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.