Madison's Post-Trip Blog

Before the trip, I now realize my knowledge about the civil rights era was limited to the scarce materials I had from my schooling. These materials were told from an oppressor’s perspective, and did not even begin to define the intense uphill battle people endured, and are still enduring, to secure equal rights. The movie SELMA helped me to visualize the lengths Martin Luther King Jr., the Big Six, and all the other freedom riders, supporters, and allies went to during this movement. I thought a lot about how I, as a white woman, would have reacted during that time period, and react and support similar efforts today. However, what I did not expect to discover after the screening was how the city of Atlanta played such a major role in the movement, and the milestones that occurred there. Walking around Atlanta felt as if I was walking through an interactive museum. I was amazed at how much history was surrounding me. This began at Morehouse College, an institution where so many of their alumni have gone on to become leaders and influencers. I was able to learn more about HBCUs and the importance they play in the lives of their students (and evidently the world since so many of their students continue to have a global presence). Later on, when we visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights, I was able to get more visuals of this time period. One of my favorite aspects of the trip, and most powerful, was during the lunch counter experience at the center. You can read about these protests and watch as many scenes in movies as you want, but until someone sits down, closes their eyes, and hears those slurs and screams, it is all just a history lesson. That was another aspect of the trip that was memorable to me. We went to the center, MLK’s childhood home, Auburn street, etc. Throughout all of these experiences I was astounded at how all of these issues were being talked about from a historical perspective. From one point I understand; these people and places culminate a past decade marked by monumental changes and strides. However, these issues and thoughts and challenges are still prevalent today, and very much so. People are STILL fighting for their rights, fighting for social equality, fighting the institutional boundaries. This was evident when we served at the food bank, as well as the garden. From all of my experiences in Atlanta, there are a few things I hope to bring back to Bonner, my service, as well as myself personally. Most importantly is I need to study more on the practices and methods of the Civil Rights Era, and how their experiences can be used today. That was a question asked during Farmer’s panel that I have been thinking about. Ms. Farmer said herself “you don’t have to reinvent the wheel” and I want to discover more what that looks like. For my service, I would really like to do a gardening or growing activity with the youth at Anchor House. I think working with plants and having something to see progress with, and grow would be very beneficial for them. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience in Atlanta. I am still sifting through all of my thoughts and emotions from that week, but I can say that I definitely benefited from this trip. Thanks!