My First Visit to The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama
This Christmas season brought me to Montgomery, Alabama, a city steeped in the history of America’s struggle for civil rights. My stepfather, currently studying at the Air War College as part of his service in the Air Force, is halfway through his year-long program, which brought my family to the area. With my parents temporarily residing in Montgomery, the holiday became more than just a time for celebration – it became an opportunity for reflection and connection.
During my visit, my mother and I decided to spend a couple of hours exploring the Equal Justice Initiative’s (EJI) Legacy Museum. What I thought would be a simple learning experience turned into a profound encounter with the voices and vignettes of history. This post chronicles my journey through the museum, the emotional depth of its exhibits, and how it relates to the mission of my one-man theatrical show, One Voice, which shares the stories of iconic and local Black Americans who have shaped our history and our future.
First Impressions: The Gardens of Legacy
Before even stepping foot inside the museum, the surrounding gardens set the tone for what was to come. Statues of Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis stand tall, each a powerful reminder of their respective contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. As I stood before these monuments, I couldn’t help but reflect on their legacies and how their voices echo through time, inspiring us to strive for justice and equality.
I snapped pictures by each statue, feeling a deep connection to their stories – not just as a visitor but as a performer who carries their narratives to audiences through my show, One Voice. In many ways, standing beside their likeness felt like standing shoulder to shoulder with giants whose words and deeds continue to shape the fabric of our nation.
Stepping Inside: A Museum Like No Other
Walking into The Legacy Museum is like walking into a deeply personal conversation about America’s history – its triumphs, tragedies, and the ongoing journey toward justice. The admission price, which also grants access to other museums and doesn’t expire for a long time, was an unexpected bonus. I’m already planning a return trip, knowing there is so much more to absorb than I could in just one visit.
The museum’s design is both innovative and immersive, utilizing multimedia displays, historical documents, and interactive elements to draw visitors into the complex history of racial injustice in America. EJI’s founder, Bryan Stevenson, has created a space that doesn’t just tell the story – it demands you engage with it on a deeply emotional level. Stevenson’s vision for this museum is clear: it is not just a place to learn; it is a place to feel, to mourn, and to be inspired toward action.
The Soil Jars: A Haunting Reminder of Lynching’s Legacy
Among the many exhibits, one that struck me most profoundly was the collection of soil jars. Each jar contains soil from a site where a documented lynching occurred, commemorating the lives of individuals who were brutally killed as acts of racial terror. The rows of jars are a sobering visual, each labeled with the name of the victim and the date and location of their death.
Standing before these jars, I felt the weight of history pressing on my shoulders. In my hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, there are four known lynching victims post-Civil War. One of them, Tom Keith, was killed just north of Greenville by a white mob in 1899. I had the privilege of embodying his story in One Voice, bringing his narrative to life for audiences who may not have known his name or his sacrifice.
What made the experience even more personal was knowing that soil collected from Greenville now resides in two jars – one at the Legacy Museum and one displayed at the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville. Seeing the jars in Montgomery was a reminder of the interconnectedness of these stories and how important it is to continue telling them.
Bryan Stevenson: A Voice for Higher Ground
The Legacy Museum is the brainchild of Bryan Stevenson, a man whose voice and vision have profoundly influenced my own work. I first encountered Stevenson when he delivered the keynote address at the United Ministries 50th Anniversary Luncheon in Greenville. His words were transformative, weaving together stories of resilience, accountability, and hope for a better future.
I cried multiple times during his speech, moved by his call for America to reach “higher ground” when addressing issues of social justice and the criminal justice system. It remains the best keynote I’ve ever heard – and I’ve heard plenty. Stevenson’s ability to inspire through storytelling is something I strive to emulate in One Voice, using historical narratives to spark conversations about peace, love, and justice.
The Mission Continues: Connecting Through Storytelling
As I left The Legacy Museum, I couldn’t help but think of how its mission aligns with the goals of One Voice. Both seek to honor the legacies of Black Americans whose voices cry out for justice and whose stories demand to be heard. Through my one-man show, I have the privilege of stepping into the roles of iconic figures like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, as well as local heroes whose courage shaped the Civil Rights Movement in their communities.
One of the unique elements of One Voice is the inclusion of video interviews with individuals who lived through the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Movement. These local stories add a deeply personal dimension to the show, reminding audiences that history is not just something that happened – it is something that continues to shape our present and future.
Why Experiences Like These Matter
For corporate professionals planning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, experiences like The Legacy Museum – and theatrical performances like One Voice – are invaluable. They create space for meaningful conversations about America’s past and how it informs our present. These conversations, while often uncomfortable, are essential for building a more inclusive and equitable future.
When organizations bring One Voice to their events, they are not just providing entertainment – they are creating an opportunity for their associates to engage with history on a personal level. They are inviting them to listen to the voices of the past and consider how they can contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
Plan Your Visit and Continue the Conversation
If you ever find yourself in Montgomery, Alabama, I urge you to visit The Legacy Museum. Take your time, explore the exhibits, and let the stories sink in. And if you’re looking for a way to bring those same powerful stories to your organization, consider booking One Voice for your next DEI program or community event.
Together, we can continue to hear and honor the legacy of Black Americans whose voices cry out for peace, love, and justice. Let’s strive for higher ground – just as Bryan Stevenson challenges us to do – and use the power of storytelling to create a better tomorrow.
For more information about One Voice and how you can bring this one-man show experience to your group, visit our website or reach out directly. Let’s keep these stories alive, and let’s keep the conversation going.