alynwa | I'm Back and Live on LiveJournal Again!

Hi, cousins! I was out of town all last week, so everything you saw posted from me last week had been scheduled the week before. Worked out well too, except for one gen short story recommendation that I thought was 5K words and was actually 50K. That's what I get for rushing.

Anyway, the first half of my trip was spent in Washington DC during which time I spent two days exploring the National Museum of African American History and Culture. I have always been of the opinion that every American should make it her business to visit the nation's capital to see the seat of government at least once in her lifetime. I am now also of the opinion that one's trip to DC must include this museum regardless of one's race, ethnicity or citizenship. It is powerful, heartbreaking and informative.

The levels below ground address the taking and transport of Africans to the Western hemisphere to be made slaves and what they endured, both before and after emancipation; the rise of segregation and Jim Crow and the paradox of American liberty through documents, pictures and portraits and artifacts. It is so incredibly emotional people of all backgrounds were breaking down in tears.

When one finally emerges from that section, there is a place called the Contemplative Court where you can sit and watch the waterfall and get yourself together. The upper levels address accomplishments of African Americans in sports, pop culture, the military, etc.

As I said, I was there for two days and saw every level, but I couldn't see everything. I feel like I have to go back; there is so much more to see. Americans, go to DC, go to this museum.