Today, we didn’t do physical work. We worked with our minds, learning about the Civil rights movement. We went to Birmingham, saw the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16^th Street Church. We went to Montgomery, toured the Southern Poverty Law Center, and saw the Civil Rights memorial, honoring 40 of the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom, and the freedom of their brothers and sisters. That morning was a lot to take in. Then, we went to Selma, saw the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the Brown Chapel Church where the March to Montgomery for voting rights started. We walked across the bridge, and sat in the church, wondering what it would have been like to live back then. We wondered what our relationships would be like seeing as a lot of us are different races, wondered if our group would have even been there. We wondered, if we had been there, if we would have had the courage to do what they did. Mrs. O’Neil, a member of the Church, a very spiritual woman, talked to us about her own experiences meeting Dr. King, and marching with the movement.

                I took a pledge that day, to do what is right. I took a pledge to fight hate crimes, discrimination, and prejudice for the rest of my living days. In so doing, I joined an international community of people who have pledged to do the same thing, to be the present day representation of the civil rights movement. I wondered then, if I had been there, would I have taken their side? Would I have marched with them up the bridge, knowing that there were soldiers waiting for us? Would I have met violence with non-violence? I would like to think that I would have. I would like to think I would have taken their side, done the same things, for the same purpose. But I wasn’t there. I can’t say for sure. What they did took a lot of courage. Thinking and hearing about what they did serves as a reminder to all of us about what human beings are capable of. The compassion, determination, and courage shown by the people marching serves as a reminder of how much humans can take without giving up. They were so clear-headed and determined. I am truly humbled by their bravery. Hats off to all of them, and may they rest in peace, knowing that because of their sacrifice, the world is a much better place, and we are on our way to make it even better.

Civic Engagement

Here are the thoughts of a student in the Pepsi Service Scholars class offered through the Center for Civic Engagement. See how civic engagement is impacting her life!

            Pepsi has helped me learn about the community of Lincoln and how organizations within the community work together to make Lincoln and the surrounding areas a better place to live. I have had the opportunity to get to help some of the non-profit organizations in Lincoln and learn about what they do and how they help the community. I have learned some statistics about poverty, recycling, and health topics. By helping organizations through Pepsi, I have helped with social issues that help in donating money, time, and efforts into helping people in need. Civic engagement has helped me realize how important it is to help out in the community and to help people in need. This class has also helped me gain a desire to want to help the community. For example, I helped at the Malone Center for their Halloween party. The boys at first seemed to think they were tough and ran the place, but they warmed up to us and didn't want us to leave because they enjoyed spending time with someone who cares. Helping at the Malone Center made me realize that I can make a difference in someone’s life and that some people just want someone to talk to that cares. Pepsi has been a rewarding experience for me, especially since I didn't get the opportunity to do service in high school. Also, I now want to encourage others to help in their communities because people need help and some time and effort will make a difference.