Day Six: Montgomery

Yesterday in Montgomery, we had two lessons, both equally moving. The first was about Emmett Till: the spirited fifteen year old who, when visiting relatives in Mississippi, whistled at a white woman and was brutally murdered for his actions. We learned about Till, the horrific murder, and how his brave mother insisted that the casket at his funeral be open so the world could see what hatred had done to her son. After the lesson, we were surprised by a visit from Simeon Wright, Emmett's cousin, who was asleep in the same bed with Emmett when Emmett was kidnapped and taken to his death. Everyone was riveted listening to Mr. Wright's recollections about his cousin and the tragic day he was taken. We also spent time discussing James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner: the three men who traveled to Mississippi during Freedom Summer and were kidnapped and murdered. As we travel to Mississippi, we will continue to examine these brave young people and their enduring legacy. Last night, we spent a lot of time at Montgomery's beautiful Civil Rights Memorial. The Memorial, designed by 28 year old, Maya Lin, is an incredible tribute to the martyrs of the Movement. Designed around the passage from the Book of Amos: "Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream..." from Martin Luther King’s "I Have A Dream" speech, the memorial allows visitors to touch and reflect upon the names of those who gave their lives so that others could live free.

The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery