Civil Rights expedition
South Carolina
Sunday, April 10, 2005- Visit to Summerton, SC with Dr. Jenkins
Today we woke up at 7:00 A.M. from DonnieÂ’s house and departed late around 8:30 A.M. We will be visiting Summerton, SC to meet with Dr. Jenkins. IÂ’ll be sure to write what I learned. The ride down here was long. We past the ladies a few times and Dave made a call to tell her we were coming back. This town is most interesting with little houses and such.
While in the foundations building we discussed the experiences they had being the daughters of black families.
Summerton Town has 900 people in it now.
The ladies that we talked to were chairs on the foundation ( ). Their mission is to bring together the community of Summerton, SC.
Monday, April 11, 2005- Tour Of Fort Wagner, Talk with Michael Allen at Mt. Pleasant
Well today was interesting we visited a couple of different places. First we went to Fort battery Wagner on Willis Island. It was cool because we watched the movie Glory, which was based on the battle over fort Wagner. I have visited the actual place were 247 black soldiers from the 54th gave their lives to risk taking the fort that was occupied by the confederates over. They would lead the assault but did not succeed, the confederates fort was too strong, and the estimated 200 man that were in the fort turned out to be an exaggerated underestimation. I walked down the beach, what is left of the fort is were I walked on the very corner of were it would stand years before. The actual fort has been eroded and is now underwater. However the actual fort was very large, extending over three football fields in length and width.
We took a boat out to the island, but before we landed we got to see a few dolphins.
After the tour we went and ate with the high school that came with use. They consisted of a small bag of chips, 1 caparison, and a ham and cheese sandwich. Naturally I offered my sandwich to Kenny and he gladly accepted.
Once lunch was done with everyone from our crew dispersed so Zack and I were stuck together. We decided to say our goodbyes to the tour guides and headed in town to check out the scene. While walking away from the docks we passed many stores and coffee shops. We walked through a park were lots of hot chicks were tanning themselves on the grass. Naturally there were some guys play Frisbee with no shirts on; as we continued our walk we stopped at an art store were we use their facilities and drank some water. I didnÂ’t feel comfortable in there. In fact they sent this guy to the back to make sure we werenÂ’t stealing anything. So we left, next we stopped at a corner store to use the ATM machine. The machine wouldnÂ’t allow me to withdraw so the guy behind the counter told me to go to bank of America. I did as the man suggested and took out 10 dollars.
We continued our way and eventually asked two hot girls were the nearest coffee place was. They pointed us to some java joint were we ordered two mocha freezes. They were bomb, and made with USDA certified organic whole beans and fair trade coffee. I love coffee. Anyhow, by this time we had ten minutes left until we were due to meet the crew, so we rushed back to the docks. They were no were to be found so I tried calling the crew cell but no one answered. Then I used the restroom and we went back to our meeting spot were they were waiting for us,
So now we were all together; we traveled about 15 minutes to Mount Pleasant and talked to a park ranger by the name of Michael Allen about civil rights. He was interesting and had lots of knowledge to share with us about the importance of history and the recent ignorance that has shrouded our nation recently from learning just that.
I would like to go one about my day but I need to retire so ill talk later. LOL.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005- Penn Center, St. Helena Island
Wednesday, April 13, 2005- Research Day at Buford Public Library
Well I didnÂ’t journal yesterday but ill give an over cap of what happened. Lets see if I can remember what happened.
Ok I remember. We visited the Penn. Center. It was oddÂ… I really donÂ’t know what to say except that the place we visited was used as an experiment to prove that NegroÂ’s could be educated. It was odd because it seemed kind of unorganized. We walked around the old campus. The houses seemed to be either occupied or unwelcoming. I recall one called the cedar house being a store but no one was there. Laid out on clothing racks were African apparel that I wish I could afford. I looked on one of the tags and it was 150$ !!! Sometimes I wish people would get away from the dependence of money as a way to trade for goods and services. But I guess those days are gone.
