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Related Audio Playlist   Last night's Freedom Riders screening and discussion was extremely powerful, and if you missed it, boy did you miss a lot! There was such a great exchange between the panelists, Dr. Patterson, and the audience. I was excited from the moment I got there for the program to begin because I love interactive events like this where so many voices and opinions can be expressed and debated.

As the film clips were being played, it seemed each one was more powerful than its predecessor. I love learning, observing, and trying to understand anything from the Civil Rights era because I feel it is such a relevant and necessary part of American history. the clips really captured (for how short they were) how dangerous, frightening, and powerful being on the bus and traveling into the deep South was. For every person that was interviewed in the film, I felt a sense of humility, for people in today's times take a lot of things for granted; and here are individuals risking their LIVES in order to interrupt a system that's been in effect since slavery ended.

Since I am African-American and have family members who are from the South and experienced segregation, I feel a personal connection to the stories, and an obligation to understand it as a part of my history as well. Although the Freedom Riders and other Civil Rights events took place almost half a century ago, that part of my history as a black American should never be forgotten or disregarded.

I had two favorite elements of the night: being able to witness the ideals of our great panel, and being able to do my own five minute interview. After each film clip there were questions and responses for and by the as an open discussion. I learned some history I was previously unaware of, and I also got some answers for ideas of my own. The panel was expertly organized in my opinion, and I don't think there could have been better candidates. For my five minute interview I was asked a series of questions about my personal integrity and about Civil Rights today, and I think I gave some good answers!

Overall I am very grateful I was able to be a part of this experience. I think it's important that communities have events like this to not only keep the history alive, but to spark awareness in the communities as well. As the generations are moving farther and farther away from America's shadowy past of racial inequality, it is the job of those who are aware to keep it alive.