Desegregation and Blue Suede Shoes...

Today's journey brought me to two ends of the spectrum.  I started out in Oklahoma, and after yesterday's excitement, I was looking forward to reaching Arkansas.  I was up very early again and was on the road by 6:30.  I wanted to make some good ground on the road today.

Oklahoma was mostly flat and not much to look at.  I did have a pretty sunrise to look at though.  I've watched the sun rise across this entire country, and each time, it was like seeing it for the first time.  The landscapes and colors were different every time. This morning was no exception.

(Taken as I started out on the journey)

My first stop was in Little Rock.  A must see was the place where desegregation was conquered by teenagers with guts and integrity.  I went to Little Rock Central High School, which created a turning point in desegregation in the south, and across the nation.  Nine black students paved the way for desegregation in public schools.  At the national historic site, I learned that the Brown vs. Board of Education decision was pushed to the forefront with these nine students.  Their persistence, and commitment to equality, made headway for all to be treated equally with the same rights.  President Eisenhower had federal troops sent to the school to control the mob that was against desegregation.  Treatment of blacks prior was absolutely horrendous and the thought that the color of one's skin could determine where you could stand, shop, drink water, or even go to the bathroom, was despicable.  These nine children stood up against all those who disagreed with equal rights and stood their ground.  I have no words to describe the emotions I felt when learning of their own journey back in 1957.  The school is still a working public school to this day.  While I was there, a group of teenagers from a local school were just learning of how far history has come.  It was a touching moment, and incredible learning experience on a personal level.  I'm so glad I came to visit this national historical site.  More people should see it if in Little Rock, as there are still so many people who discriminate to this day.  Why, I will never understand.

From Little Rock, I moved on to Memphis, Tennessee.  No trip would be complete without visiting Graceland, the infamous home of Elvis Presley.  My mother was a HUGE Elvis fan growing up, and in her honor, I had to visit.  They have it set up so you park across the street from the home, and are shuttled over.  You are given a self-guided headset to follow the tour at your own pace.  From what I've seen about Graceland, I thought it was set back in a private neighborhood, but how wrong I was.  It's on a busy street, and there are residences all around the home.  It was a nice surprise to see that it wasn't as giant of an estate as I formerly thought.  The home is simply beautiful, and has quite the southern charm on the outside.  When I arrived, they had the nativity set up on the lawn.  I was advised that Elvis would rent this same nativity setup every year at Christmas time.  After his passing, Lisa Marie purchased the nativity so it would continue to be displayed every year, as it always had been.

Once inside, wow.  He spared no expense at furnishings.  Everything remained as it was when he passed.  The jungle room was simply stunning.  Actually, the entire home was stunning.  Elvis enjoyed playing racquetball so much that he finally had a court installed.  That court now houses endless awards, plaques and other various items throughout every inch of all the walls.  Some of his famous glitzy outfits are also displayed in the court.  The second floor of the home is not accessible.  That was Elvis' private space, and they don't allow visitors out of respect.  His home was simply stunning, as you can see by the photos.  When in Memphis, I highly recommend a visit to Graceland.

After visiting this stunning home, I made my way east.  I attempted to make it to Nashville, but my mind had other plans.  I could not concentrate as well as I should, so I stopped for the night in Jackson, Tennessee.  While at dinner, I met some locals who were extremely friendly.  As they say, the south is known for it's southern hospitality.  Now I'm ready to unwind and look forward to yet another adventure tomorrow.

Ramble on down the road...