The rest of yesterday was spent at the Buford public library. Were I tried unsuccessfully to focus on my work.
So today was spent first at the civil rights museum in Savannah, Georgia. The place was amazing I could have spent a lot more time there if I was in the right mood.
Peter recently told me that I was going in and out of depression. I hate to sound like this but I think I am. I mean sometimes IÂ’m really happy and can get really focused and shit. But then even during those moments there is this feeling of depression underneath it all. Like a fucking itch that fades in and out but is still there. The question is what do I have to do to get ride of this itch and when will it happen.
Anyways back to today’s events. After the museum we visited the downtown area of Savannah. I loved it. In fact it was a good moment. I got to be Kenny’s camera man while he asked random people the question: What do you think about interracial relationships. I hope I get a copy of the “documentary” that he’s creating so I can add it to my Shackleton experience compilation.
After downtown we went to the public library and I finally got to use the Internet and catch up on the Xbox-Scene and my emails. Shortly after that we were if back to the campground Tuck-In-The-Woods.
“I sit by the laundry room participating with the passing of time. Letting each minute meld into each other like slim. Damn life is grim. So ill see ya’ tomorrow and hit you even harder wit the flow of the same the insane rain let loose shack your main. Everyday every second everything’s a game”
Georgia
Thursday, April 14, 2005- Leave for Atlanta, Georgia
Friday, April 15, 2005- ATL SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference)
Well IÂ’m certainly seeing a trend in my journal activities. I did not journal yesterday but I will once again give an overview of what happened.
We traveled from tuck-in-the-woods campground in South Carolina to Atlanta Georgia’s’ Presperterian church on Martin Luther King Blvd. The travel was long, Zak got sick within the last ½ hour of the trip. We had to stop numerous times and got off to a late start because of our over stay in a meeting with Dr. Seller at the home of the game cocks at Georgia Tech university. He was pretty interesting and was very liberal with his time. Then when we finally got to Atlanta after phoning lots of people about our lateness. Some lady at the church let us in. Then we went to the underground mall to eat. Evan, Zack, and I split a cheese pizza. (3.50$ each).
Saturday, April 16, 2005- MLK Center and Coke-A-Cola Tour (summary)
MLK center
Coke then Zack and I chilled and went 2 the Jamaican restaurant and had a ting and two chicken patties (curry)
Back to the church
Sunday, April 17, 2005- Ebenezer church service, CNN center (summary)
Woke up at 6:00 A.M. to get out of the church since youth group was coming and staying till 6:00 P.M.
Ebenezer church service at 7:45 Evan had to eat!
Get to Olympic park get a crappy coffee
CNN center- got to use Internet and look art hot girls from Brazil, the tour of CNN headquarters
Chilled in Parking lot with Kenny until every one came back.
Alabama
Monday, April 18, 2005- Carter Center/Library/Museum Tour, then travel to Selma
(summary)
Woke up at 7:30
Carter center, and carter library/museum- mention RachaelÂ’s tits and the nipping?
Then stopped and had coffee at Star Bucks.
Went back to the church to get our bags (took) 15 min.
Then traveled 3 hours to a campsite in Selma,
Well itÂ’s been three days and I havenÂ’t done a journal. However I promise I have been busy. On the 16th we went to the MLK center it was nice visiting the Ebenezer church and his Birth house and grave. ItÂ’s insane that everything is in that one location. After the visit to the MLK center we went back to the parking lot by the church.
Dave Zack and I went to the coke a cola museum near the underground across the street from our place of refuge to learn about the companiesÂ’ history. It was pretty wild, the history is that this doctor was mixing up some random tonic and came up with the syrup. He sold it to his fellow doctors and soon it became so popular that he started a whole business out of it. The story goes on and on but now we see the power dominating company of coke that actually only provides 5% of the worlds non-alcoholic beverages.
