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Raleigh Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Inc.
Martin Luther King Heritage Tour Reflections
Submitted by brucelig on May 17, 2007 - 9:20am.
COMMENTS & OBSERVATIONS OF SOME WHO HAVE TAKEN PREVIOUS MLK HERITAGE TOURS
Greetings and Blessings to All. The 2004 MLK Heritage Tour was truly a fantastic voyage...my six year old son and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The information gathered coupled with the fellowship with the other participants made the trip inspiring, exciting and quite gratifying...and according to my son...the best trip ever !
Some things definitely bear repeating, so if it is God's will, we'll see you next year!
Felicia H. Thomas
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Neilsmama@aol.com
=======================================================================
It took me a while to sit down and recapture the moments of the 2004 Civil Rights Heritage Tour. First and foremost, I give honor to God for four years of safe travel. Secondly, I give homage to the individuals that fought for human and civil rights during the Civil Rights era. Their sacrifices have allowed us to enjoy all the freedoms of being a American citizen. Now the trip....the brilliant mind, imagination, creativity and spirituality of George Washington Carver, the fortitude and vision of Booker T. Washington, the determination to gain the right to vote by the Black citizens of Selma, the horror and terrorism of Bloody Sunday 1965, the treacherous march from Selma to Montgomery, the bravery of Viola Liuzzo.
Thanks Bruce for your perservance and leadership. I offer my sincere gratitude to the ones who served on the planning
committee and to all who played a part in making the 2004 Tour the best ever. Also, I thank all the passengers who took
the time to explore their heritage.
David Prince
Raleigh, North Carolina
prince@king-raleigh.org
===================================================================
This was my first trip with the Civil Rights Tour Group. The various historic sites provided a lot of in-depth information on the Civil Rights struggle and Dr. King's role in it. They also re-acquainted me with the magnificent contributions of George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, and the Tuskegee Airmen. I think it is a must see for all who have not made the journey. It brought back some memories that were painful, but it also brought back the wonderful feelings of appreciation and pride in my heritage. It is a reminder to adults of the path we trod to get where we are today. And, it is especially educational for young people who cannot readily identify with the struggles of their ancestors to make life better for them. It is a wonderful trip and the 2004 Tour Planning Committee did an excellent job in bringing it all together in a four-day
time frame.
Continue the annual trek and expand it to other areas as well. I have already recommended the trip to others.
Rose Graham
Raleigh, N.C.
rgraham607@aol.com
==========================================================================
I want to commend the Martin Luther King Resource Center for organizing and involving the Museum of History in last week's tour. Visiting these sites that are so crucial to our common American past is essential in teaching that this history is alive in the present. Your 2002 tour shows how the future must not forget the courage and incredible sacrifice made by those at Tuskegee, Selma, Montgomery, Birmingham, Atlanta, and throughout the country during the 1950's and 1960's.
Certainly the lessons learned and the friendships made last week will inspire us as we work on our exhibit on the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina. I will keep in touch.
Joseph C. Porter, Ph.D.
Chief Curator
North Carolina Museum of History
joe.porter@ncmail.net
====================================================================================
The experiences we all shared last week were life changing for me. It was a very emotional time for me in more ways than I can count. My view of the struggles of those that came before us is much clearer now. Somehow my spirit has changed and I now know, without a doubt, that the road I must continue to tread is full of tracks, scars and hope. I have already started recruiting others to join the group next year.
My sincere thanks to you, Ahmad for being such a wonderful guide through this 2003 spiritual journey. My thanks to Bruce for his leadership and to Ruby for being so patient.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Kitty Stewart
Salt Lake City, Utah
kstewart@dced.state.ut.us
=================================================================================================
My Mother and I thoroughly enjoyed the 2002 Heritage Tour. We did not know any of the people on the bus except Ruby and Dr. Harshaw, but it was a most congenial group. In fact, my Mother travels a lot with bus groups and she said this was the nicest group she had every traveled with. Thank you so much planning, organizing and carrying out such an educational and inspiring tour. Anyone who takes this tour will never be the same.
