On the trip I learned a lot more about what segregation was really like for blacks during this time. I have always heard about how horrific it was, read about it in books, and even watched movies about it. But I was never able to actually put myself in their shoes and understand how had it actually was. There is a very large difference between knowing something and embracing it. I feel that I was in the "knowing stage" until I went on this trip. This experience changed my perspective on civil rights because it opened my eyes to the realities of the situations. Actually standing in the same place where 4 black girls were bombed takes the learning experience to a whole new level.
I would definitely have to agree that this trip is worth the time we sacrifice by missing a day of school. Field trips are a very successful method of teaching and learning because the make the material exciting. Being able to actually stand in front of an exhibit and look at the displays as well as read the placards is way more intriguing than sitting at desk and looking at a picture in a textbook.
I took this photo while I was in Birmingham yesterday