We saw a movie about cokes mission to take over the world. Must explain. The whole 20 min movie was about them being all over the world and examples of daily life in countries and how coke is apart of everyoneÂ’s life everywhere. At the end they had teens assemble in Italy or something with the coke bottles from their nation, it was hilarious,
After the movie we watched this guy make a coke the way they make it back ini the 1930Â’s. He was called the soda jerk because he jerked back the handle that added the soda to the coke syrup. He gave us a reenactment after talking to some little kids about the population of china. He sounded kind of stupid like a stereotypical surfer. We continues on to the second floor from the third.
On the second floor there were commercials from different eras some random toys of thers from all eras and a taste testing room. It was more like a hall way with soda dispensers like at some of the fast food joints. Except you had the choice of any or all the coke product drinks from all over the world.
I loved a dew different ones like the ginger beer from south Africa, the lechee from china, and some others I cant recall. But I do remember this nasty ass one from Italy called bitter something. It had the most horrible taste ever. I cant even describe it, and if I could I wouldnÂ’t want to.
After tasting them until I started to believe their was cocaine in them we went and watched some of the old commercials I could relate to the last 3 or so. Ll the others I had never seen before. Then we walked over to an employee that zack had been harassing. Zack always ask employees these questions about the products that they donÂ’t know but heÂ’s cool nonetheless. God damn It IÂ’m typing like IÂ’m the writer of that book Catcher in the right; IÂ’m reading it for EthanÂ’s class.
Anyhow we talked to this guy about allot of stuff and then went to the first floor, witch conveniently happens to lead the gift shop. Yeah time to spend, your money and get broke. So I bought a glass coke mug.
So we left that place it was Zack and I. we then proceeded to the underground mall. I saw a Jamaican food place and decided id look at the menu. Oh they had everything I wanted; jerk chicken, curry goat, fish, ackee and salt fish. Anyway, we got two patties and I got a ting and we sat and talked about stuff that I would talk to Gaven about. Gaven is my “best-friend” but I que3stion that sometimes.
After the underground we went to the church hung out for a bit played foosball, basketball and listened to music. I like being in this small crew allot sometimes.
Well that was a good summery huh.
The next day (17th) we woke up at 6:00 am. ThatÂ’s pretty darn early but we had to do it since it was Sunday and the kids needed the room we were staying in for church and Sunday school until later that night around five- thirty or so, So we got up mad everything look neat and went on our way to the Ebenezer church, Its named after the church that MLK used to preach at, the old one happens to be across the street.
The service was really nice, we sang and this was a black church so we got down. Most of the time I was reading the revelations book of the bible and trying to keep my head straight.
After the service we... IÂ’m too tired ill go on tomorrow after I tell you about today.
19th Woke up at 7:30 and visited the Carter center, and carter library/museum had a tour with this chick named Rachel that couldn’t seem to keep her headlights off. After we did that we went to a little strip mall were Zack Evan and I went to star bucks. Yet again Zack asked an employee a question “does Starbucks use free trade coffee...” I ordered a espresso and got some brochures for Zack and a cake. Then we traveled to this nice camp in Selma. That’s were I am now. We just got finished playing around in the might on the paddleboats and the swings. I got it on camera. But I’m tired so check ya’ later “dude”,23
Tuesday, April 19, 2005- Selma Bridge Tour with Paul Grist
“The American white mans press refused to convey that I was now attempting to teach Negroes a new direction.”
