Monday 5.20.2013
Going to the Martin Luther King Center was not only a reminder of my history, but even more informing and eye-opening. After learning about Martin Luther King Jr. in my household and throughout my educational years, I would never have known that there was more to know about King in the civil rights movement. A historical short film that we saw in the center's theater inspired me. I found myself becoming very much emotional, by not only the visuals of the film, but by physically being in the areas that Martin Luther King walked and talked in the 1950s and 60s. We also had the great opportunity of stopping by Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King pastored, and his actual house.
Putting the day into perspective, I've realized that in today's time, King's dream is a long way from being fulfilled. Yes, there are integrated schools, churches, and other buildings. Yes, Blacks and Whites can ride transportation together and sit in the same restaurants. Yes, there are now interracial marriages. However, the race battle is still in progress. However, there is one major piece of King's dream that I was able to reflect on throughout the day. Peace. If anything, it seems as if peace is what our world is lacking most today. Did King's words mean anything to the following generations? I made a vow to myself that I will do every and anything that I can do to make sure that Martin Luther King's Jr. dream stays alive within everyone that I reach. Thanks MLK.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
First Day of Service!
Today we worked at two different service sites. The first site was a health conference for the elderly. I wish we were able to interact with the people more. Nicole had pointed out that most of the people attending were alive during the Civil Rights Movement and it would have been nice to be able to talk to them about their experiences growing up during that time. The whole conference itself was pretty cool, though. It was all about informing the elderly about ways to stay active and healthy, plus there were a lot of health service vendors there with information and free stuff for them. Plus, Cupid was there and everybody did the Cupid Shuffle!!
Later on in the afternoon, we served at Piedmont Park, which is basically Atlanta's version of Central Park. It was absolutely beautiful and although it was super hot, I still enjoyed the opportunity to serve there. We basically pulled weeds around the perimeter of this really cute dog park. Plus, we got to try the organic strawberries the park was growing, which were delicious. I really enjoyed the opportunities to serve today and I am really looking forward to working with Trees Atlanta again tomorrow!
Bridget
Later on in the afternoon, we served at Piedmont Park, which is basically Atlanta's version of Central Park. It was absolutely beautiful and although it was super hot, I still enjoyed the opportunity to serve there. We basically pulled weeds around the perimeter of this really cute dog park. Plus, we got to try the organic strawberries the park was growing, which were delicious. I really enjoyed the opportunities to serve today and I am really looking forward to working with Trees Atlanta again tomorrow!
Bridget
Monday, May 20, 2013
This was my first visit to Atlanta and so far it has been great! Going to the King Center was a great way to start my trip. It opened my eyes to how prominent civil rights activists were in Georgia because of Martin Luther King Jr. Although we learned about him every year in school, and I teach about him to ASA there was still SOOO much I learned. Being able to see MLK's home, congregation, casket, and memorial taught me so much. He has done so much for this country and I think he would be proud to see what the country is like. Although we do have a huge way to go, the changes that were made by him were enormous.
One part about today that stood out to me was the short film we watched in the King Center. It showed after schools were integrated how the children got along fine! Parents and older people were the ones holding off on integrating everything but in schools children did not judge based on color, they played all together as children should. It was upsetting to see parents telling their kids other wise and not to be together because children knew that color did not matter and the black children were just like any other children to play. I had no idea all the history Atlanta had such as Morehouse, Spelman, King Center, and all of King attractions. I learned a lot more than I had previously known about civil rights and want to learn more.
-Jackie Hrnciar (on Bridget's email).
One part about today that stood out to me was the short film we watched in the King Center. It showed after schools were integrated how the children got along fine! Parents and older people were the ones holding off on integrating everything but in schools children did not judge based on color, they played all together as children should. It was upsetting to see parents telling their kids other wise and not to be together because children knew that color did not matter and the black children were just like any other children to play. I had no idea all the history Atlanta had such as Morehouse, Spelman, King Center, and all of King attractions. I learned a lot more than I had previously known about civil rights and want to learn more.
-Jackie Hrnciar (on Bridget's email).
I am so happy to be back in Atlanta. This city means a lot to me personally because I used to go every summer growing up to visit family down here. Atlanta is an amazing city full of incredibly friendly people and vibrant energy. Every time I come down here, I fall in love with the city all over again. I'm so happy to be back on this service trip!
Today we spent time learning about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. We went to the King Center, which is always an amazing and moving experience. This time, we were able to see more of the King Center, including MLK's church and his birthplace. It was really incredible to literally walk in the footsteps of MLK. While at the King Center, we watched a video on segregation and integration and though we have come a long way, I can't help but think of how far we still have to go. The video said how black children had to ride past brand-new white schools and were forced to go to run-down, one room school houses. When I heard this, I couldn't help but think of my kids at Trenton High. When the basketball team plays at schools like Hopewell and Robbinsville, which are predominantly white, they can't help but compare it to Trenton High, which is in disrepair and predominantly black. Although legal segregation was eliminated, de facto segregation still exists and we see it every day in Trenton.
I am really looking forward to the rest of my time in Atlanta. I love being able to give back to a city that has given me so many amazing memories.
Today we spent time learning about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. We went to the King Center, which is always an amazing and moving experience. This time, we were able to see more of the King Center, including MLK's church and his birthplace. It was really incredible to literally walk in the footsteps of MLK. While at the King Center, we watched a video on segregation and integration and though we have come a long way, I can't help but think of how far we still have to go. The video said how black children had to ride past brand-new white schools and were forced to go to run-down, one room school houses. When I heard this, I couldn't help but think of my kids at Trenton High. When the basketball team plays at schools like Hopewell and Robbinsville, which are predominantly white, they can't help but compare it to Trenton High, which is in disrepair and predominantly black. Although legal segregation was eliminated, de facto segregation still exists and we see it every day in Trenton.
I am really looking forward to the rest of my time in Atlanta. I love being able to give back to a city that has given me so many amazing memories.
Day 2 - The King Center, Morehouse and Ms. Victoria
YES! We got here safely! DC was fun and a first for many of the BCS. A bit of rain and fog hit us on the way but all was well when we arrived. Today has been such a moving day... inspired chills and tears... Thank you Mr. King... I never realized how much you've contributed to my life and future. Thank you Morehouse Bonner program, Director Monty and Mr. Richard Williams. Thank you BSC ATL 2013 group for being such an awesome bunch already!! Much more to come in future blogs
~ TCNJbonnerATLhustle2013 ~
Bonner <3
*KL*
~ TCNJbonnerATLhustle2013 ~
Bonner <3
*KL*
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