. After spending some time at the monument, I went inside to the Center where I learned about those civil rights maytrs. My favorite part inside the Center was signing the Wall of Tolerance and watching my name come up on the wall as I watched. My name signified my commitment to stand up for others and promote understanding and tolerance in our world. I appreciate the everyday work the Southern Poverty Law Center is doing to promote civil rights in the United States.

Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville, Georgia

On the way to Montgomery, Alabama today I stopped at the site of the infamous Confederate prisoner of war camp, Andersonville. Intended to hold 10,000 men, this 26 1/2 acre prison surrounded by a 15 foot high stockade wall eventually housed over 32,000 prisoners who struggled to survive the terrible conditions which included lack of food, water, shelter, and illness. Nearly 13,000 Union soldiers died here. My favorite part of the tour was visiting Providence Spring. The prisoners constantly suffered from lack of water and in August of 1864 the prisoners prayed for water. In answer to their  prayers a thunderstorm washed across the camp and lightening struck the ground and a spring of cool and clean spring water burst from the ground, saving the lives of many men.  A monument now stands on the site commemorating that event, and I was able to put my hands in the cool water and imagine what a relief it must have been to the prisoners. Today the site also honors all POWs and it was so interesting to learn about this topic and remember those who have been imprisoned while serving our country.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Before leaving Atlanta this morning, I visited the neighborhood where Dr. King  was born, grew up, and is now buried. This historic neighborhood includes the King family home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center, and a number of surrounding residences. Besides seeing King's birth home, my favorite part was sitting in the church all alone and getting to hear a recording of one of Dr. King's sermons that included the sounds of his congregation responding to what he said. I closed my eyes and imagined what it would be like to be in the congregation. Such a blessing! 

Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum, World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights

Today I explored Atlanta. I started my day at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. This wonderful museum highlighted the achievements and challenges of his presidency including energy and land conservation, peace talks in the Middle East, inflation and the Iran hostage situation. I was inspired by Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter's continued work around the world to promote peace, good health, and better conditions for all. The next stop was The World of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola was created in 1886 when a pharmacist from Atlanta named Dr. John S. Pemberton created the formula. I liked seeing all the memorabilia and getting a chance to try over 100 different sodas in the tasting room. No, I didn't try all 100! My final stop today was at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. There was a special exhibit on loan from Morehouse College showcasing some of Dr. King's papers. It was neat to see his annotations on his speeches. The second part of the museum focused on the Civil Rights Movement and included lots of personal stories and fantastic artifacts. It also included an interactive exhibit where I was able to feel what it would be like to participate in a sit-in. That was intense! The final part of the Center focused on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  This area talked about current issues and how the Center tries to monitor and address those issues and what we as citizens of the world can do.  This was a powerful museum! What an amazing day!

www.jimmycarterlibrary.org
www.worldofcoca-cola.com
www.civilandhumanrights.org