Peace Run had an extraordinary experience today of visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
Just above the team on the balcony is the fateful location of Martin Luther King's assassination...
Salil captures the sign of Lorraine Motel- the location of which Martin Luther King, Jr. lost his life, renovated to house the National Civil Rights Museum.
It was our good fortune that Dr. Russ Wigginton, President of the CRM had come in today to meet the team. He took the time to tour us through the musuem. His presence was unexpected and thoroughly great.
CRM is an immersive history of how the American rights movement evolved and the very significant individuals who took part in it, many of whom are still alive.
The exhibits included a replica of the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat...
On the bus with Rosa...
and a replica of the bus bombed during the Freedom Rides of 1961.
During the Freedom Rides, 400 young people rode buses throughout the south in 1961. The goal was to see how the nation would accept the Supreme Court Ruling of desegregation.
Dr. Russ walks us through a remarkable history!
Lunch counter sit in...
And finally, Dr. King's eulogy, written in his own hand.
After the tour, we offered our thanks and gratitude to those who are so dedicated here at the National Civil Rights Museum.
A special thanks to Caitlyn Maddox-Group Services and Operations Manager who arranged our visit and Gracie- our tour guide extraordinaire. And a special thank you to Peace Run coordinator Bhikshuni Weisbrot who arranged our visit to the museum. It was an exceptional experience for all of us.
Dr. Wigginton graciously accepted the Torch Bearer Award on behalf of the CRM. Peace Runner Virangini Azfal presented the book Re-Envisioning America: Black Spirituality, Gandhism and the Philosophy of Sri Chinmoy as Applied to the Struggle for Justice and Equality. This book by Dr. Ganapati Coleman inspired a greater conversation about the people pictured on its cover who had been to CRM. This incredible museum and its staff are dedicated to the legacy of Dr. King and civil rights, carrying on his message and of bringing the lessons of the past into the present and the future. Dr. Russ also spoke to how significant are the experiences of the past in shaping the future.
Three brothers.
Now we begin our running for the day. Miles to cover...
and new friends to meet.
Harita around the bend...
The countryside is beautiful
and hot.
Yet we carry on.
Thank you to the Days Inn at Wyndham for offering us complimentary rooms. Tonight we are resting well due to your generosity.