- Malcolm X
Today has been full of reflection and devotion for me. I have recommitted myself to my research paper. After visiting the Civil Rights Museum in Selma, Alabaman.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005- Montgomery Dexter Parsonage Museum & Rosa Parks Museum
“Boycott: Bus Co. Looses $3,000 a day”
-Alabama Journal
With limited internet access I’m surprised I’ve been able to keep some contact with people outside of my crew. Today happens to be 4/20 the time of year that every smokes up a blunt and relaxes. Well I cant do that at the moment so I will have to find some other way to observe the day. The crew started off from the national park where we were camping around 8:00 after we had eaten some cereal and packed up the bus. We continued our journey to Montgomery were we visited the Parsonage Museum of Dexter Ave. church. I have now seen were Martin Luther King was born, were he has lived, were he has preached, were he was threatened. This journey that we are taking has allowed me to realize that I have visited all the key areas of the civil rights movement. From the museums to the courthouses, to the graves. I have learned that change starts at the bottom and infest the many until someone has the braveness to stand up and say. “ I have a dream.” Today we visited the very place were Martin Luther’s family could have lost there lives. The parsonage that he lived in, it was huge. I would have loved to live in a place like that with the large yard and everything. All the furniture was from the 1950 and 1960 era. And I learned something new about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., did you know that that man smoked cigarettes. How ironic, well perhaps not since everyone was smoking back then. But he seems like the kind of guy that would never smoke or have mistresses. That just goes to show you that every leader has their faults and they are human beings.
I have decided not to write full journal entries for the days of the 18th. So too bad
But today we also visited the Rosa Parks museum in Montgomery. The tour was very well but together. They had this reinactment of rosa not taking up her seat with a bus and everything. You could see into tv moniters that were sposed to be the windows. ThatÂ’s were I read that the Bus company was loosing 3,000 $ a day from the boycotts. So it all boils down to economy. Our society relies on the oppressed and as soon as they push their weight around the opressors pockets start to feel a little uncomfortable.
Right now we are on some interstate road traveling to fresh air farms in Tennessee I think, And after two days later we will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Thursday April 21, 2005- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and Research Afternoon
Friday April 22, 2005- Birmingham Southern College,
Saturday April 23, 2005- Beck Center
Sunday April 24, 2005- Recreation Day
Monday, April 24, 2005- Highland Research Center, Alex Haley Farm
“Freedom”
Well itÂ’s been awhile since I last wrote in the log. Zach had the comp for a while and I didnÂ’t really want to in some fashion. Last night I flipped out on Jill and Dave, naturally they made it a big deal. You see I was on the computer chatting with some people that I was trying to catch up on time with. They came in the room at 9:59 and said that it was time to go upstairs. They said that we all agreed on it before we came to their ( JillÂ’s parents) house. I really hate to get angry over petty issues. However it seems like they are so important to me in the moments I have. Firstly I didnÂ’t remember ever saying that. Secondly, I told them it was important conversation. Thirdly, When they see me frustrated they need to just fuck off. I had been good so far on expo, why couldnÂ’t they give me a fucking break. The computer is the only outlet I seem to have at the moment. I hat being limited. So afterwards I went outside and looked at the moon. It was full and so beautiful. I sat there angry as hell and wondered how the light was illuminating from the moon. Why is the light so bright?
After awhile I came back into the garage and just stood in front of the door, I noticed the beer bottles and was tempted to take one but decided against it. Soon Dave came to the door and asked, “Was the door locked?” “No” I responded. He told me to close the garage door and come into the computer room for a chat. I did so and as I walked down the wall a burst of rage overcame me.
When I entered the room Jill was sitting at the computer desk, and Dave in a chair near the entrance. She beckoned me to take a seat; I responded, “ I’d rather stand.” The meeting went on for about thirty minutes. Eventually the broke my stand off and I took a seat and broke down. I started to cry when Dave kept repeating “no seventeen year old should have to carry the burdens you carry.” It seems appropriate doesn’t it?
So then we discussed whether I wanted to go home or stay on expedition. My initial response was that I wanted to leave. But with so much going on inside my head We decided that we would wait until the morning to decide. It is now 1:20 P.M. and I still havenÂ’t decided.
I really want to leave but there are only two days left. You know what was really trippy is that during the meeting all this weird stuff kept happening. I kept predicting when the phone would ring and when they would start talking. I felt really powerfull but also felt like there was a weight on me and I couldnÂ’t really move that easy. It held me back from moving anything with my mind. I swear I almost moved a picture frame.
