In early 1960s, there was a lot of discrimination in the United States of America such that the blacks and the whites could not mingle in public places such as restaurants. The civil rights museum in Greensboro was established as a reminder and in honor of the four students who were pioneers in fighting for civil rights. For the people who have never experienced racial discrimination, they would understand its real meaning when they visit this museum. This paper will provide some insights about the museum.
According to records of history in 1960 there were four freshmen college students who decided to go against segregations rules and decided to sit in an area designated for whites. The four students were not of the same race and their names were Franklin McCain, Joseph Mcnail, Ezell Blair and David Richmond (O.Henry Hotel 1).
These four students are thought to have set the pace for a campaign dubbed the sitting in movement. Rothstein explains that the museum is inside Woolworth building in Greensboro, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city (1). The museum is usually open on all days of the week except from Mondays. The building is very spacious because it has food joints and conference facilities and as well as big rooms for people who wish to conduct training sessions from there.
The building is ideal for its purpose because it represent the old days in so many ways, such as its architectural design. The museum was established in 1993 by Melvin Alston and Earl Jones. The museum has a committee of five members who are under the chairmanship of Melvin Alston. The chairman of the committee is assisted by a vice chairman, secretary, and the treasurer. The museum has a management board that is comprised of the board of the directors including the chairman.
Once you enter the museum you are ushered in by the exhibition tour guides who take you through the exhibition by explaining the meaning of various artifacts found in the museum. Without these guides, visitors would not enjoy their visit because they would not understand how the artifacts were used which is crucial in understanding history. There are video recordings that explain the events that took place during the struggle against discrimination.
There are photographs of the four students who pioneered the sit in movement that was shot as they were walking out of a restaurant that was designated for whites only. There is a photograph named ‘all men are equal’ that displays how racial discrimination took place in America. This photo shows four black Americans in a restaurant, perhaps one of those set aside for whites.
There is also a film that features the Greensboro four, that is, the four freshmen students as they were discussing their experiences with segregation laws. This film is thought to have been an eye opener because it is said that they started their campaign after they were done with their discussion (Bringle 1). There is a display called ‘the hall of shame’ that shows how the African-Americans were mistreated from the slavery period until the segregation period. Besides, there is a wall dedicated to the people who died in the struggle for human rights.
The museum contains artifacts that tell more about historic happenings that are related to human right activism. Among the artifacts include a bus seat that bears the signature of an activist by the name Rosa parks. This seat implies that there were buses or seats that were designated for blacks and whites. There is a green book, travel guide, which was probably referred to by visitors in order to identify the guest houses and other amenities that were isolated for each race.
There are so many artifacts but the most important thing is that they also tell the evolution in technology that has taken place. This is evidenced by the presence of a typewriter that is perceived to have been used by an African -American activist. Moreover, the kind of firearms used in those days is also portrayed by the photos.
The artifacts demonstrate the skills of ancient people in painting, sculptures, and photography, among other disciplines. There is a gift shop within the museum that sells the artifacts to visitors who are willing to buy them. Original artifacts are normally expensive compared to imitations, but then most buyers do not know the difference between the two.
The museum has really embraced technology because it has a website that contains its gift shop virtually. In addition to that, the visitors can book for their visits and obtain their tickets online through the use of the Internet. From the look of things, the activists have not yet ceased from fighting for equality among all the races that reside in America. This is because there are notices of upcoming events in the museum’s notice board that are used to remember those who died in the struggle for equality.
At the end of the guided tour, every one was astonished to find out how our fore fathers were divided along racial lines. Of all the exhibits the one that really touched me was the seat that was signed by an activist. I could not imagine living in a world where some people think they are more special than others. In my view these segregations are the ones that triggered the campaigns against racial discrimination.
Therefore, such historic places should be conserved for future generations. By this I mean that everything inside the museum plus the building should be safeguarded because they are the ones that help us to understand where we have come from and thus appreciate what we have achieved.
Works Cited
Bringle, Jenifer. ”Civil rights museum in Greensboro, N.C., Honors 1960 Protest at Lunch Counter.” The Washington Post. 2010. Web.
O.Henry Hotel. International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro. 2010. Web.
Rothstein, Edward. ”Four Men, a Counter and Soon, Revolution.” New York Times. 2010. Web.