As a teacher of AP US History, I have found the start of this tour absolutely fascinating. The material I am gathering for my future students is invaluable. At the Martin Luther King National Park, I found the reflecting pool and King gravesite very moving. I will be sharing with my students that the exhibit hall has an outstanding display of people who have been left behind in the struggle for civil rights. Life size figures reflect African Americans, women, those with disabilities, and others who have been “left behind,” but the Civil Rights Movement began a transformation in our nation where inclusivity became a focus for our politicians.
In our second day, we traveled to Birmingham. I was overwhelmed at the Rosa Parks Museum, and then the Dexter Baptist church. To envision Martin Luther King having to work adjacent to the state capital was surreal. I can not wait to fulfill the rest of our itinerary this week!