Mr. Lightner,
First of all I would like to thank you and Mr. Prince for an outstanding trip. I am forever changed. My most memorable and life changing moment by far was the slave experience at the Slave Museum in Selma, Alabama. It was real beyond belief. My emotions ranged from sadness to happiness; happiness because by the Grace of God I did not experience this treatment. I am however grateful for all the history I learned regarding this event.
The next event is about George Washington Carver, I feel honored that I was able to see and hear the wonderful contributions he made to so many people. Lastly, the Legal Museum was the absolute best; the education of the many people that lost their lives to make things better for you and me today as well as those in the future was eye-opening and very heart-warming.
For the most part everyone on the trip inspired me in a different way, however there was one individual that was very inspiring. She was a student that commented she grew up with a militant attitude and had a strong dislike against people that were different. This young lady said this trip along with God made her realize that we must be able to forgive and move forward.
This trip has left a clear picture of where I came from and all I still can do today. I look forward to another tour in the future. I actually along with my friend Donna Hickman would love to be a part of a future planning committee for this event. Thank you for your consideration.
You both did an outstanding job!!!!!!
Erica Dixon
Raleigh, North Carolina
erica.l.dixon@gsk.com
==================================================================
Bruce & David,
It has been exactly three weeks since I took part in your very outstanding Martin Luther King, Jr. Heritage Tour. A day does not go by that I don't continue to reflect on the experiences encountered, the "great" itinerary which you two formulated, the other 149 folks, and the very respectful, helpful, courteous, and remarkably behaved young people. I want to thank the both of you tremendously and extend my best to you as well as support!
Edward Armstrong
Monterey, California
pesevere@aol.com
===============================================
Mr. Lightner,
My husband and I really did enjoy the 2008 bus tour and would like to take this time to express our appreciation for you and your staff making this possible.
We were able to connect with our African-American History that was not taught in school. Meeting the brave and courageous people that participated in the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, during our journey, was a big bonus.
I will always remember the tour of the Slavery Museum in Selma, Alabama. The lady in charge of the museum told us that during the presentation we would be treated as slaves. She separated the males from females and at this point, I was separated from my husband and I connected to the slaves which were separated from their families. Then we all were taken away not knowing what the next moment would bring. Can you image when our people were taken away from their love ones not knowing what to expect? Toward the end of the dramatization, I participated in a role where I was told to hang on a pole and pretend that I was being killed. It was so emotional that I was crying and didn't realize it until the end of the presentation.
I have already shared with my family and friends how educational this tour was and that I think everyone should consider taking the tour at least once.
Willam and Annie Timmons
Charlotte, North Carolina
louisloveann@aol.com
=========================================================================================================
Greetings Bruce,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you so much for affording us such a life changing experience. The 2008 Martin Luther King Civil Rights Heritage Tour was meaningful is so many ways.
Although I enjoyed all of the places we visited the Slavery and Civil War Museum in Selma, Alabama was where the rubber hit the road for me. It was one of the most real "re-enactments" that I have ever experienced. From the moment we stepped off the bus and the guy screamed: "From this point on you are no longer tourist, but slaves!" I thought to myself, okay, I'll go along with this, it will make it more real. Little did I know that it would change my life. The woman guide screamed for women line up, hold you hands out, open your mouths, turn around, shut up NIGGERS! Then she had us to all go into this small room, we were packed in like sardines. She turned the lights out, the room was pitch black. And she said can you imagine this small room with all of you plus 100 more women being stripped of your clothes, dignity and everything else, standing in your waste and other people waste for hours. The room was quiet, then the river broke, we could hear weeping from al
l around the room.
Then someone's weep turned into a heart breaking scream. As I stood with tears flowing down my face uncontrollable, I could only imagine that must have been what it was like for my Great Grandma whose half her children were fathered by a white man by force not by choice. I had just kind of blocked that part of my family history out of my mind. But in that room it hit me in the heart.
I will just say that one room after the other just broke me down for the good. That was the first time I have ever had anyone to scream NIGGER at me, and it did not feel good even though I knew it was an act. Since that day I have realized just how blessed I am to have been born when I was born. I have decided to stop complaining so much, even in bad times (which will not be easy because I have been complaining all my life)and be much more appreciative of everything.