ThatÂ’s a lot about yesterday night. So ill talk abiout today, We went to i
Sunday, April 10, 2005- Visit to Summerton, SC with Dr. Jenkins
Today we woke up at 7:00 A.M. from DonnieÂ’s house and departed late around 8:30 A.M. We will be visiting Summerton, SC to meet with Dr. Jenkins. IÂ’ll be sure to write what I learned. The ride down here was long. We past the ladies a few times and Dave made a call to tell her we were coming back. This town is most interesting with little houses and such.
While in the foundations building we discussed the experiences they had being the daughters of black families.
Summerton Town has 900 people in it now.
The ladies that we talked to were chairs on the foundation ( ). Their mission is to bring together the community of Summerton, SC.
Monday, April 11, 2005- Tour Of Fort Wagner, Talk with Michael Allen at Mt. Pleasant
Well today was interesting we visited a couple of different places. First we went to Fort battery Wagner on Willis Island. It was cool because we watched the movie Glory, which was based on the battle over fort Wagner. I have visited the actual place were 247 black soldiers from the 54th gave their lives to risk taking the fort that was occupied by the confederates over. They would lead the assault but did not succeed, the confederates fort was too strong, and the estimated 200 man that were in the fort turned out to be an exaggerated underestimation. I walked down the beach, what is left of the fort is were I walked on the very corner of were it would stand years before. The actual fort has been eroded and is now underwater. However the actual fort was very large, extending over three football fields in length and width.
We took a boat out to the island, but before we landed we got to see a few dolphins.
After the tour we went and ate with the high school that came with use. They consisted of a small bag of chips, 1 caparison, and a ham and cheese sandwich. Naturally I offered my sandwich to Kenny and he gladly accepted.
Once lunch was done with everyone from our crew dispersed so Zack and I were stuck together. We decided to say our goodbyes to the tour guides and headed in town to check out the scene. While walking away from the docks we passed many stores and coffee shops. We walked through a park were lots of hot chicks were tanning themselves on the grass. Naturally there were some guys play Frisbee with no shirts on; as we continued our walk we stopped at an art store were we use their facilities and drank some water. I didnÂ’t feel comfortable in there. In fact they sent this guy to the back to make sure we werenÂ’t stealing anything. So we left, next we stopped at a corner store to use the ATM machine. The machine wouldnÂ’t allow me to withdraw so the guy behind the counter told me to go to bank of America. I did as the man suggested and took out 10 dollars.
We continued our way and eventually asked two hot girls were the nearest coffee place was. They pointed us to some java joint were we ordered two mocha freezes. They were bomb, and made with USDA certified organic whole beans and fair trade coffee. I love coffee. Anyhow, by this time we had ten minutes left until we were due to meet the crew, so we rushed back to the docks. They were no were to be found so I tried calling the crew cell but no one answered. Then I used the restroom and we went back to our meeting spot were they were waiting for us,
So now we were all together; we traveled about 15 minutes to Mount Pleasant and talked to a park ranger by the name of Michael Allen about civil rights. He was interesting and had lots of knowledge to share with us about the importance of history and the recent ignorance that has shrouded our nation recently from learning just that.
I would like to go one about my day but I need to retire so ill talk later. LOL.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005- Penn Center, St. Helena Island
Wednesday, April 13, 2005- Research Day at Buford Public Library
Well I didnÂ’t journal yesterday but ill give an over cap of what happened. Lets see if I can remember what happened.
Ok I remember. We visited the Penn. Center. It was oddÂ… I really donÂ’t know what to say except that the place we visited was used as an experiment to prove that NegroÂ’s could be educated. It was odd because it seemed kind of unorganized. We walked around the old campus. The houses seemed to be either occupied or unwelcoming. I recall one called the cedar house being a store but no one was there. Laid out on clothing racks were African apparel that I wish I could afford. I looked on one of the tags and it was 150$ !!! Sometimes I wish people would get away from the dependence of money as a way to trade for goods and services. But I guess those days are gone.
