BALTIMORE CIVIL RIGHTS TRIP

DECEMBER 2025

M E M P H I S

L I T T L E R O C K

Here we are at

"Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument"

It's always a delight and an honor to chat with Dr. Sybil Jordan-Hampton

M I S S I S S I P P I

All I can do is imagine if my kids were scrolling through my photos and they saw the current state of the grocery store they’d completely ignore that image thinking it has absolutely no significance due to the state of it. The idea of that truly breaks my heart.

-Alanna

This is a quote from Oseola McCarty, this quote struck out to me because I feel like I try my best to do good things but sometimes it’s hard. So it just make me like think of my actions more and how I should reflect on the things I do and the things I say.

-Jamel

This is a picture of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. It was a highlight for me because of its historical significance in the civil rights movement and the profound impact the pastor had on me through his words.

-Clayton

This is a photo of a quilt with the story of a girls life after her father died on it. This shows how people had to record history with the few resources they had and how peoples lives were ruined and their life spans shortened because of slavery. It makes me very sad that this little girl lost her father so early and slavery was all he knew in his life.

-Naomi

Have you ever thought about how our ancestors got through the devastating, brutal, unsettling pain? They used music to connect with each other, their spiritual connection, emotional, and the hope they had that things will get better. Music uplifted them and motivated them through the rough times.

-Arondae

Paying homage towards the capture Africans American who were killed during slavery/killing when being transported like packages.

-Evan

This is an image of the weapon used to murder Emmett Till, a 14 year old boy. He was murdered after whistling at a woman in the Bryant Grocery Store in Money, Mississippi. Seeing the actual weapon used was incredibly impactful to see, because it is stunning that a weapon of mass destruction was used on an innocent child. Seeing this weapon was also impactful because this event caused a huge change in the Movement, inspiring even more people to join and fight for Civil Rights.

-Maya

The picture that I have captured depicts the 4 girls that were victims to the 16th Street Baptist church bombing, showing how deeply rooted African-Americans were in the church during the movement.

-Javed

I saw this piece at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This artwork represents the differences between America’s promise to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and what actually occurs in America. The color scheme of the piece is red, white, and blue, but rather than fabric in the shape of the flag, the piece is made out of rags, scrap metal, and sharp bits of wood. This chaos and dilapidated material represents the cycle of poverty in our country, much of which can still be traced back to slavery. This twist on red, white, and blue is what really caught my eye, and I believe the compositional choices made were very effective.

-Emmy

Here is a photo other Civil Rights Trip students and I sitting in a classroom that is split in two. This struck me with the stark differences and how still the clear juxtaposition was “separate but equal”.

-Campbell

This picture demonstrates the decline of registered black voters in Mississippi which is important because there is a connection to how Baltimore City currently has the lowest percentage of registered voters out of all counties in all of Maryland.

-Bronwyn

This is a picture of downtown Selma. I chose it since I thought it was a good image of how it showcases the aftermath of a civil rights “battleground” city where so many events happened and how they have impacted the city and community around it.

-Elias

This is an image of small Rosa Parks at the bus stop she was at in Montgomery, Alabama where she was arrested two blocks later for not giving up her seat. This day with me because it shows how powerful someone so small at a time were black women were see less than. A time were they were stripped of their femininity.

-Kameran

If I were to give a caption for this photo it would be “the cold womb”. This is because when going to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights they had a section dedicated to Mary Turner’s lynching and when walking into this room it was cold compared to the rest of the exhibit. It was like you could feel the coldness of her womb because they had brutalized her. I think this story reveals the great horrors of being black during this time.

-Zamillah

This was a kkk robe and this represents the hatred that can be found within our society. The caption underneath does not explain the significance and the perpetrator who wore it, within this museum there was another kkk uniform and this one had small blood stains on it, this shows the hatred that went on and continues through our nation it is important to see these hatred groups and be aware and spread awareness and love.

-Adelaide

I chose this picture because I'm a singer and I like the fact that they sang songs for their comfort.

-Destiny

A Century of history; behind a glass. It’s evil, so thick you can grasp it.

-Asa

This gun was a weapon believed to be involved in Emmett Till's murder. This weapon was not submitted as official evidence during the investigation but it has the initials of Emmett Tills killer. It surprised me that this gun was not apart of evidence during the investigation.

