A product of change

Over the past few days I have been moved in many different ways. I've come from not knowing a lot to learning so much in a week. For example, I never knew there were 6 children in the 16th Street Baptist Church. I also did not know that the teens and children were the ones who carried out the voting rights movement. This information inspires me greatly; knowing that kids my age changed the world so much. It makes me think about what it is that I can do to make a change. When people say we are the future, I did not know where the concept came from, nor did I understand it; but now I know and I am ready to make a change and challenge others and myself. Walking over the Edmund Pettus Bridge was emotional. As I walked I felt appreciation and anxiousness and that was it. Mr. Carrington arrived and he started to talk about how we would never truly feel how he felt, because we were not there when it first happened and that is when I really started to open my mind and heart and that is when my anxiousness turned into compassion and I realized that people died for us, for me.  I would not be here if the civil rights movement did not happen. My parents would not have ever been together and that is a fact. I am biracial and I would never be here. So to have the Civil Rights movement happen and become a product of change and equality and I appreciate everything that has happened. I know for a fact that by the end of this trip, I'll be a changed person. I need to stop being selfish and ungrateful, and be selfless and grateful because of what was done in the 60’s. When we get back to Baltimore I can’t wait to help people and be a leader.

Taylor Williams

11^th grade,  City Neighbors