Atlanta

Tonight we went to dinner at Mary Mac's Tea Room. It was a new spot for us on the trip and was truly a taste of southern hospitality!  

Earlier we visited the Center for Civil and Human rights. This museum blew away all of my expectations.  It started out by a surprise visit by U of I's own Dr. Ronald Bailey meeting up with us! Then as we toured the museum we were able to learn about events that we should all know about. One of thr exhibits that was especially inpactful was the lunch counter protest simulation.  I had to sit down while I heard the threats and insults yelled at me just as the brave protestors did in the past.  Another part of this museum that touched me was being able to see many first hand documents.  For example,  they had the orginal planning documents for the March on Washington with edits in both Martin Luther King jr and Bayard Rustin's handwriting.  I can't believe I got to see that transformational document with my own eyes up close.

Before the museum we attended the church service at Ebenezer Baptist Church,  which is the King's family church. Dr. King's sister Christine was in attendance this morning as well as Civil Rights icon Julian Bond.   The service was inspirational as always and the preacher delivered her amazing social justice message centered around answering the question "Do you really want to be well?" It was thought provoking and a great start to our day. 

I believe the students on this trip are soaking all they can from each of these experiences. We are all going to come home changed. I love this trip.