Day 18

Greetings to all! Amy Harmon has joined this leg of the relay again and so far it seems to be the hottest ever. The weather is a whopping HOT degree but amazing perfect for such a wonderful project, relaying the Great Commitments through Appalachia and the South.

First thing this morning we met with Mayor Jo Glen of Wetumpka, AL and her administrative assistant Donna. As we shared a few of Berea’s initiatives we learned that Earth Day is a very big holiday in Wetumpka. They were so proud to know that Berea College (BC) has Sustainability and Environmental Studies (SENS) and making efforts to develop a more sustainable campus; and that our largest academic building captures rainwater to help flush its’ toilets.


It’s rare to run across a county that has its own local Black History Museum, but one exist in Elmore County, housing original art work, iron boards that helped a local lady earn money for her family, and portraits of unclaimed family. Amy and I learned years of information within one hour. Inside were so many years of wisdom and so much hope for today’s youth. This museum serves as a meeting place for a group called “Thread My Needle.” All twelve women collaborate in quilt making, and what a beautiful site to behold. In between sharing their masterpieces, they asked questions and shared facts. The very place we stood was a Rosenwald School, a place to improve the quality of education for African Americans in the early twentieth century. Only six were constructed in rural Alabama and we have stumbled across one, the only to be made of brick. What a rich relationship to Berea, Kentucky which is also a home for a Rosenwald educational facility, Middletown School.


We joined Debbie Pendleton at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Ever floor was engulfed in portraits and memories of Alabama’s rich history. She eagerly looked through Shannon’s Wilson’s book we were extending to the Archives. Mrs. Pendleton glazed at the illustration searching her brain wanting to pin point the exact location Berea College students were when holding a banner exclaiming we are all of one blood.


Alabama State Treasurer, Kay Ivy, surrounded us with southern hospitality. She was so amazing already researching and admiring the works of BC. This full day definitely ended with all smiles and a sense of accomplishment.

And the Sun Shined on Us,
~Sonja~