I'm going to get the complete 2009 Tour information to forward to our Youth Department at Church and several other churches.
Donna Hickman
Raleigh, North Carolina
dhickman@seanc.org =========================================================================================================
This was my first trip on the MLK Tour and I was very pleased with the enormous amount of history I absorbed on the 2008 excursion. But, I must confess due to the myriad pieces of information at ALL of the museums, sites, and crusaders for civil rights, I will continue to look at video clips, pictures, and my journal entries to try to absorb it all.
I love history, especially my ancestors' history. Well, the majority of my ancestors. I am a teacher by profession, but I truly believe I am a teacher at heart. One who enjoys learning and has a great desire to share what I've learned. I want to go back to the museums and sites in the near future, but I want to stay longer at the stops and by the tour being on a schedule, that is not possible.
Now that I've gone on the tour and visited and talked with several foot soldiers for justice, I am a different person. Prayerfully, I will be more vigilant in sharing and promoting justice for all people. I have come back with many ideas to implement as soon as possible. I am so eager to do good for all mankind, because when we help one group, we help all groups.
Thanks for all you do in making people aware of the past and present struggles in everyone having human rights that's so rightfully theirs.
Sincerely,
Linda Kurney
Bailey, North Carolina
lhkurney@nrms.k12.nc.us==================================================================================================
Bruce,
I'm glad I took the time to go on the 2008 tour. There were many times on the tour that I felt chills. I
was inspired and learned so much at each stop. I'm inviting my close
friends over Friday night to share my photos and my experience. I
can't wait to use some of what I learned in my classroom. It was a
phenomenal experience and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go. The
experience reinforced my belief that a small group of dedicated people
can change the world ! Thank you so much for planning the
trip. I know the effort it takes and the challenges. I say - well
done! and a sincere thank you.
Tammy Ballard, NBCT
Durant Road Middle School
Raleigh, North Carolina
tballard@wcpss.net ================================================================================
All is well since returning home. I have been as busy as ever at work. Thank you for providing the opportunity to travel to all the historic places. It was indeed my pleasure. I enjoyed myself very much; met new friends and realized a connection to a few on board. Being on Tuskegee's campus was a real treat for me. i have always wanted to set foot there because I have read so much about the university. Selma was where we had the reenactment of the slave trade. That was awesome. Traveling alone, I had the opportunity to connect with many others. And, the food was great. We had some delicious meals
There was a lot of sights packed into the schedule; it left little free time to just hang out and see the cities in general. I would have liked to spend a little more time in each city, but I guess that was not the point of the trip, huh!! We were supposed to be doing what we did. I especially enjoyed Memphis and as soon as possible plan to make a trip back there. Finally, I want to commend the students on bus #1. They were very mannerly, respectful and helpful. You could not have asked for a more well behaved group of adolescents. I was so proud of them. It does my heart good just to see them that way, especially the young men. Thanks again. Good job.
Daisie Blue
Raleigh, North Carolina
dbblue@bellsouth.net
================================================
I took the MLK Heritage Tour 2008 to fill in some of the holes in my African-American “History”. We went to the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, Alabama. The curator was one of the voting rights demonstrators and he made the Museum exhibits and the history behind them come to life.
Each piece of history contained in the Museum was not representing just an historical event; it was an actual piece of history. It was the record of someone's contribution to the “War for Voting and Civil Rights.” It was not so much the story itself that touched the listener, because most of us had heard about the voter registration drives; it was the emotions of the teller and his engagement with the audience and our history that held us spellbound.
Afterward, we gathered at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the scene of “Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, where armed officers mowed down peaceful voter registration marchers as they set out on the thirty mile march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Another of my most touching moments of the whole tour came at the Slavery & Civil War Museum during an enactment of life on board a slave transport vessel. Our tour group was divided into two groups; three fourths of the group were the ordinary slaves and were searched, inspected, and herded single file into the dark belly of the slave ship. The other one fourth of us were the house slaves and were also herded into a separate section of the dark slave ship, where we were instructed to scream at the top of your voices upon the signal from the narrator and beg for food, water, and help.
The narrator broke away from both groups in the dark bowels of the slave vessel and became hysterical as the slave traders ripped her children from her. We all knew that it was not real, but the agony and pain that slave mothers and fathers must have felt touched us to our very core. There was neither a dry eye nor unchanged heart in the room when the lights were brought back up. The true savageness of slavery hit us at that moment.
