This is a continuation from my “Spring Break 2020 – Savannah, GA” post.
Wednesday, March 11th – Advancing to Atlanta
Our lovely MUNDO advisors waited in line an hour before Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room opened for the day. There is always a line. Meanwhile, students explored the area. My small group of friends looked in shops and actually came across SCAD, Savannah College of Art & Design. We went in to see what was accessible to the public, and found out that they had an experience for visitors! It felt like a Disney attraction as we were led through rooms and watched the story of SCAD’s beginnings in animation all over the walls and decorations.
When the entire group was sat down for lunch, we soon discovered why it was so highly reviewed and hailed as one of the best comfort food establishments in Savannah. The meal was phenomenal and filling.
![](https://u.osu.edu/dang157hseportfolio/files/2020/03/Mrs.-Wilkes-225x300.jpg)
This was the spread for lunch! Refills were available. Dessert came out later: a small dish of peach or apple cobbler with ice cream.
MUNDO departed for Atlanta shortly after lunch and we arrived at our hotel just before 5 PM. That evening, two friends and I ate dinner at Baja Fresh before exploring Georgia Aquarium. This aquarium was worth the price, and I was able to acquire the cheapest possible tickets by purchasing online for the “after 4 PM time slot.” Sometimes, attraction prices change based on the time of attendance! Having spent nearly three hours there and admiring the wonderful aquatic life, my friends and I walked around the Olympic Park nearby. The last activity of the night was a ride on the Skyview Atlanta ferris wheel.
Thursday, March 12th – The Ongoing Fight for Civil & Human Rights
This full day consisted of little free time but involved immense information to be retained and discussed with the rest of the group, as well as beyond. It turns out that Atlanta is the First City of the Civil Rights Movement. Well-known leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lonnie King Jr., grew up in Atlanta. Activists from all over moved to the area as well, and Sweet Auburn was one of the most prosperous black business districts in the U.S.
In the morning, MUNDO explored a little of the Atlanta History Center. This large institution itself, however, could take an entire day or more to go through and digest, since it is 33 acres. Not only is it a history museum but a research center. Most of us were able to go into a few rooms in the main building.
I first went to “Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta,” to learn more about Atlanta’s past, present, and future. There were stories from individuals hailing from different communities and walks of life. There were sections on immigration (15% of metro Atlanta residents are foreign-born), politics, Southern foodways, transportation, religion, and more. This space acknowledged that humans have been on the land for thousands of years; the Muscogee Creek village of Standing Peachtree called the land home by the mid-1700s. European American settlers forced the indigenous peoples’ removal.
I learned about fires that destroyed parts of Atlanta neighborhoods. I learned about washerwomen strikes in the 1940s that won the women higher pay and more bargaining power. The strikes marked the first American labor movement for service workers. I saw an interactive screen showing the Atlanta metro area’s growth and various statistics. One of the students was looking at income in the area and comparisons demonstrated by the size of bubbles/circles. I did interact with a voting machine that asked “Does your vote matter?” I pressed the button for “Yes” and lifted the flap to see the scores. At that time, 49 people had voted “Yes” while 40 chose “No.” This was a little surprising to me but I can understand because despite people voting and voicing concerns, structural and systemic change is very difficult to achieve. It is incremental and painstaking at that.
The next exhibit I went to was “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow.” The exhibit chronicled Black efforts for full inclusion into society from 1865 through World War I. I took on a more somber mood as I read about race riots, lynchings, and countless struggles. I did feel uplifted reading activists’ quotes, such as “Up, up, you mighty race! You can accomplish what you will,” by Marcus Garvey in 1920. This exhibit had information about W.E.B. DuBois, the Great Migration, interracial cooperation, and the contrasts between segregation and Jim Crow in the North and South. It also included artifacts (sheet music, cartoons, post cards) that reinforced stereotypes about Blacks/African Americans. Even to this day, stereotypes are present in different forms. Furthermore, even though Black people won the right to vote, struggles to make it to the ballots exist. In recent news, a Black man had to wait for about seven hours to vote. This is unacceptable.