-Shawn

-Kameran

-Zamillah

-Adelaide

Images of blackface/mockery on the ceiling of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

-Sydney

This artifact struck me because it showed a Black written newspaper that was used to share information the mass media was trying to silence. During the early 1900s especially, white people had the power to create the narrative. The words they wrote were spread across America and beyond, contributing to horrid racism and violence. Black people worked hard to create their own publications where they could connect people in different locations. Without this media we would not be able to learn their true history and would only be left with the propaganda and lies white people worked to perpetuate.

- Hailey

B I R M I N G H A M & S E L M A

We spent the morning in Birmingham listening to and discussing MLK's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail."

IMG_2132.MOV

IMG_2150.MOV

Tonight, we walked over the Edmund Pettis bridge in Selma, AL, to pay homage to the protestors who marched over the same bridge in 1965. Below, we also wrote who else we marched for.

Aniyah:

I marched over the bring in honor of those who marched before us. To let them know their march wasn’t in vain. I marched for those who couldn’t walk themselves. Those who got killed before they could join the movement.

Clayton:

I marched for the babies who died during slavery. They didn’t get to experience life because they were born into bondage, and their short lives deserve to be remembered.

Andre:

I march for my ancestors that I didn't meet and that they did everything for us to be able to do things like the civil rights trip, I marched for them because I know they was good people that did better for us and I feel like I own them so much and even respect for it.

Mattisyn:

I marched for the individuals who went to their church post the bridge march and were killed due to the hatred in the community. They deserved to see the impact they made that day for the next marching on the Edmund Pettit bridge.

Daiveonn:

I had marched for justice and reconstruction of this country and world. I also marched for the ones who came before me who was able to bring me here. I marched for these because I want future generation to keep fighting keep trying and don't be silenced to grow and prosper in there future.

Isioma:

I marched for the people who’s suffering this country was built on, for all the stories that go untold and for the future of humanity.

Alanna:

I marched for all of those who took that courage to allow me to have the opportunities I have now. Walking across along side this group I just felt inspired knowing I’m walking along others who are wanting to learn , and wanting to make a change for the world in front of us. Knowing that we’re the next generation who is capable to make a change as those who had the courage to march.

Destiny:

I marched for the people who risked there lives and marched over the bridge for out rights knowing the danger. I also walked for the babies and kids who were born into slavery and the ones who died before the age of 1.

Ruka:

I marched for the people who died before they could experience the change and the people who died before change could even be something possible. More closely to me, I marched for the people of color who are scared to come to the south and learn the hard truths.

Bryce:

Tonight I marched over the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the courageous people who stood up against hate and fought for what they believed was right. Their actions were able to give us a better future in terms of human rights, education, etc. I also walked over the Edmund Pettus Bridge for my grandparents and great grandparents that immigrated to America (from Chile, Italy and Scotland) in hopes of a better life for the future generations of our family.

Naomi:

I walked across the bridge for everyone who experienced injustice and violence in America. I want to make America a better place for the surviving people and for those in the future. The first step to that is learning history and honoring those who marched and fought for the rights we have now.

Jamel:

I marched for the next generations, I marched to tell people that coming together as people is what we need in this world. And also being able to let the common power group join us just makes me realize that a kind jester can go a long way.

Arondae:

I march for my ancestors and the people that still live in this broken town that still hasn’t been acknowledged to fix or change. You see and feel what black people went through throughout the whole town. I really enjoyed everything the circle felt nice it felt like we were connecting to our ancestors and making them proud.

Evan:

During the Edmund Pettus bridge march I walked for the women who were wrongfully experimented on.

I picked this unique group because many people are so unaware of the existence of why we have certain jobs. For example, gynecologist was built off of racism while people may not recognize it I still hope to spread awareness.

Aliyah:

To night I walked the Edmund Pettus bridge in honor of all those who walked before me, the unnamed people who were killed and my grandparents and great grandparents.

Emmy:

The courageous people who put their lives at risk to march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 were fighting to protect all Americans’ right to vote. However, countless Americans today still cannot rely on that right. Due to gerrymandering, voting site access, restrictions on mail-in voting, and countless other systems, so many Americans’ votes are not cast or counted to such an extent that our democracy is in peril. I walked over the bridge for the same people that the 1965 march perilously fought for, who still need to be advocated for today.

Madelyn:

I marched for 14 year-old Emmett Till who was brutally kidnapped, tortured, shot, lynched, and thrown into a river. He should have never ended up in the water, rather should have had the opportunity to walk across the bridge like we did.

