It's been a pretty chill Summer for me. I went on a mini vacation, finishing up final courses for my degree, working out, and learning to swim. Yes. Learning to swim. Feel free to chuckle, laugh, etc, but I've got the form. I just struggle with the breathing properly. Hopefully, by the end of September I'll have it all together. So wish me luck!
While on vacation though, my family and I went to Tennessee and Alabama for family reunions and the 4th of July holiday. While in Memphis we visited The National Civil Rights Museum, the huge Bass Pro Shops Pyramid, Mud Island, the famous Beale Street, University of Memphis (my family school), and Elvis's Graceland estate. Then we went to my mom's hometown of Ripley, right outside of Memphis, and visited my more family as well as the nearby Alex Haley museum. We stayed in Ripley for the 4th and spent that night grilling and blowing stuff up (fireworks, TNT, etc.). Once we left Tennessee, we went to Huntsville, AL to visit the U.S. Space & Rocket center. Then we went to Montgomery and Birmingham to see more family, and finally stayed in Selma, where my dad is from. We got to explore where he grew up, downtown Selma and the bridge that the Selma to Montgomery march, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., occurred. I even found out that some of my great uncles participated in the march (both attempts). I also got to meet new family members and learn more about my heritage and family lineage on my dad's side. My time in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma was both exciting and emotional. Just knowing my family was involved in a major moment in history, to change things for the better--giving Blacks the right to vote--gives me an extreme sense of pride.
The trip overall was a great action-packed 2 weeks! It was all so cool to see the history of the different areas my family comes from, as well as the notorious icons that were produced there. It was an amazingly fun time with my immediate and extended family. The opportunities to bond, learn, and have these rare experiences don't come often. I'm just glad I was blessed to be able to experience it all.
So what did you do this Summer? Tweet us!
-The Technologist
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