Civil Rights Trip January 2018

How do I wrap this trip up? Even on the 13-hour bus ride I was still thinking about everything and challenging myself in new ways. This brought the movement alive for me and made it real in the present day. I learned so much and formed so many ideas I’d never realized I could have. I don’t think this will ever leave me and I definitely hope, like the civil rights movement, it won’t end with this first phase, but will keep going. I’m looking forward to implementing all our ideas at Park (look out everyone) and in our broader communities (National Youth March here we come!) I’m going to keep pushing myself.  The changes I want to see in the world begin with me and I WILL make them. I hope the connections I made on this trip last and grow even stronger. I know I will forever be grateful to the many people who gave me this opportunity. To the chaperones: thank you, thank you, thank you! To the 31 other kids who made this so special, I seriously love you all and you give me hope for ou

New out look on life is what the civil rights trip gave me. Learning new information thats not taught in school that should be. The truth and all facts should be published. To show they stood up and we should too, because we are not all equal. But it's up to us, this generation, to show the world that with some sort of togetherness we can make progress in making equality happen. -Coleman

I was too exhausted to complete my last blog post yesterday, so here I am finishing it now. I do not think that's necessarily a bad thing, though, because now I am in the early stages of processing everything. I think that it is easy to become swayed by events, and the things that we learn from ourselves by reflecting immediately are essential, but I also believe that the things we take away a couple of days later are just as important. So, where do I stand? What am I thinking? For one, I am honestly astounded by how close this group became throughout the week. I've gone to the same school for my entire life and for that reason, I think, I have come to understand that you can only build relationships through time and similarities. Coming into this trip, I don't think I believed we had the potential to bond as much as we did. I don't think I believed this because of any prejudices I had; no, I think I believed it solely because of the homogenous understanding I have

Today was our final day and even though we did not go to any new place we were able to reflect, and draw some conclusions upon what we had learned and what we will do with our new found knowledge. I myself have grown as a young activist and actually feel as though we all can bring about real change especially after going on this tremendously amazing trip. This has been a life changing once in a lifetime experience where I was able to create an incredible family who are all prepared to make change with me and use all of this knowledge for the better. The time I am writing this my final post is  and I am stricken with feelings of sadness because our trip is over and honestly it truly does make me sad, thinking about the fact that when I wake up tomorrow and go to breakfast I won't have the people I have built a really deep relationship with for the last few months there with me, with all of their different personalities and overall loveliness.  I miss them all already and it's be

The main takeaway from this trip was that it was a great learning experience. I've learn more about black history and civil rights in this one week than I have in my entire life in school.  This trip helped me realize a lot about our society. Mostly, it helped me realize the problems we've faced in our history are highly significant. I used to go around thinking. "first world problems aren't real problems". When I thought this, I was referring to how the struggles in developed countries like the United States aren't nearly as tough as in other underdeveloped countries. For example I'd mention how an average American complains about not having  WiFi, while children in poverty stricken countries aren't sure when their next meal would be. This thought lead me to not care much about "first world problems". However, this trip helped me realize all of the harsh and gruesome things that our people have gone through and lead me to appreciate our

Today, today, today. Today was the first time I cried  in 10 years   because of the hurt that I felt looking at the statues and monuments in Kelly Ingram Park. The statues show the hurt that the people in our history have been through,  but also how they used there hurt as power to stand up for themselves. There's a lot that still needs to be published and be counted as history. Roscoe Jones taught me something important.  He was apart of the movement, but was not acknowledged and he didn't want money, or fame. He fought for equality not integration, and today we still are not equal. Fight for your rights, stand up for yourself and others. -Coleman

This is my final blog for the Civil Rights Trip 2018. I know it’s sad to see me go, because I’m so amazing... But seriously, I really had an amazing time being on this trip. I’ve learned so much and got so many amazing quotes and advice. We’ve met so many genuine individuals that will never faint from our memory. Tears were shed and laughs were shared. The most important thing of all is that a family was formed. For a group of strangers that varies from different ethnicity and age we joined together as one. It’s beautiful to see that we don’t view each other as race or as a class we see each other as humans with very unique personalities. When I first started I was so skeptical about going. Being surrounded by people I didn’t  even know was a challenge for me because I only talk to people within my circle. I thought no one was going to like my company at all, but I was greeted with open arms. I didn’t just learn the history of my people, but the history of people I’ve encountered on t

