Blackity, Black, Black, Black - Honoring Our American History

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Over the past seven days, in honor of Black (American) history Month, we’ve taken our followers on a virtual vacay inspired by some of the prominent sites that inform and celebrate our movement to include: 

  • Edmond Pettus Bridge + The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Alabama

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Old Slave Mart in Charleston, South Carolina

  • International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina

  • National Museum of African American History and Culture + Martin Luther King, Jr.  Memorial in Washington, D.C.

TTT had the honor of visiting some of these sacred spaces in person, and in this blog, we’re sharing our personal experiences.  We highly recommend visiting these sites and TTT is here to help!

 
Left to RIGHT: dANIELLE + HUSBAND AT MLK MEMORIAL. NICOLE + PARENTS AT icrcm. TRACEY AT THE nmaahc.

Left to RIGHT: dANIELLE + HUSBAND AT MLK MEMORIAL. NICOLE + PARENTS AT icrcm. TRACEY AT THE nmaahc.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC

“Being from the Washington, DC/Maryland area I have seen my fair share of memorials and monuments but the power that the MLK Memorial holds is like none other. On a crisp March morning my family and I drove through the beautiful Cherry Blossoms and approached the MLK memorial in all its glory. The inspiration for the memorial design is a line from King's "I Have A Dream'' speech. You can literally see the image of Dr. King emerging from the mountainous structure with words "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope” etched in the side. Standing strongly with crossed arms, he looks over the Tidal Basin toward the horizon. The 30 foot tall structure echoes the magnitude of Dr. King's impact.

Along the crescent shaped outer wall of the memorial, inscribed in granite are 14 excerpts from some of Dr. King's powerful speeches and sermons. As you walk and read these excerpts there is no question that the brilliance and foresight that Dr. King had, was a gift from God that we have all been blessed to have benefitted from.”— Danielle

International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, NC

“While living in Greensboro, NC and knowing how four students of NC A+T impacted the Civil Rights movement, when my husband (boyfriend at the time) + my parents came to visit, I knew this was absolutely a place we had to visit!  

The highlight of this experience was standing at the “whites-only lunch counter” as they recreated what those four students experienced.  Watching and hearing what they had to endure was both frustrating + motivational. Frustrating to hear the hate spewed at them both physically + mentally yet motivational to know that their strength and perseverance not only shifted the city of Greensboro, but had a lasting impact on the movement around the nation. We must continue this fight for social justice on their behalf.”— Nicole

National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)

“Stepping onto the grounds of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, I felt like I was stepping on sacred ground, overcome with the realization that this where the stories of my ancestors reside, where community resides, where resilience resides and where a vision of my future resides. The beautifully constructed structure with a façade resembling a crown of royalty steps each visitor through our weary past, our game-changing persistence, our scholarship, and our creative prowess.   All of this on display for the world to see at the great American institution known as the Smithsonian.

 I’ve had to return a couple times in order to complete the experience.  And each time, I’ve walked away in awe of the care taken in constructing this gem, and proud of our all- around “dope-ness” as Black people. I’m planning my return once COVID subsides.”— Tracey