Day Four in beautiful New York was a wee bit “hit or miss.” We started out the morning in Harlem, and as soon as we stepped off the train I was all, “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Manhattan anymore.” Cheesy I know, but that’s actually what popped into my head. I was greatly looking forward to having new experiences in a different part of town, one that had history and pizzazz.
After we walked for a few blocks we arrived at the National Action Network, Al Sharpton’s social mobilization organization. Personally, it was three hours of speeches that did not evoke much meaningful thought nor inspirational messages. Much of the discussion that morning pertained only to members of NAN, and overall I didn’t get a sense of what the organization stands for. But it’s ok – I just sat tight until after lunch when we met with Mr. Dabney Montgomery.
Mr. Montgomery’s truly inspirational story of being a Tuskegee Airman, fighting overseas, then returning home to Selma to face more discrimination was riveting. Not to mention, he’s the most adorable old man ever! Meeting with this historic figure was the perfect end to the morning.
Then, we headed towards the Schomburg center for Research in Black Culture which had exhibits pertaining to Africa, Africans in the Diaspora, African Religion, etc. After that we went to the Studio Museum which had some cool modern art pieces.
In Cultural Leadership fashion, the end of the day was not a time to take a break from learning. We ate a traditional Ethiopian meal at a family named Mazor’s house, and then we spoke with Ethiopian Jews about their experiences emigrating to Israel and eventually America.
Overall, day 4 was excellent and I’m very excited for the rest of the trip.
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