On the bus we watched a movie about the death of 14 year old Emmitt Till. Emmitt in Chicago and was there visiting relatives. Listening to Emmitt’s mother tell the details of his death and seeing the condition of his corpse when it was returned for burial literally tore a hole in my heart. I have a new found respect for the indescribable pain, degradation, humiliation, torture, and abuse suffered by our ancestors in their struggle to regain their rights and freedom. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude and it is because of their struggle and determination that we now have the lives and privileges that we take for granted.
Glanda Taylor
Raleigh, N.C. Originally from Mansfield, Ohio
glandataylor@shawbears.com
=============================================
One of my reasons for taking this trip was to give me a better direction in which to focus my schooling once I am done this December at Shaw University. To say that that it was a enlightening experience to go on the 2008 MLK Civil Rights Bus Tour is an understatement. It is still difficult to say in words the feelings, emotions, and education that I gained.
I felt that I had a good foundation of the history of civil rights in our country when beginning the tour. Now after taking the trip, I realize that there is so much more information that we must learn that doesn't come from the textbooks. The most emotional experience was definitely the stop at the Slavery Museum, also in Selma. Our bus leader, announced just before we got off the bus that we were not to be offended by anything that the woman said or did at the museum. The experience began as soon as we stepped off the bus. We were divided into two groups, men and women. Or as she said, 'women and boys'. Hanging our heads, thus preventing our eyes from contacting hers, we had to show her the palms of our hands and open our mouths so that she could check our teeth. It was degrading and very scary from the beginning. As the experience proceeded, we were to imagine as if we were Africans who had the unfortunate destiny of being stolen from their homeland and forced into slavery. I don't even consider the experience comparable to anything that these people went through, but in a brief moment a part of my spirit was destroyed. To know that humans were treated so cruelly is a hard thing to grasp. Not being able to do anything about the past is difficult to deal with.
All of the museums that we went to were very impressive. It was a bit of an information overload at times, but has put what I already know into more of a perspective. Learning about the different things which people had to overcome in the last five decades. I now feel a responsibility to learn more and make others aware of how important it is to study history.
The friendships that I have formed while on this tour are very important to me and I hope that they will help keep me accountable in finding a way that I can educate others about our history. I am planning on going on the trip again next year and bringing my mother. I am very thankful to my professor, Ms. Abini El-Amin for not only informing my 'African Americans in US Politics' class about the trip, but really her encouragement for students to go. If not for her, I wouldn't have known about the trip. I feel blessed to have a professor that understands that learning also comes from doing, and from doing comes change.
Sarah Hardy
Student, Shaw University
Raleigh, North Carolina
sarahhardymn@gmail.com
===========================================
My thoughts on the 2007 tour
So many historic places, so many brave people, so much to be thankful
for and work yet to be done. These are some of the thoughts that remain
from my experiences on the tour. I was especially touched by the
National Voting Rights Museum in Selma - our country's development of
discriminatory laws eliminating the right to vote and the people who
strove so gallantly to secure it for us, the Civil Rights Memorial at
the Southern Poverty Law Center - commemorating the lives of the many
lost during the 1950s and 1960s and the National Civil Rights Museum at
the Lorraine Motel in Memphis - specifying the struggles of my
ancestors and others for freedom, full citizenship and dignity dating
from 1619.
I was, also, touched by the presence of the white people on the tour.
Their interest in this topic, willingness to experience the struggle
and participation in activities helps to fuel my hopes for the future.
I had not expected and was impressed by tour participants from as far
away as Florida, Arizona and Canada!
It was a wonderful experience. I'm considering going again in 2008. I
would love to spend more time in several of the locations. My thanks to
the tour organizers, bus captains, drivers and others who helped to
make this such an awe inspiring trip.
Jackie Shropshire Simms
Arden, North Carolina
jackies2s@hotmail.com
Hi all,
I am just returning home from my 2007 Civil Rights Heritage tour. It
was an amazing journey, simply amazing. I journalized a lot along the
way, laughed a lot and there were lots of tears. I met some amazing
folks that I may never see again but that I will never forget. I
visited the physical resting places of Martin Luther King, Jr. &
Coretta Scott King, Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver
and the balcony at the Lorraine motel in Memphis. I traveled to
Atlanta, Tuskegee, Selma, Montgomery and Birmingham, AL and Memphis,
TN. It was quite exhausting at times along the way.
