“Everything that was implemented in the institute connected to everything we experienced. Throughout the days we watched videos, traveled, or went to a location where everything interconnected. It gave me confirmation that everything was taught and connected for a reason. We were able to verify and discuss facts with visuals or artifacts that we read about or saw with our own eyes. The lectures, first-hand accounts, and locations gave a broad perspective of everything inclusive of Alabama’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.”
“There has absolutely never been another director like Dr. Martha Bouyer. She is a woman full of knowledge, grace, and passion. Her love for educating others on the history of the role of Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement is simply remarkable, and quite contagious. The program would not have had the same impact if someone else had been the program director. I will forever be grateful for the people, places, and components of history that she has connected me with.”
“The visiting professors and activities were all highly relevant and useful. This was a once in a lifetime experience of being able to meet with the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement and those with the first-hand account of the time. Hearing from Peggy Wallace Kennedy and Ruby Shuttlesworth Bester on the same day will be a treasured memory and one that I will be able to share with my students and other teachers in my department and district.”
“The director is incredibly knowledgeable, knows everyone in the community and has so many wonderful connections that allows us to speak to living history through amazing guests. The visiting faculty was incredibly knowledgeable and insightful, as well as those who have lived through the Civil Rights movement.”
“This experience was fantastic. The field experiences of this institute are once in a lifetime experiences. Getting to visit museums, visit with foot soldiers, and walk over the Edmund Pettus Bridge are things that I will never forget. I have become more aware of the stories of the Civil Rights Movement and the narrative of racial reconciliation. I am excited to share this experience with my students.”