Elias:

When we walked over the Edmund Pettus bridge, right before where Bloody Sunday happened, I thought of “understanding.” I imagined how trivial so many problems (both racial and nonracial) would be if people simply took time to understand others. Throughout this trip, I have often asked myself the question “how could they believe this?” And I believe this stems from a lack of knowledge and a lack of inquiry. When I walked over the bridge, I walked for a hope of inquiry, a willingness to seek out what a person does not know.

Liana:

I marched for those who didn’t get the chance to live past a young age and for the people who lost their lives fighting for my freedom and everyone else’s Today I met Charles who was sixth in line when he walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge I got to shake his hand and talk to him and just being in that place with him was an overwhelming but meaningful feeling knowing people died so I could stand there freely I asked him how he felt in that moment and he asked how old I was When I told him I was 17 he said he was the same age when he walked the bridge He told me he was scared but he was so focused on what was happening around him that he didn’t have time to stop and feel that fear When he asked me how I would have felt I didn’t know how to answer at all.

Zamillah:

Tonight, when I walked over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, I marched for my ancestors, who had the strength to endure every injustice, pain, and oppression, and still fight for the change and freedom I have today. I also walked for the people who feel helpless and think a day when everyone has equal freedom will never come, to give them hope and let them know that I will take what I learn from this trip and continue to fight for freedom for all in the best way I can.

Tatiana:

I marched for the ones whose stories were never told, the ones who couldn’t speak for themselves, and the ones who were killed too early. I marched for the people who never got the chance to grow up, to dream, or to feel safe in their own skin. Tonight wasn’t just a walk it was me honoring them, carrying their voices with me, and making sure they aren’t forgotten. The bridge itself was frightening, like you could feel the pain of what happened there still sitting in the air. And seeing how the Selma houses and hospital were left behind, while the Confederate houses were still kept up, made it hit even harder. It showed me how much our history gets ignored, and how much we still have to fight for.

Adelaide:

I marched for the four little girls that were killed in the 16th street bombing that never got the chance to march. These little girls never got that chance to share their beliefs and fight for them. So it is our duty to fight for their right so that no more children are killed because of inequality.

Jack:

I marched for all the lives that were lost from people advocating for their rights. Throughout this whole trip, we have learned about people who sacrificed their lives in order to establish rights and help our country for generations to come. We also learned about the lives that have been lost from lynching, and I marched for every single life that was lost because of the color of their skin.

Bronwyn:

I marched for the advancement of civic education. I marched for the hope that all people will understand the weight of the right to vote. The hope that each and every person will take into account the privledge voting is and the different voting can make in society. Just one vote can change an entire outcome of an election, and as Columbus Mitchell said, “When you don’t vote, you vote against your interests.”

Hailey:

Tonight I marched in protest of the ways we are moving backwards in the fight for equality. The 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery was a protest for voting and civil rights: rights that still are not completely guaranteed almost 60 years later. This walk, with people I just met who I have had difficult and important conversations with, reminded me the fight is not over and we are in it together. I am grateful for this experience and group of people who are dedicated to learning and creating change.

Saumni:

Today we crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. During our tour of Selma I noticed the difference in wealth and prosperity between white and black communities. Emotionally, this affected me because I am now realizing more and more how much Black people were condemned and mistreated.

Today I crossed the bridge for all of my black ancestors who have come before me and who have fought for the rights that I have today. As well as all of the opportunities that I have access to in my life. I also crossed the bridge for all of the black predecessors who will come after me, in order for them to have their civil rights, freedom, and inequality in America. The experience We've had in Selma Alabama today has taught me deep and powerful lessons on attaining freedom, and the importance of Selma on the Civil Rights Movement.

Campbell:

Walking over the bridge with Madelyn I felt a shift of emotions. To start off, when Madelyn and I started holding hands, our hands got cold and I offered her my left mitten and I used the right. Crossing the bridge was anything but the warmth I felt in the glove: as I looked to my left, I saw hip high railing diving me from the pitch black water below. The higher we climbed the more anxious I grew and the sound of rushing cars made me feel trapped and even more scared. The more I panicked, I remembered that I was holding Madelyn’s hand and that I was not alone. There were people in front of me and behind me that would walk across the bridge as did I, and our passion to learn and fight for social justice is what is most important. I’m glad I was able to walk across the bridge with the other Civil Rights Trip members. I believe the walks symbolism brought us closer together, just as those who stood before us on Bloody Sunday.

