I can help you

The impactful moments that I have experienced is the tour of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum and The Legacy Museum. When my tour guide at the ICRCM speaks about that in the thread of the American Flag was supposed to be sewn to be a symbol of equality, but that was not the case. “Lies woven into” our American Flag. A cloth made with the colors red, white, and blue. Red for bloodshed from the Black American who fought for their rights. Blue for our police, who did not protect us when it was necessary. The men who were supposed to be ensuring that we are safe, caused harm. White to show that white people are above people. Which is not right. A flag that is supposed to be a symbol of justice, rights, and equality, did not fill in those lines. Instead lie upon each stitch to keep this idea, it was a way to keep control.

The Legacy Museum was the most impactful so far. The part where there were this black woman in a pin. She was telling her story of how she lost her children. They were put in a separate pin, getting ready to be sold. The sound of her voice, I emphasized her, she needed help. She trembled with fear and she was thinking about her son and daughter. She look right at me and said “Can you help me find my children?” That hit me, a mother’s pain, the feeling of being separated by those you love can deeply wound those who have lost their loved ones. Next to that one was the children, separated from their mother. They looked at me “Have you seen your mother?” as the boy places his hand on his sister’s shoulder. The little girl was silent, her expression was both fearful and sad. As both children looked at me, I wanted to respond and say “I haven’t seen her, but I can help you.” Just the thought of not being able to help crushes my insides.

Aeon Edwards