One may wonder why begin a Civil Rights tour in a city more well known for the Grand Ole Opry than social activism, but a quick look at the history of Nashville reveals a compelling story. Nashville is home to Fisk University, one of the oldest HBCs in the nation, dating back to 1866. Fisk counts W.E.B. DuBois and John Hope Franklin among its many significant alums. Nashville also hosted four neighboring black colleges in the 1950s and 1960s, which made it a perfect location for the stirrings of activism in the wake of the Brown decisions and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rev. James Lawson brought the practice of non-violent, direct action home to college students who feverishly looked for ways to apply their year-long training. Movement stalwarts like Diane Nash, James Bevel, Bernard Lafayette, and John Lewis were veterans of Lawson's tutelage.
In some ways, however, the rationale behind starting the tour in Nashville had as much to do with its location as it had to do with its history. In my expertise, group dynamics in experiences like this (no matter how well the students know one another) take time to develop. Nothing helps the process of group dynamics along than a 450 mile bus ride. You get to know your neighbor--to get an up close understanding of why he or she is on the trip. You get the opportunity to evaluate why you're there, too.
Our small group made an effort throughout the day to consider the past and to see how far we've come. We stopped at a public rest area in North Carolina--no one thought twice that 50 years ago, the simple act of finding an accessible bathroom would have posed a problem depending on the color of your skin. We considered the spirit of the movement through music--singing along with Billie Holliday, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and even will.i.am. We struggled with the reality at the center of the philosophy of non-violence and whether we have (or would have had that discipline).
As a teacher and life-long learner, it is wonderful to see the group dynamic come together around something positive--the quest for greater understanding. I accepted no apologies for extra questions or comments about our subjects today. All in all, it was a great start. On to Memphis and the Lorraine Motel tomorrow.
yesterday we went to see a church which was home of the teachings of Rev. James Lawson and his the practices of non-violence. when i see first hand the racism that those kids who were my age had to endure my heart was overwhelmed with all kind of emotions. the one emotion that was evident was rage. I was saying to myself and my peers "that just could not be me" and that was the reaction of most of them, but as i looked into the teachings of Rev. James Lawson i realized that, honestly there was no other way to do it. I mean yeah that took not only a lot of courage, discpline,and patience, but there was no other way to get the point across. i sat on the church steps and looked across the steet at a house that looks as though it had been there for a while and i couldn't help but think, this is the real deal; this is it. not only did i have a lot of respect, but i was also very sad about the thought that kids my age had to endure all that for our freedom, and we just take it so lightly.
ReplyDeleteAt the Lorraine Motel today i had a chance to actually read the teachings of Rev. James Lawson, and i had a chance to apply his methods to my daily life. i feel like a new person now i feel more peaceful
-nedako bradley
Nedako, I really felt moved by your story & I'm so
ReplyDeleteglad that your able to experience this wonderful opportunity.
I'm more excited to know that you'll be able to share with so many others, who may never get this opportunity. Take in as much as you can and continue on this journey of knowledge; understand that no one can ever take 'your experience' & 'knowledge' away from you!