One of the most important reminders of Memphis' difficult racial history is the Lorraine Motel, now transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum distills the last moments of Dr. King's life as he had heeded the call of duty in the South during the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike. In it we bear witness to the history of struggle faced by hundreds of thousands of African Americans in the U.S. who fought--and in some cases, died--for the cause of human rights.
As we visit the NCRM, think about the ways the site brings us in touch with the past, through sight, touch, sound, and emotion. What exhibits impact you the most and why? Are there some that are difficult to confront? And finally, has the growth and success of the museum helped to remind us of those who fought in the Civil Rights struggles of the past? Has it made us more aware of history? Do we take it for granted?