I walked the Edmond Pettus Bridge with members of the community that
were there on "Bloody Sunday" and that lost friends and family. I
visited many museums along the way from grassroots level to major
funders like the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery. They were all
phenomenal. I toured the Civil Rights Memorial across from the Southern
Poverty Law Center. That is truly, truly an amazing part of our
history. I read about the case that bankrupted the Alabama KKK in 1987
from a brutal hanging of a young Black man in 1981; not that long ago.
I was in the church where the four little girls were killed by a bomb.
I walked on hallowed ground.
I walked in the footsteps of the Kings, A. Phillip Randolph, John
Lewis, Fred Shuttlesworth, Ralph Abernathy, Stokey Carmichael, George
Washington Carver, Julian Bond, Roy Wilkins, Meger Evers, Jesse
Jackson, Viola Luizzo... and many more. I have many pictures and many
stories. It was a phenomenal trip and I have come home somewhat changed.
Jacquelyn Hallum
Asheville, North Carolina
jabeebee@bellsouth.net
It was indeed a blessing to attend the 2007 Heritage Tour. I went alone
and returned from the tour with many new friends. A few bumps along the
way was no big deal. After my visit to some of the historical sites all
I could say was "Thank you Lord for allowing us to have a roof over our
head". When you look back on where so many of our ancestors have been
it was impossible to sweat the small things. I have been part of
planning for many church trips in the past and things will happen that
are not expected. However I would like to say the experience we all
shared last week were emotional for me in a lot of ways. I now have an
understanding of the struggle that Dr. Martin Luther King and others
went through for the Civil Rights Movement. The Lorraine Motel was a
wealth of knowledge and also caused myself and others to shed some
tears. This tour allowed me to return back to Raleigh, North Carolina
with more understading.
Blanche J. Royall
Raleigh, North Carolina
blanche.royall@co.wake.nc.us
I do not want to hear from another neighbor ask - "Did you enjoy your
trip?" A trip like this - is not to be "enjoyed" but to learn from,
especially as a white person. An organization (Building Bridges) here
in Asheville had paved the way for learning about racism but this tour
brought me to another level. I want to thank my "bus-mate" Carolyn, for
being so kind to me through out the whole trip.
I wonder if I was black how would I control my anger and resentfulness?
I have always felt accepted and cared about within a black group. And I
always have felt safe. I can not help but think of my comfort level and
even the simple everyday activity of taking a shower, how I can do this
and many thousands of slaves could not?
Being put on that little humble boat in the Slave Museum has imprinted
on me a feeling I cannot and really do not want to shake. I stumbled in
the darkness not seeing a plank across the boat when I was stepping in
and told to keep moving. Two people helped me up and asked if I was
alright - I can hardly think about that time with out so much sadness
welling up in me, let alone ever being able to talk about it without
sobbing. The woman that guided us through that experience was amazing.
I wish she could talk to every one in the world from her heart like she
did with us. As she says, "I do not have to listen to someone telling
me about their relationship with God, all I have to do is watch how
they treat other people."
I can not say one experience was more than another for the Museum of
Voting Rights next door was a very moving experience to me also. The
guide there was speaking from her heart also - She has inspired me to
act on a couple of projects that have been on my heart and now will act
upon them. She is one of my heroes.
Stephon Ferguson's performance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. passed
all expectations. He is truly gifted. One could close your eyes and be
in the presence of Dr. King. However, I sat across from him and his
friend on the bus - he is gifted but more importantly he has a humble
spirit with a great sense of humor. We were fortunate to have him on
our tour, if possible he should be on each tour.
What I experienced on the bus and all around me was a people that
listened to what the Lord requires of us: "To act justly and to love
mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
The bridge, the four little girls, the churches, Martha's story, the
many stories I read at the museums - so many images are very important
to me now - I want all those memories to stay in the forefront of my
mind - maybe, just maybe I can
begin to understand what it is like to be a black person.
