Today we had a nice crowd at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, including members of the amazing youth activist group, Random Acts of Theatre, who drove two hours from Selma to help us celebrate youth voices.   We also talked with sorority members about the recent controversy at U AL involving racial discrimination in sorority membership, and the award- winning coverage of it by the University’s newspaper, Crimson White.  Alaina, from Alpha Chi Omega, said “it’s been a really good experience and we’ve grown.”

Then, off to Birmingham, where so much civil rights history was made.  The 1963’s Childrens Crusade,  not only inspired Mary Beth and her siblings, but youths for generations.   And, it still does!

Sparkman High School students came to see us and serenaded us with “Get on the Bus.”  (Check out the Carlsbad High School Chamber Singers’ rendition here and read more about it here.)

We also toured the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, where we saw part of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s jail cell…

…and were inspired by his words…

…as well as the Freedom Riders’ journey… We will trace their journey, in reverse, this time without  the Klan,

as we head to DC.  Thank you, brave young Freedom Riders!