The rest of yesterday was spent at the Buford public library. Were I tried unsuccessfully to focus on my work.
So today was spent first at the civil rights museum in Savannah, Georgia. The place was amazing I could have spent a lot more time there if I was in the right mood.
Peter recently told me that I was going in and out of depression. I hate to sound like this but I think I am. I mean sometimes IÂ’m really happy and can get really focused and shit. But then even during those moments there is this feeling of depression underneath it all. Like a fucking itch that fades in and out but is still there. The question is what do I have to do to get ride of this itch and when will it happen.
Anyways back to today’s events. After the museum we visited the downtown area of Savannah. I loved it. In fact it was a good moment. I got to be Kenny’s camera man while he asked random people the question: What do you think about interracial relationships. I hope I get a copy of the “documentary” that he’s creating so I can add it to my Shackleton experience compilation.
After downtown we went to the public library and I finally got to use the Internet and catch up on the Xbox-Scene and my emails. Shortly after that we were if back to the campground Tuck-In-The-Woods.
“I sit by the laundry room participating with the passing of time. Letting each minute meld into each other like slim. Damn life is grim. So ill see ya’ tomorrow and hit you even harder wit the flow of the same the insane rain let loose shack your main. Everyday every second everything’s a game”
Georgia
Thursday, April 14, 2005- Leave for Atlanta, Georgia
Friday, April 15, 2005- ATL SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference)
Well IÂ’m certainly seeing a trend in my journal activities. I did not journal yesterday but I will once again give an overview of what happened.
We traveled from tuck-in-the-woods campground in South Carolina to Atlanta Georgia’s’ Presperterian church on Martin Luther King Blvd. The travel was long, Zak got sick within the last ½ hour of the trip. We had to stop numerous times and got off to a late start because of our over stay in a meeting with Dr. Seller at the home of the game cocks at Georgia Tech university. He was pretty interesting and was very liberal with his time. Then when we finally got to Atlanta after phoning lots of people about our lateness. Some lady at the church let us in. Then we went to the underground mall to eat. Evan, Zack, and I split a cheese pizza. (3.50$ each).
Saturday, April 16, 2005- MLK Center and Coke-A-Cola Tour (summary)
MLK center
Coke then Zack and I chilled and went 2 the Jamaican restaurant and had a ting and two chicken patties (curry)
Back to the church
Sunday, April 17, 2005- Ebenezer church service, CNN center (summary)
Woke up at 6:00 A.M. to get out of the church since youth group was coming and staying till 6:00 P.M.
Ebenezer church service at 7:45 Evan had to eat!
Get to Olympic park get a crappy coffee
CNN center- got to use Internet and look art hot girls from Brazil, the tour of CNN headquarters
Chilled in Parking lot with Kenny until every one came back.
Alabama
Monday, April 18, 2005- Carter Center/Library/Museum Tour, then travel to Selma
(summary)
Woke up at 7:30
Carter center, and carter library/museum- mention RachaelÂ’s tits and the nipping?
Then stopped and had coffee at Star Bucks.
Went back to the church to get our bags (took) 15 min.
Then traveled 3 hours to a campsite in Selma,
Well itÂ’s been three days and I havenÂ’t done a journal. However I promise I have been busy. On the 16th we went to the MLK center it was nice visiting the Ebenezer church and his Birth house and grave. ItÂ’s insane that everything is in that one location. After the visit to the MLK center we went back to the parking lot by the church.
Dave Zack and I went to the coke a cola museum near the underground across the street from our place of refuge to learn about the companiesÂ’ history. It was pretty wild, the history is that this doctor was mixing up some random tonic and came up with the syrup. He sold it to his fellow doctors and soon it became so popular that he started a whole business out of it. The story goes on and on but now we see the power dominating company of coke that actually only provides 5% of the worlds non-alcoholic beverages.