Carol Duin
Asheville, NC
cduin1@charter.net
First and foremost I thank God for allowing me to be included, along with 160
other fine folk, in a tour of this magnitude. I've had many
people ask me how the tour was and I never know really where to begin.
There was so much to see and experience, I put it in a nutshell and
encourage them to take the 2008 tour. Start putting a few dollars away now!
If you really want to get a true feel of black history, this tour is a must.
It was truly amazing at how many of the presentations at the historical sites
were given by people who were living when these things took place. It's like
a time capsule and places you right there in that era. You get to relive the
struggles, the sacrifices, and the suffering endured in the
fight for freedom. And the displays give a deep sense of reality. You get
to see everything from King's birth home to the very motel where he was
killed. The wreath hangs on the rail of the balcony where he was standing
when he was shot. And inside you can see his hotel room exactly how he left
it when he stepped out on the balcony that day.
I once heard a man say if holding a voter's
registration card and don't know about Bloody Sunday, you should be ashamed.
At the time I had never heard of Bloody Sunday, but later
learned about the bloodshed for a right to vote. So being able to retrace the
steps of those who walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge was inspiring.
Martha fed us twice, first with a spiritually inspiring testimonial where she went from
drug addiction to owning three restaurants. Then she blessed us with
delicious southern food. The bus drivers were the best I've ever seen. The videos
were right on time. A big
SHOUT OUT to Bruce Lightner, David Prince and all
those who played a role in making this 7th annual tour one we will remember
for the rest of our lives.
May Gob Bless,
Stephon Ferguson
Fayetteville, North Carolina
steve.blackmon@cumulus.com
thedreamlives.com
Thanks for the great experience. The Asheville group is looking forward to next year.
Oralene Simmons
Asheville, North Carolina
ogsimmons@aol.com
My thoughts on the 2006 tour:
I wish to take this opportunity to express how blessed and
fortunate I was to have traveled to several southern cities to witness
and to re-live some of the very important moments in African-American
history. Words are inadequate to express the feeling I felt when I
listened to all of the presentations regarding the civil rights
movement. My four-day experience allowed history to become real within
me as an African-American male. I realize that we have come a long way
in the struggle for social justice and human equality; however, we have
a long way to go. I was very pleased to see the amount of young people
that traveled on this great pilgrimage. Although some were not old
enough to have witnessed some of the situations, they were afforded the
opportunity to stand on the same ground that so many of our great
African-American men and women once lived, served and died. When I
returned to my home, I was able to reflect on my true purpose for
existing on this earth. This great trip helped to re-define my goals,
my strengths and my aspiration in being that “beacon” light on a hill
and help our young generation become more knowledgeable and proud of
such a rich and profound history. As we struggle to make the best out
of a difficult situation, let us not forget the blood, sweat and tears
that our forefather shed for us.
I pray that the tour will grow larger next year and others, (especially
the youth) will have the opportunity to be apart of this rewarding and
worthwhile venture. Thanks to Mr. Bruce Lightner for his vision in
realizing the need for people to experience the important roles blacks
played in helping make America what it should be today. Additionally,
thanks to Mr. David Prince who was able to pick up the baton, due to
Mr. Lightner’s unexpected illness, and lead and guide the civil rights
tour in such a capable and proficient manner. I do look forward to
going again next year and I wish to say, “thank you” to all those other
individuals who helped to make the tour a most informative, educational
and inspiring endeavor!
Sincerely,
Erroll L. Royal, Ph.D.
Raleigh, North Carolina
eroyal3@bellsouth.net
===================================================
I am not sure where to begin about the 2006 tour. I guess I would say a
big Thank You for having the vision to bring this opportunity to all
people of the world! Being a History teacher for the past 26 years,
having taught United States History, as well as teaching World History
presently, I wish that I could take all of my students from Kightdale
High School to experience this remarkable trip. In fact now that I see
that the itinerary is posted I will be informing my parents of the
opportunity to get a group together for next year.
I am willing to be a spokesperson to any educator who wants a firsthand
account of the trip. I have pictures too and next year I will be making
video to go along with a presentation that can be made to the schools.
This a trip that everyone should make to understand why human and civil
rights is still very important. I teach the I Have a Dream Speech but
now having experienced this I will be teaching more than just Dr. King
accomplishments for human dignity.
