Students of all walks of life gathered in the Richardson Towers parking lot waiting as buses loaded one by one to take them to the National Civil Rights Museum.
An event that was free for only university students, organizations such as the Black Student Association participated in this as well. "I think this was a great opportunity to not only catch up on history but to visit the new renovated museum. I'm happy that organizations like BSA and the university as a whole offers these types of opportunities for students," said a member of the Black Student Association, Ashley Caradine.
Students were welcomed by smiling museum employees then guided into a small theatre where a short film about African American history was played. "It was very eye opening just because you hear and read about this type of history but once you interact with it, it becomes so much realer. I enjoyed myself," said sophomore, Nia Williams.
Students were free to self -guide themselves or to follow the tour guide that was assigned to the University of Memphis group. "It excited me that students were so engaged in learning about black history. We get a lot of tourists especially around this time of the month," said civil rights tour guide, Jonathan Wilks.
People stood silent as they watched the Dr. Martin Luther King video of his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. "People need to realize that black history is American history. We have come so far and we've done so many great things as a people. Coming here today just really changed my perspective on a lot of things," said senior civil engineer major, Brittney Wallace. "It's a great feeling to know that you and your ancestors are a part of life changing history."
Tourists were free to walk inside of the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat or even sit in jail cells where many African Americans were held captive for disobeying the law back then. "I just sit and wonder what I would have done if I were out in this type of situation. They were brave as hell that's for sure," said junior communications major, Daniel Burks.
Some found the tour to be a great experience, yet for others it brought back horrible memories. "My daddy went through things like this. All this stuff y'all are watching on the television we lived through it! We did it so y'all wouldn't have to," said senior citizen Dave Milton.
The final part of the tour ended with a short video. Seats were filled with university students from the front of the room all the way to the skirts of the hallway. As the video ended, a roaring applause took over the theater. Over 50 students attended the event.