Today is the last day of the 2018 Civil Rights Trip. I am happy and honored to have the chance to go. I have learned so much in just a week. Meeting so many people who were so brave and honest with their experiences with us makes me happy to have an opportunity like the Civil Rights Trip. Not a lot of people get to go on trips like this so I feel lucky that I have. I will spread the knowledge from this trip to the people I know and persuade others at my school to go on the trip.   -Asha

Today was a long but enjoyable day. Today made think that things happen for a reason. I enjoyed this group because we really became a family, and family is really important to all of us. Today we became closer than ever. Everyday was a day to become closer and have more inspiration for each other. I enjoyed all the days we had. This group has made me open up more to everything, and if we could ever do this week again I would love to do it. These teachers are amazing they help us through all of our this problems, they help us understand meanings of everything, and they helped us get through hard situations. This was a new experience for me and just doing it made me become a better person for myself and a better person for the community and my family. I am going to go back to school feeling l like I became a better person; focusing more on school and personal needs. But as of today this will be the most memorable day because we enjoyed our last moments together having fun, singing, danc

This week has really been amazing for me. Not only did I get to make great friendships with many that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise, but I got to experience people and places from the movement that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t go on the trip. I will be thinking about this trip and the experience I had for a long time. I learned a tremendous amount of information I hadn’t learned about before. So, in conclusion, I just want to thank all of the donors who made this happen, and the students from City College, City Neighbors, Hope High School, and Park School for making this trip wonderful. -Kenya

“Be kind.” As this trip comes to an end, the one thing that stuck with me the most was these two words from Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton. Throughout this whole trip I witnessed how nonviolence can overcome violence in situations of fighting for equality. However, these words transcended the movement to more than just a fight for justice. It is an example of how to live your life by respecting those around you. And it all starts with a simple acknowledgement.  -Alicia 

As we sit on the final, 13 hour bus ride back to Baltimore, I am left with all kinds of thoughts running  through my head. What will we as young people do to make changes and fight for what is right? What will I do? How do I take my newfound knowledge and share it with my community? How do I get the people who feel they are not affected to care and get engaged? What lessons can we take from those who led the movement in the past? While I may not have all the answers, at least I now have questions, and resources with which to answer them.  -Cici

Today we went to the Little Rock Central High School, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, and Beale Street. Beale Street was mostly just a fun time, and I didn’t feel like I had time to get enough out of the museum, so—although I should definitely go back because they have a lot of information, emotionally charged exhibits (the murder weapon that shot MLK, his hotel room, the milers room...), and a section on a time period I never learned about—I want to focus on Central High. At Little Rock we went on a tour and met with Dr. Sybil Hampton, the first black student to attend Central High for all three years and graduate. During her time there, she was made to feel invisible by the fact that no  one  acknowledged her at all—not even to make eye contact. That’s almost worse than outright violence, because at least violence acknowledged you as a person and you have something concrete to fight against. Dr. Hampton told us that for years she felt anger—and worse th

This trip has really been enjoyable. I’ve learned so much, gotten to speak to so many inspirational members of the Civil Rights movement, all while getting to know everyone else on the trip. This trip has affected my thinking - about the way I look at the Civil Rights movement, the way I think about being black in America, and the way I look at my future. -Bria

I really enjoyed getting to know some of the kids from the Freedom Project. They seemed enthusiastic to share their experiences at the Project and to show us around. Even though their experiences at school isn’t ideal, they clearly like coming to the Project and seem to learn more there.  -Bria

Today was the final farewell for the Civil Rights trip and I’m sad, so this is going to be shorter than my last ones. I have learned so much on this trip alone and have developed many friendships on it that I am proud of. I’m going to miss going to different states in the south that I’ve never been to and exploring more about the civil rights movement. I am glad I went on this trip and I’m proud to say that I have experienced the south for myself. When I come back to Baltimore, I am going to spread my knowledge to my family and friends to help and inspire them because as I said in one of previous blogposts, knowledge is power I think that it is important that we learn about ourselves and people who paved the way for us.  -Asha

I did not love Mississippi. I didn’t like the state flags blowing in the wind or the vast, rural landscape...but I did like the people. Initially, I was afraid to go there; I feared the worst, for I expected to encounter only three types of people: 1.  The racists. I mean, we are in Mississippi, after all. They would just look at our group, scornfully, as we stopped for Popeye’s. 2. The Black People. These people would, for the most part, be economically disenfranchised, but their predicament would be more complicated. I imagine it extremely difficult, socially, to be black in Mississippi— to live within the jurisdiction of a state, represented by a pseudo-confederate flag. There would be a constant feeling of exile, as if you were unwanted in your own home. And in such an environment, how could anyone see a successful future for themselves? Out of politeness, I would have to be eternally optimistic. And finally, 3. The white mentors at the Rosedale Freedom Project. They would have vol