We saw a movie about cokes mission to take over the world. Must explain. The whole 20 min movie was about them being all over the world and examples of daily life in countries and how coke is apart of everyoneÂ’s life everywhere. At the end they had teens assemble in Italy or something with the coke bottles from their nation, it was hilarious,
After the movie we watched this guy make a coke the way they make it back ini the 1930Â’s. He was called the soda jerk because he jerked back the handle that added the soda to the coke syrup. He gave us a reenactment after talking to some little kids about the population of china. He sounded kind of stupid like a stereotypical surfer. We continues on to the second floor from the third.
On the second floor there were commercials from different eras some random toys of thers from all eras and a taste testing room. It was more like a hall way with soda dispensers like at some of the fast food joints. Except you had the choice of any or all the coke product drinks from all over the world.
I loved a dew different ones like the ginger beer from south Africa, the lechee from china, and some others I cant recall. But I do remember this nasty ass one from Italy called bitter something. It had the most horrible taste ever. I cant even describe it, and if I could I wouldnÂ’t want to.
After tasting them until I started to believe their was cocaine in them we went and watched some of the old commercials I could relate to the last 3 or so. Ll the others I had never seen before. Then we walked over to an employee that zack had been harassing. Zack always ask employees these questions about the products that they donÂ’t know but heÂ’s cool nonetheless. God damn It IÂ’m typing like IÂ’m the writer of that book Catcher in the right; IÂ’m reading it for EthanÂ’s class.
Anyhow we talked to this guy about allot of stuff and then went to the first floor, witch conveniently happens to lead the gift shop. Yeah time to spend, your money and get broke. So I bought a glass coke mug.
So we left that place it was Zack and I. we then proceeded to the underground mall. I saw a Jamaican food place and decided id look at the menu. Oh they had everything I wanted; jerk chicken, curry goat, fish, ackee and salt fish. Anyway, we got two patties and I got a ting and we sat and talked about stuff that I would talk to Gaven about. Gaven is my “best-friend” but I que3stion that sometimes.
After the underground we went to the church hung out for a bit played foosball, basketball and listened to music. I like being in this small crew allot sometimes.
Well that was a good summery huh.
The next day (17th) we woke up at 6:00 am. ThatÂ’s pretty darn early but we had to do it since it was Sunday and the kids needed the room we were staying in for church and Sunday school until later that night around five- thirty or so, So we got up mad everything look neat and went on our way to the Ebenezer church, Its named after the church that MLK used to preach at, the old one happens to be across the street.
The service was really nice, we sang and this was a black church so we got down. Most of the time I was reading the revelations book of the bible and trying to keep my head straight.
After the service we... IÂ’m too tired ill go on tomorrow after I tell you about today.
19th Woke up at 7:30 and visited the Carter center, and carter library/museum had a tour with this chick named Rachel that couldn’t seem to keep her headlights off. After we did that we went to a little strip mall were Zack Evan and I went to star bucks. Yet again Zack asked an employee a question “does Starbucks use free trade coffee...” I ordered a espresso and got some brochures for Zack and a cake. Then we traveled to this nice camp in Selma. That’s were I am now. We just got finished playing around in the might on the paddleboats and the swings. I got it on camera. But I’m tired so check ya’ later “dude”,23
Tuesday, April 19, 2005- Selma Bridge Tour with Paul Grist
“The American white mans press refused to convey that I was now attempting to teach Negroes a new direction.”
