2013 Black College Tour - Day 5

Name   : Kawan Lever
YMCA : Northside
Age      : 16
Date     : 04/03/13

Up to this day the trip has gotten better, the college campuses that we are touring are larger than the on ethe previeous day. 

We began the day with breakfast at the hotel.  Our goal of today was to practice serving others (assistance with carrying luggage, holding doors, etc...).  We learned that to be a leader one must give back to his or her followers. 

Our first stop was the Little Rock Central High School Historical Site.  Here we got a tour of the neighborhood and learned the heroic story of the Little Rock 9 (the 9 black students who were the first to integrate the school).  It was powerful to hear the courageous stories of these young people who paved the way for us to receive a higher education. 

The 20min documentary video of the Little Rock 9 Crisis

The Little Rock 9 shown with picture and name.  "Thank you for your courage and perserverence"

In 1999 the Little Rock 9 received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Bill Clinton.

This incredible pictures shows the Little Rock 9 infront of Little Rock's Central High School in their youth and as they have aged.

During the crisis the Little Rock 9 received numerous death threats.

As racial divides are crushed, the picture shows segregationist pouring food and other condiments on protestors attempting to get them to respond.

Little Rock Central High School.  During the end of the night meeting, the teens talk to the emotion they felt while walking in the foot steps of the Little Rock 9.

Afterwards, we had lunch at a local restaurant called Your Mama's Good Food.  It was pretty good. 

We then we travelled to U.A.P.B (University of Arkansas Pine Bluff).  We were given a tour of the campus and learned a great deal about the school's history.  It was a larger school at 318 acres and 3200 students.

U.A.P.B Museum

One of 8 theaters that are on the campus.  They were preparation for the Miss U.A.P.B Pagent. 

During the tour, we met students in route to their classes.  This student Kim Wimberly is working on becoming a Neuro Surgeon. 

After the U.A.P.B trip, we travelled to Memphis, TN.  We went to a local restaurant called Jim Nealy's.  We had so old down home barbeque.  It was a nice down home environment. 

Following dinner, we had our meeting giving an overview of the day and closed out the night with free time at the Hotel.  A busy day.  But, we learned a lot.