It had a chance to go to the Civil Rights National Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. I went to see my brother and have a little bachelor party. We parked and walked down the street to the Lorraine Hotel. We walked in and were two of a few white people in there. We watched a movie that highlighted some of the 1960's civil rights movement.
It is a little uncomfortable to be in a room full of African Americans and to see the white hood of the Klu Klux Klan.
Even though it is not my history, I wanted to say, "hey didn't ever do any of this shit, but I'm sorry that white people did this based solely on the color of your skin." It's not right. The rest of the exhibit was amazing. They had part of a bus that was burned out from the freedom rides. There were videos depictions of fire hoses. There was a sanitation truck and banners that stated "I am a MAN." Next was the balcony where someone took Martin Luther King's life. It was also a sweet little white girl who looked up and said, "Dad, do you remember when he was shot?" With agony her father replied, "you bet I do, you bet I do." Martin Luther King's death was not only a loss for the African American community. Just as "Injustice any where, is injustice everywhere." Injustice is injustice regardless of your race, creed, religion, or other.
It was also good to see my brother. He has grown into quite the man. We discussed how we both have had to forge our way with little guidance or encouragement. We both vented our grievances about it, but remembered that is part of the reason we are who we are. We've had to fight. Even if it is $80 for rent. Never forget that our struggles have changed for the generations that follow us. My brother spoke of Memphis and two parallel stories. One, a white real estate tycoon the other an African American business owner. One, came from a wealthy family and went to the best schools. The other, came from a life of poverty and struggle, with every last penny saved bought a moving van and ended up with the largest moving company in Memphis. I know that the generations that follow me have been changed. They will have different opportunities, different life lessons, and hopefully achieve great things for themselves and their families. I hope that I never forget the beautiful struggle to get here. The many life lessons that have been learned the hard way. That I too may walk with kings but not lose the common touch. As I step up that I don't forget to lend a helping hand down so others may change their generations as well. Sometimes, it's only an encouraging word or believing in someone is enough for them to risk taking that big step.
It is a little uncomfortable to be in a room full of African Americans and to see the white hood of the Klu Klux Klan.
Even though it is not my history, I wanted to say, "hey didn't ever do any of this shit, but I'm sorry that white people did this based solely on the color of your skin." It's not right. The rest of the exhibit was amazing. They had part of a bus that was burned out from the freedom rides. There were videos depictions of fire hoses. There was a sanitation truck and banners that stated "I am a MAN." Next was the balcony where someone took Martin Luther King's life. It was also a sweet little white girl who looked up and said, "Dad, do you remember when he was shot?" With agony her father replied, "you bet I do, you bet I do." Martin Luther King's death was not only a loss for the African American community. Just as "Injustice any where, is injustice everywhere." Injustice is injustice regardless of your race, creed, religion, or other.
It was also good to see my brother. He has grown into quite the man. We discussed how we both have had to forge our way with little guidance or encouragement. We both vented our grievances about it, but remembered that is part of the reason we are who we are. We've had to fight. Even if it is $80 for rent. Never forget that our struggles have changed for the generations that follow us. My brother spoke of Memphis and two parallel stories. One, a white real estate tycoon the other an African American business owner. One, came from a wealthy family and went to the best schools. The other, came from a life of poverty and struggle, with every last penny saved bought a moving van and ended up with the largest moving company in Memphis. I know that the generations that follow me have been changed. They will have different opportunities, different life lessons, and hopefully achieve great things for themselves and their families. I hope that I never forget the beautiful struggle to get here. The many life lessons that have been learned the hard way. That I too may walk with kings but not lose the common touch. As I step up that I don't forget to lend a helping hand down so others may change their generations as well. Sometimes, it's only an encouraging word or believing in someone is enough for them to risk taking that big step.
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