Before I begin my reflection for today, I want to say a quick thank you to all the people who have gone out of their ways to open up museums for us and to meet with us, despite the snow, both yesterday and today. Today we went to Medgar Ever’s house and the site of his 1963 assassination. Decades later, there were still bloodstains everywhere. On the night he was killed, his family had to drive him to the white hospital in the back of a station wagon and fight really hard to get him admitted. Many years in the future, his murderer died in the same hospital, having been freely admitted. After we were done there, we went to meet with Ms. Flonzie Brown-Wright and then on to the Rosedale Freedom Project. At RFP, we met kids from the Rosedale school system. We sang freedom songs together like we’d never sung them before and we had some conversations about their core principles and our various stories. The problems we face at my school paled in comparison with the issues they faced there.

I have always taken a long time to process my thoughts. I have been working on this blog post since Monday, so I am at somewhat of a distance from the feelings and events I discuss. Many of my ideas here are still not fully formed, and I will likely need to reflect on them a lot more before they become so, but bear with me. There are few aspects of Martin Luther King’s legacy that have not yet been addressed in writing. I do not feel that, after a day spent exploring the epicenter of his life, I have any unique perspective to add to that dialogue. What I became aware of, as I observed a service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, visited his childhood home, and listened to Andrew Young speak on politics, is the sheer breadth and potency of his impact. Dr. King’s legacy hung over those experiences like a shadow, or perhaps filled them like water. I’m still looking for the right simile. His soul, whatever that may mean, rested in each of the places and people we visited. It seems to have de

Today was very interesting, as it started out with a intracommunity discussion about the problems in each of our schools. I felt the biggest thing personally to me about the Park School was that while I feel like we’re privileged in receiving a lot of wide variety in personalizing our education, it doesn’t really prep us for the real world. It feels redundant to say that I live in a Park bubble, but that is the reality! We’ve been taught how to form our opinions well, and were very good at researching and building arguments for those opinions. However, I don’t feel like Park preps is well enough for dealing with friction against ones own opinions. I feel one of the biggest examples would be when Dr. Carl Hart presented to us. Now while he may have been biased towards one side, he definitely had pure facts laid out for us. The idea that him and his assembly turned into a joke for most of the Park student body makes me feel inclined to believe this is how students react to topics such a

Food & Future Leaders Today we were able to talk to many Civil Rights Activists, such as Barbara Mines, Cleopatra Goree, Catherine Burks-Brooks, and Roscoe Jones. They shared their stories, and their advice for us, as future leaders. It was amazing to me how these people had aged so much since the Civil Rights Movement, yet their experiences were clear as day to them. It shows just how powerful the movement was, as well as the things they endured. Today was also a real taste of soul food. I ate more than I thought was possible, and I wouldn’t be surprised if all the food helped me gain a few pounds. -Cici

Let’s be the change we want to see because nothing is ever given to you freely without you fighting for it. You have to L.E.A.D. And that’s what I took away from the Rosedale students. They have so little and they appreciate so much more than I ever could. Education and community, along with their love, makes me want to do way more than a simple movement. We have the resources.  They have learned to do that without resources and their strength, as young as they are, is my inspiration. I found myself most comfortable in the action station because I am action and I am a cause. I find myself wanting to do and be more. To be the vision and the hope of my people. -Destini 

 From today, I learned that a women can accomplish anything she puts her mind too. When Flonzie Brown-Wright told us that she was the first black women to become a congressmen for Mississippi, I felt like I could do anything. The Medgar Evers House showed me that he died for being known and for doing something to give us this opportunity to he here together. It made me think that there is positive in every negative. I feel like I can do something and change things for the better. Then we went to Money, Mississippi and came to the Rosedale freedom project and did the L.E.A.D activity. I felt empowered to do more. I hated that I heard that they don't have as much funding as they should. The person who lead our group said that they only had one good teacher and that was in biology and that the other teachers are just people around to support. It hurts me because that shows something that needs to be change especially in the education area. I do someday want to come back and do somethi

