Two days ago, we took a trip to a very sad but information-filled sight: Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, and I must say that it was a very emotional time for all of us . There were sculptures of the dogs that were used to attack the protesters, children ducking from the high-pressure fire hoses used to break them up during the protest marches in Birmingham in May 1963. So many things ran through my mind while viewing the park. It’s sad to see that everyone had to deal with such harsh treatment just because they wanted to march in protest for what’s right.
While we were visiting the Park that day, I also found it very disrespectful that people from the area were just using it to hang out and act inappropriately -- being loud and obnoxious to others. It’s a memorial and should’ve been shown more respect, especially from people that know about its history.
We also visited the Southern Negro Baseball League Museum where we saw the effect of segregation on the development of the sport. There were items that were actually used in games by famous Black baseball players who had been banned from being in the Major Leagues because of their race. That was more a positive place to visit compared to the sadness we felt at Kelly Ingram Park.
While we were visiting the Park that day, I also found it very disrespectful that people from the area were just using it to hang out and act inappropriately -- being loud and obnoxious to others. It’s a memorial and should’ve been shown more respect, especially from people that know about its history.
We also visited the Southern Negro Baseball League Museum where we saw the effect of segregation on the development of the sport. There were items that were actually used in games by famous Black baseball players who had been banned from being in the Major Leagues because of their race. That was more a positive place to visit compared to the sadness we felt at Kelly Ingram Park.
It's a shame people were being disrespectful at the park you were visiting. But how wonderful, Zion, that you and others were there in force to honor the memory of the protesters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this report.
With best regards -- Ms. MacPherson
Zion, your post got me to thinking if I’ve ever been less respectful than I should have in a historically significant site I might have taken for granted. That’s a good lesson for all of us. Scan
ReplyDeleteZion: we have been to several more sites since your post, and I'm sure you're relieved that people have been more reverent in those places. I also felt bad when I saw what was going on at Kelly Ingram Park, but I hope you were also inspired by the various sculptures and art that were placed there to remind us of the struggle and the results. These are what have allowed the small steps toward progress in race relations in our country. -- Lansang
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