Maya:

I walked over the Edmund Pettus bridge with Saumni. Along the way, we spoke about the river below us, and all the innocent people who may have washed up in these rivers. Tonight, as I walked over the bridge, I reflected on the people whose identities we don’t know who fought in the Civil Rights Movements. It’s imperative to remember everyone who played a part in the Movement, and honoring the people whose names we don’t know is just as important as honoring those we do know of.

Shawn:

Tonight I marched in honor of the people who fought for the rights that I have today.

James:

I marched for the people who are unable to stand up to themselves. In our current political climate, so many people are having their rights stripped away from them, so I marched to hopefully create the change that will right the wrongs of the current administration.

Kameran:

I marched for the right to obtain knowledge and share it with others. I feel as if throughout the years and particularly in this political climate, many citizens and even the federal government want to erase our country’s dark history of racism or make this information harder for people to obtain. I walked across the bridge to acknowledge the history of Selma, the era of broken promises, and the police violence and mass incarceration we see in America today. I am proud to have walked across the Edmund Pettus bridge and know want to acknowledge that history and know that knowledge is not a privilege but a right.

A T L A N T A

IMG_2056.MOV

At the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church

With Rev. Sen. Raphael Warnock

At the tombs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King

Visiting with City College alumni and current Morehouse and Spelman College students

On the promenade at Clark Atlanta University

Seeing how it feels to walk in someone else's shoes

M O N T G O M E R Y

IMG_1993.MOV

The day started out a little rainy when we went to The Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.

Being in the sculpture garden whilst it was raining was such a good experience. There was barely any sound and it was mostly solemn; it's like it made the statues even more humanized and powerful.

-Ruka

At the Memorial for Peace and Justice

At the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church

Today I learned that the A&T four were the first young people to stand up against segregation. This is very important for U.S History because they inspired other movements and other young people to stand up against the injustice in America. The sit in they did at Woodsworth was the first of many across the South because people admired their bravery and wanted to make a change too. Its important now to honor their legacy and remember their names. I think its amazing that A&T are honoring them and their legacies by making dorms in their names and having a statue if them on campus.

-Naomi

A. Philip Randolph founded the first major Black labor union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. They fought for better wages and better working conditions for the Pullman porters, who were Black men that worked as attendants on luxury Pullman sleeping cars. These men would perform a wide range of services for the patrons of the sleeping cars, many of which were outside of their job description. Along with this, they all went by the name of George, which stripped them of their personal identity. Not knowing these people or their stories created a power imbalance that harmed the already underrepresented Black men. It is very important to appreciate and have respect for the people who help you because it makes you equals.

-Madelyn

Something I found interesting that I had never heard before was that there were Black employees at Woolworth’s lunch counter, even thought it was segregated in who could eat there. When the A&T four came in and took a seat, they were refused service. The sit-in protests continued to grow until multiple states and thousands of people were participating. During this time, Black employees followed the orders of their employers and didn’t serve the people at the counter. This stuck out to me because the Black employees couldn’t go against their employers if they wanted to keep their jobs, even if they did or did not agree with the movement.

This part of history shows a grey area; restaurants had Black employees but didn’t serve Black costumers. They were only doing what would benefit themselves the most. Sharing this now is important because it highlights the nuances of civil rights and creating change.

-Hailey

I learned that one of the A&T four, David Richmond, suffered the consequences of protest for the rest of his life. After leading the sit-ins at Woolworth’s Diner that became a nationwide movement, he stayed in Greensboro. Although he was college educated and known as a catalyst in the Civil Rights Movement, he struggled to get hired by high-paying employers due to his infamy. These struggles affected his marriages and led him to turn to alcohol. Although Richmond and three of his peers’ names have gone down in history as iconic figures of the movement, he ultimately for his sacrifice. In a documentary we watched, he said he did not regret taking action. Nevertheless, by only focusing on Richmond’s achievements, my education has failed to acknowledge the magnitude of the sacrifices that civil rights activists took.

-Emmy

Something I found interesting was the impromptuness (definitely not a word but I’m sticking with it) of the diner sit ins the Greensboro four started. While the actions of the four themselves were well planned in advance, the wider adoption of the protest spread extremely quickly, reaching hundreds of participants joining only 5 days after it started, all while staying systematic and organized with shifts and direction from leaders. Such a large and successful movement starting from such a small spark really showcases the power of a motivated group of people, which can be a worry people who benefit from current standings of society. When people find out just how much they can change from small disturbances in society, those higher positions of power become much more fragile.