Today, the most eventful thing to me today was meeting Flonzie Wright. It was cool to see someone who broke boundaries in a mostly white male dominated field: government. I have recently been interested in politics specifically in America’s political climate. I talked to her privately and told her that I am thinking about being in the federal government such as being president (go big or go home, right?). I told her that I don’t think America is ready to have a black women as president and she said that America WILL be eventually. America can progress so having a women of color as president is more possible than I thought. I also asked if she had any advice. She said to educate myself and read about African Americans that have paved the way for other African Americans at that time such as Harriet Tubman or Rosa Parks. Knowledge is power and gives you an advantage. I will take her advice and I think it is important to have knowledge about strong people who are like me. This is why a tri

The final chapter in the story that is spun around the SPLC civil rights memorial reads, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated in Memphis, TN.” There is some kind of finality in that line. It isn’t a declaration of victory or an admission of defeat. It’s simply an expression of profound and tragic inevitability. Martin Luther King is about as close to holy as I’ve ever seen a man come. But despite the gravity of his character, the clarity of his convictions, and the pure, unwavering goodness with which he lived, Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis Tennessee by the white hot rage of a lifelong criminal, funneled through the barrel of a .30-06 caliber carbine rifle. All of his power was undone in an instant. Of course it was. A black man’s divinity in this country is no match for a white man’s whim. The fight for equality, I know, did not die with Dr. King. But neither did the hatred that killed him, or the injustice that demanded everything from him. Because int

I asked Ms. Catherine Burks-Brooks the question I was struggling with yesterday, how do you keeping pushing on and fighting for a cause that has been a problem for hundreds of years? She told me that she fought because she knew that she was being treated wrong and that she wouldn’t stand for it any longer. She also told me a story about her “bumping into white people all her life”.  This story was about her never moving on the sidewalk when a white person was walking towards her. Her answer helped me understand why people continued to fight. Seeing the injustice and experience disrespect is a motivation to fight. I can see how actually experiencing this can push you to fight and may be the reason I can’t imagine how they’ve continued is because personally I haven’t experienced something like Mrs. Brooks. I’ve seen it, but not felt it. Maybe this is the key to fight.  -Sara 

        Today was the lingering of yesterday sort of gestating inside of me. Maybe I was a little sluggish from a slow start at the La Quinta too, but whatever it was the day felt different. I was more sad I think, just generally. We listened to MLK's letter from Birmingham Jail and I thought it was well written and struck a chord with me, but a chord I have not quite figured out how to articulate yet. We walked through Kelly Ingram Park and I had heard a story of one of the sculptures at the park by Malcolm Gladwell, so it was cool and beautiful to see up close. (Enclosed is a picture.) We headed to the museum and it probably was the most informative I had seen. I really enjoyed it and only wish that we could spend more time there.            We met up with activists Cleopatra Goree, Barbara Mines and Catharine Burks-Brooks next, over a lunch of fried chicken and an odd colored but excellent tasting juice. I loved talking to Barbara. She contributed to the movement in a meaning

Today brought me another mix of respect for the civil rights heroes and disappointment in those that opposed the movement in a variety of ways. As we traveled to Birmingham, we listened to MLK's Letter from a Birmingham Jail, where he too expressed disappointment, this time in the white clergymen of America who failed to properly stand up for civil rights, instead staying on the sideline and even criticizing the demonstrations. We stepped out of the bus directly in front of the 16th street Baptist church, and was reminded of the more violent means of resistance taken against the movement. The most glaring image for me, however, was the empty KKK suit up-close, housed in the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham. I had never seen it with such proximity, and for some reason I couldn't take my eyes off of the haunting image. What occurred to me when staring into the blank holes where eyes should be was how cowardly these people were, hiding behind masks and hoods in contrast with t

After listening to Catherine Burks-Brooks and Roscoe Jones, I realized they both had one thing in common: a great sense of humor. I don’t think this quality was a coincidence. Over the past couple days I have witnessed how emotional the civil rights movement is for everyone affected by it, which is literally everyone. It was amazing how these two activists would speak of certain events yet keep the mood light at times. While it made for an enjoyable talk for us listeners, it seems like this humor is necessary for these activists to stay sane after everything they have been through.  -Alicia 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this trip it is that you need to take advantage of the resources that you have and use them to make a change in the world. With social media and the advanced technology that we have nowadays, it’s easier (now more than ever) to organize protests, plan meetings, etc. We also have to actually do something; we shouldn’t just sit here and discuss the changes that we want to make - we need to actually get up and make them happen. -Bria

