by Baustin Shaw
The second day in Atlanta started with us going to the MLK memorial center. We got there bright and early, even before the park rangers, to make sure we get to see everything. It started with seeing Martin Luther King Jr’s and Coretta Scott King’s burial place on the upgraded reflective pool. It was such a surreal moment and set up the rest of our experience well. Being in the presence of the King family and being aware of their many accomplishments, influence, and altruism just created an experience that couldn’t be replicated.
We then walked to the house that Martin Luther King Jr grew up in until he was 12. The house was within a block of the burial site and the neighborhood was beautifully kept clean and preserved. Once we were allowed into the house we got to go on a tour and learn even more about his childhood. This experience was so key because not only did you learn more about the King family, but we humanized him in a way that is not usually done by mainstream media and popular sources. This part of the experience made King into a child and showed how normal this family was and how extraordinary things can happen from any source.
After exploring the house, we then traveled to the local firehouse. Not only did King used to play basketball behind this location with the neighborhood kids, this is also the first integrated firehouse in the town of Atlanta. It was amazing to see the exhibits inside about how the firehouse functioned, how segregation worked in this area, and many interesting events that happened in the town.
Then we went to Ebenezer Church, where King would attend church and eventually co-pastor with his father. It was so surreal, with his sermons playing, and having the ability to sit in the pews while listening created such an ethereal effect for the visitors. If you visit, this part of the neighborhood should not be ignored and must be experienced!
This section of the day ended when we went to the Coretta Scott King freedom center and looked at memorabilia from their travels and heard discussions about their work. This whole experience was beyond amazing and added a new layer of understanding to who the Kings were. Even though it was mainly about Martin Luther King Jr, we were able to learn so much about the entire family as well. This informed us about how Martin Luther King Jr and his family were such regular people who worked with others to do such great work!
We then headed to lunch and began the second part of the day. This part of the day was occupied by the Center for Civil and Human Rights. All I can say is: wow! On the first floor we looked at the civil rights movement and many of the activists. However, one of the most intriguing experiences on this floor was the simulated sit-in. You are told to close your eyes, place your hands on the counter, and go through an auditory experience of how it was to participate in a sit in. It was such a different experience and gave you a taste of what it takes to participate in a sit in.
The next floor focused on present-day activism. We saw what movements were happening in sports, global environments, technology, ecology, and many pressing topics that are occurring. It was honestly very inspiring to see so many actors, celebrities, and everyday people working in today’s efforts to create equal human rights. There were many interactive parts of the museum.
On the last floor we saw a special surprise from Morehouse College. The surprise was first hand notes and papers written by Martin Luther King Jr himself. The notes showed grades that king received while in college and seminary school. It was so unique to see his classwork and notes and see a slice of his student life because it is rarely discussed.
To completely end the day we drove to an alum’s house for an amazing dinner and network session. Honestly our day at Atlanta was an amazing segment of the trip and I am so excited for what is in store next!