Omega Lamplighter’s Second Annual “500 Miles of Freedom Civil Rights & College Tour”
Special to the Outlook
On a bus filled with more than 48 people including area high school students, college students and advisors, the Omega Lamplighters voyaged out on their second annual “500 Miles of Freedom Civil Rights & College Tour.”
The trip consisted of stops in Memphis, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and Selma, Ala. The trip was capped off with a walk over the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., home of the Bloody Sunday march that brought global attention to the struggles endured by African Americans in the South.
Even the program director and founder was feeling the experience, “It was unreal. Even for me to walk those steps shook me up,” said Royle King, II, Omega Lamplighters director.
Program President Shawn Holloway had these words to say “I am blessed to be able to participate in a trip like this. We’re being exposed to things that others take for granted. I’m truly grateful for this.”
The highlights from the trip included: the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn.; WC Handy Home & Statue – Father of Memphis Blues; Interstate BBQ – Black owned Memphis restaurant; Civil Rights Institute – Birmingham, Ala.; the 16th Street Baptist Church (tour & church service) – Birmingham, Ala.; and Walking the Historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala.
