Tours of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Jackson State University (February 2019)

Unfortunately, many students in public schools are not afforded opportunities to travel and gain exposure to cultural assets and higher education opportunities. The L2CF collaborated with Sisters Arm in Arm to sponsor a learning expedition that included tours of both the  Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Jackson State University, on February 16, 2019.  The program involved nine (9) girls, ages twelve to fifteen and four adults.  The impacts of the group experience were immediately observed. “As I watched the girls’ facial expressions, I realize that some lacked sufficient knowledge and appreciation related to the  “black experience” (e.g.,  people, dates,  and events) in Mississippi and the nation. This trip allowed other adults and myself the chance to give the girls an opportunity to learn some very powerful facts about their history that are not generally taught in school,” said Rekeka Tate, program coordinator.  Exhibits displayed at the museum included the following:

•Constitutional Violations: Exhibit related to the shootings of Jackson State University students during a peaceful protest;  

•Domestic Terrorism:  Reviewed a display wall containing the names and alleged offenses of black lynching victims;

•Educational Disparities:   Many black students only attended school during the winter months because they had to work during the remainder of the year; and

•Voting Rights: Reviewed an exhibit that focused on the history and implications of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.