By Faith Agboola
Now entering Day Six of the Northfield to Selma spring break trip, we continued to explore places and spaces in where Dr. King spent his time in Atlanta, GA.
We had the chance to first tour the MLK National Park and Birthplace. The King Family Church (Ebenezer Baptist Church), the MLK burial ground, and his family home were all located at this location in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. This historic neighborhood used to be a thriving neighborhood for black people and businesses. It was regarded as one of the richest African American neighborhoods in the world in the 1960s. By the installation of the figures’ footprints, we were able to view the remnants of some of those well-known figures, including John Lewis, as they went through the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Knowing that the history and stories I was taught in school were not that long ago and that we are currently engaged in a similar struggle because I can walk in the footsteps of those who came before me and be in the same locations they were.
Later that day, we went to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to learn more about the complex struggles being fought both domestically and overseas. This center made it clear to me that the same children who were fighting in the lunch counter sit-ins and the marches from Selma to Montgomery, are just like me and other students, now, who are fighting against police brutality and an equitable education.
My experience on this trip was significantly impacted by being allowed to participate in the Woolworth Counter Sit-In exercise at this facility. I was only able to feel a little portion of the suffering, hurt, and fortitude that these students had to display in order to stand up for their rights. It not only demonstrates the strength that students possess in the fight against injustice, but it also puts into perspective how horrible and brutal the struggle is; and if they were able to accomplish it in the past, we certainly can in the present.
Learning about the many women who were part of the movement—who really were its backbone and kept it going after the movement’s male founders passed away—was the final element that helped to solidify this experience. After the passing of Coretta Scott King’s husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, certain women actually helped the civil rights struggle persevere. Despite loss and suffering along the way, she persisted in carrying on her husband’s legacy and the battle for equality. She once said, “Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.” This serves as a motto for me to remember that every generation has its fight that they will fight, but it is up to us to win that fight and earn it through acknowledging those that came before us; which I believe is what this day taught me. It taught me to stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and to keep fighting for true freedom and equality for all.
Although this blog post only covers one of the ten days of the trip, it provides a glimpse into how the experience has affected my time at Carleton as well as the memories and learning that will result from it.