This trip was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. The sights, the museums, and the memories of the stories told made this trip unforgettable and eye opening. There are not enough words that can explain how much I have learned from everything we did. The stories that we heard were heart-wrenching, unbelievable, and real and even though they only gave us a glimpse of what it was really like to live during those tough times, they provided us some insight into their hopes, dreams, and fears from the past and for the future.
The journey of the Civil Rights Trail and the goal to reach equality has inspired so many people, including me, to follow their dreams and fight for what they believe in – even if the path to achieve it is unknown and frightening. I believe that Martin Luther King Jr. said it best when he used his words to motivate people to fight for their rights, “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” I cannot imagine what our country would be like today if it was not for their courage and determination. This trip has inspired me to continue to fight for their dreams and pass on their stories of hope, strength and triumph to make the world a better place for everyone. Just as Joann Bland explained to us, it’s not always just the big steps that matter to get you to your goal, sometimes it’s all of the small ones that lead up to it that matter the most.
Tags: Civil Rights Trip, Trip Report, WATW
