I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent “Marching Down Freedom’s Road” seminar. Initially, I was hesitant to join because I typically don’t handle heavy topics well. However, as we approached the final day of the trip, I found myself incredibly grateful for the experience.
Seeing firsthand the historical events my teachers had taught me and learning more in-depth about my history without the distractions of a classroom was refreshing. There were numerous instances where I stopped to read something and felt compelled to learn more. I often took pictures or searched for relevant topics to delve deeper into the material.
I also appreciated that the museums did not sugarcoat or shorten the explanations to spare our feelings. They thoroughly addressed everything from segregation to lynchings to marches and much more. One aspect of the seminar that will truly stick with me was the Peace and Justice Museum. It was incredible to see how they highlighted the names of people who were lynched. I wasn’t very educated on lynching, so it felt like I was learning a whole new part of history.
Another highlight of the seminar was hearing from adults who lived through that era. For example, Mr. Person shared his powerful experiences as a Freedom Rider. The strength and passion he conveyed were truly inspiring.
As the seminar comes to a close, I want to thank Mrs. Reed for giving me the opportunity to participate in this amazing trip. I also want to express my gratitude to all the wonderful adults who treated me with kindness and shared my eagerness to learn.
I can’t wait to share what I experienced on this trip.