-Elias

So far during this trip I’ve learned more about human nature. Touring the first museum, I saw real life pieces from our history and learnt about the ways that they influenced us as a people. When we went into the room of shame, I finally could put faces behind the things I’ve read about or heard about the Civil Rights Movement/The Maltreatment of POC and I started to understand what separates us from groups like the KKK , Proud Boys & Affiliate groups. They’re all products of Being founded on things such as racism & other disparities/biases, and America has injected racism and division into the very fabric of its existence, adding to some of the willful ignorance that already existed in those communities. It’s human nature to be curious or sense difference but it is individual nature to acknowledge it from a place of love or from hate. Choosing to fight for equality was from a place of love, wanting to have the opportunities well deserved, and combatting those brave souls who took on that challenge came from a place of hate. Hating the difference between us.

-Ruka

Prior to today, I had very little information about Greensboro but I learned a lot about the town. I learned about the 4 men who stood up for themselves at the restaurant, which later helped spark a protest. These 4 men were remembered as hero’s. I also got to see different examples of racism such as the double sided coke dispenser, which I had never seen before. I’m not sure why it’s been hidden from me as a student, but I haven’t had a deep unit about the Civil Rights Movement in school before. I think this is a very important part of our history and I hope to continue to learn about major events and specific activists in the following days.

-Jack

I learned the four guys that started the sit in and made it change and I never knew they're name, now I know what they try to do was for us and it changed today for kids or people like me.

-Andre

One thing that I have learned about so far that I think is important is all the sacrifices made towards equality in America. Without the sacrifices I would not be able to be where I am today with the friendships and experiences I have had.

-Shawn

On this trip I learned the real story of the Greensboro Four not the watered-down version we get in school. I didn’t know how much danger they were in just for sitting at a lunch counter, or how much discipline it took to stay calm while being threatened and attacked. It matters because it shows that young Black people were the ones forcing this country to change, not some smooth, peaceful process like the textbooks make it seem. I think this part gets hidden because it exposes how ugly America’s past really was, and how hard our people had to fight for basic respect.

-Isabella

Something new that I’ve learned is the Green Book. I never considered how people traveled, knowing where it’s safe versus where it’s not. I think including that into some classes would be interesting to hear about, since I think that’s also over looked by many. Something I find important is the gruesome images. I think they’re partially hidden during times the movement is being talked about. Yes because they’re heart breaking to look at but I think sometimes they’re not shown to undermine the pain people went through. Today at the museum I saw images that I had never seen or would think of being true, which truly broke my hurt and made me feel deeper appreciation for everyone that took part in the civil rights movement.

-Alanna

We learned about the Greensboro Four who sat in at a lunch table and refused to move until they were served. It is important to us today because they were making important strides to end segregation and Jim Crow laws without their courage we probably would’ve been set back for many years.

-Aniyah

The literal burning of young black people during the Civil Rights movement. They (school systems) often shelter us from what really happens as well as the horror of what has had too been endured by people of color, they do it in an act of protection: pretending something didn’t happen does not negate the fact that that something did happen. The Hall of Shame is something necessary if we plan to move forward as an society

-Asa

I learned that Black people used green books to map and identify what hotels, gas stations, restaurants, etc, were “safe houses” and that would serve black people. In the museum, there was an entire wall of places for every state that provided addresses that were safe.

-Sydney

I learned about Franklin McLain, David Richmond, Frank Richmond, Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan. They walked into an all white diner seat down trying to get served. The people at the diner wasn’t trying to serve them so they came back everyday. Black people and also some white people loved what they were doing and supported and joined them. Exploring their nonviolent protest that sparked a revolution.

-Jamel

The February one crew and what they did to create a nation wide movement to stop segregation. This to me was inspirational because they were only about 18 when they did this barley older then me these four did something that could've killed them but the courage that's been shown. I feel like this was hidden from me due to how much people don't want us to know they only want us to know the big people the people who are common not what other people have done.

-Daiveonn

I learned MORE about the consequences that they gave black people.I also learned that there was more to Emmett Tills story then just what they teach us in school. I think is has been hidden because they don’t want to disturb us maybe but these are things i feel like we need to know.

