When we plan our RV travel we always try to mix education, history, with lots of fun. This trip was all about educating our children on the not-too-distant past of this country. Our trip to Selma Alabama has forever changed us. Sometimes when you take a look back on history it’s a fun journey, in this case it was a humbling, painful ,eye-opening experience.
When I heard about the annual bridge crossing in Selma Alabama, I had no idea how deeply it would affect Tia and myself. We looked at it as a wonderful opportunity to combine a close to home get-away, with an opportunity to peer into the reality of race relations in this country just some 50 odd years ago.
We have been to other African-American history sites around the country, and have certainly felt moved during our visit. But for some reason this trip to Selma was different. It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, Latino, Muslim or any other nationality. This is a trip we all need to take. Standing in the crowd surrounded by thousands of people of many creeds, races, and varying backgrounds, we simply bonded. The only thing that mattered what was it we were there to remember “bloody Sunday”.
To me, those few days in Selma Alabama highlighted by bloody Sunday may be some of the most impactful days in African American history.
I need you to understand this; you don’t have to be a minority to appreciate the incredible courage, and the unbelievable sacrifice that occurred on the Edmund Pettis Bridge that day.
History taught in schools can only review so much. It is truly up to us all as parents, and as citizens of this country to educate our children and ourselves. To us, the best way to really understand our history is to go explore and experience it firsthand. Meeting a few “Foot soldiers”, men and women who where there and made the march from Selma to Montgomery was amazing.
I personally want to thank all the Foot soldiers who 52 years ago, braved that cold March day in Selma Alabama. Listening to their first hand personal experiences made those moments come to life.
I’m not often speechless, but hearing the Foot Soldiers recount the carnage of that day left me searching for words..
Please take a look at our YouTube video, Selma – #TheMarchContinues and take this walk along with us as we cross the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma Alabama.
For more information on the annual Selma Bridge Crossing click this link – Selma50
Humbly,
Keith and Tia Sims
Soulful RV Family