![](https://u.osu.edu/dang157hseportfolio/files/2020/03/States-and-territories-300x225.jpg)
The states in blue were part of the Union while the red states were part of the Confederacy. Border states is a new term to me, actually. These states did not join the Confederacy and did not declare secession from the Union. For more information on the border states, here is a handy resource:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/the-border-states.htm
The whole group went outside to the Tullie Smith Farm grounds and into the farm house to view the rooms. We saw a magnificent and massive loom. Elsewhere on the grounds were a smoke house, a detached kitchen, blacksmith quarters, and a garden. A shelter for sheep and goats were also nearby. We heard about the difference between a farm and a plantation; farms have less than 19 enslaved people, but in reality, actual numbers can be far greater than the ones reported.
We all walked over to the Swan House, a mansion built for entertaining guests. Affluence was apparent by the building design and furnishings.
- Mint green seems to be a popular color for affluent homes.
- I climbed up to the top floor to a room where an employed servant slept. I noticed the stark contrast between this simple room and the extravagant bedroom of a privileged person.
- There are multiple bedrooms in the house, and one in particular had a bathroom lined with mirrors. Mirrors are symbols of affluence to me as well.
- Esteemed guests and family members used this grand staircase. Servants were to use the back staircase.
- This appears to be a living room where people chatted and could play the piano.
After lunch, MUNDO wandered through the World of Coca Cola, which was incredibly fun. Upon entrance, each visitor received a small Coca Cola can. We learned about the history of this iconic brand and how the secret formula is safely guarded. We saw different bottle shapes and the different brands that encompass Coca Cola Co. We even saw the process of bottling the beverage. The best part was getting the chance to taste 100 flavors of Coca Cola beverages from around the world! I could not get to every continent and sample every one of their drink choices. I did try all of the ones from Asia, Latin America, and Europe and left with a few favorites in mind. Some drinks were very carbonated. I liked the fruity ones the best. This experience was fun but hectic because people darted around to get drinks into their cups. The group exited by entering the gift shop, where I picked up a few souvenirs.
Following that experience was a self-guided tour of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Some people in the group engaged with the lunch counter activity. I sat on a stool and slipped on headphones. According to the counter instructions, I placed my hands on the counter and closed my eyes. I could not finish hearing the full audio clip, because the voices coming from the headphones felt like the people were right by me in real life. My hands moved away from the counter and the sounds disappeared. It was very distressing to me. Others in the group did complete it and reported that the chairs shook and that they heard glass breaking. When sit-ins happened, mean onlookers would actually physically touch and verbally harass the peaceful protestors. Opponents of equality would shake the chairs and intimidate the protestors, many of whom were students. As I went through the museum, I learned of new people involved in the Movement.
![](https://u.osu.edu/dang157hseportfolio/files/2020/03/Martyrs-300x225.jpg)
This installation allows visitors to turn the blocks and view the story of the individual pictured. These are some of the people who died (were killed) in their work towards equality. Many of the perpetrators did not face consequences, or if they did, it was lenient. Law enforcement also could not be counted on to uphold justice.
![](https://u.osu.edu/dang157hseportfolio/files/2020/03/Civil-and-Human-Rights-300x225.jpeg)
This wall displayed different features of civil and human rights: security, democracy, justice, education, fairness.
![](https://u.osu.edu/dang157hseportfolio/files/2020/03/Who-has-rights-300x225.jpg)
This is a map of political freedom. At a glance, the yellow means free, orange means partly free, and red means not free. The content is from Freedom House, from its annual report on “Freedom in the World.”
I liked the section about human rights and how information was displayed. I watched short videos of people talking about their experiences with human rights violations and oppression. I glanced at the current dictators in the world. I read stories of activists. I learned about ethical footprints – where do the items and foods I use come from? I want to use more fair-trade and ethically sourced products, even if that means paying more for them. An idea I had from this section was that MUNDO could have a meeting/workshop on the digital world and what freedom looks like, such as censorship, dissent, misinformation, and disinformation.
My friend and I were the last ones to leave the museum since we took time in the gift shop. We returned to the hotel to change our attire for the alumni dinner. We bussed to Mary Mac’s Tea Room. MUNDO happily hosted two Ohio State alumni. The alumna had graduated in 2015 with a Public Health degree and currently works for the Center for Disease Control & Prevention. She had earned her Master of Public Health at Emory. The alumnus had graduated in 2004 from Fisher College and has been in Atlanta for over a decade now.
Friday, March 13th – Serve, Learn, Lead
Our morning was spent at The King Center, a resource center and community institution established by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. This National Historic Site offers history and contemporary information and activities to challenge people to think and reflect. It is not just one building but multiple, so this center can also take days to absorb.
