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2 hours turned into 2 days. Savannah Part 2

After leaving the First African Baptist Church, we headed to The Warehouse Bar & Grille to get some $.50 shrimp and $.50 chicken. The bar was located right on the river. The atmosphere was super chill. Me and Tiffany kept noting how nice Savannah was. We were both wondering why we had never made a visit, being that we are both from Georgia. Savannah is defintely on my list for a good weekend getaway. It was close to 8pm. No way were we heading to Florida. We still had to go by the civil rights musem anyway.

Luckily, we were able to crash at a friend of a friends house. (talk about relying on your network) We recieved that good ole southern hospitality. S/O to Brandon and Will for the accomodations.

We woke up the next morning still high off our experiece from the day before. Mr.Bush agreed to meet us at the Civil Rights Museum named after Ralph Mark Gilbert. Ralph Mark Gilbert was the pastor of the First African Baptist Church from 1939 until his death in 1956. He also served as president of the Savannah branch of the NAACP.

 

 

One of the stories I learned that stood out to me was the boycott that took place in 1960 to fight against the segregation and mistreatment that was taking place at that time. It went on for 15-months. Not realizing the buying power of blacks during that time, many businesses downtown  closed due to poor sales. One of the stores decided to open during the wee hours of the morning thinking some black folks would sneak downtown to shop without the fear of being seen by the community. NOBODY showed up. Every Sunday black people would meet up and bring clothes and shoes that were too small for them to pass along amongst each other.–Swap Meet! This story makes me wonder if there was a brand or company that demonstrated discrimination towards African-Americans or any group of people, would we boycott until a change was made?

Savannah didn’t experience riots like many other cities. They were able to make many strides with organized non-violent practices.

 

Us with Mr. Johnnie Brown, a public figure in Savannah as well as a tour guide.

 

I talked to a few ladies at the musuem who were on a private tour. Some had been at the first march on Washington 50 years ago. They were overjoyed to see young people taking interest in learning about our history.  They shared their own personal expereinces. It gave me an opportunity to talk about my project as well as the mission for Can’t Stay Put™. It was an awesome feeling to be well recieved!  It was also telling– they were excited because young people that are interested in the history of the civil rights movement are few and far between.

I am embarrassed to admit that I assummed every Civil Rights museum across the nation would have the same information, when really each museum focuses on the movement in that particular city.

Mr. Bush treated us to lunch at the Garden of Eden. Talk about some good soul food! I had fried fish, squash, and dirty rice!

While at the Garden of Eden, I met Pastor Matthew Southall Brown Sr., a prominent figure in the African-American community in Savannah. He was there to sign copies of his latest book, The Best of Pastor Matthew Southall Brown Sr.’s 6:30 a.m. Meditative Thoughts. He had me read and critique his excerpt on the importance of Black History.  Me critique an elder! whaaaaat! Needless to say it was a great experience.

My time in Savannah was amazing. Talking to elders about their experience was empowering. I could tell from their anxiousness to talk to me that they wanted their story to be passed on. I will be the vessel to spread the word.

After my experience in Savannah, I realized I underestimated the Can’t Stay Put™: Uncovering the Footprints project. I really thought I could stop through cities for a few hours and learn about the history. It shows how naive and ignorant I was to the fact that our history couldn’t be summed up in such a short period of time. I have decided to make this civil rights tour an ongoing project. I am not exactly sure of the structure but it’s going to take me a few months to expereince and gather the information I need. I need to spend at least 3 days in each city. One thing about me, if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it right and give it the proper time and effort it deserves.