I will certainly spread the word and recommend the tour to others. Again, many thanks for all you and the folks at the Resource Center have put into this. Keep up the good work.
Ruby P. Greene
Raleigh, North Carolina
rubypowellgreene@aol.com
================================================================================
We finally made it home to California after our 24 day cross country sojourn. The 4 day 2002 MLK Heritage Tour into Alabama and Georgia was definitely the HIGHLIGHT of our trip. Although I have not yet had a chance to develop my films nor reflect on the many impressions that are dancing in my head, I do know that what I experienced on the Heritage Tour will certainly remain with me for the rest of my life.
Although I am an avid reader and I have read many books about the Movement, visiting the sites, put the icing on the cake for me. Of course, the films on the bus, the pre and post group discussions added flavor and value to what I saw and experienced. My eyes still water when I think about what my people have gone through in this country, and, as I wipe away the tears to continue this note.
My life is rich and full because people gave their lives for me and I have an obligation to continue the struggle. God Bless each and every one of you. I enjoyed meeting all of you. Thank you for letting two Californians join your crusade. With fold memories of you all.
Helen B. Rucker
Seaside, California
hrucker@mbay.net
==============================================================================================
The 2004 Tour was wonderful...... I'm anxious to go again !!! The trip means more as the time passes and it seeps into my soul.
Sandy Irving
University Of North Carolina @ Chapel Hill
sandy_irving@unc.edu
========================================
My thoughts on the 2005 tour:
Many people asked when I got back from my trip...'did you have a good time?' I had a hard time putting into words exactly how I felt. Life changing, emotional, intense were words that instantly came to my mind but still not enough to describe the full impact of this trip. I went with no expectations except to learn some history and walk upon the land where many of my heroes and heroines marched. And to have my daughter learn from those who were there. Some of those voices were still alive, but many of those voices spoke to us from beyond. Our ancestors. While on this trip, my whole being connected to those who went before us. As a person, I felt deep sorrow at those hurt and killed while fighting for basic civil rights. As a mother, my heart bled for the mothers of all those who suffered at the hands of violence. As a leader in my community, I felt great pride learning about the heroes I already knew of and the many unsung heroes of that time. I came back with a renewed hope that we, as a people, will get to that promise land. A renewed strength in my convictions. A renewed commitment to what I believe in. So, to say that this trip was life changing would simplify the range of emotions that I felt. My emotions ran the full range from grief, happiness, sorrow, anger, fear, but most importantly pride. A pride for how far we have come and a pensive hope of where we will yet go as a people.
I will never forget the feelings I had on this trip. These feelings often came up as we actually walked or stood in the places of those who went before us. I will never again take for granted the power of my vote, the power of my thoughts, and most importantly, the power of my action.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
In peace,
Kathy Flores
Appleton, Wisconsin
kathyflores@new.rr.com
=====================================================
I would like to thank each and every one of the black people on the 2005 tour, from the bottom of my heart, for the acceptance and friendship we were shown for 4 days. People who look like us did terrible, inexcusable things to people who look like you -- for hundreds of years -- and you could have held it against us. You could have been angry, or hostile, or at least turned your backs on us and refused to have anything to do with us.
But no one did that. No one showed us anything but openness and friendship and willingness to share.
We didn't know how we would be received on this tour. It was a little scary ahead of time, wondering if we would be blamed for the actions of our ancestors. For one brief moment, the shoe was on the other foot and we were the ones who had to wonder if people were not going to like us, before they even got to know us, just because of the color of our faces.
Anyway, thank you, each and every one, for rising above the old hurts and acting with grace and goodness. We all learned many things on this bus tour. One of the best lessons is how wonder-full it is when, as Dr. King said, we can judge each other not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.
