History Museum in the news

Matthew Walker was the keynote speaker at the museum today, 2/9/12

The Freedom rider

I had done my homework. I had studied books upon books about the Freedom rides and the riders. I had gone to, what felt like the end of the Internet. We prepared posters, artifacts were gathered, contacts made, travel plans confirmed. The stage was set. Tuesday night the Freedom Riders documentary was shown on PBS, and there I sat again, glued to the television. Looking at this world of the 60's when I was so very young, thinking how cruel and evil the people were attacking those courageous enough to fight for Freedom for us all. Not raising them up as true National heroes, but instead maiming them in a number of vicious attacks and forever framing their faces of hatred and evil by their cruel acts in the pages of our history. Then he arrived, Mr. Matthew Walker, Freedom Rider from Nashville.He arrived the day before to prepare for his keynote speech at the museum. We had spoken on the phone several times, but I had anxiously awaited meeting him face to face. I had seen his youthful pictures at age 19 and later pictures as well. Mr. Walker came to a small dinner reception at my home. I sat looking at him and listening to his stories and it was as if he stepped out of the pages of a history book. I could hardly believe that he was sitting across from me, honoring my home with his presence. Proud, focused, devout, sharp, living and wearing his courage Mr. Walker spoke his passion. An everyday hero who stepped into history to do his part, to correct a wrong that would impact us all forever. This was an experience of a lifetime.The next day would be a memorable experience for the children and staff at school.  I could hardly sleep. 

Hands on Black History museum in the news

Mr. Matthew Walker, Freedom Rider was interviewed at the history museum today.

Shirley Washington visits the museum

A fourth grader at Long wrote a letter to news channel 2 anchor Shirley Washington and she accepted the invitation to be a guest speaker during Black History month.  Today Ms. Washington along with her photographer/cameraman visited with  5 classes in the museum. Ms. Washington talked about her career and challenged students to always work towards their dreams.  Students asked well prepared questions  and afterwards Long school students were complimented on their great manners and behavior during the assembly.  Our brush with fame was on the air at 5:15 in time for the evening news.  Thank you Ms. Washington, you've gained some new fans!

Great words to live by

I recently came across this from one of my favorite Black Sheroes

Be not earthbound
You have but to take off 
From the shoulders of the 
elders where you now
stand

Make connection with your 
spirit
Capture your wildest
dreams
And the longings of your 
people
Use all that you have 
learned

Reach out to the people
you meet
Make connections with the 
words they speak and the 
strong values you hold 
dear
Goodness, truth, faith,
kinship, justice

Dare to make a better
world
that brings together all our 
strengths, the knowledge 
you acquire and the 
creations that blossom 
from your efforts 
Remember that we are all 
connected to one another
and to this awesome 
universe
Live well-Grow well

You are the energy that 
will drive the emerging 
Global community 
Your love, your caring 
your values; your 
connections to the eternal 
Will serve you well as you shape the future
                 
                   Kathryn Nelson 

                                                                           Thank you Mama

Social Justice Group explores museum

This morning a group of dedicated teachers came to a museum talk at the Hands on Black History museum.  Teachers were given an intimate tour of the museum from its early beginnings to present day.  Afterwards a lively discussion explored ways teachers could create their own museums share information about the museum with their personal learning communities and hows the museum might become a traveling display in the future.  Teachers were then invited to walk around the museum displays and take notes, pictures and discuss  how to explore sensitive topics with a variety of age groups.  The thoughtful conversations and sharing of ideas among educators made for a stimulating and inspiring  morning.  Want to visit the museum?  Give us a call, the museum runs through February 24th. 

We learned about the Freedom Riders