09/03/2026
Today I met Dr. Montgomery in Alabama! She’s seen so much, and it was honestly just an honor to talk to her. She was telling me what it was like when the Civil Rights Act was signed. How people immediately went out and tried the places people were segregated for so long from visiting. Kinda made me sit back and think, wow, that must’ve been a wild feeling. Driving by all these restaurants and movie theaters that you were banned from, then one day, boom, walking in and seeing a different world. Really something. She was also telling me about how prepared and focused people were during the Civil Rights Movement. Always conscious of smiling and wearing nice clothes like ties whenever they were marching. So much went into the photos we see as history today. One of my favorite parts of traveling is hearing from those that came before me. Hearing the knowledge passed on from generation to generation is what helps us be prepared for whatever new attacks come our way. It’s one of the reasons why I fight so hard in these debates because I know someone else literally put their blood, sweat, tears, and in some cases, their lives for me to have the opportunity to be where I am today. Can’t ever take anything for granted. I’ll never forget you, Dr. Montgomery. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with me! I’d also like to thank Mayor Reed for being there for such an awesome tour. I truly enjoyed my time in the city!