In peace and friendship, and most of all, gratitude,
Kathy Miner
Madison, Wisconisn
kdminer@wisc.edu
===================================================
Thanks to the Raleigh MLK Committee and the North Carolina MLK Resource Center
for everything they did to make the MLK Civil Rights 2005 bus tour such a
success. Everything was so well organized and well-executed. Every aspect of
our journey was exceptional, and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire week. I'm
still thinking about the tremendous time I had; and with each opportunity that
I have had, I have shared with my friends, family, and colleagues what a great
experience it turned out to be. I have not been able to determine which
destination was the most moving or up-lifting or enlightening for me. Each
stop had its own glory, and I am so glad I decided to go.
I definitely think the trip is well worth the expense and the time. Having
taken this tour, I know that the next time I teach lessons about Martin Luther
King, Jr.'s writings, or about the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the inimitable
Rosa Parks, or about any aspect of the Civil Rights Movement, the lessons I
teach will be distinctly enriched because I made this trip during my Spring
Break. For that, I am truly grateful.
Two pleasant surprises that you could not have planned for were Reverend
Brown's wonderful renditions of King's immortal speeches and Kathy Miner's
beautiful melodies and accompaniment on the harmonica and the recorder
(flute). Whom shall I credit for the great weather, for the unique combination
of passengers, and for the capable and friendly drivers on Bus One? All were
superb. I thank God for all of these, and again, I thank and The MLK
Committee.
I especially liked the time set aside for fellowship the two nights we stayed in Montgomery. They
were a great deal of fun, and it gave me a chance to get somewhat better
acquainted with the other tourists.
I also appreciated the weekly updates that were sent. They were very
informative and helped to create excitement about the coming trip. These also
helped me to know what to expect.
Many thanks,
Linda Wall
Apex High School
LEWALL@wcpss.net
==================================================
Greetings and Blessings to All. The 2004 MLK Heritage Tour was truly a fantastic voyage...my six year old son and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The information gathered coupled with the fellowship with the other participants made the trip inspiring, exciting and quite gratifying...and according to my son...the best trip ever !
Some things definitely bear repeating, so if it is God's will, we'll see you next year!
Felicia H. Thomas
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Neilsmama@aol.com
=======================================================================
It took me a while to sit down and recapture the moments of the 2004 Civil Rights Heritage Tour. First and foremost, I give honor to God for four years of safe travel. Secondly, I give homage to the individuals that fought for human and civil rights during the Civil Rights era. Their sacrifices have allowed us to enjoy all the freedoms of being a American citizen. Now the trip....the brilliant mind, imagination, creativity and spirituality of George Washington Carver, the fortitude and vision of Booker T. Washington, the determination to gain the right to vote by the Black citizens of Selma, the horror and terrorism of Bloody Sunday 1965, the treacherous march from Selma to Montgomery, the bravery of Viola Liuzzo.
Thanks Bruce for your perservance and leadership. I offer my sincere gratitude to the ones who served on the planning
committee and to all who played a part in making the 2004 Tour the best ever. Also, I thank all the passengers who took
the time to explore their heritage.
David Prince
Raleigh, North Carolina
prince@king-raleigh.org
===================================================================
This was my first trip with the Civil Rights Tour Group. The various historic sites provided a lot of in-depth information on the Civil Rights struggle and Dr. King's role in it. They also re-acquainted me with the magnificent contributions of George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, and the Tuskegee Airmen. I think it is a must see for all who have not made the journey. It brought back some memories that were painful, but it also brought back the wonderful feelings of appreciation and pride in my heritage. It is a reminder to adults of the path we trod to get where we are today. And, it is especially educational for young people who cannot readily identify with the struggles of their ancestors to make life better for them. It is a wonderful trip and the 2004 Tour Planning Committee did an excellent job in bringing it all together in a four-day
time frame.
Continue the annual trek and expand it to other areas as well. I have already recommended the trip to others.
