“There is no such force in the world as the force of a person determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained.”
—-W.E.B. DuBois
Since February is Black History Month, I thought it only reasonable to take my lil’ road dog on a field trip to learn about some of the people and their sacrifices that helped lay the foundation for his freedoms. Therefore, I chose the National Civil Rights Museum | At the Lorraine Motel.
The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis, Tennessee and its exhibits trace the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the 17th century to the present. It is a complex of museums and historic buildings built around the former Lorraine Motel, where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. There is a wreath that marks the approximate place of Dr.King at the time of his assassination.
History is brought to life within the walls of the National Civil Rights Museum where personal stories, historical artifacts and multimedia exhibits explore five centuries of civil and human rights history. This thought-provoking museum carries on the voices of past civil rights leaders, seeking to educate, inspire and provide insight for future generations to overcome today’s obstacles.
The museum houses more than 260 artifacts, and its special and permanent exhibits cover significant periods and developments from the time of slavery, to the Civil War era and Reconstruction, to the rise of Jim Crow laws that declared “separate but equal” conditions. The exhibits also showcase pivotal events such as the student sit-ins of 1960, the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956, and memorable speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Across the street in the Legacy Building, the former boarding house where Dr. King’s assassin allegedly fired the fatal shot, one gets to explore the investigation and trial case against James Earl Ray.
The National Civil Rights Museum allows visitors to experience the powerful stories of those who persevered during times of unspeakable cruelty, those who inspired others to join the movement against social injustices, and those who worked tirelessly to accomplish extraordinary feats, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity. The museum serves as a living legacy for those who helped to lay the foundation for freedom, justice, and equality for future generations.
My lil’ road dog and I learned and experienced a lot during our time at the museum. It was an extremely memorable and educational day for us both.
