Happy Mother’s Day!
We celebrated this Sunday by going to Mass at Holy Family church in Jackson, Mississippi. The members of the church greeted us with open arms and smiles. We were touched by their welcoming, loving nature, and supportive community.
We were particularly touched when the church was giving acknowledgments, they were celebrating a recent graduate who was an active member of the church community. While they were remembering her time there she teared up and warmed the hearts of everyone present. Her family was also recognized and her parents graciously thanked the members of the church for supporting their daughter while she was away from home.
Later that day, we went to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which focuses on the Civil Rights movement within Mississippi. Starting our tour we had the incredible opportunity to meet Freedom Rider Claude Liggins. He talked with us about his experiences riding from New Orleans to Jackson and the conflicts that he faced. He welcomed questions and talked about what motivated him to become a Freedom Rider.
Talking to Mr. Liggins emphasized to us how important it is to vote because our voices matter and our generation is the one to create serious change. His insistence on our generation being a glint of hope made us feel a slight weight of pressure as well as an eagerness to catalyze change. His response to this was, “don’t ever think you can’t change the world.”
We learned that the Freedom Riders grew a strong sense of community by putting their lives on the line for something they felt was right. Mr. Liggins pointed out other Freedom Riders’ pictures and talked about them like old friends. It amazed us just how much they were all still connected. We also were surprised to learn that they have reunions that bring them together every several years.
As he showed us around the exhibits featuring the Freedom Riders, he expressed how it all took his breath away. He noted the progress made from the Civil Rights Movement, at the same time acknowledging how much still needs to be done when he said, “10 steps forward, 9 steps back.” His opinion on where we stand today shocked and saddened us because it showed us how much more there is to accomplish.
During our daily group reflection, we all agreed that learning about Mr. Liggins’ story and the vast number of students involved in the Freedom Riders inspired us to take action today. Hearing his story made us ask ourselves if a modern Freedom Rider-like movement started, would we drop everything and volunteer like he did? The day was filled with many lessons, among the most important was when Mr. Liggins mentioned that people referred to him as being a hero, although he doesn’t see himself as that. It wasn’t until later that we realized true heroes don’t see themselves that way.
Let’s do this!
Sam & Nico
I am thrilled by this post. I remember watching a series produced by PBS chronicling the civil rights movement. With tons of footage. It was astounding. I was so moved. Now my daughter meets a freedom rider and is equally moved.
The questions you’re asking yourselves are so important. Your courageous responses, what you are honestly willing to do and sacrifice, are often addressed only by the young who resonate with possibility thinking. You’re open at the top. Keep opening!
Great post Sam and Nico, as Mr. Liggins is a hero like many others that have stepped forward, Nico you and Sam are heroes in this old man’s eyes as you go forth just in being involved in this important quest for information regarding this critical national issue. Check me off as your extremely proud grandfather Nico. Love to you, and Sam and your colleagues. God Bless all of you and stay safe.