-Destiny

I learned about the Greensboro 4 I have had a quick overview of them in school but I did not necessarily go into depth about it in school and learn the effects it had all over the country and how it started the movement for young people to use there voice to fight for equality. I think this part of history is not talked about enough, I believe this is due to the very broad lessons taught about civil rights and most schools talk about the bigger figures like MLK Jr and Rosa Parks, which is a large part of the movement but does not summarize all that went into the movement. This is a very important lesson to understand as young people so that we can use our voices peacefully to fight against injustice in the world.

-Adelaide

Something I learned today is that during this time, people really didn’t care that Black people were human just like them. They didn’t see our lives as equal or valuable, and they were willing to do evil things to us just because of our skin color just like the Ku Klux Klan. Hearing these stories on the very first day made me realize how far they were willing to go hurting people, burning homes, threatening families, and spreading fear just to stay in control.

This is important to share now because school never teaches us how deep that hatred really was or how normal, everyday people allowed it to happen. They hide this part of history because it makes America look bad, but we can’t heal or grow if we don’t learn the truth. Seeing all of this on the first day of the trip already showed me how dangerous racism was and how brave Black people had to be just to survive. It’s important to talk about it so we don’t let these stories be erased or repeated.

-Tatiana

During our museum tour at the International civil rights center & museum there was a section where there were interactive devices. These devices contained a timeline of some of the most important moments of the Civil Rights movement in the south. When you clicked on one of the moments, a bar graph would appear showing the media coverage of that event and almost every moment there was little to no national or world coverage of the Civil Rights moment. This really made me realize that the fight for civil rights was fought in the shadows, without the national attention or global awareness it deserved. The lack of coverage meant that many of the injustices, acts of violence, and grassroots efforts for equality were largely invisible to people outside the South.

-Bryce

One thing I learnt in Greensboro is about MLK’s call to action where he says that as much as we have a duty to obey laws that are just, we have a duty to disobey laws that are unjust. I think it’s especially relevant right now, when those in power are actively pushing out unjust legislation that we don’t become passive. I think this has been hidden from us in an attempt to keep us unaware of how much power we really have and our ability to stand up to injustice.

-Sio

Being at the international civil rights museum I feel like I am learning and gaining important insight on what my ancestors and the movements they had to start for us colored people to have equal rights and opportunities. We have learned about the David Richmond, Frankin McCain, Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil. These four men sat in a Greensboro restaurant until they were served because of segregation. 75,000 people joined this movement and 3,000 were arrested. This movement started a lot including Jim Crow.

-Arondae

One thing I’ve learned on this trip that really stayed with me so far is the story of Emmett Till I already knew a little about what happened to him but today I learned more details that shocked me The men who killed him didn’t face any punishment at all they were able to walk free and live their lives normally Not only that but they even made money by selling their story, basically admitting to what they did like it was nothing I also learned about a little girl who survived the attack She was so close to what happened that glass got stuck in her eyes and doctors had to remove it She’s still alive today living in California but she still struggles with her health because of the injuries she got as a child She only has a little bit of sight now

I think this part of U.S history is important to share because it shows how painful and unfair the system was and how some people tried to hide or soften the truth Stories like hers were left out of school textbooks so people wouldn’t have to face the reality of what racism really looked like Learning the full story helps us understand how deep these issues go and why they still matter today.

-Liana

Within the first day of the trip I’ve began to learn things I haven’t even been taught in school. Today’s main focus was NCAT and how 4 black men had enough of feeling like they weren’t humans as well. These 4 men names were Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond. Even though the steps they took were simple it took courage and were the building blocks the younger crowd lean towards to while fighting for human rights. While walking through the museum I wonder why haven’t I learn this in school yet and I’m about to graduate. Personally I think the education system was set up by old people who tried to limit what we could learn. Honestly I think the educational systems needs a revision for historians.

-Evan

Some of the things that I have learned about while on the trip that has been left out from schooling are the many KKK lynching and brutality that was directed towards Black people. For example, during the exhibit 'walk of shame', at the Greensboro Civil Rights

Museum, there were many depictions of Ku Klux Klan members hanging Black people and burning crosses as a symbol of the tarnation of the black community and white supremacy. It is important that we learn about all of the horrors of segregation and slavery because racism is still prevalent in this this day and age. It is also important that we we are educated on how our country was built and how different systems were built as a result of racism and discrimination. I think this part of history was kept from us because many law makers and people in office don't want that part of history to be known about our country.

