By Zaeda Peter
The morning of our journey started with our usual flurry of activity as we prepared for the day ahead, filing up on satisfying southern food. As we draw nearer to the south, the food just keeps on getting better and better, and I can’t wait to see what culinary delights await us in Alabama. During the initial leg of our journey, we alternated our times between catching up on much-needed sleep, fiddling with our phones or in my case, getting in some crotchet time.
The International Civil Rights Center & Museum located in Greensboro, North Carolina was the first stop of day five, and it was a tribute to the struggle and triumphs of the American Civil Rights Movement. The museum is located in the original F.W. Woolworth Building, where the infamous sit in protests were held beginning on January 31st, 1960. 63 years ago, four young, African American men sat at the counter of an establishment where only whites were allowed to dine in and requested service. They were heckled and while they did not receive service, they set a precedent and a spark of organized sit in protests ran like wildfire throughout the south. For six months, students from the nearby colleges and high school sat in the store, refusing to leave and when Woolworth realized the economic consequence of their actions, they finally desegregated.
The museum offers an enlightening and immersive experience that tells the story of the movement, from its humble beginnings to present day. What makes the International Civil Rights Center and Museum particularly unique to me is its emphasis on the power of nonviolent protest and the role of young, college freshmen like myself in creating change. It was also the only exhibit we have visited thus far that did not allow photography or videography, and that forced break from my phone allowed me to immerse myself more deeply into the experience and absorb the information that was being presented to me,
Having a way to keep occupied was extremely important considering that we were preparing to undertake our longest journey yet, as we headed further south to Georgia, a trip that would last about 5 hours and 25 minutes. We dined at Pascal’s Restaurant and enjoyed some exceptional Southern Cuisine. The ambiance of the restaurant was rich with history and provided a surreal experience as it had previously hosted influential personalities such as Dr. Martin Luther King, renowned politicians and activists, which added to the charm of the place. The mouth watering macaroni and cheese, a core staple of southern cuisine, was absolutely my favorite meal of the trip, and I couldn’t resist returning for seconds.
The SkyView Atlanta ride was a breathtaking experience, that took my breath away, not due solely to the stunning panoramic view of the city but also due to my fear of heights. The gondola slowly began to ascend higher and higher, offering a more expansive view of the city each time, forcing me to focus more on the scenery and what is likely a once in a lifetime experience. My advice to keep calm? Take a deep breath, focus on the view, and play music loud enough to drown out the sounds of the slightly creaky ride.