Thursday, March 23, 2017

MS Civil Rights Trip - Day 5

Neshima Vitale-Penniman

    The past few days have been absolutely amazing, but today is the last day of the MS Civil Rights Intercession Trip. Travel days couldn’t be more vibrant with the WHMS Middle School, though. Between a bus ride and plane trips, we have maintained positive attitudes and discussed our favorite parts of the trip. Being together constantly has truly strengthened the MS community. Deep conversations, exciting games, and awful jokes bring out the multifaceted nature of each individual in our community that make it such a fulfilling group to be in.

    Being the final day of our incredible Civil Rights journey, it is a time of reflection on our moving experiences, the stories we have heard, and the information graciously shared with us. It has been extremely powerful to hear the stories of Civil Rights leaders such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks whose work inspired thousands to stand up for their human and civil rights. Reading and listening to personal testimonies of people who put their safety and their lives in jeopardy to gain equality has also been inspiring and moving. One such person, Dianne Harris, shared about her experiences as a young activist fighting for voting rights, which showed that we, as young people, can impact our communities and this world. In addition, we have learned about the numerous things that made the Civil Rights Movement as powerful as it was - what kept the community strong and connected. Music, dance, speeches, art, and unconditional love maintained the pride and power that allowed the black community to collaborate in working towards social change. We have also learned of the actions courageous individuals and groups took to oppose racial oppression, and we have viewed physical remnants of their experiences. As a result of their work, our lives as Americans have been completely transformed. Dr. King's dream has, in many ways, become a reality. However, it has become increasingly evident that our generation has much work to do ensure that all people are “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Learning about black history is an excellent foundation to be an agent of social change, for the Middle School now more deeply understands the root of racial injustice and how it has been upheld over time. This trip will be an experience we will all remember for many years to come given the ways it has inspired, informed, and brought joy to us. Thank you to our teachers for making this trip possible and to those in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee who guided and taught us throughout our journey.