Stoutsburg Sourland
African American Museum

The SSSAM Chair Person for Policy and Procedures, Reverend Edwin H. Lloyd, recently visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. Here are some of his thoughts about his visit.

 

“On Tuesday, July 30, 2019, I visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA.  The visit to the center was quite informative and featured civil rights events and activities that occurred in the country in the 50’s and 60’s, focusing on the south.  As you enter the center, you are directed to the numerous displays, featuring Freedom Fighters going up against segregationists.  Many segregationists, such as former Alabama Governor George Wallace, are on display, with noted words of hatred and contempt for people of color.

In one section of the center, you are given the opportunity to sit with your hands on a screen with a headphone on.  While sitting with your eyes closed, as if you were there, you can hear white segregationists terrorizing black people.  The name calling, hatred, contempt, and viciousness (dogs barking) can be felt.  The experience placed you in the setting where you can feel the venom and disgust disgorged at people who were simply trying to live their lives.  After I opened my eyes, I was saddened to think that not much has changed in this country.  People continue to be hated and killed because of the color of their skin. 

The center featured many historical dates, and excerpts of speeches given by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Many civil rights activists are also featured, noting why they fought for changes to our political, social, and economic system. 

The struggle is real and continues!”

Reverend Edwin Lloyd

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For more information about the Center for Civil and Human Rights, please visit their website at: https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/