September 24, 2016 is a day I will never forget.
It’s a day that brought tears to my eyes and one that has inspired me to continue living out my dreams.
I started to get emotional during the dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African History and Culture, when Patti Labelle sang Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’.
The song perfectly captured the mood, and it helped us to reflect on our painful history.
When I heard the words, “It has been a long time coming”, I instantly thought about my ancestors. I thought about slavery, the men and women who could not vote, those who experienced segregation and those who fought against those injustices.
In that moment, the museum was on display in the crowd. There were those, participating in the dedication ceremony, who represented the struggle for equal rights (like Rep. John Lewis).
“I can hear the distant voice of ancestors whispering by the night fire: ‘Steal away, steal away home, ain’t got long to stay here.’ A big bold choir shouting, ‘I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom.’ All of the voices roaming, for centuries, have finally found a home here in this great monument to our pain, our suffering, and our victory.” – Civil Rights Icon Rep. John Lewis
Click here to read his full speech.
President Barack Obama, the first African-American president, was the symbol of hope. I look forward to telling my children about the day I watched him celebrate the first National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“Yes, this museum tells the story of people who’ve felt the indignity, the small and large humiliations of a whites only sign or wept at the side of Emmett Till’s coffin or fell to their knees on shards of stained glass outside a church where four little girls died. But it also tells the story of the black and white youth sitting alongside each other, straight backed, so full of dignity on those lunch counter stools. The story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges — pigtails, fresh pressed dress — walking that gauntlet to get to school. Tuskegee Airmen soaring the skies, not just to beat a dictator, but to reaffirm the promise of our democracy and remind us that all of us are created equal.”- President Barack Obama
Click here to read his full speech.
I have not seen the entire museum, but I did have a chance to take a look at some of the exhibits. Here’s a recap:
