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Exploring History in the Civil Rights Museum

A feature of the museum that particularly moved me was the Rosa Parks bus display, which allowed visitors to actually walk inside.
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  • Who is Abdul Rahman?
  • Theater Room
  • Rosa Parks

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Walking through the Civil Rights Museum is an immersion into vivid and powerful historical moments that starkly highlight the challenges faced by black people during the early years of America and the widespread racism in the South. It serves as a reminder that healing must be a communal effort and that treating each other with respect and working harmoniously despite our differences is essential. Our shared education, which promotes growth, reinforces the fact that each of us is a valuable part of any local community.


Upon entering the museum, a greeter guided me towards the left side of the room. Here, I found a variety of historical items that showcased the photography and photographers pivotal to the Civil Rights movement in the USA. An exhibit that caught my attention was a bust of Martin Luther King Jr. made by James Waddell. A comment card revealed that James contemplated Dr. King's role during the Vietnam War and his subsequent loss, which felt akin to losing a family member. This section of the museum also celebrated the work of other photographers active in the South during these transformative times.

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Who is Abdul rahman?

Continuing deeper into the museum, a variety of profiles illuminated key figures from as far back as the 1800s. A profile that stood out was that of Abdul Rahman, a man who was kidnapped and sold but later returned to Africa and settled in Liberia. My attention was also drawn to some trade beads, fascinating artifacts common in the days of yore.

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Theater Room

A greeter then entered the room and announced to everyone present that a show was about to begin in the small theater. As a crowd, we heeded the call and entered the theater, prepared to witness the film.

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The movie shed light on the history of slavery through a mix of interviews and graphics. After the film, there was still more to explore. Each step through the museum brought us closer to the present day, with each exhibit offering a window into historical moments during these tumultuous times. This journey also highlighted the evolution of music, particularly the development of blues. A quote from B.B. King captured this sentiment, stating that blues was, "an expression of anger against shame and humiliation." Stax music was also a very is also another fantastic place about this history of soul music during trying times.

Rosa Parks

A feature of the museum that particularly moved me was the Rosa Parks bus display, which allowed visitors to actually walk inside the bus. It was surprisingly spacious, offering a genuine experience of what it might have been like to sit in the back of a bus during the 1960s. Outside of the bus stood a statue of Rosa, standing up for herself and her convictions of being equal to the rest of the population at the time. Her actions still resonate even today. She is quoted saying, "Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.”

The Civil Rights Museum stands as a powerful sight to encourage discussion on how things have gotten better over time while also highlighting the key people who were striving for a positive change. It's a call to unite, learn from our history, and work together to build bridges towards a better future.

In essence, the Civil Rights Museum tells the struggle of important individuals standing up for what is right even during persecution. A reminder that standing up for what is right is not always easy but the positive effects of doing good will resonate well into the future.

Written by M.L.

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June 10, 2023