-Saumni

Today we went to the Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, NC.We Learned about the 4 men that were college freshmen at A&T who sit-in lunch counter at the F.W. Woolworth store .David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan) and Joseph McNeil on February 1 to fight for integration and many other civil rights activists. Something that I believe is important is the fact that when the college students couldn’t carry on with the sit in for whatever reason the high school students did and that by itself is such a beautiful thing. The youth helping the youth to change the world for the youth.

-Aliyah

I didn't know how long it was before African-American politicians were reelected in many southern states after briefly being elected after the Civil War. In many of these states it took around 100 years, some even up until the 1990s. It's important because many people think Civil Rights is an old issue however it's still extremely important.

-James

When going through the “Hall of Shame” exhibit at the Civil Rights Museum and learning how violence against Black people was put on public display through public hangings and burnings, it made me realize how normalized this violence was during that time. I think it is important to see those uncomfortable and disturbing images to truly understand not only how severe racism was, but also how many white people allowed it and saw it as justifiable to harm and even kill human beings simply because of the color of their skin. In school we are told there were hangings and beatings but to actually see it allowed me to develop questions of why this was acceptable and how did others feel so comfortable about it.

-Zamillah

At City, I learned about these protests in history class. But being at the museum showed me the actual process behind them, how organized the students were, how they planned their demonstrations, and how young many of them actually were. I think this part of history has been hidden from us because the truth can be uncomfortable. When you show that young Black students are capable of leading movements it challenges the idea that power can only be obtained by those in higher positions.

-Clayton

It’s always interesting learning about Civil Rights, because I always think I’ve learned everything but in turn, learn something new. This time it was the pictures.

Today, we went to the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. While there, we went to a section dedicated to the people brutally harmed or killed because of protests or criminal allegations from the KKK, police, fighter fighters, and mobs. There was always something unsettling seeing crosses and people being burned, people hung, and children sprayed with water hoses that shifted something in me. What really surprised me, and what truly felt eerie, was when I looked back past the bodies toward the crowd of people and saw the mob smiling directly into the camera, proud of the horror they committed. It sounds crazy to write this, but they didn’t look human—just evil. Their smiles were so unsettling. In most museums, the murders wore cloaks to hide their face, or even focused mainly on the victims by cropping the photo. But this museum showed every face clearly—which in my opinion, humanized these stories showing how unjust and cruel American society was. I’m very intrigued in what the rest of the Civil Rights Trip will open my eyes to and open my perspective to why the people came before us fought so hard for equality and future generations.

-Campbell

It was really interesting to learn the story of the 4 and how they started a much larger protest of sit-ins to stand up for what they believed in. Also, learning about all the other catalysts in the Movement, such as the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters, or the role that the church plays, was very interesting. The Hall of Shame was extremely impactful as well, particularly learning about how the firefighters would use fire hoses on innocent people or the image of Emmett Till at the end. his information is so important to know for our country! As citizens of the United States, it’s our duty to understand every aspect of our country, including the less ‘pretty’ side: the systemic oppression of Black citizens. It’s not fair to live in a country without understand the privilege you may have over others, because knowledge is the first step to progress. Being on this trip will equip everyone here to begin taking next steps to make a greater change in the world. I wouldn’t say this information has been hidden from me, I just never learned it. Part of learning includes taking the step to learn for yourself, not just waiting for someone to teach you. The fact that I never learned some of these events when I’ve learned about others speaks more about me individually and my drive to learn. Now, I’m taking the initiative to get the information, because it’s imperative to know.

-Maya

When visiting the Greensboro Museum about the NCAT Four. Something that stood out to me was the fact that there were many black veterans that fought for democracy for our country in World War II, they still had to come home and fight for democracy domestically for the Civil Rights Movement. And despite their status as veterans they are still treated as second class citizens are arrested and killed for their fight not in war but by the country they fought for. I think this has been hidden because in present day we hold all veterans to a high standard. If people knew that some veterans were killed for fighting to the right be considered human, it simply isn’t a good look for the United States. Nonetheless, I am glad to have known about these people who fought for all Americans but especially their own community.

-Kameran

Here is our handsome group in front of the statue of the A&T Four on the campus of North Caroline A&T University. We are in awe of the bravery of Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond, who were only freshmen when they began the Sit-in Movement on February 1, 1960.

We drove through some snowy weather in Virginia this morning, but thanks to our skillful bus drivers Mr. Arnold and Mr. Will, we made it safely to our first stop in Greensboro, NC.

Page updated

Report abuse