A sparked fire

We went to the Edmund Pettus Bridge twice. The first day we went there was a huge crowd and some of the actors from movie Selma, like John Legend, Common and Oprah. John Legend and Common performed the song that they created for the movie. The performance was really nice. However, I feel it defeated the purpose of why everyone went to walk on the bridge in the first place. It felt like a concert at a random place not walking on a historical landmark. The next day we came back and walked across the bridge as group singing Negro spirituals with linked arms walking two by two. Afterwards, we circled up and talked about our feelings. I didn't feel anything while I crossed the bridge; it was like I was just walking across a regular bridge. Mr. Kirk Carrington joined us shortly after; he was telling us about how hard it was for him to revisit the bridge because of what he had to endure on the bridge. A question was brought up about how he feels about what is going on. He began to tell us how hurt and disappointed he was. He felt his work was in vein and it really hurt me because I learned about how much they had to endure. How many marches and other acts of rebellion happened to get us to where we are today.  I want to do something productive. The words of Mr. Carrington sparked a fire in me that I need to be the change.

Jaichaun Diggs

11^th grade, City Neighbors