Memphis and Birmingham Trip Interview

The last week of October our Visitation Academy ninth graders embarked on their annual academic explorations to the southern cities of Memphis, Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama. This trip revolves around research and studies on the American Civil rights movement covered throughout the ninth grade curriculum. Noor Huda interviewed Zoha Huda, a student who went on the trip, and without further ado here are her takeaways! N: What was your favorite part of the trip? Z: I really liked the civil rights museum In Birmingham and seeing all the exhibits really broadened my mind to how large the civil rights movement was. I think the part that stuck out to me the most was one wall in the museum which said “Birmingham the world is watching” this was a headline in a newspaper after the children’s march on Birmingham. To me it was so sad but empowering how despite their struggles and setbacks the children kept marching for equality. It made me think more about what I can do to change the world. N: What is your favorite memory from the trip? Z: It may seem weird but there is a huge bass pro shop in Memphis that we loved. I almost bought a stuffed alligator and there were real alligators in this tank too! The best part was the view of the whole city from the top. Another fun stop was the Stax record museum, that opened my eyes to music I’d never heard before and overall I will remember the Tina Turner exhibit with her dress. N: What is one thing you wish you could have done? Z: I wish we had gotten a chance to visit the St. Jude’s children’s hospital, which didn’t allow visitors because of Covid. If I’m ever in Memphis again I’ll try to volunteer there!