Rose Graham
Raleigh, N.C.
rgraham607@aol.com
==========================================================================
I want to commend the Martin Luther King Resource Center for organizing and involving the Museum of History in last week's tour. Visiting these sites that are so crucial to our common American past is essential in teaching that this history is alive in the present. Your 2002 tour shows how the future must not forget the courage and incredible sacrifice made by those at Tuskegee, Selma, Montgomery, Birmingham, Atlanta, and throughout the country during the 1950's and 1960's.
Certainly the lessons learned and the friendships made last week will inspire us as we work on our exhibit on the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina. I will keep in touch.
Joseph C. Porter, Ph.D.
Chief Curator
North Carolina Museum of History
joe.porter@ncmail.net
====================================================================================
The experiences we all shared last week were life changing for me. It was a very emotional time for me in more ways than I can count. My view of the struggles of those that came before us is much clearer now. Somehow my spirit has changed and I now know, without a doubt, that the road I must continue to tread is full of tracks, scars and hope. I have already started recruiting others to join the group next year.
My sincere thanks to you, Ahmad for being such a wonderful guide through this 2003 spiritual journey. My thanks to Bruce for his leadership and to Ruby for being so patient.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Kitty Stewart
Salt Lake City, Utah
kstewart@dced.state.ut.us
=================================================================================================
My Mother and I thoroughly enjoyed the 2002 Heritage Tour. We did not know any of the people on the bus except Ruby and Dr. Harshaw, but it was a most congenial group. In fact, my Mother travels a lot with bus groups and she said this was the nicest group she had every traveled with. Thank you so much planning, organizing and carrying out such an educational and inspiring tour. Anyone who takes this tour will never be the same.
I will certainly spread the word and recommend the tour to others. Again, many thanks for all you and the folks at the Resource Center have put into this. Keep up the good work.
Ruby P. Greene
Raleigh, North Carolina
rubypowellgreene@aol.com
================================================================================
We finally made it home to California after our 24 day cross country sojourn. The 4 day 2002 MLK Heritage Tour into Alabama and Georgia was definitely the HIGHLIGHT of our trip. Although I have not yet had a chance to develop my films nor reflect on the many impressions that are dancing in my head, I do know that what I experienced on the Heritage Tour will certainly remain with me for the rest of my life.
Although I am an avid reader and I have read many books about the Movement, visiting the sites, put the icing on the cake for me. Of course, the films on the bus, the pre and post group discussions added flavor and value to what I saw and experienced. My eyes still water when I think about what my people have gone through in this country, and, as I wipe away the tears to continue this note.
My life is rich and full because people gave their lives for me and I have an obligation to continue the struggle. God Bless each and every one of you. I enjoyed meeting all of you. Thank you for letting two Californians join your crusade. With fold memories of you all.
Helen B. Rucker
Seaside, California
hrucker@mbay.net
==============================================================================================
The 2004 Tour was wonderful...... I'm anxious to go again !!! The trip means more as the time passes and it seeps into my soul.
Sandy Irving
University Of North Carolina @ Chapel Hill
sandy_irving@unc.edu
========================================
My thoughts on the 2005 tour:
Many people asked when I got back from my trip...'did you have a good time?' I had a hard time putting into words exactly how I felt. Life changing, emotional, intense were words that instantly came to my mind but still not enough to describe the full impact of this trip. I went with no expectations except to learn some history and walk upon the land where many of my heroes and heroines marched. And to have my daughter learn from those who were there. Some of those voices were still alive, but many of those voices spoke to us from beyond. Our ancestors. While on this trip, my whole being connected to those who went before us. As a person, I felt deep sorrow at those hurt and killed while fighting for basic civil rights. As a mother, my heart bled for the mothers of all those who suffered at the hands of violence. As a leader in my community, I felt great pride learning about the heroes I already knew of and the many unsung heroes of that time. I came back with a renewed hope that we, as a people, will get to that promise land. A renewed strength in my convictions. A renewed commitment to what I believe in. So, to say that this trip was life changing would simplify the range of emotions that I felt. My emotions ran the full range from grief, happiness, sorrow, anger, fear, but most importantly pride. A pride for how far we have come and a pensive hope of where we will yet go as a people.