We started today off by visiting Kelly Ingram Park, and walking around a bit before we were able to get into the museum. The museum was super interesting, and I enjoyed the real life exhibits and fragments of important events that they had. I really enjoyed the lunch we had, both the food and the talks, with the three activists Cleopatra Goree, Barbara Mines, and Catherine Burks-Brooks. Though they were all great and have incredible stories, my favorite of those three was Catherine Burks-Brooks. I liked how animated she was, and that she made the talk interactive and more like a classroom environment. Next we drove to Mississippi where we met Roscoe Jones. He was also one of my favorites from today. He was also funny and has a great story. Being one of the students to integrate Meridian High School, and working so closely with the freedom schools, it’s easy to see he really values education. Education is something I also value, so hearing his talk was inspiring for me because it makes

Something I took from today was that as a nation, and especially we as black people, must take advantage of gaining knowledge and going to school, even perusing higher education. We learned of what our ancestors had to go through in the past. The dogs. The firehoses. Spending extensive periods in jail. All of this was in hopes of creating change. The separate but equal initiative was purely fictional. Our ancestors attended inferior schools and had to travel miles just to go to the "black" school of the area. The schools were sub par and did not offer its students the chance to see themselves as being more than just someone who works with their hands and not with their minds. To sum up my day, my education should be appreciated and not taken as anything less than. For all of what my ancestors went through I should at least try to get the education that they themselves wanted the chance work towards.  -Solomon 

I decided to embark on the Civil Rights Trip for quite a few reasons. I wanted to learn about unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement whom I never would have had the chance to learn about in school. I wanted to travel to new places. Most of all, I wanted to return to The Park School with the knowledge I needed to make a change in the community.  I may have mentioned this before in conversation or in another blog, but my school is kind of progressive. I say ‘kind of’ because the student body makes an effort to address current events and issues plaguing society, though we seldom do more than discuss. There are a lot of big voices at Park— people who always feel comfortable to speak in assembly— but I can’t help but wonder whether or not these voices accurately represent the feelings of the community. The upper school has, through speeches and open discussion platforms, tried to welcome a diversity of opinions; and I do not believe that it has made much of a differen

Today, on the fourth day of our trip, I am drawn to thinking about the real people who experienced the movement as we have learned about it. Whenever I study anything in school, it somehow feels distant. It’s hard to describe; I know what happened must have happened, but somehow it’s still hard to believe.  At the Civil Rights Institute today in Birmingham, Alabama, I saw — once again — a KKK gown donated by an anonymous individual. All of the KKK gowns I have seen thus far haven’t had a name to them, and that angers me. You aren’t who your ancestors were, but by trying to forget what they did, you give yourself the possibility of becoming them. But, after I made this conclusion, I realized that I was thinking about real people with real conflictions. What would I do if I found out that my ancestors were KKK members? What would any of my friends do if they found out that their ancestors were Klan members? I would hope that we would act with courage and embrace the evils of our fo

     I really did enjoy today. When we did the walk by the church, we saw all the memorials that told a story without actually telling one. I could tell where the background came by looking where the people came from. You could tell that these memorials took a lot of dedication to make and create something like that. When we went to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and walked through the museum I saw the different ways blacks and whites lived and how they were educated. We could see the conditions everything was in. From seeing that I now do know the struggle of how everything was and how everything went. When we heard the story of Roscoe I took a lot from it. I now see that there should be more people represented in all museums because they also did something important. And it doesn't show all of the respect of all people who have helped to make this country what it is now. Today was a day where I took everything in and I hope to turn it into something great for myself and f

As I'm reflecting on today's experience the thing that is stuck in my head is, what if I won't be able to see my mom again? Ms. Barbara Mines talked about her experience as a child activist, she talked about how some children who where sent to jail couldn't see their parents until they either had a connection with a white person or they released them. I couldn't be on the parents side at all. I would worry about them too much. I hate letting my mom worry about me. I'd break down if I knew I was going to be killed because my last words to my mom wouldn't be I love you right now. Even if I did die I wouldn't want my mom to ever feel like it was her fault. Our talk with Mr. Roscoe Jones had me also thinking that I need family. They would be the only one when I'm in peril. That my family will stick by my side at all times. It doesn't matter if they are not blood family, family is family no matter what. I am loving this trip so much and I want to tha

