The Classrooms Without Borders’ Marching Down Freedom’s Road trip was an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity and experience. This trip has taught me so much more about Black history and has really deepened my knowledge of what truly happened during the Civil Rights Movement.
Throughout the week, we visited so many different museums, landmarks, and historical sites, and we also had the chance to talk to foot soldiers and trailblazers who were actually part of the movement. Every single museum we went to was packed with powerful information. It wasn’t just what they teach you in school, It went way deeper and gave me a real look at what life was like during those times. Seeing the different parks and monuments made everything feel more real and personal.
One of the most powerful places we visited was the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. That experience hit hard. It showed the full history of racism in America. It talked about the period of slavery all the way to mass incarceration. It was heavy but eye-opening. Walking through and reading all those stories really made me think about how far we’ve come and how much work still needs to be done.
Another unforgettable moment was walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. That walk was emotional for me. Just knowing I was walking the same path that so many brave people marched across for freedom and justice gave me chills. It was definitely one of the most impactful parts of the trip.
We also visited the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. That museum was extremely powerful. Standing right where such a huge part of history took place felt surreal. Seeing Dr. King’s room preserved and learning about his final days made everything feel so real. It reminded me how much he sacrificed and how far his impact still reaches today.
Even though all the museums and sites were amazing, hearing from the foot soldiers was one of my favorite parts. Listening to their stories and experiences helped me understand what they went through and why the Civil Rights Movement was so important.
This trip has taught me so much, and I’m really thankful I got to experience it. I enjoyed learning and connecting with other students and teachers from around the city who were just as interested in understanding and appreciating the Civil Rights Movement as I was.