I will never forget the feelings I had on this trip. These feelings often came up as we actually walked or stood in the places of those who went before us. I will never again take for granted the power of my vote, the power of my thoughts, and most importantly, the power of my action.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
In peace,
Kathy Flores
Appleton, Wisconsin
kathyflores@new.rr.com
=====================================================
I would like to thank each and every one of the black people on the 2005 tour, from the bottom of my heart, for the acceptance and friendship we were shown for 4 days. People who look like us did terrible, inexcusable things to people who look like you -- for hundreds of years -- and you could have held it against us. You could have been angry, or hostile, or at least turned your backs on us and refused to have anything to do with us.
But no one did that. No one showed us anything but openness and friendship and willingness to share.
We didn't know how we would be received on this tour. It was a little scary ahead of time, wondering if we would be blamed for the actions of our ancestors. For one brief moment, the shoe was on the other foot and we were the ones who had to wonder if people were not going to like us, before they even got to know us, just because of the color of our faces.
Anyway, thank you, each and every one, for rising above the old hurts and acting with grace and goodness. We all learned many things on this bus tour. One of the best lessons is how wonder-full it is when, as Dr. King said, we can judge each other not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.
In peace and friendship, and most of all, gratitude,
Kathy Miner
Madison, Wisconisn
kdminer@wisc.edu
===================================================
Thanks to the Raleigh MLK Committee and the North Carolina MLK Resource Center
for everything they did to make the MLK Civil Rights 2005 bus tour such a
success. Everything was so well organized and well-executed. Every aspect of
our journey was exceptional, and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire week. I'm
still thinking about the tremendous time I had; and with each opportunity that
I have had, I have shared with my friends, family, and colleagues what a great
experience it turned out to be. I have not been able to determine which
destination was the most moving or up-lifting or enlightening for me. Each
stop had its own glory, and I am so glad I decided to go.
I definitely think the trip is well worth the expense and the time. Having
taken this tour, I know that the next time I teach lessons about Martin Luther
King, Jr.'s writings, or about the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the inimitable
Rosa Parks, or about any aspect of the Civil Rights Movement, the lessons I
teach will be distinctly enriched because I made this trip during my Spring
Break. For that, I am truly grateful.
Two pleasant surprises that you could not have planned for were Reverend
Brown's wonderful renditions of King's immortal speeches and Kathy Miner's
beautiful melodies and accompaniment on the harmonica and the recorder
(flute). Whom shall I credit for the great weather, for the unique combination
of passengers, and for the capable and friendly drivers on Bus One? All were
superb. I thank God for all of these, and again, I thank and The MLK
Committee.
I especially liked the time set aside for fellowship the two nights we stayed in Montgomery. They
were a great deal of fun, and it gave me a chance to get somewhat better
acquainted with the other tourists.
I also appreciated the weekly updates that were sent. They were very
informative and helped to create excitement about the coming trip. These also
helped me to know what to expect.
Many thanks,
Linda Wall
Apex High School
LEWALL@wcpss.net
==================================================
Martin Luther King Jr Heritage 2008 Bus Tour
My husband and I had the priviledge of attending the bus tour and it changed our lives forever. We were able to connect with our fore fathers regarding our civil rights. During the journey we meet several of the freedom fighters of the civil rights movement. The highlight of the tour for me was at the Slavery Museum in Selma, Alabama. Time we departed the bus the tour guide separated the females from the males and told us that while on this tour we were "slaves". At that time, I was separated from my husband and it was so emotional because I don'tknow what to expect and I had to go thru it alone - I was able to connect with the families of many slaves. Then I participated in a drama where I was told to hang on a pole and act as though I was being killed. During the acting I started crying without even realizing it. It was a life changing experience. Please plan to attend next year!