Girls Inc. focuses on empowering young girls and women by teaching them that they are all smart, bold, and beautiful. We helped them out on their youth farm and at their after school program. The youth farm was focused on teaching young girls and women sustainable skill sets to help them succeed. We helped plant in the garden, pulled up tree roots, water plants, transplanted to the garden, pick up trash, etc. At their after school program we got to hang out with some of the girls involved in Girls Inc.

Without the knowledge that the classroom provided this service would have not been to its full potential. We learned in class that the service that we are doing should be focused on the people receiving it. It is not about what we got out of it, but rather the impact we left. We were taught to keep this space a safe-zone and to keep open perspectives. This kept communication open at all ends. Service involves leadership and we all definitely stepped up to the plate to help out another community in need.

In the classroom, the Memphis HST learned how to serve selflessly and effectively, through meaningful discussions and a series of readings. Two major recurring themes during the course were learning and listening. The cultural component of the trip was important as a continuation of our education. Learning about the rich history and culture of Memphis allowed us to better serve and understand the community.

Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum has exhibits detailing the black experience from the advent of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade to the civil rights movement. They also highlight a number of prominent black figures in American history. Across the street, the museum continues into another exhibit outlining the racial climate of America today and how the movement is carrying on a legacy of social justice and change to this day.

This experience showed us the ways people fought for equality in the past, and methods we can utilize to acheive equality for all people today, like sit-ins, marches, and other forms of protests.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Stax was at the forefront of music production and the gritty, energetic "Memphis sound". During a time of segregation, the Stax recording studio stood apart as a place where musicians no matter their color could come together and make something beautiful.

Now the museum showcases artifacts to remember the life and legacy of those boundary-altering artists. The museum features artists like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and the Staple Singers. Interactive displays, a soul train dance floor, costumes, audio recordings and so much more show how black culture influenced American music and entertainment.

Music can bring people with little to nothing in common together and provide a sense of unity.

Music was a way to provide social commentary after the murder of Martin Luther King. Musicians were role models in the community, and people looked up to them and listened to what they had to say.

Withers Collection: Museum Gallery

Ernest Withers was a famous photographer who established himself during the Civil Rights Movement. He shot nearly 60 years of American history and today the Withers Collection has archived about 1.8 million of his photographs. His lens captured black athletes, civil rights leaders, and performers. He also shot important events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the strike of the Memphis sanitation workers. He also served as MLK's photographer and photographed him the day of his assassination.

The museum is the amalgamation of his life's work and a poignant view into the past. Art is political, and Withers captured the major events of the era as well as subtleties that encapsulated the beauty of black culture. This exhibit shows that you can find a way to harness your passion and create change.

Beale Street

Beale Street was created in 1841 and it became an important site in history. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and the Home of Blues by Congress in 1977. In the 1860s it was a mecca for African-American musicians and from it rose the blues. In the 1920s it was home to clubs, theatres, restaurants, and bumping music. After the Great Depression, the historic area took a hit, but after revitalization, it became a bustling area once again. Blues, Soul, Rock, Reggae, Jazz, and so many other kinds of music can be heard pouring out of shops and restaurants onto the street.

Beale Street was a place where all aspects of culture came together. Local areas with sentimental value can bring a sense of belonging and joy, but it can also serve as a place to ignite change.