Several people, myself included, toured MLK Jr’s childhood home for about 30-40 minutes. I learned that for his upbringing, his parents encouraged him to talk about matters such as race at the dinner table. The park ranger who was our guide informed us that young Martin did not like doing the dishes, but enjoyed scooping coal in the cellar.
![](https://u.osu.edu/dang157hseportfolio/files/2020/03/MLK-Childhood-home-225x300.jpg)
Six of us had the wonderful opportunity to tour the home of MLK Jr. Sadly, tours are first come first serve the day of and tickets are not reservable.
The group had to grab lunch in a hurry because we followed with volunteering after the King Center. We participated in community service at Open Hand Atlanta for three hours. The organization’s meal programs serve vulnerable low-income clients and deliver fresh, medically/nutritionally-tailored meals to homes.
To prepare for this volunteer experience, we discussed Open Hand Atlanta and food access in the group Pre-Travel Meeting. We all adhered to the requirements of wearing closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves, and no jewelry or piercings. We also put on hair nets and those of us in the group who scooped food also had face nets and sleeve protectors. Others helped gather meals for individuals. I also placed the appropriate number of requested beverages (milk and juice cartons) by each meal pile. A few individuals were tasked with working in a cooler. Near the end of the shift, we boxed the meals and taped them off; they were then ready to be sent to people! While I do not know how many people we helped, I am sure that it makes a difference. Open Hand staff stated that many volunteer groups had canceled with them, so they were appreciative that we could help out. Likewise, we were thankful to learn about this organization and aid their efforts.
We discussed these reflection questions on the bus ride back to the hotel:
-MLK is a prominent figure in American history. Did you learn something new about him? If you did, do you feel like that should have been taught to you in school? Why or why not?
-MLK was criminalized and not as revered as he is now during the time that he was alive. Did you learn anything about that today? Why do you think that changed? What does this change mean for accountability of our past as Americans?
-What is the difference between voluntourism and actual service? Do you think that this service actually benefits the community of Atlanta?
-Why is this community service necessary in addressing economic disparities in Atlanta? What did you observe at this site, in terms of visible race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status? Does this reflect the general population of Atlanta?
-Pair & share: Research or recall a person who played a role in the Civil Rights Movement who has not been widely recognized.
Saturday, March 14th – This is Just the Beginning
Our group checked out by 11 AM and we stored our luggage and bags on the bus. We had the morning to explore Atlanta for the final time before we left for Columbus at 2:30 PM. A majority of the group traveled via ride-share to Ponce City Market, with plenty of shops and food stalls to satisfy us. I purchased from a sustainable home goods store that supports fair-trade and hand-made items. I also supported another local, small business by buying candles. After buying some pork dumplings at the market, I went with friends to The Varsity for lunch. The Varsity was recommended to us by the MUNDO coordinator, and it was a great last meal in the city. The food is very affordable and I got my food within a minute of ordering; that is how fast it is!
https://thevarsity.com/
After lunch, my friends and I joined the rest of the group on the bus, and we made our return to Columbus, Ohio. We made a stop for dinner, and then one more stop to use a public restroom.
Reflection questions:
-How will you use what you learned in the future? What can you take back to Ohio State?
-Do you feel as though your schooling has taught you enough or prepared you enough to have these conversations? Why do you think that you haven’t had these conversations?
-How has this experience changed you?
Sunday, March 15th –
We dropped participants off at Ohio Union and Archer House. I asked in the group chat for people to ‘like’ my message if they made it to their homes/residences safely. I wanted to make sure that they all were safe.
Overall, I appreciated my experience planning and participating in this spring break trip! I continue to add to my knowledge, which I will use to be a better advocate and ally. I learned firsthand the additional duties of an Action Team Leader and enjoyed it all. In fact, I will continue as an Action Team Leader for MUNDO for the 2020-2021 school year. Soon, a feedback form will be sent to the spring break experience participants to get their insights on the trip. I can already think of changes and considerations for future trips: making sure that we email students with their @buckeyemail.osu.edu (just using @osu.edu might not get through to them), supporting the action team members more, and starting and/or ending on campus at times that will make everyone feel safer (arriving back at midnight can lead to anxiety and uneasiness regarding how to get home, because buses may not run at that time, and some students may not want to use ride-share services). This was a great spring break experience, and we were fortunate enough to get to see attractions right before they closed down to keep people safe and healthy during this public health pandemic.