Burning Bodies of Black Men

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The first day of our trip has filled me with optimism and excitement for the rest of the week. I felt that we bonded more on the bus, and the International Civil Rights Center and Museum was a great place to start off our learning. We received a wonderful in-depth tour learning about the A&T Four and the southern discrimination that inspired their activism. I was also fascinated by the story of South African legislator Helen Suzman, who fought to free Nelson Mandela, end apartheid, and helped to form the Progressive Party in South Africa; I was particularly impressed by the fact that she was the only representative for the party in Parliament for several years. Discussing with pro-apartheid lawmakers, she said, "they never have the slightest contact with the individuals who suffer as a result" of their laws, a quote which I found relevant to the American civil rights movement, as well as modern politics. However, I was reminded early on that this trip would also be one of somber reflection on the many horrors that have faced people of color in America. Specifically, I was shocked by the images of pleased white people standing right by the hanging or burning bodies of black men. Over the upcoming week, I am sure I will see such striking images many times, and while they are hard to look at, it is important that their place in history is always remembered and acknowledged.

 -Gabe Samuels

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