I wish I could tell you that I had a favorite part of the tour but I
don't think that one out weighs the other. But Martha's dinner, The
Rosa Parks Museum, and visiting Tuskegee University were very
memorable. The youth talent show was amazing. Ahmad's teaching and
video and first hand accounts what can I say !!
James Thomas
Kightdale High School
semajec1@msn.com
=================================================
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
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
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
I
left the MLK heritage tour feeling inspired by the strength of those
extraordinary women and men (sometimes nameless and faceless) who, with
their faith in God, pride in themselves and their families stood up and
challenged the system. This resulted in change, not only for themselves
but, for generations of people of all colours in America and around the
world.
This tour has made me think about how I can best help my community and give something back to the younger generation.
The 2005 tour was well organized, educational, inspirational, thought
provoking, I met some wonderful people and we all had a great time. I
travelled from London, England just to take this tour and will
definitely do this tour again in the future.
Thanks,
Vinette Muschette
London, England
vinettev2@yahoo.com.uk
I'm still
processing my thoughts about the 2005 trip, and think I will be for
some time. My 12-year old grandson and I came out from San Diego. It
was our first trip south, and for me to see and experience places I'd
read about or seen pictures of was indescribable in many ways.
One
of the main things I noticed is that I took the trip to "see" and what
I took away from the trip is what I "felt." I was touched by all the
places we visited - Tuskegee, Selma and Montgomery. I felt the heart of
the movement most profoundly in Birmingham and in Memphis. From the
moment we got off the bus in the parking lot of the Sixteenth Street
Baptist Church, I felt almost as if the spirit of those demonstrators
from the 60's was surrounding me, pointing me in the direction of my
own destiny through their courage and sacrifices. I couldn't believe I
was there, when I've read so much and seen so much footage of the dogs
and water hoses... Walking through Kelly Ingram Park just left me
speechless. It was as if I could hear the angry screams and the cries
of those children who said, "I ain't afraid of no jail." I looked into
the mouths of the German shepherd statues and it was scary. It was as
scary looking in the faces of those who hated people who didn't do
anything but love them.
The other place that gave me chills was at the Lorraine Motel and the
museum connected to it. I have seen that motel sign and the balcony for
the last 30 years, and to stand in the parking lot and look up at those
icons was amazing. I couldn't believe I was there. I learned a lot of
things about MLK during that part of the tour also. Such as he was
human like the rest of us. He had weaknesses, he got discouraged, he
was afraid. But he moved through his weaknesses and fears and
accomplished all that God wanted him to in those short 39 years.
Another chilling experience in Memphis was when I got on the Montgomery
bus circa 1955. I sat in the seat behind the statue of Rosa Parks. I
felt as if the bus was going to start moving; I was taken back to that
day. I heard the bus driver's voice over the PA yelling at me to get
out of the seat and several times I was about to get up. I "felt" what
I think Rosa Parks must've felt as her resolve was tested. Fear,
uneasiness. But I willed myself to stay in the seat. If it was
difficult for me in 2005, how must it have been for her in 1955? And
for the freedom riders or the students at the lunch counters.
I came away from this trip feeling tremendously motivated by the
courage my people showed in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
For us to be who and where we are now as a people is amazing
considering the mountains they faced back then. I figure the least I
can do is make the most of every moment of life I'm given. I won't take
anything for granted; every advantage and opportunity I have as an
African-American woman was paid for with the sacrifices of those who
came before me.
I'm so grateful I was able to share this journey with my grandson at a
pivotal age in his maturation as well. I've already seen a change in
him since we've been home.
God bless,
Anetha Johnson
San Diego, California
anetha@sbcglobal.net
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
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
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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
Mere words cannot fully express what I experienced last week. Taking
the 2003 Civil Rights Heritage Tour was a very good decision. I am very
proud that I decided to go. Everyone seemed to be absorbed over how
well coordinated each phase of the trip was carried out. From beginning
to the end everything was timed and crafted with care and precision.
The planning and attention to the smallest details was evident. Well
done.
For anyone who is motivated and interested in learning the marvels of
our rich heritage and the accomplishments many take for granted today,
this tour brings it to life in such a powerful and personal way. Please
hold space for me next year ..... I want to go again.
David G. Franklin
Henderson, North Carolina
dgf002@yahoo.com
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