Prompt #9: Touring Birmingham’s Civil Rights Landmarks and Understanding Their Impact on Modern Relationships
Honoring the Sacrifices That Made Today’s Friendships Possible
This past Friday, I had the privilege of visiting some of Birmingham’s most significant civil rights landmarks with my See Jane Write friends. Our journey took us to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, and the “freedom walk” in Kelly Ingram Park—all located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama.
Standing together—two Black women and two white women—we paused in the park before the striking James Drake sculpture of lunging police dogs with their teeth bared. This sculpture is a thought-provoking, fear-inducing memorial to the violent tactics used by Birmingham police against peaceful civil rights demonstrators, especially during the pivotal May 1963 protests. And all the monuments in the park are a vivid reminder of the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and the courage of those who fought for justice and equality.
As we reflected on the history surrounding us, we were deeply moved—some of us brought to tears—by the realization that the bravery and determination of the Civil Rights Movement’s foot soldiers made our friendship possible. Without their sacrifices and the progress they achieved, the diverse bonds we share today might never have existed.
Writing Prompt: Reflect on how the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement has influenced your perspective on friendship, community, and social justice. How does history shape the relationships you value today? What responsibilities do we have to honor those who paved the way for progress? In what ways can you stand in solidarity with others to help build a more just and inclusive society?
As always, I’d love to see what your inspired to create!
Write on,
Audrey
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