- Malcolm X
Today has been full of reflection and devotion for me. I have recommitted myself to my research paper. After visiting the Civil Rights Museum in Selma, Alabaman.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005- Montgomery Dexter Parsonage Museum & Rosa Parks Museum
“Boycott: Bus Co. Looses $3,000 a day”
-Alabama Journal
With limited internet access I’m surprised I’ve been able to keep some contact with people outside of my crew. Today happens to be 4/20 the time of year that every smokes up a blunt and relaxes. Well I cant do that at the moment so I will have to find some other way to observe the day. The crew started off from the national park where we were camping around 8:00 after we had eaten some cereal and packed up the bus. We continued our journey to Montgomery were we visited the Parsonage Museum of Dexter Ave. church. I have now seen were Martin Luther King was born, were he has lived, were he has preached, were he was threatened. This journey that we are taking has allowed me to realize that I have visited all the key areas of the civil rights movement. From the museums to the courthouses, to the graves. I have learned that change starts at the bottom and infest the many until someone has the braveness to stand up and say. “ I have a dream.” Today we visited the very place were Martin Luther’s family could have lost there lives. The parsonage that he lived in, it was huge. I would have loved to live in a place like that with the large yard and everything. All the furniture was from the 1950 and 1960 era. And I learned something new about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., did you know that that man smoked cigarettes. How ironic, well perhaps not since everyone was smoking back then. But he seems like the kind of guy that would never smoke or have mistresses. That just goes to show you that every leader has their faults and they are human beings.
I have decided not to write full journal entries for the days of the 18th. So too bad
But today we also visited the Rosa Parks museum in Montgomery. The tour was very well but together. They had this reinactment of rosa not taking up her seat with a bus and everything. You could see into tv moniters that were sposed to be the windows. ThatÂ’s were I read that the Bus company was loosing 3,000 $ a day from the boycotts. So it all boils down to economy. Our society relies on the oppressed and as soon as they push their weight around the opressors pockets start to feel a little uncomfortable.
Right now we are on some interstate road traveling to fresh air farms in Tennessee I think, And after two days later we will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Thursday April 21, 2005- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and Research Afternoon
Friday April 22, 2005- Birmingham Southern College,
Saturday April 23, 2005- Beck Center
Sunday April 24, 2005- Recreation Day
Monday, April 24, 2005- Highland Research Center, Alex Haley Farm
“Freedom”
Well itÂ’s been awhile since I last wrote in the log. Zach had the comp for a while and I didnÂ’t really want to in some fashion. Last night I flipped out on Jill and Dave, naturally they made it a big deal. You see I was on the computer chatting with some people that I was trying to catch up on time with. They came in the room at 9:59 and said that it was time to go upstairs. They said that we all agreed on it before we came to their ( JillÂ’s parents) house. I really hate to get angry over petty issues. However it seems like they are so important to me in the moments I have. Firstly I didnÂ’t remember ever saying that. Secondly, I told them it was important conversation. Thirdly, When they see me frustrated they need to just fuck off. I had been good so far on expo, why couldnÂ’t they give me a fucking break. The computer is the only outlet I seem to have at the moment. I hat being limited. So afterwards I went outside and looked at the moon. It was full and so beautiful. I sat there angry as hell and wondered how the light was illuminating from the moon. Why is the light so bright?
After awhile I came back into the garage and just stood in front of the door, I noticed the beer bottles and was tempted to take one but decided against it. Soon Dave came to the door and asked, “Was the door locked?” “No” I responded. He told me to close the garage door and come into the computer room for a chat. I did so and as I walked down the wall a burst of rage overcame me.
When I entered the room Jill was sitting at the computer desk, and Dave in a chair near the entrance. She beckoned me to take a seat; I responded, “ I’d rather stand.” The meeting went on for about thirty minutes. Eventually the broke my stand off and I took a seat and broke down. I started to cry when Dave kept repeating “no seventeen year old should have to carry the burdens you carry.” It seems appropriate doesn’t it?
So then we discussed whether I wanted to go home or stay on expedition. My initial response was that I wanted to leave. But with so much going on inside my head We decided that we would wait until the morning to decide. It is now 1:20 P.M. and I still havenÂ’t decided.
I really want to leave but there are only two days left. You know what was really trippy is that during the meeting all this weird stuff kept happening. I kept predicting when the phone would ring and when they would start talking. I felt really powerfull but also felt like there was a weight on me and I couldnÂ’t really move that easy. It held me back from moving anything with my mind. I swear I almost moved a picture frame.
ThatÂ’s a lot about yesterday night. So ill talk abiout today, We went to i
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