We ended our tour in Memphis, TN at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was shot and killed. The hotel, along with the building directly across from it, is now a museum. This historical establishment is MAGNIFICENT! It contains so much information; this museum brought together everything else we had learned and discussed throughout the week. But there was some new information; a video was offered that contained information I had never heard. I never knew Dr. King had said he didn’t think he would live to see 40 or that after he delievered his “Mountain Top” speech he was so overwhelmed he had to be helped to his seat. Listening to this speech made me think that he somehow knew that his time may have been coming to an end.

At the end of the self-guided tour as we stood outside Lorraine looking up at room 306, Ms. Marjorie said the weather the day of Dr. King’s assassination was similar the weather we were experiencing that day: cloudy and overcast. Instantly, an awkward feeling filled me, a sad feeling.

Dr. King was such a great man, a man who inspired us all. But, we must also remember the others, the unsung heroes (the normal citizens who put their lives on the line) & the young professionals of that time, like Fred Gray, who were behind the scenes while working just as hard. These people are still alive, still sharing their stories, and still fighting the good fight.

Now that I have returned to my daily routine, I cannot believe how fast spring break went by. I am so grateful I had this opportunity and I am now encouraging friends and family members to visit the places our group toured. I also plan to make a scrapbook including the nearly 200 pictures I took during the tour; I will do this so that I will NEVER forget!