Today I ask Roscoe Jones how the danger and trauma from fighting in the Vietnam War help him reflect on the Civil Rights Movement. Before I got to even finish my question Mr. Jones replied, "It wasn't no different...they still called me nigger". I was shocked at this response and I wasn't sure how to reply to this piece of information. I find it disappointing and demoralizing that a man that chose to fight for a country that always fought against him still didn't get the level of respect he deserved. I think Mr. Jones is a brave man for sticking through in the marine corps and I was honored to be given a chance to meet him. - Mohamadou

Today we met a lot of activists and it was interesting to hear them look back at that time. It’s a reminder that the Civil Rights Movement actually wasn’t as long ago as I perceived it to be. One that stood out to me the most was Mrs. Catherine Burks-Brooks. She was one of the freedom riders. She was so funny and cool when we talked to her. In her mugshot, she looks so fearless and strong like she didn’t care what happened to her because she knew she was fighting for equality. When she was finished talking to us I just had to hug her and thank her because I thought she was the coolest and shined positivity. I aspire to be that fearless and strong.  -Asha Johnson

Today we met Barbara Mines, Cleopatra Goree, Catherine Burks-Brooks, and Roscoe Jones, all of whom were young leaders and activists during the movement. One common theme that was reiterated again and again today was the power of young people. They had less to lose, had the drive, and had the energy necessary to spark demonstrations throughout the south. Yes, the adult leaders were necessary to organize and give wisdom and guidance, but everyone who spoke to us today reminded us of how the Civil Rights Movement happened because of people our age. Before this trip, I probably wouldn’t be able to see myself participating actively in a movement or working hard to create change in the world. However, some of my peers on this trip have already proposed small steps that can be taken in order to promote equality and give attention to corruption within Baltimore. Traci brought up the idea of a Young People’s March, and I really do believe that the people in this group could make that happen.

Today, while standing outside of the church Charles Mauldin said, "If you think you can move the world, the world will end up moving" along with that, Kirk Carrington said, "It's up to you guys [the youth] to continue the movement". I took these quotes and connected them to how in modern day society, not a lot of young people like to participate in movements and organizations. It is hard to convince certain teens to get involved in their communities which makes it hard to strengthen a movement. I also thought about how the young people that are involved in their community sometimes lose faith in their goal due to lack of support. It makes them think that they cant "move the world." There needs to be a method of encouraging those with good intentions to stay confident and encouraged to go forth with their goals. -Mohamadou Mbaye

In the wake of my life I find myself utterly disturbed disappointed and lamented of the past that my ancestors held. Life after life taken and held and used as tools for the white mans use and beaten and battered and left shattered. Shattered in pieces their pride their dignity and their will to fight. But they pushed on and they kept on moving kept on fighting. Fighting for my rights and the rights of my people although those rights don’t appear before us today. I feel hopeless. Hopelessly lost at the fact that my people fought as hard as they did and it barely  made a difference. It didn’t make a difference in the society that we live in, hate can be seen filing in at a distance. But I do not want to fear that hate because then I would never make a difference so I pledged. I pledged to stand with tolerance and fight a fight worth fighting. A fight that may not be won in a day, a week, a year or in a decade even, but freedom will ring and equality will stand and I will not rest until

-Sara

I have sat down to write this blog post quite a few times, over the past few hours. This whole trip is supposed to be emotional, so I will open up. My thoughts are a little scattered, but here they are: I was challenged to find God, today.  And I have not decided whether to accept or reject that challenge, but it will definitely be something for me to ponder. I think a lack of acknowledgement or thought of a higher power is a sign of privilege. By that I mean that in life, there is so much that one can rely upon if they don’t trust in some kind of “God.” Or maybe it isn’t God, but rather a faith in general. Having a faith means having a community— a group of like minded individuals who may keep you grounded in your values and beliefs. A congregation, like that of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, serves to keep its members from getting lost when times are hard. But if you are lucky enough to have that support from a human source or you have yet to experience something

3day! Today is the third day, hence 3day. I woke up in Prattville, Alabama, a place which I never knew existed yet looked like everywhere else we'd seen. I've been thinking about that a lot when we've been driving, seeing just copies of stores, copies of architectural mediocrity. All of this sprawl looks the same, with maybe some more Waffle Houses down south then up north. Why is it like this? Why does it have to be like this? It's kind of ugly, but more than that it hits a nerve that we as a group have been discussing: community. I don't see a possibility of community at the Wendy's or Hardee's. It's an individual lifestyle that doesn't make anyone or any town feel unique. I don't know what makes Prattville stand out from a million other towns and thats a shame. More than a shame though, I honestly think it's a problem with this country. We need to establish community through the uniqueness of each other, not what fast food store briefly br