Day 2: Memphis

We woke up today and drove to the National Civil Rights Museum, a bit worried about getting there as we discovered that President Obama was in Memphis to give the graduation address at Booker T. Washington High School. There was word that streets downtown were going to be blocked off for security reasons. But we got to the museum with no problem. (However, one of our Freedom Riders, Kim, did run into one of the Booker T. Washington graduates later in the day, still in his graduation robe. He was buzzing about having met the President earlier in the day.)

ACU Freedom Riders outside the National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is attached to the former Lorraine Motel where on April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot on the balcony of Room 306.

The Balcony of Room 306

After a very emotional time at the National Civil Rights Museum we walked to historic Beale Street–Home of the Blues!–for some lunch.

ACU Freedom Riders eating on historic Beale St.

After lunch we got back on bus to head toward Birmingham. However, before jumping on the highway Theron asked if we might go by the historic Mason Temple where Dr. King delivered his last sermon, the famous Mountaintop Speech. We drove over to the church but the doors were locked. However, the security guard drove up and we explained who we were. And guess what? Not only did he let us in, he gave us the most wonderful tour! All the students got to stand in MLK’s final pulpit:

MLK's Final Pulpit

It was a powerful moment for many students to stand in that place.

After getting shown around the sanctuary we all stepped back outside while our guard/guide locked the doors behind us. Unfortunately, two Freedom Riders were still inside:

Alvina and ChaRonn locked in the church...

You’ll be glad to know we did get them out.

After visiting the site of Dr. King’s final sermon we headed off to Birmingham. We got here just in time to watch the PBS special.

Some scenes from the road:

We think a sleepy Freedom Rider was underneath.

Dr. Beck playing "We Shall Overcome" badly. Dr. Morris unimpressed.

Kim and Tony showing off the Freedom Ride t-shirts

Tomorrow: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the 16th Street Baptist Church

One final note. Keep the City of Birmingham in your prayers. Driving into the city we saw some truly shocking damage from the recent tornadoes.