CHI GAMMA GAMMA - ARGYLE ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP 2007 On May 1, 2007 the brothers of Chi Gamma Gamma sponsored a field trip for two groups of boys that we mentor at Powers Ferry and Argyle Elementary schools. Eleven Omegas joined three teachers and twenty four young men as we journeyed via motor coach to Birmingham, Al. to tour the historic Sixteenth Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Institute. The morning started with breakfast in the Argyle cafeteria where the Omegas participated with the entire student body in starting the day with the observance of our nation anthem, the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Before departing we received greetings and well wishes from the principal, Ms. Judy Hansard, other teachers, students and staff members. After arriving in Birmingham, we assembled in the sanctuary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church where four little girls were killed during a racially motivated bombing of the church in 1963. The bomb detonated outside of the ladies room where the girls were dressing for a Sunday morning program. We were treated to an oral account of what happened from a member of the church who now also serves as a tour guide. This was followed by a video presentation that included news reports and interviews from both black and white residents. Before the presentation started, our own Brother Frank Robinson, a native of Birmingham, shared his personal involvement and struggle during the Civil Rights movement. He was arrested in Birmingham, detained and forced to do work on the county roads as a teenager for “praying without a permit.” He explained that after 40 years, this was the first time that he had ever talked about his experiences. We all gained a real sense of the horrors and humiliation that he experienced as a young man. Right across the street from the 16th Street Church, our group went on “A walk through History” in the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The state-of-the-art facility contains exhibitions and powerful lessons of both black and white citizens who decided that segregation was no longer the way. After viewing the media presentation, the Omegas paired up with the students and then escorted them on a self-directed journey through the movement of the 1960s. The young men had a lot of questions, excitement and knowledge about the things they saw. The final piece of the trip was lunch, sponsored by Ms. Margaret Graffeo of Birmingham, in Freedom Park where sculptures depicting beatings, fire hoses, dogs and other harsh treatment as well as a reflecting pool, offered opportunities to not only continue the discussions on what we had seen. It also was a great way for all to relax and absorb the day’s activities. Special thanks go to teachers, Ms. Allison Vereen, Ms. Kim Wilson and Mr. Chris Davis for accompanying us on the trip. We also thank the administration at Powers Ferry and Argyle Elementary schools and our bus driver Mr. Elmer Norton. The trip served the brothers as much as the students. We are reminded that we have an obligation to live our Cardinal Principles and to uplift and give back to our communities.